Scene III
The British camp near Dover
Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, Edmund; Lear and Cordelia, as prisoners; Captain, Soldiers, &c.[4598]
Edm. Some officers take them away: good guard,
Until their greater pleasures first be known[4599]
That are to censure them.
Until their greater pleasures first be known[4599]
That are to censure them.
Cor. We are not the first[4600][4601]
Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst.[4600]
For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;[4600][4602] 5
Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown.[4603]
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst.[4600]
For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;[4600][4602] 5
Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown.[4603]
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison:[4604]
We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage:
When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down 10
And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh[4605]
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too,[4606]
Who loses and who wins, who's in, who's out;[4607] 15
And take upon's the mystery of things,
As if we were God's spies: and we'll wear out,
In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones[4608]
That ebb and flow by the moon.
We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage:
When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down 10
And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh[4605]
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too,[4606]
Who loses and who wins, who's in, who's out;[4607] 15
And take upon's the mystery of things,
As if we were God's spies: and we'll wear out,
In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones[4608]
That ebb and flow by the moon.
Edm. Take them away.
Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia, 20
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?[4609]
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven,
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes;[4610]
The good-years shall devour them, flesh and fell,[4611][4612]
Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see 'em starve first.[4612][4613] 25
Come. [Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded.[4613][4614]
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?[4609]
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven,
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes;[4610]
The good-years shall devour them, flesh and fell,[4611][4612]
Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see 'em starve first.[4612][4613] 25
Come. [Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded.[4613][4614]
Edm. Come hither, captain; hark.[4615]
Take thou this note: go follow them to prison:[4616]
One step I have advanced thee; if thou dost[4617][4618]
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way[4618] 30
To noble fortunes: know thou this, that men[4618]
Are as the time is: to be tender-minded[4618][4619]
Does not become a sword: thy great employment[4618][4620]
Will not bear question; either say thou'lt do 't,[4618][4621]
Or thrive by other means.[4618]
Take thou this note: go follow them to prison:[4616]
One step I have advanced thee; if thou dost[4617][4618]
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way[4618] 30
To noble fortunes: know thou this, that men[4618]
Are as the time is: to be tender-minded[4618][4619]
Does not become a sword: thy great employment[4618][4620]
Will not bear question; either say thou'lt do 't,[4618][4621]
Or thrive by other means.[4618]
Capt. I'll do 't, my lord. 35
Edm. About it; and write happy when thou hast done.[4622]
Mark; I say, instantly, and carry it so[4623]
As I have set it down.
Mark; I say, instantly, and carry it so[4623]
As I have set it down.
Capt. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;[4624]
If it be man's work, I'll do't. [Exit.[4624]40
If it be man's work, I'll do't. [Exit.[4624]40
Flourish. Enter Albany, Goneril, Regan, another Captain, and Soldiers.[4625]
Alb. Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant strain,[4626]
And fortune led you well: you have the captives[4627]
That were the opposites of this day's strife:[4628]
We do require them of you, so to use them[4629]
As we shall find their merits and our safety 45
May equally determine.
And fortune led you well: you have the captives[4627]
That were the opposites of this day's strife:[4628]
We do require them of you, so to use them[4629]
As we shall find their merits and our safety 45
May equally determine.
Edm. Sir, I thought it fit[4630]
To send the old and miserable king[4631][4632]
To some retention and appointed guard;[4631][4633]
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,[4634]
To pluck the common bosom on his side,[4635] 50
And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen:[4636]
My reason all the same; and they are ready[4636][4637]
To-morrow or at further space to appear[4637][4638]
Where you shall hold your session. At this time[4637][4639][4640][4641] 55
We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;[4640][4641]
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed[4641]
By those that feel their sharpness.[4641][4642]
The question of Cordelia and her father[4641]
Requires a fitter place.[4641]
To send the old and miserable king[4631][4632]
To some retention and appointed guard;[4631][4633]
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,[4634]
To pluck the common bosom on his side,[4635] 50
And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen:[4636]
My reason all the same; and they are ready[4636][4637]
To-morrow or at further space to appear[4637][4638]
Where you shall hold your session. At this time[4637][4639][4640][4641] 55
We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;[4640][4641]
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed[4641]
By those that feel their sharpness.[4641][4642]
The question of Cordelia and her father[4641]
Requires a fitter place.[4641]
Reg. That's as we list to grace him.
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded,[4644]
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person; 65
The which immediacy may well stand up[4645]
And call itself your brother.
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded,[4644]
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person; 65
The which immediacy may well stand up[4645]
And call itself your brother.
Gon. Not so hot:[4646]
In his own grace he doth exalt himself[4646]
More than in your addition.[4646][4647]
In his own grace he doth exalt himself[4646]
More than in your addition.[4646][4647]
Gon. That were the most, if he should husband you.[4650]
Reg. Jesters do oft prove prophets.
Reg. Lady, I am not well; else I should answer
From a full-flowing stomach. General,
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;
Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine:[4654]
Witness the world, that I create thee here
My lord and master.
From a full-flowing stomach. General,
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;
Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine:[4654]
Witness the world, that I create thee here
My lord and master.
Gon. Mean you to enjoy him?[4655]
Alb. The let-alone lies not in your good will.[4656] 80
Edm. Nor in thine, lord.
Alb. Half-blooded fellow, yes.
Reg. [To Edmund] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.[4657]
Alb. Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee[4658]
On capital treason; and in thine attaint[4659]
This gilded serpent [pointing to Gon.]. For your claim, fair sister,[4660]85
I bar it in the interest of my wife;[4661]
'Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord,[4662]
And I, her husband, contradict your bans.[4663]
If you will marry, make your loves to me;[4664]
My lady is bespoke.
On capital treason; and in thine attaint[4659]
This gilded serpent [pointing to Gon.]. For your claim, fair sister,[4660]85
I bar it in the interest of my wife;[4661]
'Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord,[4662]
And I, her husband, contradict your bans.[4663]
If you will marry, make your loves to me;[4664]
My lady is bespoke.
Gon. An interlude![4665] 90
Alb. Thou art arm'd, Gloucester: let the trumpet sound:[4665][4666]
If none appear to prove upon thy person[4667]
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge [throwing down a glove]: I'll prove it on thy heart,[4668][4669]
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less 95
Than I have here proclaim'd thee.
If none appear to prove upon thy person[4667]
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge [throwing down a glove]: I'll prove it on thy heart,[4668][4669]
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less 95
Than I have here proclaim'd thee.
Reg. Sick, O, sick!
Gon. [Aside] If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine.[4670]
Edm. [Throwing down a glove] There's my exchange: what in the world he is[4668][4671]
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies:
Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach,[4672] 100
On him, on you,—who not?—I will maintain[4673]
My truth and honour firmly.
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies:
Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach,[4672] 100
On him, on you,—who not?—I will maintain[4673]
My truth and honour firmly.
Alb. A herald, ho!
Edm. A herald, ho, a herald![4674]
Alb. Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,[4675]
All levied in my name, have in my name[4676] 105
Took their discharge.[4676][4677]
All levied in my name, have in my name[4676] 105
Took their discharge.[4676][4677]
Reg. My sickness grows upon me.
Alb. She is not well; convey her to my tent.
[Exit Regan, led.
Enter a Herald.[4678]
Capt. Sound, trumpet! [A trumpet sounds.[4681] 110
Her. [Reads] 'If any man of quality or degree within[4682][4683]
the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed[4683]
Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him[4684]
appear by the third sound of the trumpet: he is bold in[4685]
his defence.' 115
the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed[4683]
Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him[4684]
appear by the third sound of the trumpet: he is bold in[4685]
his defence.' 115
Edm. Sound! [First trumpet.[4686]
Her. Again! [Second trumpet.[4687]
Her. Again! [Third trumpet.
[Trumpet answers within.
Enter Edgar, at the third sound, armed, with a trumpet before him.[4688]
Alb. Ask him his purposes, why he appears
Upon this call o' the trumpet.
Upon this call o' the trumpet.
Her. What are you?[4689] 120
Your name, your quality? and why you answer[4689][4690]
This present summons?[4689]
Your name, your quality? and why you answer[4689][4690]
This present summons?[4689]
Edg. Know, my name is lost;[4691][4692][4693]
By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit:[4692][4693]
Yet am I noble as the adversary[4692][4694]
I come to cope.[4692][4695]
By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit:[4692][4693]
Yet am I noble as the adversary[4692][4694]
I come to cope.[4692][4695]
Alb. Which is that adversary? 125
Edg. What's he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
Edm. Himself: what say'st thou to him?
Edg. Draw thy sword,
That if my speech offend a noble heart,[4696]
Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine.[4696][4697]
Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,[4698] 130
My oath, and my profession: I protest,
Maugre thy strength, youth, place and eminence,[4699]
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,[4700]
Thy valour and thy heart, thou art a traitor,
False to thy gods, thy brother and thy father,[4701] 135
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince,[4702]
And from the extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust below thy foot,[4703]
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou 'No,'
This sword, this arm and my best spirits are bent[4704][4705] 140
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,[4704]
Thou liest.[4704]
That if my speech offend a noble heart,[4696]
Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine.[4696][4697]
Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,[4698] 130
My oath, and my profession: I protest,
Maugre thy strength, youth, place and eminence,[4699]
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,[4700]
Thy valour and thy heart, thou art a traitor,
False to thy gods, thy brother and thy father,[4701] 135
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince,[4702]
And from the extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust below thy foot,[4703]
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou 'No,'
This sword, this arm and my best spirits are bent[4704][4705] 140
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,[4704]
Thou liest.[4704]
Edm. In wisdom I should ask thy name,[4706]
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike
And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,[4707]
What safe and nicely I might well delay[4708] 145
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn:[4709]
Back do I toss these treasons to thy head;[4710]
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart;[4711]
Which for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,[4712]
This sword of mine shall give them instant way, 150
Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike
And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,[4707]
What safe and nicely I might well delay[4708] 145
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn:[4709]
Back do I toss these treasons to thy head;[4710]
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart;[4711]
Which for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,[4712]
This sword of mine shall give them instant way, 150
Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!
[Alarums. They fight. Edmund falls.[4713]
Alb. Save him, save him![4714]
Gon. This is practice, Gloucester:[4715][4716]
By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer[4715][4717]
An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish'd,[4715]
But cozen'd and beguiled.[4715]
By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer[4715][4717]
An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish'd,[4715]
But cozen'd and beguiled.[4715]
Alb. Shut your mouth, dame,[4718][4719] 155
Or with this paper shall I stop it. Hold, sir;[4718][4720]
Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.[4718][4721]
No tearing, lady; I perceive you know it.[4718][4722]
Or with this paper shall I stop it. Hold, sir;[4718][4720]
Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.[4718][4721]
No tearing, lady; I perceive you know it.[4718][4722]
Gon. Ask me not what I know. [Exit.[4726]
Alb. Go after her: she's desperate; govern her.[4727]
Edm. What you have charged me with, that have I done;[4728]
And more, much more; the time will bring it out:
'Tis past, and so am I. But what art thou[4729] 165
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,[4729][4730]
I do forgive thee.[4729]
And more, much more; the time will bring it out:
'Tis past, and so am I. But what art thou[4729] 165
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,[4729][4730]
I do forgive thee.[4729]
Edg. Let's exchange charity.[4731]
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;
If more, the more thou hast wrong'd me.[4732]
My name is Edgar, and thy father's son. 170
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices[4733]
Make instruments to plague us:[4734][4735]
The dark and vicious place where thee he got[4734][4736]
Cost him his eyes.[4734]
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;
If more, the more thou hast wrong'd me.[4732]
My name is Edgar, and thy father's son. 170
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices[4733]
Make instruments to plague us:[4734][4735]
The dark and vicious place where thee he got[4734][4736]
Cost him his eyes.[4734]
Edm. Thou hast spoken right, 'tis true;[4737][4738]
The wheel is come full circle; I am here.[4737][4739] 175
The wheel is come full circle; I am here.[4737][4739] 175
Alb. Methought thy very gait did prophesy[4740]
A royal nobleness: I must embrace thee:
Let sorrow split my heart, if ever I[4741]
Did hate thee or thy father![4741]
A royal nobleness: I must embrace thee:
Let sorrow split my heart, if ever I[4741]
Did hate thee or thy father![4741]
Edg. Worthy prince, I know't.[4742]
Alb. Where have you hid yourself?[4743] 180
How have you known the miseries of your father?[4743][4744]
How have you known the miseries of your father?[4743][4744]
Edg. By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale;[4745]
And when 'tis told, O, that my heart would burst![4745][4746]
The bloody proclamation to escape[4745][4746]
That follow'd me so near,—O, our lives' sweetness![4745][4747] 185
That we the pain of death would hourly die[4745][4748]
Rather than die at once!—taught me to shift[4745]
Into a madman's rags, to assume a semblance[4745]
That very dogs disdain'd: and in this habit[4745][4749]
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,[4745] 190
Their precious stones new lost; became his guide,[4750]
Led him, begg'd for him, saved him from despair;
Never—O fault!—reveal'd myself unto him,[4751]
Until some half-hour past, when I was arm'd;[4752]
Not sure, though hoping, of this good success, 195
I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my pilgrimage: but his flaw'd heart,—[4753][4754]
Alack, too weak the conflict to support!—[4754]
'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,[4754][4755]
Burst smilingly.[4756]
And when 'tis told, O, that my heart would burst![4745][4746]
The bloody proclamation to escape[4745][4746]
That follow'd me so near,—O, our lives' sweetness![4745][4747] 185
That we the pain of death would hourly die[4745][4748]
Rather than die at once!—taught me to shift[4745]
Into a madman's rags, to assume a semblance[4745]
That very dogs disdain'd: and in this habit[4745][4749]
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,[4745] 190
Their precious stones new lost; became his guide,[4750]
Led him, begg'd for him, saved him from despair;
Never—O fault!—reveal'd myself unto him,[4751]
Until some half-hour past, when I was arm'd;[4752]
Not sure, though hoping, of this good success, 195
I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my pilgrimage: but his flaw'd heart,—[4753][4754]
Alack, too weak the conflict to support!—[4754]
'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,[4754][4755]
Burst smilingly.[4756]
Edm. This speech of yours hath moved me, 200
And shall perchance do good: but speak you on;
You look as you had something more to say.
And shall perchance do good: but speak you on;
You look as you had something more to say.
Alb. If there be more, more woful, hold it in;[4757]
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.[4758]
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.[4758]
Edg. This would have seem'd a period[4759][4760][4761][4762] 205
To such as love not sorrow; but another,[4759][4760][4762][4763][4764]
To amplify too much, would make much more,[4759][4760][4762][4764][4765]
And top extremity.[4759][4760]
Whilst I was big in clamour, came there in a man,[4759][4766]
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,[4759][4767] 210
Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding[4759][4768]
Who 'twas that so endured, with his strong arms[4759][4769]
He fasten'd on my neck, and bellow'd out[4759][4770]
As he'ld burst heaven; threw him on my father;[4759][4771]
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him[4759][4772] 215
That ever ear received: which in recounting[4759]
His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life[4759][4773]
Began to crack: twice then the trumpets sounded,[4759][4774]
And there I left him tranced.[4759]
To such as love not sorrow; but another,[4759][4760][4762][4763][4764]
To amplify too much, would make much more,[4759][4760][4762][4764][4765]
And top extremity.[4759][4760]
Whilst I was big in clamour, came there in a man,[4759][4766]
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,[4759][4767] 210
Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding[4759][4768]
Who 'twas that so endured, with his strong arms[4759][4769]
He fasten'd on my neck, and bellow'd out[4759][4770]
As he'ld burst heaven; threw him on my father;[4759][4771]
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him[4759][4772] 215
That ever ear received: which in recounting[4759]
His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life[4759][4773]
Began to crack: twice then the trumpets sounded,[4759][4774]
And there I left him tranced.[4759]
Alb. But who was this?[4759]
Edg. Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise[4759] 220
Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service[4759][4775]
Improper for a slave.[4759]
Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service[4759][4775]
Improper for a slave.[4759]
Enter a Gentleman, with a bloody knife.[4776]
Edg. What kind of help?[4779]
Alb. Speak, man.
Edg. What means this bloody knife?[4779]
Gent. 'Tis hot, it smokes;[4780][4781]
It came even from the heart of—O, she's dead![4781][4782] 225
It came even from the heart of—O, she's dead![4781][4782] 225
Alb. Who dead? speak, man.[4783]
Gent. Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister
By her is poisoned; she hath confess'd it.[4784]
By her is poisoned; she hath confess'd it.[4784]
Edm. I was contracted to them both: all three
Now marry in an instant.
Now marry in an instant.
Edg. Here comes Kent.[4785] 230
Alb. Produce the bodies, be they alive or dead.
[Exit Gentleman.[4786]
This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble,[4787]
Touches us not with pity.
Touches us not with pity.
Enter Kent.
O, is this he?[4788][4789]
The time will not allow the compliment[4789][4790]
Which very manners urges.[4789][4791]
The time will not allow the compliment[4789][4790]
Which very manners urges.[4789][4791]
Alb. Great thing of us forgot![4794][4795][4796]
Speak, Edmund, where's the king? and where's Cordelia?[4795]
See'st thou this object, Kent?[4795]
Speak, Edmund, where's the king? and where's Cordelia?[4795]
See'st thou this object, Kent?[4795]
[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in.[4797]
Kent. Alack, why thus?
Edm. Yet Edmund was beloved:[4798] 240
The one the other poison'd for my sake,[4798][4799]
And after slew herself.[4798][4800]
The one the other poison'd for my sake,[4798][4799]
And after slew herself.[4798][4800]
Alb. Even so. Cover their faces.[4794]
Edm. I pant for life: some good I mean to do,[4801]
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send,[4801][4802] 245
Be brief in it, to the castle; for my writ[4801][4803]
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia:[4801][4804]
Nay, send in time.[4801]
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send,[4801][4802] 245
Be brief in it, to the castle; for my writ[4801][4803]
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia:[4801][4804]
Nay, send in time.[4801]
Edm. He hath commission from thy wife and me[4810]
To hang Cordelia in the prison, and[4810]
To lay the blame upon her own despair,[4810] 255
That she fordid herself.[4810][4811]
To hang Cordelia in the prison, and[4810]
To lay the blame upon her own despair,[4810] 255
That she fordid herself.[4810][4811]
Alb. The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile.[4794]
[Edmund is borne off.[4812]
Re-enter Lear, with Cordelia dead in his arms; Edgar, Captain, and others following.
Lear. Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones:[4813]
Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so
That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever![4814] 260
I know when one is dead and when one lives;
She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass;
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,[4815][4816]
Why, then she lives.[4815][4817]
Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so
That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever![4814] 260
I know when one is dead and when one lives;
She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass;
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,[4815][4816]
Why, then she lives.[4815][4817]
Kent. Is this the promised end?
Edg. Or image of that horror?
Lear. This feather stirs; she lives. If it be so,[4819]
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows[4819][4820]
That ever I have felt.[4819]
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows[4819][4820]
That ever I have felt.[4819]
Kent. [Kneeling] O my good master![4821]
Lear. Prithee, away.
Edg. 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
Lear. A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all![4822][4823] 270
I might have saved her; now she's gone for ever![4822]
Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha![4822][4824]
What is't thou say'st? Her voice was ever soft,[4822][4825]
Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.[4822][4826]
I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee.[4822] 275
I might have saved her; now she's gone for ever![4822]
Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha![4822][4824]
What is't thou say'st? Her voice was ever soft,[4822][4825]
Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.[4822][4826]
I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee.[4822] 275
Capt. 'Tis true, my lords, he did.[4827]
Lear. Did I not, fellow?[4828]
I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion[4828][4829]
I would have made them skip: I am old now,[4828][4830]
And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you?[4828]
Mine eyes are not o' the best: I'll tell you straight.[4828][4831] 280
I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion[4828][4829]
I would have made them skip: I am old now,[4828][4830]
And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you?[4828]
Mine eyes are not o' the best: I'll tell you straight.[4828][4831] 280
Lear. This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?[4834]
Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that;[4836] 285
He'll strike, and quickly too: he's dead and rotten.[4837]
He'll strike, and quickly too: he's dead and rotten.[4837]
Kent. No, my good lord; I am the very man—[4838]
Lear. I'll see that straight.
Kent. That from your first of difference and decay[4839]
Have follow'd your sad steps.
Have follow'd your sad steps.
Lear. You are welcome hither.[4840] 290
Kent. Nor no man else: all's cheerless, dark and deadly.[4841]
Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves.[4842]
And desperately are dead.
Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves.[4842]
And desperately are dead.
Lear. Ay, so I think.[4843]
Edg. Very bootless. 295
Enter a Captain.[4845]
Capt. Edmund is dead, my lord.[4846]
Alb. That's but a trifle here.[4847][4848]
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.[4847]
What comfort to this great decay may come[4847][4849]
Shall be applied: for us, we will resign,[4847]
During the life of this old majesty,[4847] 300
To him our absolute power: [To Edgar and Kent] you, to your rights;[4847][4850]
With boot, and such addition as your honours[4847][4851]
Have more than merited. All friends shall taste[4847][4852]
The wages of their virtue, and all foes[4852]
The cup of their deservings. O, see, see![4852][4853] 305
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.[4847]
What comfort to this great decay may come[4847][4849]
Shall be applied: for us, we will resign,[4847]
During the life of this old majesty,[4847] 300
To him our absolute power: [To Edgar and Kent] you, to your rights;[4847][4850]
With boot, and such addition as your honours[4847][4851]
Have more than merited. All friends shall taste[4847][4852]
The wages of their virtue, and all foes[4852]
The cup of their deservings. O, see, see![4852][4853] 305
Lear. And my poor fool is hang'd! No, no, no life![4854][4855]
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life,[4854][4856]
And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,[4854][4857]
Never, never, never, never, never![4854][4858]
Pray you, undo this button: thank you, sir.[4854][4859][4860] 310
Do you see this? Look on her, look, her lips,[4860][4861]
Look there, look there! [Dies.[4860]
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life,[4854][4856]
And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,[4854][4857]
Never, never, never, never, never![4854][4858]
Pray you, undo this button: thank you, sir.[4854][4859][4860] 310
Do you see this? Look on her, look, her lips,[4860][4861]
Look there, look there! [Dies.[4860]
Edg. He faints. My lord, my lord![4862]
Kent. Break, heart; I prithee, break!
Edg. Look up, my lord.[4863]
Kent. Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him[4864][4865]
That would upon the rack of this tough world[4864][4866] 315
Stretch him out longer.[4864]
That would upon the rack of this tough world[4864][4866] 315
Stretch him out longer.[4864]
Edg. He is gone indeed.[4867]
Kent. The wonder is he hath endured so long:
He but usurp'd his life.[4868]
He but usurp'd his life.[4868]
Alb. Bear them from hence. Our present business[4869]
Is general woe. [To Kent and Edgar] Friends of my soul, you twain[4870]320
Rule in this realm and the gored state sustain.[4871]
Is general woe. [To Kent and Edgar] Friends of my soul, you twain[4870]320
Rule in this realm and the gored state sustain.[4871]
Kent. I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;[4872]
My master calls me, I must not say no.[4872][4873]
My master calls me, I must not say no.[4872][4873]
We’ll remember where you stopped. All chapters