Scene IV
A hall in the same
Enter Kent, disguised.[2791]
Kent. If but as well I other accents borrow,[2792][2793]
That can my speech defuse, my good intent[2792][2794]
May carry through itself to that full issue[2792]
For which I razed my likeness. Now, banish'd Kent,[2792][2795]
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,[2792] 5
So may it come, thy master whom thou lovest[2792][2796]
Shall find thee full of labours.[2792]
That can my speech defuse, my good intent[2792][2794]
May carry through itself to that full issue[2792]
For which I razed my likeness. Now, banish'd Kent,[2792][2795]
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,[2792] 5
So may it come, thy master whom thou lovest[2792][2796]
Shall find thee full of labours.[2792]
Horns within. Enter Lear, Knights, and Attendants.[2797]
Lear. Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready.
[Exit an Attendant.] How now! what art thou?[2798]
[Exit an Attendant.] How now! what art thou?[2798]
Kent. A man, sir. 10
Lear. What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou
with us?
with us?
Kent. I do profess to be no less than I seem; to serve
him truly that will put me in trust; to love him that is honest;
to converse with him that is wise and says little; to fear[2799] 15
judgement; to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.
him truly that will put me in trust; to love him that is honest;
to converse with him that is wise and says little; to fear[2799] 15
judgement; to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.
Lear. What art thou?[2800]
Kent. A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as
the king.
the king.
Lear. If thou be as poor for a subject as he is for a[2801] 20
king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?[2802]
king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?[2802]
Kent. Service.
Lear. Who wouldst thou serve?[2803]
Kent. You.
Lear. Dost thou know me, fellow? 25
Kent. No, sir; but you have that in your countenance
which I would fain call master.
which I would fain call master.
Lear. What's that?[2804]
Kent. Authority.
Lear. What services canst thou do?[2805] 30
Kent. I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a[2806]
curious tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message
bluntly: that which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified
in, and the best of me is diligence.
curious tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message
bluntly: that which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified
in, and the best of me is diligence.
Lear. How old art thou? 35
Kent. Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing,[2807]
nor so old to dote on her for any thing: I have years on my
back forty eight.
nor so old to dote on her for any thing: I have years on my
back forty eight.
Lear. Follow me; thou shalt serve me: if I like thee no[2808][2809]
worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner,[2809][2810] 40
ho, dinner! Where's my knave? my fool? Go you, and[2810]
call my fool hither. [Exit an Attendant.[2811]
worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner,[2809][2810] 40
ho, dinner! Where's my knave? my fool? Go you, and[2810]
call my fool hither. [Exit an Attendant.[2811]
Enter Oswald.[2812]
You, you, sirrah, where's my daughter?[2813]
Osw. So please you,— [Exit.[2814]
Lear. What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll[2815] 45
back. [Exit a Knight.] Where's my fool, ho? I think[2816]
the world's asleep.
back. [Exit a Knight.] Where's my fool, ho? I think[2816]
the world's asleep.
Re-enter Knight.[2817]
How now! where's that mongrel?
Knight. He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.[2818]
Lear. Why came not the slave back to me when I 50
called him?
called him?
Lear. He would not![2821]
Knight. My lord, I know not what the matter is; but,[2819] 55
to my judgement, your highness is not entertained with that
ceremonious affection as you were wont; there's a great
abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants[2822]
as in the duke himself also and your daughter.
to my judgement, your highness is not entertained with that
ceremonious affection as you were wont; there's a great
abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants[2822]
as in the duke himself also and your daughter.
Lear. Ha! sayest thou so? 60
Knight. I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, if I be[2819]
mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I think
your highness wronged.[2823]
mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I think
your highness wronged.[2823]
Lear. Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception:[2824]
I have perceived a most faint neglect of late; which I[2825] 65
have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as[2826]
a very pretence and purpose of unkindness: I will look[2827]
further into't. But where's my fool? I have not seen him[2828]
this two days.[2829]
I have perceived a most faint neglect of late; which I[2825] 65
have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as[2826]
a very pretence and purpose of unkindness: I will look[2827]
further into't. But where's my fool? I have not seen him[2828]
this two days.[2829]
Knight. Since my young lady's going into France, sir,[2830] 70
the fool hath much pined away.
the fool hath much pined away.
Lear. No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you,[2831]
and tell my daughter I would speak with her. [Exit an Attendant.][2832]
Go you, call hither my fool. [Exit an Attendant.
and tell my daughter I would speak with her. [Exit an Attendant.][2832]
Go you, call hither my fool. [Exit an Attendant.
Re-enter Oswald.[2833]
O, you sir, you, come you hither, sir: who am I, sir?[2834] 75
Osw. My lady's father.
Lear. My lady's father! my lord's knave: you whoreson
dog! you slave! you cur!
dog! you slave! you cur!
Lear. Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
[Striking him.[2838]
Osw. I'll not be struck, my lord.[2839]
Kent. Nor tripped neither, you base foot-ball player.[2840]
[Tripping up his heels.
Kent. Come, sir, arise, away! I'll teach you differences:[2842]
away, away! If you will measure your lubber's length again,[2843]
tarry: but away! go to; have you wisdom? so.[2844]
away, away! If you will measure your lubber's length again,[2843]
tarry: but away! go to; have you wisdom? so.[2844]
[Pushes Oswald out.
Lear. Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee: there's[2845]
earnest of thy service. [Giving Kent money.[2846] 90
earnest of thy service. [Giving Kent money.[2846] 90
Enter Fool.
Fool. Let me hire him too: here's my coxcomb.[2847]
[Offering Kent his cap.
Lear. How now, my pretty knave! how dost thou?
Fool. Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
Kent. Why, fool?[2848]
Fool. Why, for taking one's part that's out of favour:[2849] 95
nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch[2850]
cold shortly: there, take my coxcomb: why, this fellow hath[2851]
banished two on's daughters, and done the third a blessing[2852]
against his will; if thou follow him, thou must needs wear
my coxcomb. How now, nuncle! Would I had two coxcombs 100
and two daughters![2853]
nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch[2850]
cold shortly: there, take my coxcomb: why, this fellow hath[2851]
banished two on's daughters, and done the third a blessing[2852]
against his will; if thou follow him, thou must needs wear
my coxcomb. How now, nuncle! Would I had two coxcombs 100
and two daughters![2853]
Lear. Why, my boy?
Fool. If I gave them all my living, I'ld keep my coxcombs[2854]
myself. There's mine; beg another of thy daughters.
myself. There's mine; beg another of thy daughters.
Lear. Take heed, sirrah; the whip. 105
Fool. Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped[2855]
out, when Lady the brach may stand by the fire and[2856]
stink.
out, when Lady the brach may stand by the fire and[2856]
stink.
Lear. A pestilent gall to me![2857]
Fool. Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.[2858] 110
Lear. Do.[2859]
Fool. Mark it, nuncle:[2860]
Have more than thou showest,[2861]
Speak less than thou knowest,[2861]
Lend less than thou owest,[2861] 115
Ride more than thou goest,[2861]
Learn more than thou trowest,[2861]
Set less than thou throwest;[2861]
Leave thy drink and thy whore,[2861]
And keep in-a-door,[2861][2862] 120
And thou shalt have more[2861]
Than two tens to a score.[2861]
Have more than thou showest,[2861]
Speak less than thou knowest,[2861]
Lend less than thou owest,[2861] 115
Ride more than thou goest,[2861]
Learn more than thou trowest,[2861]
Set less than thou throwest;[2861]
Leave thy drink and thy whore,[2861]
And keep in-a-door,[2861][2862] 120
And thou shalt have more[2861]
Than two tens to a score.[2861]
Kent. This is nothing, fool.[2863]
Fool. Then 'tis like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer,[2864]
you gave me nothing for't. Can you make no use of[2865] 125
nothing, nuncle?[2866]
you gave me nothing for't. Can you make no use of[2865] 125
nothing, nuncle?[2866]
Lear. Why, no, boy; nothing can be made out of
nothing.
nothing.
Fool. [To Kent] Prithee, tell him, so much the rent of[2867]
his land comes to: he will not believe a fool. 130
his land comes to: he will not believe a fool. 130
Lear. A bitter fool![2868]
Fool. Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between[2868][2869]
a bitter fool and a sweet fool?[2868][2870]
a bitter fool and a sweet fool?[2868][2870]
Lear. No, lad; teach me.[2868]
Fool. That lord that counsell'd thee[2871][2872][2873] 135
To give away thy land,[2872][2873]
Come place him here by me;[2872][2873]
Do thou for him stand:[2872][2873][2874]
The sweet and bitter fool[2872][2873]
Will presently appear;[2872][2873]
The one in motley here,[2872][2873] 140
The other found out there.[2872][2873]
To give away thy land,[2872][2873]
Come place him here by me;[2872][2873]
Do thou for him stand:[2872][2873][2874]
The sweet and bitter fool[2872][2873]
Will presently appear;[2872][2873]
The one in motley here,[2872][2873] 140
The other found out there.[2872][2873]
Kent. This is not altogether fool, my lord.[2872]
Fool. No, faith, lords and great men will not let me; if[2872]
I had a monopoly out, they would have part on't: and[2872][2876][2877]
ladies too, they will not let me have all the fool to myself;[2872][2877][2878]
they'll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I'll give[2872][2879] 150
thee two crowns.
I had a monopoly out, they would have part on't: and[2872][2876][2877]
ladies too, they will not let me have all the fool to myself;[2872][2877][2878]
they'll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I'll give[2872][2879] 150
thee two crowns.
Lear. What two crowns shall they be?
Fool. Why, after I have cut the egg in the middle and[2880]
eat up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou
clovest thy crown i' the middle and gavest away both parts,[2881] 155
thou borest thine ass on thy back o'er the dirt: thou hadst[2882]
little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden
one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped[2883]
that first finds it so.[2884]
[Singing] Fools had ne'er less wit in a year;[2885][2886] 160
For wise men are grown foppish,
And know not how their wits to wear,[2887]
Their manners are so apish.
eat up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou
clovest thy crown i' the middle and gavest away both parts,[2881] 155
thou borest thine ass on thy back o'er the dirt: thou hadst[2882]
little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden
one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped[2883]
that first finds it so.[2884]
[Singing] Fools had ne'er less wit in a year;[2885][2886] 160
For wise men are grown foppish,
And know not how their wits to wear,[2887]
Their manners are so apish.
Lear. When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?[2888]
Fool. I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou madest thy[2889] 165
daughters thy mother: for when thou gavest them the rod[2890]
and puttest down thine own breeches,
[Singing] Then they for sudden joy did weep,[2885][2891][2892]
And I for sorrow sung,[2892]
That such a king should play bo-peep,[2892] 170
And go the fools among.[2892][2893]
daughters thy mother: for when thou gavest them the rod[2890]
and puttest down thine own breeches,
[Singing] Then they for sudden joy did weep,[2885][2891][2892]
And I for sorrow sung,[2892]
That such a king should play bo-peep,[2892] 170
And go the fools among.[2892][2893]
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy
fool to lie: I would fain learn to lie.[2894]
fool to lie: I would fain learn to lie.[2894]
Lear. An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipped.[2895]
Fool. I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are: 175
they'll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me[2896]
whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding[2897]
my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool:[2898]
and yet I would not be thee, nuncle; thou hast pared thy
wit o' both sides and left nothing i' the middle. Here comes[2899] 180
one o' the parings.[2898][2900]
they'll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me[2896]
whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding[2897]
my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool:[2898]
and yet I would not be thee, nuncle; thou hast pared thy
wit o' both sides and left nothing i' the middle. Here comes[2899] 180
one o' the parings.[2898][2900]
Enter Goneril.
Lear. How now, daughter! what makes that frontlet on?[2901][2902][2903]
Methinks you are too much of late i' the frown.[2902][2904]
Methinks you are too much of late i' the frown.[2902][2904]
Fool. Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no
need to care for her frowning; now thou art an O without[2905] 185
a figure: I am better than thou art now; I am a fool, thou
art nothing. [To Gon.] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my[2906]
tongue; so your face bids me, though you say nothing.
need to care for her frowning; now thou art an O without[2905] 185
a figure: I am better than thou art now; I am a fool, thou
art nothing. [To Gon.] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my[2906]
tongue; so your face bids me, though you say nothing.
Mum, mum:[2907]
He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,[2908] 190
Weary of all, shall want some.
[Pointing to Lear] That's a shealed peascod.[2909]
He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,[2908] 190
Weary of all, shall want some.
[Pointing to Lear] That's a shealed peascod.[2909]
Gon. Not only, sir, this your all-licensed fool,[2910][2911]
But other of your insolent retinue[2910][2912]
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth[2910] 195
In rank and not to be endured riots. Sir,[2910][2913]
I had thought, by making this well known unto you,[2910][2914]
To have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful,[2910]
By what yourself too late have spoke and done,[2910]
That you protect this course and put it on[2910][2915] 200
By your allowance; which if you should, the fault[2910][2916][2917]
Would not 'scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,[2910][2917][2918]
Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,[2910]
Might in their working do you that offence[2910]
Which else were shame, that then necessity[2910][2919] 205
Will call discreet proceeding.[2910][2920]
But other of your insolent retinue[2910][2912]
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth[2910] 195
In rank and not to be endured riots. Sir,[2910][2913]
I had thought, by making this well known unto you,[2910][2914]
To have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful,[2910]
By what yourself too late have spoke and done,[2910]
That you protect this course and put it on[2910][2915] 200
By your allowance; which if you should, the fault[2910][2916][2917]
Would not 'scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,[2910][2917][2918]
Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,[2910]
Might in their working do you that offence[2910]
Which else were shame, that then necessity[2910][2919] 205
Will call discreet proceeding.[2910][2920]
Fool. For, you know, nuncle,[2921]
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,[2922]
That it had it head bit off by it young.[2922][2923]
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling. 210
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,[2922]
That it had it head bit off by it young.[2922][2923]
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling. 210
Lear. Are you our daughter?
Gon. Come, sir,[2924]
I would you would make use of that good wisdom[2925][2926]
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away[2925][2927]
These dispositions that of late transform you[2925][2928] 215
From what you rightly are.[2925]
I would you would make use of that good wisdom[2925][2926]
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away[2925][2927]
These dispositions that of late transform you[2925][2928] 215
From what you rightly are.[2925]
Fool. May not an ass know when the cart draws the
horse? Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
horse? Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
Lear. Doth any here know me? This is not Lear:[2929][2930]
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?[2931] 220
Either his notion weakens, his discernings[2932]
Are lethargied—Ha! waking? 'tis not so.[2933]
Who is it that can tell me who I am?[2929][2934]
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?[2931] 220
Either his notion weakens, his discernings[2932]
Are lethargied—Ha! waking? 'tis not so.[2933]
Who is it that can tell me who I am?[2929][2934]
Fool. Lear's shadow.[2935]
Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty[2936][2937] 225
knowledge and reason, I should be false persuaded[2936][2938]
I had daughters.[2936]
knowledge and reason, I should be false persuaded[2936][2938]
I had daughters.[2936]
Lear. Your name, fair gentlewoman?[2939]
Gon. This admiration, sir, is much o' the savour[2941][2942] 230
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you[2941]
To understand my purposes aright:[2941][2943]
As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.[2941][2944]
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;[2941][2945]
Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd and bold,[2941][2946] 235
That this our court, infected with their manners,[2941]
Shows like a riotous inn: epicurism and lust[2941][2947]
Make it more like a tavern or a brothel[2941][2948]
Than a graced palace. The shame itself doth speak[2941][2949]
For instant remedy: be then desired[2941][2950] 240
By her that else will take the thing she begs[2941]
A little to disquantity your train,[2941][2951]
And the remainder that shall still depend,[2941][2952]
To be such men as may besort your age,[2941]
Which know themselves and you.[2941][2953]
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you[2941]
To understand my purposes aright:[2941][2943]
As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.[2941][2944]
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;[2941][2945]
Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd and bold,[2941][2946] 235
That this our court, infected with their manners,[2941]
Shows like a riotous inn: epicurism and lust[2941][2947]
Make it more like a tavern or a brothel[2941][2948]
Than a graced palace. The shame itself doth speak[2941][2949]
For instant remedy: be then desired[2941][2950] 240
By her that else will take the thing she begs[2941]
A little to disquantity your train,[2941][2951]
And the remainder that shall still depend,[2941][2952]
To be such men as may besort your age,[2941]
Which know themselves and you.[2941][2953]
Lear. Darkness and devils![2941] 245
Saddle my horses; call my train together.[2941]
Degenerate bastard! I'll not trouble thee:[2941]
Yet have I left a daughter.[2941]
Saddle my horses; call my train together.[2941]
Degenerate bastard! I'll not trouble thee:[2941]
Yet have I left a daughter.[2941]
Gon. You strike my people, and your disorder'd rabble[2954]
Make servants of their betters.[2954] 250
Make servants of their betters.[2954] 250
Enter Albany.[2955]
Lear. Woe, that too late repents,—[To Alb.] O, sir, are you come?[2956]
Is it your will? Speak, sir. Prepare my horses.[2957]
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child
Than the sea-monster![2958]
Is it your will? Speak, sir. Prepare my horses.[2957]
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child
Than the sea-monster![2958]
Lear. [To Gon.] Detested kite! thou liest.[2959][2961][2962]
My train are men of choice and rarest parts,[2962]
That all particulars of duty know,
And in the most exact regard support
The worships of their name. O most small fault,[2963] 260
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!
That, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature[2964]
From the fix'd place, drew from my heart all love
And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear![2965]
Beat at this gate, that let thy folly in [Striking his head.[2966]265
And thy dear judgement out! Go, go, my people.[2967]
My train are men of choice and rarest parts,[2962]
That all particulars of duty know,
And in the most exact regard support
The worships of their name. O most small fault,[2963] 260
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!
That, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature[2964]
From the fix'd place, drew from my heart all love
And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear![2965]
Beat at this gate, that let thy folly in [Striking his head.[2966]265
And thy dear judgement out! Go, go, my people.[2967]
Lear. It may be so, my lord.[2970]
Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear![2970][2971]
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend[2970] 270
To make this creature fruitful:[2970]
Into her womb convey sterility:
Dry up in her the organs of increase,
And from her derogate body never spring[2972]
A babe to honour her! If she must teem, 275
Create her child of spleen, that it may live
And be a thwart disnatured torment to her.[2973]
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;[2974]
Turn all her mother's pains and benefits[2975] 280
To laughter and contempt; that she may feel[2976]
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
To have a thankless child! Away, away! [Exit.[2977]
Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear![2970][2971]
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend[2970] 270
To make this creature fruitful:[2970]
Into her womb convey sterility:
Dry up in her the organs of increase,
And from her derogate body never spring[2972]
A babe to honour her! If she must teem, 275
Create her child of spleen, that it may live
And be a thwart disnatured torment to her.[2973]
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;[2974]
Turn all her mother's pains and benefits[2975] 280
To laughter and contempt; that she may feel[2976]
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
To have a thankless child! Away, away! [Exit.[2977]
Alb. Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?[2978]
Gon. Never afflict yourself to know the cause,[2979] 285
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.
Re-enter Lear.[2980]
Lear. What, fifty of my followers at a clap!
Within a fortnight!
Within a fortnight!
Alb. What's the matter, sir?[2981]
Lear. I'll tell thee. [To Gon.] Life and death! I am ashamed[2982]290
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;
That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,[2983]
Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee![2984][2985]
The untented woundings of a father's curse[2985]
Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,[2986] 295
Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out[2987]
And cast you with the waters that you lose,[2988]
To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this?[2989]
Let it be so: yet have I left a daughter,[2990]
Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:[2991] 300
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find[2992]
That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever: thou shalt, I warrant thee.
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;
That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,[2983]
Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee![2984][2985]
The untented woundings of a father's curse[2985]
Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,[2986] 295
Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out[2987]
And cast you with the waters that you lose,[2988]
To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this?[2989]
Let it be so: yet have I left a daughter,[2990]
Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:[2991] 300
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find[2992]
That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever: thou shalt, I warrant thee.
[Exeunt Lear, Kent, and Attendants.[2993]
Gon. Do you mark that, my lord?[2994] 305
Gon. Pray you, content. What, Oswald, ho![2995][2997][2998]
[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.[2995][2997][2999]
[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.[2995][2997][2999]
A fox, when one has caught her,[3002]
And such a daughter,
Should sure to the slaughter,
If my cap would buy a halter:[3003] 315
So the fool follows after. [Exit.[3004]
And such a daughter,
Should sure to the slaughter,
If my cap would buy a halter:[3003] 315
So the fool follows after. [Exit.[3004]
Gon. This man hath had good counsel: a hundred knights![3005][3006]
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep[3005][3007]
At point a hundred knights: yes, that on every dream,[3008]
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike, 320
He may enguard his dotage with their powers
And hold our lives in mercy. Oswald, I say![3009]
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep[3005][3007]
At point a hundred knights: yes, that on every dream,[3008]
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike, 320
He may enguard his dotage with their powers
And hold our lives in mercy. Oswald, I say![3009]
Alb. Well, you may fear too far.
Gon. Safer than trust too far:[3010]
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken: I know his heart.[3011] 325
What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister:
If she sustain him and his hundred knights,[3012]
When I have show'd the unfitness,—
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken: I know his heart.[3011] 325
What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister:
If she sustain him and his hundred knights,[3012]
When I have show'd the unfitness,—
Re-enter Oswald.[3013]
Osw. Yes, madam.[3016] 330
Gon. Take you some company, and away to horse:[3017]
Inform her full of my particular fear,[3018]
And thereto add such reasons of your own
As may compact it more. Get you gone;[3019]
And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald.] No, no, my lord,[3020] 335
This milky gentleness and course of yours[3021]
Though I condemn not, yet, under pardon,[3022]
You are much more attask'd for want of wisdom[3023]
Than praised for harmful mildness.[3024]
Inform her full of my particular fear,[3018]
And thereto add such reasons of your own
As may compact it more. Get you gone;[3019]
And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald.] No, no, my lord,[3020] 335
This milky gentleness and course of yours[3021]
Though I condemn not, yet, under pardon,[3022]
You are much more attask'd for want of wisdom[3023]
Than praised for harmful mildness.[3024]
Alb. How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell:[3025] 340
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.[3025][3026]
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.[3025][3026]
Gon. Nay, then—[3027]
Alb. Well, well; the event. [Exeunt.[3028]
We’ll remember where you stopped. All chapters