Edg. Hadst thou been augnt but gossamer, o'their words: they told me I was every thing: feathers, air,

'tis a lie; I am not ague-proof. So many fathom down precipitating, [breathe; Glo. The trick of that voice I do well remem Thou hadst shiver'd like an egg : but thou dust | Is't not the king ?

(ber : Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak’st; Lear. Ay, every inch a king: art sound.

When I do stare, see, how the subject quakes. Ten masts at each make not the altitude,

I pardon that man's life: What was thy cause? Which thou hast perpendicularly fell;

Adultery.Thy life's a miracle: speak yet again.

Thou shalt not die: Die for adultery? No: Glo. But have I fallen, or no?

The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly Edg. From the dread summit of this chalky Does lecher in my sight. bourn :

Let copulation thrive, for Gloster's bastard son Look up a-height;—the shrill-gorg'd lark so far Was kinder to his father, than my daughters Cannot be seen or heard : do but look up.

Got 'tween the lawful sheets. Glo. Alack, I have no eyes.

To't, luxury, pell-mell, for I lack soldiers.Is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit,

Behold yon' simpering dame, To end itself by death ? 'Twas yet some comfort, Whose face between her forks presageth snow; When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage, That minces virtue, and does shake the head Aud frustrate bis proud will.

To hear of pleasure's name;
Edg. Give me your arm :

The fitchew, nor the soild horse, goes to't
Up:—So ;-How is't? Feel you your legs? You With a more riotous appetite.
Glo. Too well, too well.

(stand. Down from the waist they are centaurs, Edg. This is above all strangeness.

Though women all above :
Upon the crown o'the cliff, what thing was that But to the girdle do the gods inherit,
Which parted from you ?

Beneath is all the fiends'; there's hell, there's Glo. A poor unfortunate beggar. [eyes darkness, there is the sulphurous pit, burning,

Edg. As I stood here below, methought, his scalding, stench, consumption ;--Fie, fie, fie; pah, Were two full moons; he had a thousand poses, pab! Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, Horns whelk'd, and way'd like the enridged sea; to sweeten my imagination: there's money for It was some fiend : Therefore, thou happy father, thee. Think, that the clearest gods, who make them Glo. 0, let me kiss that hand !

(tality honours

Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of morOf men's impossibilities, have preserv'd thce.

Glo. O ruin'd piece of nature! This great Glo. I do remember now: henceforth I'll bear

world

[me? Affliction, till it do cry out itself,

Shall so wear out to nought.–Dost thou know Enough enough, and die. That thing you speak

Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. I took it for a man; often 'twould say, [of, | Dost thou squiny at me? No, do thy worst The fiend, the fiend: he led me to that place. blind Cupid; I'll not love.—Read thou this chal. Edg. Bear free and patient thoughts.—But lenge; mark but the penning of it. [one. who comes here?

Glo. Were all the letters suns, I could not see Enter Lear, fantastically dressed up with flowers. Edg. I would not take this from report;-it is, The safer sense will ne'er accommodate

And my heart breaks at it.
His master tbus.

Lear. Read.
Lear. No, they cannot touch me for coining; Glo. What, with the case of eyes ?
I am the king himself.

Lear. O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes Edg. O thou side-piercing sight!

in your head, nor no money in your purse? Your Lear. Nature's above art in that respect. - eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a light: . There's your press.money. That fellow handles Yet you see how this world goes. his bow like a crow-keeper : draw me a clothier's

Glo. I see it feelingly. yard. --Look, look, a mouse! Peace, peace;

Lear. Wbat, art mad ? A man may see how this piece of toasted cheese will do't.— There's my this world goes, with no eyes. Look with thine gauntlet; I'll prove it on a giant.-- Bring up the cars; see how yon' justice rails upon yon' simple brown bills.—0, well flown, bird !-i'the clout, thief. Hark, in thine ear: Change places; and, i'the clout: hewgh !–Give the word.

handy-dandy, which is the justice, which is the Edg. Sweet marjoram.

thief?—Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a Lear. Pass.

beggar? Glo. I know that voice.

Glo. Ay, sir Lear. Ha! Goneril !-with a white beard !- Lear. And the creature run from the cur? They flatter'd me like a dog; and told me, I had | There thou might'st behold the great image of whitr bairs in my beard, ere the black ones were authority : a dog's obey'd in office.there. To say ay, and no, to every thing I said ! | Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand :

-Ay and no, too, was no good divinity. When why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine the rain came to wet me once, and the wind to

own back : make me chatter; when the thunder would not Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind peace at my bidding; there I found them, there For which thou whipp'st her. The userer barigt I smelt them out. Go to, they are not men

come

Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear ; Let not my worser spirit tempt me again,
Robes, and furr'd gowns, hide all. Plate sin To die before you please.
with gold,

Edg. Well pray you, father.
And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks : Glo. Now, good sir, what are you ? [blows:
Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw doth pierce it. Edg. A most poor man, made tame by fortune's
None does offend, none, I say, none; I'll able 'em; | Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,
Take that of me, my friend, who have the power Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand,
To seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes ; I'll lead you to some biding.
And, like a scurvy politician, seem (pow, now : Glo. Hearty thanks :
To see the things thou dost not.-Now, now, | The bounty and the benizon of heaven
Pull off my boots :-harder, barder; so.

To boot, and boot !
Edg. O, matter and impertinency mix'd!

Enter Steward.
Reason in madness!

[eyes. Stew. A proclaimed prize! Most happy!
Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh
I know thee well enough ; thy name is Gloster :) To raise my fortunes.— Thou old unhappy traitor,
Thou must be patient; we came crying hither. Briefly thyself remember:- The sword is out
Thou know'st, the first time tbat we smell the air, That must destroy thec.
We wawd, and cry:--I will preach to thee; mark Glo. Now let thy friendly band
Glo. Alack, alack the day!

[me. Put strength enough to it.

[Edgar opposes. Lear. When we are born, we cry, that we are Stew. Wherefore, bold peasant,

[block ?— Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence; To this great stage of fools;— This a good Lest that the infection of his fortune take It were a delicate stratagem to shoe

Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.

['casion.
A troop of horse with felt: I'll put it in proof; Edg. Chill not let go, zir, without yurther
And when I have stolen upon these sons-in-law, Stew. Let go, slave, or thou diest.
Then, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill.

Edg. Good gentleman, go your gait, and let
Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants. poor volk pass. And chu'd ha' been zwaggered
Gent. O, here he is ; lay hand upon him.-Sir, out of my life, 'twould not ha' been zo long as
Your most dear daughter-

(even 'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near the old Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am

man; keep out, che vor'ye, or ise try whether
The natural fool of fortune.- Use me well; your costard or my bat be the harder ; Chi'll be
You shall have ransom. Let me have a surgeon, plain with you.
I am cut to the braips.

Stew. Out, dunghill!
Gent. You shall have any thing.

Edg. Chi'll pick your teeth, zir ; Come; no
Lear. No seconds ? all myself?

matter vor your foins. Why, this would make a man, a man of salt,

(they fight; and Edgar knocks him down. To use his eyes for garden water-pots,

Stew. Slave, thou hast slain me:- -Villain Ay, and for laying autumn's dust.

take my purse ; Gent. Good sir,

(What? If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body; [me, Lear. I will die bravely, like a bridegroom: And give the letters, which thou find'st about I will be jovial ; come, come; I am a king, To Edmund earl of Gloster ; seek him out My masters, know you that?

Upon the British party ;-0, untimely death! Gent. You are a royal one, and we obey you.

[dies. Lear. Then there's life in it. Nay, an you

Edg. I know thee well: A serviceable villain; get it, you shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa. As duteous to the vices of thy mistress,

(exit, running. Attendants follow. As badness would desire. Gent. A sight most pitiful in the meanest Glo. What, is he dead ? wretch;

(daughter Edg. Sit you down, father; rest you.- (of, Past speaking of in a king!—Thou bast one Let's see his pockets: these letters that he speaks Who redeems nature from the general curse May be my friends. He's dead; I'm only sorry Which twain have brought her to.

He had no other death's-man.—Let us see:Edg. Hail, gentle sir.

Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us pot: Gent. Sir, speed you : What's your will ? To know our enemies' minds, we'd rip up their Edg. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward? | Their papers, is more lawful. [hearts;

Gent. Most sure, and vulgar: every one hcars [reads] Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You Which can distinguish sound.

(that, have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want Edg. But by your favour,

not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is no

thing donc, if he return the conqueror : then am I the pri. How near's the other army?

[descry soner, and his bed my gaol; from the loathed warmth Gent. Near, and on speedy foot; the main

whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your labour.

Your wife (so I would say), and your affecStands on the hourly thought.

tionate servant,

GONERIL Edg. I thank you, sir ; that's all. [is bere, O, undistinguished space of woman's will !

Gent. Though that the queen on special cause A plot upon her virtuous husband's life : Her army is mov'd on.

And the exchange, my brother !– Here, in the Edg. I thank you, sir.

(erit Gent. Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified (sands, Glo. You ever-gentle gods, take my breath Of murderous lechers; and, in the mature time,

With this ungracious paper strike the sight

from me;

[the grave:

!

SCENE VIL A TENT IN THE FRENCH CAMP.

man :

()f the death-practis'd duke: For him 'tis well, 'Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once That of thy death and business I can tell. Had not concluded all.-He wakes ; speak to him.

(erit Edgar, dragging out the body. Phys. Madam, do you ; 'tis fittest. Glo. The king is mad: how stiff is my vile Cor. How does my royal lord? How fares sense,

your majesty ? That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling Lear. You do me wrong, to take me out o Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract: Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs; Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears And woes, by wrong imaginations, lose

Do scald like molten lead. The knowledge of themselves.

Cor. Sir, do you know me?

[die ? Re-enter Edgar.

Lear. You are a spirit, I know; when did you Edg. Give me your hand :

Cor. Still, still, far wide! far off, metbinks, I hear the beaten drum. Phys. He's scarce awake; let him alone awhile. Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. Lear. Where have I been ?-Where am I?

[exeunt. Fair day-light?

I am mightily abus'd.— I should even die witb Lear on a bed asleep; Physician, Gentlemen, and pity others, attending; enter Cordelia and Kent. To see another thus. I know not what to say, Cor. O thou good Kent, how shall I live, and I will not swear, these are my hands : - let's see; work,

I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur'd To match thy goodness? My life will be too short, Of my condition. And every measure fail me.

Cor. O, look upon me, sir, Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'erpaid. And hold your hands in benediction o'er me: All my reports go with the modest truth; No, sir, you must not kneel. Nor more, nor clipp'd, but so.

Lear. Pray, do not mock me : Cor. Be better suited:

I am a very foolish fond old man, These weeds are memories of those worser hours; Fourscore and upward; and, to deal plainly, I pr’ythee, put them off.

I fear, I am not in my perfect mind. Kent. Pardon me, dear madam;

Methinks, I should know you, and know this Yet to be known, shortens my made intent: My boon I make it, that you kuow me not, Yet I am doubtful: for I am mainly ignorant Till time and I think meet.

What place this is ; and all the skill I have Cor. Then be it so, my good lord. ---How does Remembers not these garments ; nor I know not the king ?

[to the Physician. Where I did lodge last night : do not laugh at Phys. Madam, sleeps still.

For, as I am a man, I think this lady [me; Cor. O you kind gods,

To be my child, Cordelia. Cure this great breach in his abused nature !

Cor And so I am, I am. The untun'd and jarring senses, O, wind up Lear. Be your tears wet? Yes, 'faith. I pray, Of this child-changed father! Phys. So please your majesty,

If you have poison for me, I will drink it. That we may wake the king ? he hath slept long. I know you do not love me; for your sister Cor. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and pro- Have, as I do remember, done me wrong: ceed

You have some cause, they have not. I'the sway of your own will. Is he array'd ? Cor. No cause, no cause.

Kent. Ay, madam: in the heaviness of his sleep, Lear. Am I in France ? We put fresh garments on him.

[lim ; Kent. In your own kingdom, sir. Phys. Be by, good madam, when we do awake Lear. Do not abuse me. I loubt not of his temperance.

Phys. Be comforted, good madain : the great Cor. Very well.

[music there.

rage, Phys. Please you, draw near. -Louder the You see is cur'd in him; and yet it is danger

Cor. O my dear father! Restoration, bang To make him even o'er the time he bas lost. Thy medicine on my lips ; and let this kiss Desire him to go in ; trouble him no more, Repair those violent harms, that my two sisters | Till further settling. Have in thy reverence made!

Cor. Will't please your highness walk ? Kent. Kind and dear princess! (white flakes Lear. You must bear with me : [foolish,

Cor. Had you not been their father, these Pray now, forget and forgive : I am old, and Had challeng'd pity of them. Was this a face [exeunt Lecr, Cordelia, Physician, and Attendants. To be expos'd against the warring winds ?

Gent. Holds it true, sir,
To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder? That the duke of Cornwall was so slain?
In the most terrible and nimble stroke

Kent. Most certain, sir.
Of quick, cross lightning? to watch (poor perdu!) Gent. Who is the conductor of his people ?
With this thin helm ?–Mine enemy's dog, (night Kent. As 'tis said,
Though he had bit me, should have stood that The bastard son of Gloster.
Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father, Gent. They say, Edgar,
To hovel thee with swine, and rogues forlorn, His banish'd son,

js with the earl of Kent, In short and musty straw? Alack, alack ! In Germany.

weep not:

DOVER.

B

Kent. Report is changeable.

Fare you well, sir.

(exit. "Tis time to look about; the powers o'the king- Kent. My point and period will be throughly Approach apace,

[dom

wrought,
Gent. The arbitrement is like to be a bloody.— | Or well, or ill, as this day's battle's fought. [exit.

ACT V.
SCENE I. THE CAMP OF THE BRITISH FORCES, NEAR Your business of the world hath so an end,

And macbipation ceases. Fortune love you!
Enter, with drums and colours, Edmund, Regan, Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.
Officers, Soldiers, and others.

Edg. I was forbid it.
Edm. Know of the duke, if his last purpose When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
Or, whether since he is advis'd by aught (hold; And I'll appear again.

[exit. To change the course : he's full of alteration, Alb. Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy And self-reproving :—bring his coustant pleasure.

paper. .
[to un Officer, who goes out.

Re-enter Edmund.
Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Edm. The enemy's in view, draw up your
Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, madam.

powers.
Reg. Now, sweet lord,

Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
You know the goodness I intend upon you : By diligent discovery ;-but your baste
Tell me,-but truly,—but then speak the truth, Is now urg'd on you.
Do you not love my sister?

Alb. We will greet the time.

[erit. Edm. In honour'd love.

Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my Reg. But have you never found my brother's

love ; . To the forefended place ?

(way Each jealous of the other, as the stung
Edm. That thought abuses you.

Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take ?
Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct, Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoyed,
And bosom'd with her, as far as we call liers. If both remain alive : to take the widow,
Edn. No, by mine honour, madam.

Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
Reg. I never shall endure her : dear my lord, And hardly shall I carry out my side,
Be not familiar with her.

Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use
Edm. Fear me noti-

His countenance for the battle; which being donc,
She, and the duke her husband,-

Let her, who would be rid of him, devise
Enter Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers. His speedy taking off.

As for the mercy
Gon. I had rather lose the battle, than that sister i Which he intends to Lear, and to Cordelia,
Should loosen him and me.

[aside. The battle done, and they within our power,
Alb. Our very loving sister, well be met.- Shall never sce his pardon: for my state
Sir, this I hear,—The king is come to his daughter, Stauds on mo to defend, not to debate. [erit.
With others, whom the rigour of our state
Forc'd to cry out.

Where I could not be honest, Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours,
I never yet was valiant: for this business,

Lear, Cordelia, and their forces; and ereunt.
It toucheth us as France invades our land,

Enter Edgar and Gloster.
Not bolds the king; with others, whom, I fear, Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree
Not just and heavy causes make oppose.

For your good host; pray that the right may thrive.
Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.

If ever I return to you again,
Reg. Why is this reason'd?

I'll bring you comfort.
Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy: Glo. Grace go with you, sir ! (erit Edgar.
For these domestic and particular broils

Alarums; afterwards a retreat. Re-enter Edgar.
Are not to question here.

Edg. Away, old man, give me thy hand, aw:ty;
Alb. Let us then determine

King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'e 1 :
With the aptient of war on our proceedings. Give me thy hand, come on,
Edm. I sball attend you presently at your tent.

Glo. No further, sir; a man may rot even here.
Reg. Sister; you'll go with us?

Edg. What, in ill thoughts again ? Men minst
Gon. No.

endure
Reg. 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us. Their going hence, even as their coming bither :
Gon. O, ho, I know the riddle: (aside) I will go. Ripeness is all: come on.
As they are going out, enter Edgar, disguised.

Glo. And that's true too.

[ereunt. Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man Hear me one word.

[so poor, Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, Edmund; All. I'll overtake you.—Speak.

Lear and Cordelia, as prisoners; Officers,
[exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Oficers, Soldiers, &c.
Soldiers, and Attendants.

Edm. Some officers take them away: good guard ,
Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. Until their greater pleasures first be known
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound

That are to censure them.
For him that brought it; wretched though I seem, Cor. We are not the first,
I can produse a champion, that will prove Who, with best meaning, bave incurr'd the worst
What is avouched there. If you miscarry, For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;

SCENE II. A FIELD BETWEEN THE TWO CAN'S.

SCENE III. THE BRITISH CAMP NEAR DOVER.

Dlyself could else out-frown false fortune's Alb. Sir, by your patience, frown.

(sisters? I hold you but a subject of this wal', Shall we not see these daughters, and these Not as a brother.

Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison; Reg. That's as we list to grace him. We two alone will sing like birds i'the cage : Methinks, our pleasure might have been demanded. When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down, Ere you had spoke so far.

He led our powers; And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live,

Bore the commission of my place and person;
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh The which immediacy may well stand up,
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues (too,— And call itself your brother.
Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them Gon. Not so hot:
Who loses, and who wins; who's in, who's out; In his own grace he doth exalt himself,
And take upon us the mystery of things,

More than in your advancement.
As if we were God's spies : and we'll wear out, Reg. In my rights,
In a wall’d prison, packs and sects of great ones, By me invested, he compeers the best.
That ebb and flow by the moon.

Gon. That were the most, if he should husband
Edm. Take them away.

Reg. Jesters do oft prove prophets. (you. Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,

Gon. Holla, bolla! The gods themselves throw incense. Havo I That eye, that told you so, look'd but a-squint. caught thee?

Reg. Lady, I am not well; else I should answer
He, that parts us, shall bring a brand from heaven, From a full flowing stomach.—General,
And fire us hence, like foxes. Wipe thine eyes; Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;
The gvujeers shall devour them, flesh and fell, Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine:
Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see them starve Witness the world, that I create thee here
first.

My lord and master.
Come. [exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded. Gon. Mean you to enjoy him?
Edm. Come hither, captain ; hark.

Alb. The let-alone lies not in your good will. Take thou this note ; (giving a paper] go, follow Edm. Nor in thine, lord. them to prison :

Alb. Half-blooded fellow, yes. One step I have advanc'd thee; if thou dost

Reg. Let the drum strike, and prove my title As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way

thine.

(to Edmuna. To noble fortunes : know thou this,--that men All. Stay yet ; hear reason :-Edmund, I arrest Are as the time is : to be tonder-minded (ment On capital treason; and, in thy arrest,

[thee Does not become a sword:-Thy great cmploy- This gilded serpent : (pointing to Gon.)—for your Will not bear question ; either say, thoul't do't,

claim, fair sister, Or thrive by other means.

I bar it in the interest of my wife;
Of. I'll do't, my lord.

[hast done. 'Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord,
Edm. About it, and write happy, when thou And I, her husband, contradict your bans.
Mark—I say, instantly; and carry

it

If

you will marry, make your love to me, As I have set it down.

My lady is bespoke.
Off. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;

Gon. An interlude!

(pet sound: If it be man's work, I will do it. [ezit Officer. Alb. Thou art arm'd, Gloster :-Let the trumFlourish. Enter Albany, Goneril

, Regan, Officers, If none appear to prove upon thy person, and Attendants. (strain, Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons, Alb. Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant There is my pledge; (throwing down a glove] I'll And fortune led you well : you have the captives prove it on thy heart, Who were the opposites of this day's strife: Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less We do require them of you ; so to use them, Than I have here proclaim'd thee. As we shall find their merits and our safety Reg. Sick, 0, sick! May equally determine.

Gon. If not, I'll ne'er trust poison. [aside. Edm. Sir, I thought it fit

Edn. There's my exchange: [throwing down a To send the old and miserable king'

glove] what in the world he is To some retcntion, and appointed guard ;

That names me traitor, villain-like he lies: Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,

Call by thy trumpet : he that dares approach, To pluck the common bosom on his side,

On him, on you, (who not?) I will maintain And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes

My truth and honour firmly. Which do command them. With him I sent the

Alb. A herald, ho! queen;

Edn. A herald, ho, a herald! My reason all the samc; and they are ready Alb. Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers To-morrow, or at farther space, to appear All levied in my name, hare in my name Where you shall hold your session. At this time, Took their discharge. We sweat, and bleed: the friend hath lost his Reg. This sickness grows upon me. friend ;

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

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

(exit Regan, icu. The question of Cordelia, and her father

Come hither, herald, let the trumpet sound, Requisre a fitter place.

And road out this.