Enough, enough, and die. That thing you speak
I took it for a man; often 'twould say, [of,
The fiend, the fiend: he led me to that place.
Edg. Bear free and patient thoughts.-But
who comes here?

Enter Lear,fantastically dressed upwith flowers.
The safer sense will ne'er accommodate
His master thus.

in your head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a light: yet you see how this world goes. Glo. I see it feelingly.

L. What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes, with no eyes. Look with thine ears; see how yon' justice rails upon yon' simple thief. Hark, in thine ear: Change places; and, handydandy, which is the justice, which is the thief?→→

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.1-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. 2-0, well flown bird!-i' the clout, i' the clout3: 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 white hairs in my beard, ere the black ones were there. To say ay, and no, to every thing I said! -Ay and no too was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me once, and the wind to 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 remember: Is't not the king?

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:
For Gloster's bastard son

Was kinder to his father, than my daughters.
Behold yon simpering dame,
Whose face between her forks presageth snow;
That minces virtue, and does shake the head
To hear of pleasure's name; [darkness.
Beneath is all the fiends; there's hell, there's
There is the sulphurous pit, burning, scalding,
stench, consumption;-Fie, fie, fie; 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!

L. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality. Glo. O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world Shall so wear out to nought.-Dost thou know me? L. 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.

G. Were all the letters suns, I could not see one. Edg. I would not take this from report;-it is, And my heart breaks at it.

Lear. Read.

Glo. Ay, sir.

Lear. And the creature run from the cur? There thou might'st behold the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office. Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand: Why dost thou lash that wanton? Strip thine own back;

Thou hotly lustest in that kind For which thou whipp'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener.

Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear; Robes, and furr'd gowns, hide all. Plate sin with gold,

And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks: Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw doth pierce it. None does offend, none, I say, none; I'll able'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 [now: To see the things thou dost not.-Now, how, now, Pull off my boots:-harder, harder; so.

Edg. O, matter and impertinency mix'd! Reason in madness!

L. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes. 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 air, We wawl, and cry:-I will preach to thee; mark Glo. Alack, alack the day!

[me.

Lear. Whenwe are born, we cry, thatwe are come To this great stage of fools;Tis a good plot. 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. Oh, here he is, lay hand upon him,-Sir, Your most dear daughter

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,

Gent.

You shall have any thing. Lear. No seconds? All myself? Why, this would make a man, a man of salt, 2 To use his eyes for garden water-pots, Ay, and for laying autumn's dust. Gent. Good sir,L. 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. Asight most pitiful in the meanest wretch; 1 (A game.)

2 Tears.

Past speaking of in a king!-Thou hast one daughter,

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? E. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward1? G. Most sure, and vulgar; every one hears that, Which can distinguish sound.

Edg. But, by your favour, How near's the other army? Gent. Near, and on speedy food; the main Stands on the hourly thought.2 [descry Edg. I thank you, sir: that's all. Gent. Though that the queen on special cause is Her army is mov'd on. [here, Edg. I thank you, sir. [Exit Gent. Glo. You ever-gentle gods,take my breath from Let not my worser spirits tempt me again [me; To die before you please!

Edg. Well pray you, father. Glo. Now, good sir, what are you? [blows; Edg. A most poor man, made tame by fortune's Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows, Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand, I'll lead you to some biding. Glo. Hearty thanks: The bounty and the benizon of heaven To boot, and boot 5!

Enter Steward.

Stew. A proclaim'd prize! Most happy! That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh To raise my fortunes.-Thou old unhappy traitor, Briefly thyself remember:-The sword is out That must destroy thee.

Glo.

Now let thy friendly hand Put strength enough to it. [Edgar opposes. Stew. Wherefore, bold peasant, Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence; Lest that the infection of his fortune take Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.

E. Ch'ill not let go, sir, without vurther'casion. Stew. Let go, slave, or thou diest.

Edg. Good gentlemen, 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 bats be the harder: Ch'ill be plain with you.

Stew. Out, dunghill!

Edg. Ch'ill pick your teeth, zir: Come; no matter for your foins.9

[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;

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 death's man.-Let us see: Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not: To know our enemies' mind, we'd rip their Their papers, is more lawful. [hearts;

You have many opportunities to cut him of: [Reads.] Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. 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 which deliver me, and supply the place for your labour.

Your wife, (so I would say,) and your
GONERIL.
affectionate servant,

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,1 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.
G. The king is mad: How stiff is my vile sense,
That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract:
So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs;
And woes, by wrong imaginations, lose
The knowledge of themselves.

Re-enter Edgar.

Edg. Give me your hand: Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum. Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. [Exeunt.

SCENE VII.-A TENT IN THE FRENCH CAMP. Lear on a Bed, asleep: Physician, Gentleman, and others, attending. Enter Cordelia and Kent.

C.O thou good Kent, how shall I live, and work, Tomatch thy goodness? My life will be too short, And every measure fail me.

Cor.

Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'erpaid. All my reports go with the modest truth;" Nor more, nor clipp'd, but so. Be better suited 3: These weeds are memories of those worser hours; I pr'ythee, put them off. Kent. 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.-[To the Physician.] How does the king?

Phys. Madam, sleeps still.

Cor. O you kind gods,

Cure this great breach in his abused nature! Th' untun'd and jarring senses, O, wind up, Of this child-changed father!

1 Bury. 2 Death practised on. 8 Dressed

Phys. So please your majesty, That we may wake the king? he hath slept long. C. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed I' the sway of your own will. Is he array'd? G. Ay, madam; in the heaviness of his sleep, We put fresh garments on him.

Ph. 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.

Cor. O my dear father! Restoration, hang Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss 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 face
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 perdu1!)
With this thin helm 2? Mine enemy's dog,
Though he had bit me, should have stood that
night
[father,
Against my fire; And wast thou fain, poor
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?
L. You are a spirit, I know; When did you
Cor. Still, still, far wide!
[die?
Ph. He's scarce awake; let him alone awhile.
Lear. Where have I been?-Where am I?-Fair
day-light?

[pity,
I am mightily abus'd.-I should even die with
To see another thus.-I know not what to say.
I will not swear, these are my hands:-let's see;
I feel this pin prick. 'Would I were assur'd
Of my condition.

O, look upon me, sir,

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

[man:

Lear.
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
For, as I am a man, I think this lady [me;
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.
2 Thin covering of hair.

1 Forlorn hope.

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.
No cause, no cause.

Lear. Am I in France? Kent.

In your own kingdom, sir. Lear. Do not abuse me. [rage, Ph. 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 & forgive: I am old, & foolish.
[Exeunt Lear, Cor., Phys., and Attend.
Gent. Holds it true, sir,

That the duke of Cornwall was so slain?
Kent.
Most certain, sir.
Gent. Who is conductor of his people?
Kent.
As 'tis said,

The bastard son of Gloster.
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 kingApproach apace. [dom Gent. The arbitrement is like to be a 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. [Exit.

Act Fifth.

SCENE I.THE CAMP OF THE BRITISH FORCES, NEAR DOVER.

Enter, with Drums and Colours, Edmund, Regan, Officers, Soldiers, and others. E. Know of the duke, if his last purpose hold; Or, whether since he is advis'd by aught To change the course: He's full of alteration, And self-reproving: [To an Officer, who goes out.] bring his constant pleasure.1

Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, madam. Reg. Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you: Tell me, but truly,-but then speak the truth, Do you not love my sister?

Edm. In honour'd love. Reg. I never shall endure her: Dear my lord, Be not familiar with her. Edm. Fear me not:She, and the duke her husband,

Enter Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers. Gon. [Aside.] I had rather lose the battle, than Should loosen him and me. [that sister

Alb. Our very loving sister, well be met.Sir, this I hear,-The king is come to his daughter, With others, whom the rigour of our state, Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest,

1 His settled resolution.

I never yet was valiant: for this business,
It toucheth us, as France invades our land,
Not bolds1 the king, with others, whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.2
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.

[us.

Reg. 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with Gon. O, ho, I know the riddle: [Aside. ]Iwill go. 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, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants.

Edg. Before you fight the battle,ope this letter. If you have victory, let the trumpet sound Forhim 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, And machination ceases. Fortune love you! Alb. Stay till I have read the letter. Edg. 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.

I was forbid it.

Re-enter Edmund. Edm.The enemy's inview,draw upyour powers. Here is the guess of their true strength and By diligent discovery;-but your haste [forces Is now urg'd on you.

Alb. We will greet the time.3 [Exit. Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my Each jealous of the other, as the stung [love; Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?

Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,

If both remain alive: To take the widow,
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
And hardly shall I carry out my side,+
Her husband being alive. Now then we'll use
His countenance for the battle: which being
Let her, who would be rid of him, devise [done,
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear, and to Cordelia,-
The battle done, and they within our power,
Shall never see his pardon: for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate. [Exit.

If ever I return to you again,
I'll bring you comfort.
Glo.

Grace go with you, sir! [Exit Edgar. Alarums: afterwards a Retreat. Re-enter Edgar.

Edg. Away, old man, give me thy hand, away; King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en: Give me thy hand, come on.

Glo. No further, sir; a man may rot even here. Edg. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure

Their going hence, even as their coming hither:
Ripeness is all: Come on.
Glo.
And that's true too.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.-THE BRITISH CAMP NEAR Dover.

Enter, in Conquest, with Drum and Colours, Edmund; Lear and Cordelia, as Prisoners; Officers, Soldiers, &c.

E. Some officers take them away: good guard; Until their greater pleasures first be known That are to censure1 them.

Cor. We are not the first, Who, with best meaning, have incurr'd the worst. For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down; Myself could else out-frown false fortune's [sisters?

frown.

Shall we not see these daughters, and these
We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage:
L. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison:
And ask of thee forgiveness: So we'll live,
When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk of court news: and we'll talk with them too-
Who loses, and who wins; who's in, who's out;-
And take upon us the mystery of things,
In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones,
As if we were Heaven's spies: And we'll wear out,
That ebb and flow by the moon.
Edm.
Take them away.
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I
Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
caught thee?

[ven,

He, that parts us, shall bring a brand from heaEre they shall make us weep: we'll see them And fire us hence, like foxes. Wipe thine eyes;

starve first.

Come. [Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded.
Edm. Come hither, captain; hark.
Take thou this note; [Giving a Paper.] go, fol-
low them to prison:

As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way

One step I have advanc'd thee; if thou dost

To noble fortunes: Know thou this,-that men
Are as the time is: to be tender-minded [ment
Does not become a sword:-Thy great employ-
Will not bear question; either say, thou 'lt do't,
Or thrive by other means.

Off.
I'll do 't, my lord.
Edm. About it; and write happy, when tha
hast done.

Mark,-I say, instantly; and carry it so,

As I have set it down.

1 Pass judgment on.