{"id":1624,"date":"2019-07-09T17:10:28","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T17:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1624"},"modified":"2019-07-09T17:21:24","modified_gmt":"2019-07-09T17:21:24","slug":"king-lear-act-5","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/king-lear-act-5\/","title":{"raw":"King Lear, Act 5","rendered":"King Lear, Act 5"},"content":{"raw":"

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

Scene I. The Camp of the British Forces near Dover.<\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter, with drum and colours, Edmund, Regan, Officers, Soldiers,\r\n
\r\n \t
and others.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Know of the duke if his last purpose hold,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or whether since he is advis'd by aught<\/dd>\r\n \t
To change the course: he's full of alteration<\/dd>\r\n \t
And self-reproving:\u2014bring his constant pleasure.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[To an Officer, who goes out.]\r\n\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Tis to be doubted, madam.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now, sweet lord,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You know the goodness I intend upon you:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Tell me,\u2014but truly,\u2014but then speak the truth,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do you not love my sister?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
In honour'd love.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
But have you never found my brother's way<\/dd>\r\n \t
To the forfended place?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
That thought abuses you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct<\/dd>\r\n \t
And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, by mine honour, madam.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I never shall endure her: dear my lord,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Be not familiar with her.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fear me not:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
She and the duke her husband!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter, with drum and colours, Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] I had rather lose the battle than that sister<\/dd>\r\n \t
Should loosen him and me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Our very loving sister, well be-met.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Sir, this I heard,\u2014the king is come to his daughter,<\/dd>\r\n \t
With others whom the rigour of our state<\/dd>\r\n \t
Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I never yet was valiant: for this business,<\/dd>\r\n \t
It toucheth us, as France invades our land,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Not bolds the king, with others whom, I fear,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, you speak nobly.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why is this reason'd?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Combine together 'gainst the enemy;<\/dd>\r\n \t
For these domestic and particular broils<\/dd>\r\n \t
Are not the question here.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let's, then, determine<\/dd>\r\n \t
With the ancient of war on our proceeding.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I shall attend you presently at your tent.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sister, you'll go with us?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
No.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] O, ho, I know the riddle.\u2014I will go.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised.]\r\n\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hear me one word.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
I'll overtake you.\u2014Speak.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers, and\r\n
\r\n \t
Attendants.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.<\/dd>\r\n \t
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound<\/dd>\r\n \t
For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I can produce a champion that will prove<\/dd>\r\n \t
What is avouched there. If you miscarry,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your business of the world hath so an end,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Stay till I have read the letter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I was forbid it.<\/dd>\r\n \t
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And I'll appear again.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Edgar.]\r\n\r\n[Re-enter Edmund.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
The enemy's in view; draw up your powers.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Here is the guess of their true strength and forces<\/dd>\r\n \t
By diligent discovery;\u2014but your haste<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is now urg'd on you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
We will greet the time.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
To both these sisters have I sworn my love;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Each jealous of the other, as the stung<\/dd>\r\n \t
Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
If both remain alive: to take the widow<\/dd>\r\n \t
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And hardly shall I carry out my side,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Her husband being alive. Now, then, we'll use<\/dd>\r\n \t
His countenance for the battle; which being done,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let her who would be rid of him devise<\/dd>\r\n \t
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
The battle done, and they within our power,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall never see his pardon: for my state<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n

Scene II. A field between the two Camps.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, Lear, Cordelia, and\r\n
\r\n \t
their Forces, and exeunt.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Edgar and Gloucester.]\r\n\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Here, father, take the shadow of this tree<\/dd>\r\n \t
For your good host; pray that the right may thrive:<\/dd>\r\n \t
If ever I return to you again,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I'll bring you comfort.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Grace go with you, sir!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Edgar].\r\n\r\n[Alarum and retreat within. R-enter Edgar.]\r\n\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Away, old man,\u2014give me thy hand,\u2014away!<\/dd>\r\n \t
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Give me thy hand; come on!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
No further, sir; a man may rot even here.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure<\/dd>\r\n \t
Their going hence, even as their coming hither;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ripeness is all:\u2014come on.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
And that's true too.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

Scene III. The British Camp near Dover.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, Edmund; Lear and\r\n
\r\n \t
Cordelia prisoners; Officers, Soldiers, &c.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Some officers take them away: good guard<\/dd>\r\n \t
Until their greater pleasures first be known<\/dd>\r\n \t
That are to censure them.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCor.\r\n
\r\n \t
We are not the first<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst.<\/dd>\r\n \t
For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison:<\/dd>\r\n \t
We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage:<\/dd>\r\n \t
When thou dost ask me blessing I'll kneel down<\/dd>\r\n \t
And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh<\/dd>\r\n \t
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues<\/dd>\r\n \t
Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out;\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
And take upon's the mystery of things,<\/dd>\r\n \t
As if we were God's spies: and we'll wear out,<\/dd>\r\n \t
In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones<\/dd>\r\n \t
That ebb and flow by the moon.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Take them away.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?<\/dd>\r\n \t
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven<\/dd>\r\n \t
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The goodyears shall devour them, flesh and fell,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see 'em starve first.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Come.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Come hither, captain; hark.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Take thou this note [giving a paper]; go follow them to prison:<\/dd>\r\n \t
One step I have advanc'd thee; if thou dost<\/dd>\r\n \t
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way<\/dd>\r\n \t
To noble fortunes: know thou this,\u2014that men<\/dd>\r\n \t
Are as the time is: to be tender-minded<\/dd>\r\n \t
Does not become a sword:\u2014thy great employment<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will not bear question; either say thou'lt do't,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or thrive by other means.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCapt.\r\n
\r\n \t
I'll do't, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
About it; and write happy when thou hast done.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Mark,\u2014I say, instantly; and carry it so<\/dd>\r\n \t
As I have set it down.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCapt.\r\n
\r\n \t
I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;<\/dd>\r\n \t
If it be man's work, I'll do't.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\n[Flourish. Enter Albany, Goneril, Regan, Officers, and\r\n
\r\n \t
Attendants.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, you have show'd to-day your valiant strain,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And fortune led you well: you have the captives<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who were the opposites of this day's strife:<\/dd>\r\n \t
We do require them of you, so to use them<\/dd>\r\n \t
As we shall find their merits and our safety<\/dd>\r\n \t
May equally determine.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, I thought it fit<\/dd>\r\n \t
To send the old and miserable king<\/dd>\r\n \t
To some retention and appointed guard;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To pluck the common bosom on his side,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen;<\/dd>\r\n \t
My reason all the same; and they are ready<\/dd>\r\n \t
To-morrow, or at further space, to appear<\/dd>\r\n \t
Where you shall hold your session. At this time<\/dd>\r\n \t
We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are curs'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
By those that feel their sharpness:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
The question of Cordelia and her father<\/dd>\r\n \t
Requires a fitter place.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, by your patience,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I hold you but a subject of this war,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Not as a brother.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
That's as we list to grace him.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Bore the commission of my place and person;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The which immediacy may well stand up<\/dd>\r\n \t
And call itself your brother.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Not so hot:<\/dd>\r\n \t
In his own grace he doth exalt himself,<\/dd>\r\n \t
More than in your addition.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
In my rights<\/dd>\r\n \t
By me invested, he compeers the best.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
That were the most if he should husband you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Jesters do oft prove prophets.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Holla, holla!<\/dd>\r\n \t
That eye that told you so look'd but asquint.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Lady, I am not well; else I should answer<\/dd>\r\n \t
From a full-flowing stomach.\u2014General,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Witness the world that I create thee here<\/dd>\r\n \t
My lord and master.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Mean you to enjoy him?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
The let-alone lies not in your good will.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nor in thine, lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Half-blooded fellow, yes.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
[To Edmund.] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Stay yet; hear reason.\u2014Edmund, I arrest thee<\/dd>\r\n \t
On capital treason; and, in thine arrest,<\/dd>\r\n \t
This gilded serpent [pointing to Goneril.],\u2014For your claim, fair<\/dd>\r\n \t
sister,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I bar it in the interest of my wife;<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Tis she is subcontracted to this lord,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And I, her husband, contradict your bans.<\/dd>\r\n \t
If you will marry, make your loves to me,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
My lady is bespoke.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
An interlude!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou art arm'd, Gloucester:\u2014let the trumpet sound:<\/dd>\r\n \t
If none appear to prove upon thy person<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,<\/dd>\r\n \t
There is my pledge [throwing down a glove]; I'll prove it on thy<\/dd>\r\n \t
heart,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than I have here proclaim'd thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sick, O, sick!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Aside.] If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
There's my exchange [throwing down a glove]: what in the world he<\/dd>\r\n \t
is<\/dd>\r\n \t
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach,<\/dd>\r\n \t
On him, on you, who not? I will maintain<\/dd>\r\n \t
My truth and honour firmly.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
A herald, ho!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
A herald, ho, a herald!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,<\/dd>\r\n \t
All levied in my name, have in my name<\/dd>\r\n \t
Took their discharge.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
My sickness grows upon me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
She is not well. Convey her to my tent.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Regan, led.]\r\n\r\n[Enter a Herald.]\r\n\r\nCome hither, herald.\u2014Let the trumpet sound,\u2014\r\n
\r\n \t
And read out this.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOfficer.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sound, trumpet!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[A trumpet sounds.]\r\n\r\nHer.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Reads.] 'If any man of quality or degree within the lists of<\/dd>\r\n \t
the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester,<\/dd>\r\n \t
that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound<\/dd>\r\n \t
of the trumpet. He is bold in his defence.'<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sound!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[First trumpet.]\r\n\r\nHer.\r\n
\r\n \t
Again!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Second trumpet.]\r\n\r\nHer.\r\n
\r\n \t
Again!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Third trumpet. Trumpet answers within. Enter Edgar, armed,\r\n
\r\n \t
preceded by a trumpet.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ask him his purposes, why he appears<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon this call o' the trumpet.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nHer.\r\n
\r\n \t
What are you?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your name, your quality? and why you answer<\/dd>\r\n \t
This present summons?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Know, my name is lost;<\/dd>\r\n \t
By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Yet am I noble as the adversary<\/dd>\r\n \t
I come to cope.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Which is that adversary?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
What's he that speaks for Edmund Earl of Gloucester?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Himself:\u2014what say'st thou to him?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Draw thy sword,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That, if my speech offend a noble heart,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,<\/dd>\r\n \t
My oath, and my profession: I protest,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy valour and thy heart,\u2014thou art a traitor;<\/dd>\r\n \t
False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And, from the extremest upward of thy head<\/dd>\r\n \t
To the descent and dust beneath thy foot,<\/dd>\r\n \t
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou 'No,'<\/dd>\r\n \t
This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent<\/dd>\r\n \t
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou liest.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
In wisdom I should ask thy name;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,<\/dd>\r\n \t
What safe and nicely I might well delay<\/dd>\r\n \t
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Back do I toss those treasons to thy head;<\/dd>\r\n \t
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which,\u2014for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
This sword of mine shall give them instant way,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Where they shall rest for ever.\u2014Trumpets, speak!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Alarums. They fight. Edmund falls.]\r\n\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Save him, save him!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is mere practice, Gloucester:<\/dd>\r\n \t
By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer<\/dd>\r\n \t
An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
But cozen'd and beguil'd.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Shut your mouth, dame,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or with this paper shall I stop it:\u2014Hold, sir;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
No tearing, lady; I perceive you know it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Gives the letter to Edmund.]\r\n\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Say if I do,\u2014the laws are mine, not thine:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who can arraign me for't?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Most monstrous!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Know'st thou this paper?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ask me not what I know.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Go after her: she's desperate; govern her.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[To an Officer, who goes out.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
What, you have charg'd me with, that have I done;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And more, much more; the time will bring it out:<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Tis past, and so am I.\u2014But what art thou<\/dd>\r\n \t
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I do forgive thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let's exchange charity.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;<\/dd>\r\n \t
If more, the more thou hast wrong'd me.<\/dd>\r\n \t
My name is Edgar, and thy father's son.<\/dd>\r\n \t
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices<\/dd>\r\n \t
Make instruments to plague us:<\/dd>\r\n \t
The dark and vicious place where thee he got<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cost him his eyes.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou hast spoken right; 'tis true;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The wheel is come full circle; I am here.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Methought thy very gait did prophesy<\/dd>\r\n \t
A royal nobleness:\u2014I must embrace thee:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let sorrow split my heart if ever I<\/dd>\r\n \t
Did hate thee or thy father!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Worthy prince, I know't.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Where have you hid yourself?<\/dd>\r\n \t
How have you known the miseries of your father?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
By nursing them, my lord.\u2014List a brief tale;\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
And when 'tis told, O that my heart would burst!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
The bloody proclamation to escape,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That follow'd me so near,\u2014O, our lives' sweetness!<\/dd>\r\n \t
That with the pain of death we'd hourly die<\/dd>\r\n \t
Rather than die at once!)\u2014taught me to shift<\/dd>\r\n \t
Into a madman's rags; to assume a semblance<\/dd>\r\n \t
That very dogs disdain'd; and in this habit<\/dd>\r\n \t
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Their precious stones new lost; became his guide,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Led him, begg'd for him, sav'd him from despair;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Never,\u2014O fault!\u2014reveal'd myself unto him<\/dd>\r\n \t
Until some half hour past, when I was arm'd;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Not sure, though hoping of this good success,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last<\/dd>\r\n \t
Told him my pilgrimage: but his flaw'd heart,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Alack, too weak the conflict to support!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Burst smilingly.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
This speech of yours hath mov'd me,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And shall perchance do good: but speak you on;<\/dd>\r\n \t
You look as you had something more to say.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
If there be more, more woeful, hold it in;<\/dd>\r\n \t
For I am almost ready to dissolve,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hearing of this.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
This would have seem'd a period<\/dd>\r\n \t
To such as love not sorrow; but another,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To amplify too much, would make much more,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And top extremity.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whilst I was big in clamour, came there a man<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who 'twas that so endur'd, with his strong arms<\/dd>\r\n \t
He fastened on my neck, and bellow'd out<\/dd>\r\n \t
As he'd burst heaven; threw him on my father;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him<\/dd>\r\n \t
That ever ear receiv'd: which in recounting<\/dd>\r\n \t
His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life<\/dd>\r\n \t
Began to crack: twice then the trumpets sounded,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And there I left him tranc'd.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
But who was this?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise<\/dd>\r\n \t
Follow'd his enemy king and did him service<\/dd>\r\n \t
Improper for a slave.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter a Gentleman hastily, with a bloody knife.]\r\n\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Help, help! O, help!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
What kind of help?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Speak, man.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
What means that bloody knife?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis hot, it smokes;<\/dd>\r\n \t
It came even from the heart of\u2014O! she's dead!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Who dead? speak, man.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister<\/dd>\r\n \t
By her is poisoned; she hath confess'd it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I was contracted to them both: all three<\/dd>\r\n \t
Now marry in an instant.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Here comes Kent.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble<\/dd>\r\n \t
Touches us not with pity. [Exit Gentleman.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Kent.]\r\n\r\nO, is this he?\r\n
\r\n \t
The time will not allow the compliment<\/dd>\r\n \t
That very manners urges.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am come<\/dd>\r\n \t
To bid my king and master aye good night:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is he not here?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Great thing of us forgot!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Speak, Edmund, where's the king? and where's Cordelia?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in.]\r\n\r\nSeest thou this object, Kent?\r\n\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Alack, why thus?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Yet Edmund was belov'd.<\/dd>\r\n \t
The one the other poisoned for my sake,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And after slew herself.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Even so.\u2014Cover their faces.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I pant for life:\u2014some good I mean to do,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Be brief in it,\u2014to the castle; for my writ<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Nay, send in time.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Run, run, O, run!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
To who, my lord?\u2014Who has the office? send<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy token of reprieve.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Well thought on: take my sword,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Give it the Captain.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Haste thee for thy life.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Edgar.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
He hath commission from thy wife and me<\/dd>\r\n \t
To hang Cordelia in the prison, and<\/dd>\r\n \t
To lay the blame upon her own despair,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That she fordid herself.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
The gods defend her!\u2014Bear him hence awhile.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Edmund is borne off.]\r\n\r\n[Re-enter Lear, with Cordelia dead in his arms; Edgar, Officer, and others following.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Howl, howl, howl, howl!\u2014O, you are men of stone.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so<\/dd>\r\n \t
That heaven's vault should crack.\u2014She's gone for ever!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
I know when one is dead, and when one lives;<\/dd>\r\n \t
She's dead as earth.\u2014Lend me a looking glass;<\/dd>\r\n \t
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Why, then she lives.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Is this the promis'd end?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Or image of that horror?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fall, and cease!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
This feather stirs; she lives! If it be so,<\/dd>\r\n \t
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows<\/dd>\r\n \t
That ever I have felt.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
O my good master! [Kneeling.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pr'ythee, away!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis noble Kent, your friend.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!<\/dd>\r\n \t
I might have sav'd her; now she's gone for ever!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha!<\/dd>\r\n \t
What is't thou say'st?\u2014Her voice was ever soft,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Gentle, and low,\u2014an excellent thing in woman.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOff.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis true, my lords, he did.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Did I not, fellow?<\/dd>\r\n \t
I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion<\/dd>\r\n \t
I would have made them skip: I am old now,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And these same crosses spoil me.\u2014Who are you?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Mine eyes are not o' the best:\u2014I'll tell you straight.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
If fortune brag of two she lov'd and hated,<\/dd>\r\n \t
One of them we behold.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
The same,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your servant Kent.\u2014Where is your servant Caius?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
He's a good fellow, I can tell you that;<\/dd>\r\n \t
He'll strike, and quickly too:\u2014he's dead and rotten.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, my good lord; I am the very man,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I'll see that straight.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
That from your first of difference and decay<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have follow'd your sad steps.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
You are welcome hither.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nor no man else:\u2014All's cheerless, dark, and deadly.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And desperately are dead.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, so I think.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
He knows not what he says; and vain is it<\/dd>\r\n \t
That we present us to him.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Very bootless.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter a Officer.]\r\n\r\nOff.\r\n
\r\n \t
Edmund is dead, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
That's but a trifle here.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.<\/dd>\r\n \t
What comfort to this great decay may come<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall be applied: for us, we will resign,<\/dd>\r\n \t
During the life of this old majesty,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To him our absolute power:\u2014[to Edgar and Kent] you to your<\/dd>\r\n \t
rights;<\/dd>\r\n \t
With boot, and such addition as your honours<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have more than merited.\u2014All friends shall taste<\/dd>\r\n \t
The wages of their virtue, and all foes<\/dd>\r\n \t
The cup of their deservings.\u2014O, see, see!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
And my poor fool is hang'd! No, no, no life!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Never, never, never, never, never!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Pray you undo this button:\u2014thank you, sir.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do you see this? Look on her!\u2014look!\u2014her lips!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Look there, look there!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[He dies.]\r\n\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
He faints!\u2014My lord, my lord!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Break, heart; I pr'ythee break!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Look up, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him<\/dd>\r\n \t
That would upon the rack of this rough world<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stretch him out longer.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
He is gone indeed.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
The wonder is, he hath endur'd so long:<\/dd>\r\n \t
He but usurp'd his life.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nAlb.\r\n
\r\n \t
Bear them from hence.\u2014Our present business<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is general woe.\u2014[To Kent and Edgar.] Friends of my soul, you<\/dd>\r\n \t
twain<\/dd>\r\n \t
Rule in this realm, and the gor'd state sustain.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;<\/dd>\r\n \t
My master calls me,\u2014I must not say no.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
The weight of this sad time we must obey;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.<\/dd>\r\n \t
The oldest have borne most: we that are young<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt, with a dead march.]","rendered":"

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

Scene I. The Camp of the British Forces near Dover.<\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter, with drum and colours, Edmund, Regan, Officers, Soldiers,<\/p>\n

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

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Know of the duke if his last purpose hold,<\/dd>\n
Or whether since he is advis’d by aught<\/dd>\n
To change the course: he’s full of alteration<\/dd>\n
And self-reproving:\u2014bring his constant pleasure.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[To an Officer, who goes out.]<\/p>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Our sister’s man is certainly miscarried.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Tis to be doubted, madam.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Now, sweet lord,<\/dd>\n
You know the goodness I intend upon you:<\/dd>\n
Tell me,\u2014but truly,\u2014but then speak the truth,<\/dd>\n
Do you not love my sister?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
In honour’d love.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
But have you never found my brother’s way<\/dd>\n
To the forfended place?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
That thought abuses you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct<\/dd>\n
And bosom’d with her, as far as we call hers.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
No, by mine honour, madam.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I never shall endure her: dear my lord,<\/dd>\n
Be not familiar with her.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Fear me not:\u2014<\/dd>\n
She and the duke her husband!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter, with drum and colours, Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers.]<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] I had rather lose the battle than that sister<\/dd>\n
Should loosen him and me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Our very loving sister, well be-met.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Sir, this I heard,\u2014the king is come to his daughter,<\/dd>\n
With others whom the rigour of our state<\/dd>\n
Forc’d to cry out. Where I could not be honest,<\/dd>\n
I never yet was valiant: for this business,<\/dd>\n
It toucheth us, as France invades our land,<\/dd>\n
Not bolds the king, with others whom, I fear,<\/dd>\n
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, you speak nobly.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Why is this reason’d?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Combine together ‘gainst the enemy;<\/dd>\n
For these domestic and particular broils<\/dd>\n
Are not the question here.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Let’s, then, determine<\/dd>\n
With the ancient of war on our proceeding.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I shall attend you presently at your tent.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Sister, you’ll go with us?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

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

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] O, ho, I know the riddle.\u2014I will go.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised.]<\/p>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
If e’er your grace had speech with man so poor,<\/dd>\n
Hear me one word.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
I’ll overtake you.\u2014Speak.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers, and<\/p>\n

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

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.<\/dd>\n
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound<\/dd>\n
For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,<\/dd>\n
I can produce a champion that will prove<\/dd>\n
What is avouched there. If you miscarry,<\/dd>\n
Your business of the world hath so an end,<\/dd>\n
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Stay till I have read the letter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
I was forbid it.<\/dd>\n
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,<\/dd>\n
And I’ll appear again.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, fare thee well: I will o’erlook thy paper.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

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

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
The enemy’s in view; draw up your powers.<\/dd>\n
Here is the guess of their true strength and forces<\/dd>\n
By diligent discovery;\u2014but your haste<\/dd>\n
Is now urg’d on you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
We will greet the time.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
To both these sisters have I sworn my love;<\/dd>\n
Each jealous of the other, as the stung<\/dd>\n
Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?<\/dd>\n
Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy’d,<\/dd>\n
If both remain alive: to take the widow<\/dd>\n
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;<\/dd>\n
And hardly shall I carry out my side,<\/dd>\n
Her husband being alive. Now, then, we’ll use<\/dd>\n
His countenance for the battle; which being done,<\/dd>\n
Let her who would be rid of him devise<\/dd>\n
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy<\/dd>\n
Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,\u2014<\/dd>\n
The battle done, and they within our power,<\/dd>\n
Shall never see his pardon: for my state<\/dd>\n
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Scene II. A field between the two Camps.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, Lear, Cordelia, and<\/p>\n

\n
their Forces, and exeunt.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Here, father, take the shadow of this tree<\/dd>\n
For your good host; pray that the right may thrive:<\/dd>\n
If ever I return to you again,<\/dd>\n
I’ll bring you comfort.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Grace go with you, sir!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

[Alarum and retreat within. R-enter Edgar.]<\/p>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Away, old man,\u2014give me thy hand,\u2014away!<\/dd>\n
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta’en:<\/dd>\n
Give me thy hand; come on!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
No further, sir; a man may rot even here.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure<\/dd>\n
Their going hence, even as their coming hither;<\/dd>\n
Ripeness is all:\u2014come on.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
And that’s true too.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

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

[Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, Edmund; Lear and<\/p>\n

\n
Cordelia prisoners; Officers, Soldiers, &c.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Some officers take them away: good guard<\/dd>\n
Until their greater pleasures first be known<\/dd>\n
That are to censure them.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cor.<\/p>\n

\n
We are not the first<\/dd>\n
Who with best meaning have incurr’d the worst.<\/dd>\n
For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;<\/dd>\n
Myself could else out-frown false fortune’s frown.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No, no, no, no! Come, let’s away to prison:<\/dd>\n
We two alone will sing like birds i’ the cage:<\/dd>\n
When thou dost ask me blessing I’ll kneel down<\/dd>\n
And ask of thee forgiveness: so we’ll live,<\/dd>\n
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh<\/dd>\n
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues<\/dd>\n
Talk of court news; and we’ll talk with them too,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Who loses and who wins; who’s in, who’s out;\u2014<\/dd>\n
And take upon’s the mystery of things,<\/dd>\n
As if we were God’s spies: and we’ll wear out,<\/dd>\n
In a wall’d prison, packs and sects of great ones<\/dd>\n
That ebb and flow by the moon.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Take them away.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,<\/dd>\n
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?<\/dd>\n
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven<\/dd>\n
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes;<\/dd>\n
The goodyears shall devour them, flesh and fell,<\/dd>\n
Ere they shall make us weep: we’ll see ’em starve first.<\/dd>\n
Come.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Come hither, captain; hark.<\/dd>\n
Take thou this note [giving a paper]; go follow them to prison:<\/dd>\n
One step I have advanc’d thee; if thou dost<\/dd>\n
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way<\/dd>\n
To noble fortunes: know thou this,\u2014that men<\/dd>\n
Are as the time is: to be tender-minded<\/dd>\n
Does not become a sword:\u2014thy great employment<\/dd>\n
Will not bear question; either say thou’lt do’t,<\/dd>\n
Or thrive by other means.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Capt.<\/p>\n

\n
I’ll do’t, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
About it; and write happy when thou hast done.<\/dd>\n
Mark,\u2014I say, instantly; and carry it so<\/dd>\n
As I have set it down.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Capt.<\/p>\n

\n
I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;<\/dd>\n
If it be man’s work, I’ll do’t.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

[Flourish. Enter Albany, Goneril, Regan, Officers, and<\/p>\n

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

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, you have show’d to-day your valiant strain,<\/dd>\n
And fortune led you well: you have the captives<\/dd>\n
Who were the opposites of this day’s strife:<\/dd>\n
We do require them of you, so to use them<\/dd>\n
As we shall find their merits and our safety<\/dd>\n
May equally determine.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, I thought it fit<\/dd>\n
To send the old and miserable king<\/dd>\n
To some retention and appointed guard;<\/dd>\n
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,<\/dd>\n
To pluck the common bosom on his side,<\/dd>\n
And turn our impress’d lances in our eyes<\/dd>\n
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen;<\/dd>\n
My reason all the same; and they are ready<\/dd>\n
To-morrow, or at further space, to appear<\/dd>\n
Where you shall hold your session. At this time<\/dd>\n
We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;<\/dd>\n
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are curs’d<\/dd>\n
By those that feel their sharpness:\u2014<\/dd>\n
The question of Cordelia and her father<\/dd>\n
Requires a fitter place.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, by your patience,<\/dd>\n
I hold you but a subject of this war,<\/dd>\n
Not as a brother.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
That’s as we list to grace him.<\/dd>\n
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded<\/dd>\n
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers;<\/dd>\n
Bore the commission of my place and person;<\/dd>\n
The which immediacy may well stand up<\/dd>\n
And call itself your brother.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Not so hot:<\/dd>\n
In his own grace he doth exalt himself,<\/dd>\n
More than in your addition.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
In my rights<\/dd>\n
By me invested, he compeers the best.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
That were the most if he should husband you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Jesters do oft prove prophets.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Holla, holla!<\/dd>\n
That eye that told you so look’d but asquint.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Lady, I am not well; else I should answer<\/dd>\n
From a full-flowing stomach.\u2014General,<\/dd>\n
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;<\/dd>\n
Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine:<\/dd>\n
Witness the world that I create thee here<\/dd>\n
My lord and master.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Mean you to enjoy him?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
The let-alone lies not in your good will.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Nor in thine, lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Half-blooded fellow, yes.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
[To Edmund.] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Stay yet; hear reason.\u2014Edmund, I arrest thee<\/dd>\n
On capital treason; and, in thine arrest,<\/dd>\n
This gilded serpent [pointing to Goneril.],\u2014For your claim, fair<\/dd>\n
sister,<\/dd>\n
I bar it in the interest of my wife;<\/dd>\n
‘Tis she is subcontracted to this lord,<\/dd>\n
And I, her husband, contradict your bans.<\/dd>\n
If you will marry, make your loves to me,\u2014<\/dd>\n
My lady is bespoke.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
An interlude!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou art arm’d, Gloucester:\u2014let the trumpet sound:<\/dd>\n
If none appear to prove upon thy person<\/dd>\n
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,<\/dd>\n
There is my pledge [throwing down a glove]; I’ll prove it on thy<\/dd>\n
heart,<\/dd>\n
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less<\/dd>\n
Than I have here proclaim’d thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Sick, O, sick!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
[Aside.] If not, I’ll ne’er trust medicine.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
There’s my exchange [throwing down a glove]: what in the world he<\/dd>\n
is<\/dd>\n
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies:<\/dd>\n
Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach,<\/dd>\n
On him, on you, who not? I will maintain<\/dd>\n
My truth and honour firmly.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
A herald, ho!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
A herald, ho, a herald!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,<\/dd>\n
All levied in my name, have in my name<\/dd>\n
Took their discharge.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
My sickness grows upon me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
She is not well. Convey her to my tent.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit Regan, led.]<\/p>\n

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

Come hither, herald.\u2014Let the trumpet sound,\u2014<\/p>\n

\n
And read out this.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Officer.<\/p>\n

\n
Sound, trumpet!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[A trumpet sounds.]<\/p>\n

Her.<\/p>\n

\n
[Reads.] ‘If any man of quality or degree within the lists of<\/dd>\n
the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester,<\/dd>\n
that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound<\/dd>\n
of the trumpet. He is bold in his defence.’<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Sound!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[First trumpet.]<\/p>\n

Her.<\/p>\n

\n
Again!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Second trumpet.]<\/p>\n

Her.<\/p>\n

\n
Again!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Third trumpet. Trumpet answers within. Enter Edgar, armed,<\/p>\n

\n
preceded by a trumpet.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Ask him his purposes, why he appears<\/dd>\n
Upon this call o’ the trumpet.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Her.<\/p>\n

\n
What are you?<\/dd>\n
Your name, your quality? and why you answer<\/dd>\n
This present summons?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Know, my name is lost;<\/dd>\n
By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.<\/dd>\n
Yet am I noble as the adversary<\/dd>\n
I come to cope.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Which is that adversary?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
What’s he that speaks for Edmund Earl of Gloucester?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Himself:\u2014what say’st thou to him?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Draw thy sword,<\/dd>\n
That, if my speech offend a noble heart,<\/dd>\n
Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine.<\/dd>\n
Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,<\/dd>\n
My oath, and my profession: I protest,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,<\/dd>\n
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,<\/dd>\n
Thy valour and thy heart,\u2014thou art a traitor;<\/dd>\n
False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father;<\/dd>\n
Conspirant ‘gainst this high illustrious prince;<\/dd>\n
And, from the extremest upward of thy head<\/dd>\n
To the descent and dust beneath thy foot,<\/dd>\n
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou ‘No,’<\/dd>\n
This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent<\/dd>\n
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,<\/dd>\n
Thou liest.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
In wisdom I should ask thy name;<\/dd>\n
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,<\/dd>\n
And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,<\/dd>\n
What safe and nicely I might well delay<\/dd>\n
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn:<\/dd>\n
Back do I toss those treasons to thy head;<\/dd>\n
With the hell-hated lie o’erwhelm thy heart;<\/dd>\n
Which,\u2014for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,\u2014<\/dd>\n
This sword of mine shall give them instant way,<\/dd>\n
Where they shall rest for ever.\u2014Trumpets, speak!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Alarums. They fight. Edmund falls.]<\/p>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Save him, save him!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
This is mere practice, Gloucester:<\/dd>\n
By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer<\/dd>\n
An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish’d,<\/dd>\n
But cozen’d and beguil’d.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Shut your mouth, dame,<\/dd>\n
Or with this paper shall I stop it:\u2014Hold, sir;<\/dd>\n
Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil:\u2014<\/dd>\n
No tearing, lady; I perceive you know it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Gives the letter to Edmund.]<\/p>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Say if I do,\u2014the laws are mine, not thine:<\/dd>\n
Who can arraign me for’t?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Most monstrous!<\/dd>\n
Know’st thou this paper?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Ask me not what I know.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Go after her: she’s desperate; govern her.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[To an Officer, who goes out.]<\/p>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
What, you have charg’d me with, that have I done;<\/dd>\n
And more, much more; the time will bring it out:<\/dd>\n
‘Tis past, and so am I.\u2014But what art thou<\/dd>\n
That hast this fortune on me? If thou’rt noble,<\/dd>\n
I do forgive thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Let’s exchange charity.<\/dd>\n
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;<\/dd>\n
If more, the more thou hast wrong’d me.<\/dd>\n
My name is Edgar, and thy father’s son.<\/dd>\n
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices<\/dd>\n
Make instruments to plague us:<\/dd>\n
The dark and vicious place where thee he got<\/dd>\n
Cost him his eyes.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou hast spoken right; ’tis true;<\/dd>\n
The wheel is come full circle; I am here.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Methought thy very gait did prophesy<\/dd>\n
A royal nobleness:\u2014I must embrace thee:<\/dd>\n
Let sorrow split my heart if ever I<\/dd>\n
Did hate thee or thy father!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Worthy prince, I know’t.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Where have you hid yourself?<\/dd>\n
How have you known the miseries of your father?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
By nursing them, my lord.\u2014List a brief tale;\u2014<\/dd>\n
And when ’tis told, O that my heart would burst!\u2014<\/dd>\n
The bloody proclamation to escape,<\/dd>\n
That follow’d me so near,\u2014O, our lives’ sweetness!<\/dd>\n
That with the pain of death we’d hourly die<\/dd>\n
Rather than die at once!)\u2014taught me to shift<\/dd>\n
Into a madman’s rags; to assume a semblance<\/dd>\n
That very dogs disdain’d; and in this habit<\/dd>\n
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,<\/dd>\n
Their precious stones new lost; became his guide,<\/dd>\n
Led him, begg’d for him, sav’d him from despair;<\/dd>\n
Never,\u2014O fault!\u2014reveal’d myself unto him<\/dd>\n
Until some half hour past, when I was arm’d;<\/dd>\n
Not sure, though hoping of this good success,<\/dd>\n
I ask’d his blessing, and from first to last<\/dd>\n
Told him my pilgrimage: but his flaw’d heart,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Alack, too weak the conflict to support!\u2014<\/dd>\n
‘Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,<\/dd>\n
Burst smilingly.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
This speech of yours hath mov’d me,<\/dd>\n
And shall perchance do good: but speak you on;<\/dd>\n
You look as you had something more to say.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
If there be more, more woeful, hold it in;<\/dd>\n
For I am almost ready to dissolve,<\/dd>\n
Hearing of this.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
This would have seem’d a period<\/dd>\n
To such as love not sorrow; but another,<\/dd>\n
To amplify too much, would make much more,<\/dd>\n
And top extremity.<\/dd>\n
Whilst I was big in clamour, came there a man<\/dd>\n
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,<\/dd>\n
Shunn’d my abhorr’d society; but then, finding<\/dd>\n
Who ’twas that so endur’d, with his strong arms<\/dd>\n
He fastened on my neck, and bellow’d out<\/dd>\n
As he’d burst heaven; threw him on my father;<\/dd>\n
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him<\/dd>\n
That ever ear receiv’d: which in recounting<\/dd>\n
His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life<\/dd>\n
Began to crack: twice then the trumpets sounded,<\/dd>\n
And there I left him tranc’d.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
But who was this?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Kent, sir, the banish’d Kent; who in disguise<\/dd>\n
Follow’d his enemy king and did him service<\/dd>\n
Improper for a slave.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter a Gentleman hastily, with a bloody knife.]<\/p>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Help, help! O, help!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
What kind of help?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Speak, man.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
What means that bloody knife?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis hot, it smokes;<\/dd>\n
It came even from the heart of\u2014O! she’s dead!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Who dead? speak, man.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister<\/dd>\n
By her is poisoned; she hath confess’d it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I was contracted to them both: all three<\/dd>\n
Now marry in an instant.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Here comes Kent.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead:\u2014<\/dd>\n
This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble<\/dd>\n
Touches us not with pity. [Exit Gentleman.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

O, is this he?<\/p>\n

\n
The time will not allow the compliment<\/dd>\n
That very manners urges.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I am come<\/dd>\n
To bid my king and master aye good night:<\/dd>\n
Is he not here?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Great thing of us forgot!<\/dd>\n
Speak, Edmund, where’s the king? and where’s Cordelia?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in.]<\/p>\n

Seest thou this object, Kent?<\/p>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Alack, why thus?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Yet Edmund was belov’d.<\/dd>\n
The one the other poisoned for my sake,<\/dd>\n
And after slew herself.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Even so.\u2014Cover their faces.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I pant for life:\u2014some good I mean to do,<\/dd>\n
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Be brief in it,\u2014to the castle; for my writ<\/dd>\n
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia:\u2014<\/dd>\n
Nay, send in time.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Run, run, O, run!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
To who, my lord?\u2014Who has the office? send<\/dd>\n
Thy token of reprieve.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Well thought on: take my sword,<\/dd>\n
Give it the Captain.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Haste thee for thy life.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
He hath commission from thy wife and me<\/dd>\n
To hang Cordelia in the prison, and<\/dd>\n
To lay the blame upon her own despair,<\/dd>\n
That she fordid herself.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
The gods defend her!\u2014Bear him hence awhile.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Edmund is borne off.]<\/p>\n

[Re-enter Lear, with Cordelia dead in his arms; Edgar, Officer, and others following.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Howl, howl, howl, howl!\u2014O, you are men of stone.<\/dd>\n
Had I your tongues and eyes, I’ld use them so<\/dd>\n
That heaven’s vault should crack.\u2014She’s gone for ever!\u2014<\/dd>\n
I know when one is dead, and when one lives;<\/dd>\n
She’s dead as earth.\u2014Lend me a looking glass;<\/dd>\n
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,<\/dd>\n
Why, then she lives.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Is this the promis’d end?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Or image of that horror?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Fall, and cease!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
This feather stirs; she lives! If it be so,<\/dd>\n
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows<\/dd>\n
That ever I have felt.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
O my good master! [Kneeling.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Pr’ythee, away!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis noble Kent, your friend.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!<\/dd>\n
I might have sav’d her; now she’s gone for ever!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha!<\/dd>\n
What is’t thou say’st?\u2014Her voice was ever soft,<\/dd>\n
Gentle, and low,\u2014an excellent thing in woman.\u2014<\/dd>\n
I kill’d the slave that was a-hanging thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Off.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis true, my lords, he did.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Did I not, fellow?<\/dd>\n
I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion<\/dd>\n
I would have made them skip: I am old now,<\/dd>\n
And these same crosses spoil me.\u2014Who are you?<\/dd>\n
Mine eyes are not o’ the best:\u2014I’ll tell you straight.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
If fortune brag of two she lov’d and hated,<\/dd>\n
One of them we behold.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
The same,<\/dd>\n
Your servant Kent.\u2014Where is your servant Caius?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
He’s a good fellow, I can tell you that;<\/dd>\n
He’ll strike, and quickly too:\u2014he’s dead and rotten.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
No, my good lord; I am the very man,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I’ll see that straight.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
That from your first of difference and decay<\/dd>\n
Have follow’d your sad steps.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
You are welcome hither.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Nor no man else:\u2014All’s cheerless, dark, and deadly.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves,<\/dd>\n
And desperately are dead.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, so I think.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
He knows not what he says; and vain is it<\/dd>\n
That we present us to him.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

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

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

Off.<\/p>\n

\n
Edmund is dead, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
That’s but a trifle here.\u2014<\/dd>\n
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.<\/dd>\n
What comfort to this great decay may come<\/dd>\n
Shall be applied: for us, we will resign,<\/dd>\n
During the life of this old majesty,<\/dd>\n
To him our absolute power:\u2014[to Edgar and Kent] you to your<\/dd>\n
rights;<\/dd>\n
With boot, and such addition as your honours<\/dd>\n
Have more than merited.\u2014All friends shall taste<\/dd>\n
The wages of their virtue, and all foes<\/dd>\n
The cup of their deservings.\u2014O, see, see!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
And my poor fool is hang’d! No, no, no life!<\/dd>\n
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life,<\/dd>\n
And thou no breath at all? Thou’lt come no more,<\/dd>\n
Never, never, never, never, never!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Pray you undo this button:\u2014thank you, sir.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Do you see this? Look on her!\u2014look!\u2014her lips!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Look there, look there!\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[He dies.]<\/p>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
He faints!\u2014My lord, my lord!\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Break, heart; I pr’ythee break!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
Look up, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him<\/dd>\n
That would upon the rack of this rough world<\/dd>\n
Stretch him out longer.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
He is gone indeed.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
The wonder is, he hath endur’d so long:<\/dd>\n
He but usurp’d his life.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Alb.<\/p>\n

\n
Bear them from hence.\u2014Our present business<\/dd>\n
Is general woe.\u2014[To Kent and Edgar.] Friends of my soul, you<\/dd>\n
twain<\/dd>\n
Rule in this realm, and the gor’d state sustain.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;<\/dd>\n
My master calls me,\u2014I must not say no.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
The weight of this sad time we must obey;<\/dd>\n
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.<\/dd>\n
The oldest have borne most: we that are young<\/dd>\n
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt, with a dead march.]<\/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>