The Dramatic Works and Poems of William Shakespeare

Alb.
Gloster, I live
To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the
king,

Kent. Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master
Lear,
[friend; And leave you to attend him : some dear cause
Will in concealment wrap me up awhile;
When I am known aright, you shall not grieve
Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you, go
Along with me.
[Exeunt.

And to revenge thine eyes.-Come hither,
Tell me what thou knowest.
[Exeunt.
SCENE III. The French Camp near Dover.

Enter KENT, and a Gentleman.

Kent. Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you the reason?

Gent. Something he left imperfect in the state,
Which since his coming for this thought of;
which
[ger,
Imports to the kingdom so much fear and dan-
That his personal return was most required,
And necessary.

Kent. Who hath he left behind him, general?
Gent. The Mareschal of France, Monsieur le

Fer.

Kent. Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief?

Gent. Ay, sir, she took them, read them in

my presence;

And now and then an ample tear trill'd down
Her delicate cheek: it seem'd, she was a queen
Over her passion; who, most rebel-like,
Sought to be king o'er her.
Kent.

O, then it mov'd her.
Gent. Not to a rage: patience and sorrow

strove

SCENE IV. The same. A Tent.

Enter CORDELIA, Physician, and Soldiers.
Cor. Alack, 'tis he; why, he was met e'en now
As mad as the vex'd sea: singing aloud;
Crown'd with rank fumiter, and furrow weeds,
With harlocks, hemlock, nettles,cuckoo-flowers,
Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow
In our sustaining corn.-A century send forth;
Search every acre in the high grown field,
And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer.]—
What can man's wisdom do,

In the restoring of his bereaved sense?
He, that helps him, take all my outward worth.
Phy. There is means, madam :
Our foster-nurse of nature is repose,
The which he lacks; that to provoke in him,
Are many simples operative, whose power
Will close the eye of anguish.
Cor.

All bless'd secrets, All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth, Spring with my tears! be aidant, and remediate, [seen In the good man's distress!-Seek,seek for him; Who should express her goodliest. You have Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life Sunshine and rain at once; her smiles and tears That wants the means to lead it. Were like a better way. Those happy smiles, That play'd on her ripe lip, seem'd not to know What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence, [sorrow

As pearls from diamonds dropp'd.-In brief,

Would be a rarity most belov'd, if all
Could so become it.

Kent.

Made she no verbal question? Gent, 'Faith, once, or twice, she heav'd the name of father

Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart;
Cried, Sisters! sisters !-Shame of ladies! sisters!
Kent! father! sisters! What? ? the storm? the
night?

Let pity not be believed!-There she shook
The holy water from her heavenly eyes,
And clamour moisten'd: then away she started
To deal with grief alone.

Kent.
It is the stars,
The stars above us, govern our conditions;
Else one self mate and mate could not beget
Such different issues. You spoke not with her
Gent. No.
[since ?
Kent. Was this before the king return'd?
Gent.
No, since.
Kent. Well, sir; The poor distress'd Lear is
i' the town:

Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers
What we are come about, and by no means
Will yield to see his daughter.
Gent.
Why, good sir?
Kent. A sovereign shame so elbows him: his
own unkindness,
[her

That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd
To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights
To his dog-hearted daughters,-these things
sting

His mind so venomously, that burning shame
Detains him from Cordelia.

Mess.

Enter a Messenger.

Madam, news;
The British powers are marching hitherward.
In expectation of them.-O dear father,
Cor. 'Tis known before; our preparation stands

It is thy business that I go about;
Therefore great France

My mourning, and important tears, hath pitied.
No blown ambition doth our arms incite,
But love, dear love, and our ag'd father's right;
1
Soon may I hear, and see him. [Exeunt.

SCENE V. A Room in Gloster's Castle.

Enter REGAN and Steward.

Reg. But are my brother's powers set forth?
Stew.
Ay, madam,

Madam, with much ado:
Your sister is the better soldier.
Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your lord
Stew. No, madam.
[at home?
Reg. What might import my sister's letter
to him?
Stew. I know not, lady.

[matter.

Reg. 'Faith, he is posted hence on serious
It was great ignorance, Gloster's eyes being out,
To let him live; where he arrives, he moves
All hearts against us; Edmund, I think, is gone,
In pity of his misery, to despatch
His nighted life; moreover, to descry
The strength o' the enemy. [my letter.
Stew. I must needs after him, madam, with
Reg. Our troops set forth to-morrow; stay
The ways are dangerous.
[with us;
Stew.
I may not, madam;
My lady charg'd my duty in this business.
Reg. Why should she write to Edmund? Might

not you

Transport her purposes by word? Belike,
Something-I know not what :--I'll love thee
Let me unseal the letter.
[much,

Stew.

Reg. I know, your lady does not love her
husband;

I am sure of that: and, at her late being here,
She gave strange ciliads, and most speaking
looks
[bosom.
To noble Edmund: I know, you are of her
Stew. I, madam?

Reg. I speak in understanding; you are, I
know it:

Madam, I had rather- This would I do renounce; and, in your sights
Shake patiently my great affliction off:
If I could bear it longer, and not fall
To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,
My snuff, and loathed part of nature, should
Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O bless him!-
Now, fellow, fare thee well.
[He leaps, and falls along.
Edg.
Gone, sir? farewell.-
And yet I know not how conceit may rob
The treasury of life, when life itself [thought,
Yields to the theft: Had he been where he
By this, had thought been past.-Alive, or dead?
Ho, you sir! friend!-Hear you, sir?-speak!
Thus might he pass indeed:-Yet he revives:
What are you, sir?
Glo.
Away, and let me die.
Edg. Had'st thou been aught but gossamer,
feathers, air,

Therefore, I do advise you, take this note:
My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk'd;
And more convenient is he for my hand,
Than for your lady's :--You may gather more.
If you do find him, pray you, give me this;
And when your mistress hears thus much from
I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her. [you,
So, fare you well.

If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
Stew. 'Would, I could meet him, madam! I
What party I do follow.
[would show
Reg.
Fare thee well. [Exeunt.
SCENE VI. The Country near Dover.
Enter GLOSTER,and EDGAR, dressed like a Peasant.
Glo. When shall we come to the top of that
same hill?

[labour.
Edg. You do climb up it now: look how we
Glo. Methinks the ground is even.
Edg.

Hark, do you hear the sea?

Glo.

Horrible steep:
No, truly.
Edg. Why, then your other senses grow im-
By your eyes' anguish.
[perfect
Glo.
So may it be, indeed:
Methinks, thy voice is alter'd; and thou speak'st
In better phrase, and matter, than thou didst.
Edg. You are much deceiv'd; in nothing am
But in my garments.
[I chang'd,
Glo. Methinks, you are better spoken.
Edg. Come on, sir; here's the place :-stand
still. How fearful

And dizzy 'tis, to cast one's eyes so low! [air,
The crows, and choughs, that wing the midway
Show scarce so gross as beetles: Half way down
Hangs one that gathers samphire; dreadful
trade!

Methinks, he seems no bigger than his head:
The fisherman, that walk upon the beach,
Appear like mice; and yon' tall anchoring bark,
Diminish'd to her cock; her cock, a buoy
Almost too small for sight: The murmuring

surge,

That on the unnumber'd idle pebbles chafes,
Cannot be heard so high;-I'll look no more;
Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight
Topple down headlong.

Glo.
Set me where you stand.
Edg. Give me your hand: You are now within
a foot

Of the extreme verge: for all beneath the moon
Would I not leap upright.

Glo.
Let go my hand.
Here, friend, is another purse; in it a jewel
Well worth a poor man's taking: Fairies, and
gods,

Prosper it with thee! Go thou further off;
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
Edg. Now fare you well, good sir.

[Seems to go.
Glo.
With all my heart.
Edg. Why do I trifle thus with his despair,
1s done to cure it.

So many fathom down precipitating,
Thou had'st shiver'd like an egg: but thou dost
breathe;
[art sound.
Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st;
Ten masts at each make not the altitude,
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell;
Thy life's a miracle: Speak yet again.
Glo. But have I fallen, or no?
Edg. From the dread summit of this chalky
Look up a height;-the shrill gorg'd lark so far
Cannot be seen or heard: do but look up.

Glo. Alack, I have no eyes.

[bourn:

Is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit,
To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort,
When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage,
And frustrate his proud will.
Edg.
Give me your arm:
Up: So;-How is 't? Feel you your legs? You
Glo. Too well, too well.
[stand.
Edg.
This is above all strangeness.
Upon the crown o' the cliff, what thing was that
Which parted from you?

Glo.

A poor unfortunate beggar. Edg. As I stood here below, methought, his

eyes

Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,
Horns walk'd, and wav'd like the enridged sea;
It was some fiend: therefore, thou happy father,
Think that the clearest gods, who make them
honours

Of men's impossibilities, have preserv'd thee.
Glo. I do remember now; henceforth I'll bear
Affliction, till it do cry itself,
Enough, enough, and, die. That thing you speak of,
I took it for a man; often 'twould say,
The fiend, the fiend: he led me to that place.

Edg. Bear free and patieut thoughts.-But
who comes here?

Enter LEAR fantastically dressed up with Flowers.
The safer sense will ne'er accommodate
His master thus.

Lear. No, they cannot touch me for coining;
I am the king himself.

Edg. O thou side-piercing sight!

Lear. Nature's above art in that respect.-. There's your press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper: draw me a clothier's yard.-Look, look, a mouse! Peace, peace ;--this piece of toasted cheese will do't.-There's my gauntlet; I'll prove it on a giant.-Bring up the brown bills.--O, well flown, bird!-i' the clout, i' the clout; hewgh!-Give the word. Edg. Sweet marjoram.

Lear. Pass.

Glo. I know that voice.

Lear. Ha! Goneril!-with a white beard:

They flatter'd me like a dog; and told me, I had Robes, and furr'd gowns, hide all. Plate sin white hairs in my beard, ere the black ones were with gold. there. To say, ay, and no, to every thing I said! And the strong lace of justice hurtless breaks: -Ay and no too was no good divinity. When Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw doth pierce it. the rain came to wet me once, and the wind to None does offend, none, I say, none; I'll able make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at my bidding; there I found them, there I smelt them out. Go to, they are not men o' their words: they told me I was every thing: 'tis a lie; I am not ague-proof.

Glo. The trick of that voice I do well rememIs 't not the king? [ber: Lear. Ay, every inch a king: When I do stare, see, how the subject quakes. I pardon that man's life: what was thy cause?— Adultery!

Thou shalt not die; die for adultery! No: The wren goes to 't, and the small gilded fly Does lecher in my sight,

Let copulation thrive, for Gloster's bastard son
Was kinder to his father, than my daughters
Got 'tween the lawful sheets.

To't luxury, pell-mell, for I lack soldiers.—
Behold von simpering dame,

Whose face between her forks presageth snow;
That minces virtue, and does shake the head
To hear of pleasure's name;

The fitchew, nor the soiled horse, goes to't
With a more riotous appetite.
Down from the waist they are centaurs,
Though women all above;

But to the girdle do the gods inherit,
Beneath is all the fiends'; there's hell, there's
darkness.

There is the sulphurous pit, burning, scalding, steuch, consumption;-Fye, fye, fye; pah; pah! Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my imagination; there's money for thee. Glo. O, let me kiss that hand! [tality. Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of morGio. O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world Shali so wear out to nought-Dost thou know me?

Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; I'll not love.-Read thou this challenge; mark but the penning of it. [one. Glo. Were all the letters suns, I could not see Elg. I would not take this from report;—it is, And my heart breaks at it.

'em:

Take that of me, my friend, who have the power
To seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes;
And, like a scurvy politician, seem
To see the things thou dost not.-Now, now,
now, now:

Pull off my boots:-harder, harder; so.
Edg. O, matter and impertinency mix'd!
Reason in madness!
[eyes.
Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my
I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloster:
Thou must be patient; we came crying hither,
Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the
[me.

air,

We wawl, and cry:-I will preach to thee; mark Glo. Alack, alack the day!

come

Lear. When we are born, we cry, that we are [block? To this great stage of fools;- -This a good It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe

A troop of horse with felt: I'll put it in proof; And when I have stolen upon these sons-in-law, Then, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill.

Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants. Gent. O, here he is, lay hand upon him.-Sir, Your most dear daughter

Gent.

Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even
The natural fool of fortune.-Use me well;
You shall have ransome. Let me have a surgeon,
I am cut to the brains.
You shall have any thing.
Lear. No seconds? All myself?
Why, this would make a man, a man of salt,
To use his eyes for garden water-pots,
Ay, and for laying autumn's dust.
Gent.
Good sir,-
Lear. I will die bravely, like a bridegroom:
What?

I will be jovial; come, come; I am a king,
My masters, know you that!

Gent. You are a royal one, and we obey you. Lear. Then there's life in it. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa. [Exit running; Attendants follow, Gent, A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch; [daughter, Past speaking of in a king!-Thou hast one Who redeems nature from the general curse Which twain have brought her to.

Edg. Hail, gentle sir.

Gent. Sir, speed you: What's your will?
Edg. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?
Gent. Most sure, and vulgar: every one hears
Which can distinguish sound.
[that,
Edg.
But, by your favour,
How near's the other army?
[descry
Gent. Near, and on speedy foot, the main
Stands on the hourly thought.
Edg.
I thank you, sir: that's all.
Gent. Though that the queen on special cause
Her army is mov'd on.
[is here,
Edg.
I thank you, sir.
[Exit Gentleman.
Glo. You ever-gentle gods, take my breath
from me;

Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
To die before you please!

Edg.
Well pray you, father.
Glo. Now, good sir, what are you? [blows:
Edg. A most poor man made lame by fortune's

Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows, And woes, by wrong imaginations, lose
Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand, The knowledge of themselves.
I'll lead you to some biding.
Glo.

Hearty thanks:
The bounty and the benizon of heaven
To boot, and boot!

Now let thy friendly hand Put strength enough to it. [EDGAR opposes. Wherefore, bold peasant, Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence;

Stew.

Lest that the infection of his fortune take Like hold on thee. Let go his arm. Edg. Ch'ill not let go, zir, without vurther Stew. Let go, slave, or thou diest. ['casion. Edg. Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor volk pass. And ch'ud ha' been zwagger'd out of my life, 'twould not ha' been zo long as 'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near the old man; keep out, che vor'ye, or ise try whether your costard or my bat be the harder: Ch'ill be plain with you.

Stew. Out, dunghill!

Edg. Ch'ill pick your teeth, zir; Come; no matter vor your foins.

[They fight and EDGAR knocks him down. Stew. Slave, thou hast slain me:-Villain, take my purse;

If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body;
And give the letters, which thou find'st about me,
To Edmund, earl of Gloster; seek him out
Upon the British party :-O, untimely death!

[Dies.
Edg. I know thee well: A serviceable villain;
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress,
As badness would desire.
Glo.

What, is he dead? Edg. Sit you down, father; rest you.- [of, Let's see his pockets; these letters, that he speaks May be my friends.-He's dead: I am only sorry

He had no other deathsman.-Let us see: Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not: To know our enemies' minds, we'd rip their Their papers, is more lawful. [hearts;

[Reads.] Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is nothing done, if he return the conqueror: Then am I the prisoner, and his bed my gaol; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your labour.

Your wife (so I would say), and your affectionate servant, GONERIL. O undistinguish'd space of woman's will!A plot upon her virtuous husband's life; And the exchange, my brother!-Here, in the Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified [sands, Of murderous lechers: and, in the mature time, With this ungracious paper strike the sight Of the death-practis'd duke: for him 'tis well, That of thy death and business I can tell.

[Exit EDGAR, dragging out the Body. Glo. The king is mad: How stiff is my vile

Edg.

Re-enter EDGAR. Give me your hand: Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum, Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend.

SCENE VII.

[Exeunt.

A Tent in the French Camp. LEAR on a Bed, asleep: Physician, Gentleman; and Others attending: Enter CORDELIA and KENT.

Cor. O thou good Kent, how shall I live, and work,

To match thy goodness? My life will be too short,
And every measure fail me.
Lpaid.
Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'er-
All my reports go with the modest truth;
Nor more, nor clipp'd, but so.

Cor.

Kent.

Be better suited: These weeds are memories of these worser I pr'ythee put them off. [hours; Pardon me, dear madam; Yet to be known, shortens my made intent: My boon I make it, that you know me not, Till time and I think meet.

Cor. Then be it so, my good lord.-How does the king? [To the Physician. Phys. Madam, sleeps still. Cor. O you kind gods, Cure this great breach in his abused nature! The untun'd and jarring senses, O, wind up Of this child-changed father!

Phys. So please your majesty, That we may wake the king? he hath slept long. Cor. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed

I' the sway of your own will. Is he array'd Gent. Ay, madam; in the heaviness of his sleep, We put fresh garments on him.

Phys. Be by, good madam, when we do awake I doubt not of his temperance. [him; Cor. Very well. Phys. Please you, draw near.-Louder the musick there.

Thy medicine upon my lips; and let this kiss Cor. O my dear father! Restoration, hang Repair those violent harms, that my two sisters Have in thy reverence made!

Kent. Kind and dear princess! Cor. Had you not been their father, these white flakes Had challeng'd pity of them. Was this a fase To be expos'd against the warring winds? To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder? In the most terrible and nimble stroke Of quick, cross lightning? to watch (poor perdu!) With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog, Though he had bit me, should have stood that

night

Against my fire; And wast thou fain, poor father, To hovel thee with swine, and rogues forlorn, In short and musty straw? Alack, alack! 'Tis wonder, that thy life and wits at once Had not concluded all.-He wakes; speak to Phys. Madam, do you; 'tis fittest. [him. Cor. How does my royal lord? How fares your majesty ? [grave:

Lear. You do me wrong, to take me out o'the Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears Do scald like molten lead. Cor. Sir, do you know me? Lear. You are a spirit, I know; When did Cor. Still, still, far wide! [you die?

[pity,

Phys. He's scarce awake; let him alone awhile. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Lear. Where have I been?-Where am I?— Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, madam. Fair daylight?Reg. Now, sweet lord, I am mightily abus'd.-I should even die with You know the goodness I intend upon you: To see another thus.-I know not what to say-Tell me,-but truly,-but then speak the truth, I will not swear, these are my hands:-let's see; Do you not love my sister? I feel this pin prick. 'Would, I were assur'd Edm. In honour'd love. Of my condition. Reg. But have you never found my brother's To the forefended place? [way Edm. That thought abuses you. Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct

Cor.

O, look upon me, sir,

And hold your hands in benediction o'er me;-
No, sir, you must not kneel.

Lear.

(man:

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

Cor.

And so I am, I am.

Lear. Be your tears wet? Yes, 'faith. I pray,

weep not:

If you have poison for me, I will drink it.
I know you do not love me; for your sisters
Have, as I do remember, done me wrong:
You have some cause, they have not.
Cor.

Lear. Am I in France?
Kent.

No cause, no cause.

In your own kingdom, sir.
Lear. Do not abuse me.
[rage,
Phys. Be comforted, good madam: the great
You see, is cur'd in him: and yet it is danger
To make him even o'er the time he has lost.
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more,
Till further settling.

Cor. Will 't please your highness walk?
Lear.
You must bear with me:
'Pray now, forget and forgive: I am old, and
foolish.

[Exeunt LEAR, COR. Phy, and Attendants. Gent. Holds it true, sir,

That the Duke of Cornwall was so slain?

The bastard son of Gloster.

Kent.
Most certain, sir.
Gent. Who is conductor of his people?
Kent.
As 'tis said,
Gent.
They say, Edgar,
His banish'd son, is with the Earl of Kent
In Germany.
Kent.

Report is changeable.

'Tis time to look about; the powers o' the king-
Approach apace.
[dom
Gent. The arbitrement is like to be bloody.
Fare you well, sir.
[Exit.

Kent. My point and period will be thoroughly
wrought,

Or well, or ill, as this day's battle's fought.

Art Fifth.

[Exit.

With others, whom the rigour of our state
Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest,
I never yet was valiant: for this business,
It toucheth us as France invades our land,
Not bolds the king; with others, whom I fear
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.

Reg.
Why is this reason'd?
Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy:
For these domestick and particular broils
Are not to question here.

Alb.
Let us then determine
With the ancient of war on our proceedings.
Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent.
Reg. Sister, you'll go with us.
Gon. No.

Reg. 'Tis most convenient; 'pray you, go
with us.
[will go.
Gon. O, ho, I know the riddle: [Ăside.] I
As they are going out, enter EDGAR, disguised.
Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man
Hear me one word.
[so poor,
Alb.
I'll overtake you.-Speak.
[Exeunt EDMUND, REGAN, GONERIL, Offi-
cers, Soldiers, and Attendants,
Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion, that will prove.
What is avouched there: If you miscarry,
Your business of the world hath so an end,
Fortune love you!
And machination ceases.
Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.
Edg.
I was forbad it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.
[Exit.

Alb. Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy
paper.

Re-enter EDMUND.

Edm. The enemy's in view, draw up your
powers,

Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
By diligent discovery;—but your haste
Is now urg'd on you.
Alb.

We will greet the time. (Exit. Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love:

Each jealous of the other, as the stung

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