i thought the king had more affected the duke of albany than cornwall it did always seem so to us but now in the division of the kingdom it appears not which of the dukes he values most for equalities are so weighed that curiosity in neither can make choice of eithers moiety is not this your son my lord his breeding sir hath been at my charge have so often blushed to acknowledge him that now am brazed to it cannot conceive you sir this young fellows mother could whereupon she grew roundwombed and had indeed sir a son for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed do you smell a fault cannot wish the fault undone the issue of it being so proper but have sir a son by order of law some year elder than this who yet is no dearer in my account though this knave came something saucily into the world before he was sent for yet was his mother fair there was good sport at his making and the whoreson must be acknowledged do you know this noble gentleman edmund no my lord my lord of kent remember him hereafter as my honourable friend my services to your lordship must love you and sue to know you better sir shall study deserving he hath been out nine years and away he shall again the king is coming sennet enter and attendants attend the lords of france and burgundy gloucester shall my liege exeunt and meantime we shall express our darker purpose give me the map there know that we have divided in three our kingdom and tis our fast intent to shake all cares and business from our age conferring them on younger strengths while we unburthend crawl toward death our son of cornwall and you our no less loving son of albany we have this hour a constant will to publish our daughters several dowers that future strife may be prevented now the princes france and burgundy great rivals in our youngest daughters love long in our court have made their amorous sojourn and here are to be answerd tell me my daughters since now we will divest us both of rule interest of territory cares of state which of you shall we say doth love us most that we our largest bounty may extend where nature doth with merit challenge goneril our eldestborn speak first sir love you more than words can wield the matter dearer than eyesight space and liberty beyond what can be valued rich or rare no less than life with grace health beauty honour as much as child eer loved or father found love that makes breath poor and speech unable beyond all manner of so much love you aside what shall cordelia do love and be silent of all these bounds even from this line to this with shadowy forests and with champains richd with plenteous rivers and wideskirted meads we make thee lady to thine and albanys issue be this perpetual what says our second daughter our dearest regan wife to cornwall speak sir am made of the selfsame metal that my sister is and prize me at her worth in my true heart find she names my very deed of love only she comes too short that profess myself an enemy to all other joys which the most precious square of sense possesses and find am alone felicitate in your dear highness love aside then poor cordelia and yet not so since am sure my loves more richer than my tongue to thee and thine hereditary ever remain this ample third of our fair kingdom no less in space validity and pleasure than that conferrd on goneril now our joy although the last not least to whose young love the vines of france and milk of burgundy strive to be interessd what can you say to draw third more opulent than your sisters speak nothing my lord nothing nothing nothing will come of nothing speak again unhappy that am cannot heave my heart into my mouth love your majesty according to my bond nor more nor less how how cordelia mend your speech a little lest it may mar your fortunes good my lord you have begot me bred me loved me return those duties back as are right fit obey you love you and most honour you why have my sisters husbands if they say they love you all haply when shall wed that lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry half my love with him half my care and duty sure shall never marry like my sisters to love my father all but goes thy heart with this ay good my lord so young and so untender so young my lord and true let it be so thy truth then be thy dower for by the sacred radiance of the sun the mysteries of hecate and the night by all the operation of the orbs from whom we do exist and cease to be here disclaim all my paternal care propinquity and property of blood and as a stranger to my heart and me hold thee from this for ever the barbarous scythian or he that makes his generation messes to gorge his appetite shall to my bosom be as well neighbourd pitied and relieved as thou my sometime daughter good my liege peace kent come not between the dragon and his wrath loved her most and thought to set my rest on her kind nursery hence and avoid my sight so be my grave my peace as here give her fathers heart from her call france who stirs call burgundy cornwall and albany with my two daughters dowers digest this third let pride which she calls plainness marry her do invest you jointly with my power preeminence and all the large effects that troop with majesty ourself by monthly course with reservation of an hundred knights by you to be sustaind shall our abode make with you by due turns only we still retain the name and all the additions to a king the sway revenue execution of the rest beloved sons be yours which to confirm this coronet part betwixt you giving the crown royal lear whom have ever honourd as my king loved as my father as my master followd as my great patron thought on in my prayers the bow is bent and drawn make from the shaft let it fall rather though the fork invade the region of my heart be kent unmannerly when lear is mad what wilt thou do old man thinkst thou that duty shall have dread to speak when power to flattery bows to plainness honours bound when majesty stoops to folly reverse thy doom and in thy best consideration cheque this hideous rashness answer my life my judgment thy youngest daughter does not love thee least nor are those emptyhearted whose low sound reverbs no hollowness kent on thy life no more my life never held but as a pawn to wage against thy enemies nor fear to lose it thy safety being the motive out of my sight see better lear and let me still remain the true blank of thine eye now by apollo now by apollo king thou swearst thy gods in vain vassal miscreant laying his hand on his sword dear sir forbear do kill thy physician and the fee bestow upon thy foul disease revoke thy doom or whilst can vent clamour from my throat ill tell thee thou dost evil hear me recreant on thine allegiance hear me since thou hast sought to make us break our vow which we durst never yet and with straind pride to come between our sentence and our power which nor our nature nor our place can bear our potency made good take thy reward five days we do allot thee for provision to shield thee from diseases of the world and on the sixth to turn thy hated back upon our kingdom if on the tenth day following thy banishd trunk be found in our dominions the moment is thy death away by jupiter this shall not be revoked fare thee well king sith thus thou wilt appear freedom lives hence and banishment is here to the gods to their dear shelter take thee maid that justly thinkst and hast most rightly said to and and your large speeches may your deeds approve that good effects may spring from words of love thus kent princes bids you all adieu hell shape his old course in a country new exit flourish reenter with and attendants heres france and burgundy my noble lord my lord of burgundy we first address towards you who with this king hath rivalld for our daughter what in the least will you require in present dower with her or cease your quest of love most royal majesty crave no more than what your highness offerd nor will you tender less right noble burgundy when she was dear to us we did hold her so but now her price is falln sir there she stands if aught within that little seeming substance or all of it with our displeasure pieced and nothing more may fitly like your grace shes there and she is yours know no answer will you with those infirmities she owes unfriended newadopted to our hate dowerd with our curse and strangerd with our oath take her or leave her pardon me royal sir election makes not up on such conditions then leave her sir for by the power that made me tell you all her wealth to for you great king would not from your love make such a stray to match you where hate therefore beseech you to avert your liking a more worthier way than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed almost to acknowledge hers this is most strange that she that even but now was your best object the argument of your praise balm of your age most best most dearest should in this trice of time commit a thing so monstrous to dismantle so many folds of favour sure her offence must be of such unnatural degree that monsters it or your forevouchd affection falln into taint which to believe of her must be a faith that reason without miracle could never plant in me yet beseech your majesty if for want that glib and oily art to speak and purpose not since what well intend ill dot before speakthat you make known it is no vicious blot murder or foulness no unchaste action or dishonourd step that hath deprived me of your grace and favour but even for want of that for which am richer stillsoliciting eye and such a tongue as am glad have not though not to have it hath lost me in your liking better thou hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better is it but thisa tardiness in nature which often leaves the history unspoke that it intends to do my lord of burgundy what say you to the lady loves not love when it is mingled with regards that stand aloof from the entire point will you have her she is herself a dowry royal lear give but that portion which yourself proposed and here take cordelia by the hand duchess of burgundy nothing have sworn am firm am sorry then you have so lost a father that you must lose a husband peace be with burgundy since that respects of fortune are his love shall not be his wife fairest cordelia that art most rich being poor most choice forsaken and most loved despised thee and thy virtues here seize upon be it lawful take up whats cast away gods gods tis strange that from their coldst neglect my love should kindle to inflamed respect thy dowerless daughter king thrown to my chance is queen of us of ours and our fair france not all the dukes of waterish burgundy can buy this unprized precious maid of me bid them farewell cordelia though unkind thou losest here a better where to find thou hast her france let her be thine for we have no such daughter nor shall ever see that face of hers again therefore be gone without our grace our love our benison come noble burgundy flourish exeunt all but and bid farewell to your sisters the jewels of our father with washd eyes cordelia leaves you know you what you are and like a sister am most loath to call your faults as they are named use well our father to your professed bosoms commit him but yet alas stood within his grace would prefer him to a better place so farewell to you both prescribe not us our duties let your study be to content your lord who hath received you at fortunes alms you have obedience scanted and well are worth the want that you have wanted time shall unfold what plaited cunning hides who cover faults at last shame them derides well may you prosper come my fair cordelia exeunt and sister it is not a little have to say of what most nearly appertains to us both think our father will hence tonight thats most certain and with you next month with us you see how full of changes his age is the observation we have made of it hath not been little he always loved our sister most and with what poor judgment he hath now cast her off appears too grossly tis the infirmity of his age yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself the best and soundest of his time hath been but rash then must we look to receive from his age not alone the imperfections of longengraffed condition but therewithal the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric years bring with them such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this of kents banishment there is further compliment of leavetaking between france and him pray you lets hit together if our father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears this last surrender of his will but offend us we shall further think ont we must do something and i the heat exeunt the earl of gloucesters castle enter with a letter thou nature art my goddess to thy law my services are bound wherefore should stand in the plague of custom and permit the curiosity of nations to deprive me for that am some twelve or fourteen moonshines lag of a brother why bastard wherefore base when my dimensions are as well compact my mind as generous and my shape as true as honest madams issue why brand they us with base with baseness bastardy base base who in the lusty stealth of nature take more composition and fierce quality than doth within a dull stale tired bed go to the creating a whole tribe of fops got tween asleep and wake well then legitimate edgar must have your land our fathers love is to the bastard edmund as to the legitimate fine wordlegitimate well my legitimate if this letter speed and my invention thrive edmund the base shall top the legitimate grow prosper now gods stand up for bastards enter kent banishd thus and france in choler parted and the king gone tonight subscribed his power confined to exhibition all this done upon the gad edmund how now what news so please your lordship none putting up the letter why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter know no news my lord what paper were you reading nothing my lord no what needed then that terrible dispatch of it into your pocket the quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself lets see come if it be nothing shall not need spectacles beseech you sir pardon me it is a letter from my brother that have not all oerread and for so much as have perused find it not fit for your oerlooking give me the letter sir shall offend either to detain or give it the contents as in part understand them are to blame lets see lets see hope for my brothers justification he wrote this but as an essay or taste of my virtue reads this policy and reverence of age makes the world bitter to the best of our times keeps our fortunes from us till our oldness cannot relish them begin to find an idle and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny who sways not as it hath power but as it is suffered come to me that of this may speak more if our father would sleep till waked him you should half his revenue for ever and live the beloved of your brother humconspiracysleep till waked himyou should enjoy half his revenuemy son edgar had he a hand to write this a heart and brain to breed it inwhen came this to you who brought it it was not brought me my lord theres the cunning of it found it thrown in at the casement of my closet you know the character to be your brothers if the matter were good my lord durst swear it were his but in respect of that would fain think it were not it is his it is his hand my lord but hope his heart is not in the contents hath he never heretofore sounded you in this business never my lord but have heard him oft maintain it to be fit that sons at perfect age and fathers declining the father should be as ward to the son and the son manage his revenue villain villain his very opinion in the letter abhorred villain unnatural detested brutish villain worse than brutish go sirrah seek him ill apprehend him abominable villain where is he do not well know my lord if it shall please you to suspend your indignation against my brother till you can derive from him better testimony of his intent you shall run a certain course where if you violently proceed against him mistaking his purpose it would make a great gap in your own honour and shake in pieces the heart of his obedience dare pawn down my life for him that he hath wrote this to feel my affection to your honour and to no further pretence of danger think you so if your honour judge it meet will place you where you shall hear us confer of this and by an auricular assurance have your satisfaction and that without any further delay than this very evening he cannot be such a monster nor is not sure to his father that so tenderly and entirely loves him heaven and earth edmund seek him out wind me into him pray you frame the business after your own wisdom would unstate myself to be in a due resolution will seek him sir presently convey the business as shall find means and acquaint you withal these late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent effects love cools friendship falls off brothers divide in cities mutinies in countries discord in palaces treason and the bond cracked twixt son and father this villain of mine comes under the prediction theres son against father the king falls from bias of nature theres father against child we have seen the best of our time machinations hollowness treachery and all ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our graves find out this villain edmund it shall lose thee nothing do it carefully and the noble and truehearted kent banished his offence honesty tis strange exit this is the excellent foppery of the world that when we are sick in fortuneoften the surfeit of our own behaviorwe make guilty of our disasters the sun the moon and the stars as if we were villains by necessity fools by heavenly compulsion knaves thieves and treachers by spherical predominance drunkards liars and adulterers by an enforced obedience of planetary influence and all that we are evil in by a divine thrusting on an admirable evasion of whoremaster man to lay his goatish disposition to the charge of a star my father compounded with my mother under the dragons tail and my nativity was under ursa major so that it follows am rough and lecherous tut should have been that am had the maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing edgar enter and pat he comes like the catastrophe of the old comedy my cue is villanous melancholy with a sigh like tom o bedlam these eclipses do portend these divisions fa sol la mi how now brother edmund what serious contemplation are you in am thinking brother of a prediction read this other day what should follow these eclipses do you busy yourself about that promise you the effects he writes of succeed unhappily as of unnaturalness between the child and the parent death dearth dissolutions of ancient amities divisions in state menaces and maledictions against king and nobles needless diffidences banishment of friends dissipation of cohorts nuptial breaches and know not what how long have you been a sectary astronomical come come when saw you my father last why the night gone by spake you with him ay two hours together parted you in good terms found you no displeasure in him by word or countenance none at all bethink yourself wherein you may have offended him and at my entreaty forbear his presence till some little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure which at this instant so rageth in him that with the mischief of your person it would scarcely allay some villain hath done me wrong thats my fear pray you have a continent forbearance till the spied of his rage goes slower and as say retire with me to my lodging from whence will fitly bring you to hear my lord speak pray ye go theres my key if you do stir abroad go armed armed brother brother advise you to the best go armed am no honest man if there be any good meaning towards you have told you what have seen and heard but faintly nothing like the image and horror of it pray you away shall hear from you anon do serve you in this business exit credulous father and a brother noble whose nature is so far from doing harms that he suspects none on whose foolish honesty my practises ride easy see the business let me if not by birth have lands by wit all with mes meet that can fashion fit exit the duke of albanys palace enter and her steward did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool yes madam by day and night he wrongs me every hour he flashes into one gross crime or other that sets us all at odds ill not endure it his knights grow riotous and himself upbraids us on every trifle when he returns from hunting will not speak with him say am sick if you come slack of former services you shall do well the fault of it ill answer hes coming madam hear him horns within put on what weary negligence you please you and your fellows ill have it come to question if he dislike it let him to our sister whose mind and mine know in that are one not to be overruled idle old man that still would manage those authorities that he hath given away now by my life old fools are babes again and must be used with cheques as flatterieswhen they are seen abused remember what tell you well madam and let his knights have colder looks among you what grows of it no matter advise your fellows so would breed from hence occasions and shall that may speak ill write straight to my sister to hold my very course prepare for dinner exeunt hall in the same enter disguised if but as well other accents borrow that can my speech defuse my good intent may carry through itself to that full issue for which razed my likeness now banishd kent if thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemnd so may it come thy master whom thou lovest shall find thee full of labours horns within enter knights and attendants let me not stay a jot for dinner go get it ready exit an attendant how now what art thou man sir what dost thou profess what wouldst thou with us do profess to be no less than 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 judgment to fight when cannot choose and to eat no fish what art thou very honesthearted fellow and as poor as the king if thou be as poor for a subject as he is for a king thou art poor enough what wouldst thou service who wouldst thou serve you dost thou know me fellow no sir but you have that in your countenance which would fain call master whats that authority what services canst thou do can keep honest counsel ride run mar a curious tale in telling it and deliver a plain message bluntly that which ordinary men are fit for am qualified in and the best of me is diligence how old art thou not so young sir to love a woman for singing nor so old to dote on her for any thing have years on my back forty eight follow me thou shalt serve me if like thee no worse after dinner will not part from thee yet dinner ho dinner wheres my knave my fool go you and call my fool hither exit an attendant enter you you sirrah wheres my daughter so please you exit what says the fellow there call the clotpoll back exit a knight wheres my fool ho think the worlds asleep reenter knight how now wheres that mongrel knight he says my lord your daughter is not well why came not the slave back to me when called him knight sir he answered me in the roundest manner he would not he would not knight my lord know not what the matter is but to my judgment your highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were wont theres a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants as in the duke himself also and your daughter ha sayest thou so knight beseech you pardon me my lord if be mistaken for my duty cannot be silent when think your highness wronged thou but rememberest me of mine own conception have perceived a most faint neglect of late which have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence and purpose of unkindness will look further intot but wheres my fool have not seen him this two days knight since my young ladys going into france sir the fool hath much pined away no more of that have noted it well go you and tell my daughter would speak with her exit an attendant go you call hither my fool exit an attendant reenter you sir you come you hither sir who am sir my ladys father my ladys father my lords knave your whoreson dog you slave you cur am none of these my lord beseech your pardon do you bandy looks with me you rascal striking him ill not be struck my lord nor tripped neither you base football player tripping up his heels thank thee fellow thou servest me and ill love thee come sir arise away ill teach you differences away away if you will measure your lubbers length again tarry but away go to have you wisdom so pushes out now my friendly knave thank thee theres earnest of thy service giving money enter fool fool let me hire him too heres my coxcomb offering his cap how now my pretty knave how dost thou fool sirrah you were best take my coxcomb why fool fool why for taking ones part thats out of favour nay an thou canst not smile as the wind sits thoult catch cold shortly there take my coxcomb why this fellow has banished two ons daughters and did the third a blessing against his will if thou follow him thou must needs wear my coxcomb how now nuncle would had two coxcombs and two daughters why my boy fool if gave them all my living ild keep my coxcombs myself theres mine beg another of thy daughters take heed sirrah the whip fool truths a dog must to kennel he must be whipped out when lady the brach may stand by the fire and stink pestilent gall to me fool sirrah ill teach thee a speech do fool mark it nuncle have more than thou showest speak less than thou knowest lend less than thou owest ride more than thou goest learn more than thou trowest set less than thou throwest leave thy drink and thy whore and keep inadoor and thou shalt have more than two tens to a score this is nothing fool fool then tis like the breath of an unfeed lawyer you gave me nothing fort can you make no use of nothing nuncle why no boy nothing can be made out of nothing fool to prithee tell him so much the rent of his land comes to he will not believe a fool bitter fool fool dost thou know the difference my boy between a bitter fool and a sweet fool no lad teach me fool that lord that counselld thee to give away thy land come place him here by me do thou for him stand the sweet and bitter fool will presently appear the one in motley here the other found out there dost thou call me fool boy fool all thy other titles thou hast given away that thou wast born with this is not altogether fool my lord fool no faith lords and great men will not let me if had a monopoly out they would have part ont and ladies too they will not let me have all fool to myself theyll be snatching give me an egg nuncle and ill give thee two crowns what two crowns shall they be fool why after have cut the egg i the middle and eat up the meat the two crowns of the egg when thou clovest thy crown i the middle and gavest away both parts thou borest thy ass on thy back oer the dirt thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away if speak like myself in this let him be whipped that first finds it so singing fools had neer less wit in a year for wise men are grown foppish they know not how their wits to wear their manners are so apish when were you wont to be so full of songs sirrah fool have used it nuncle ever since thou madest thy daughters thy mothers for when thou gavest them the rod and putst down thine own breeches singing then they for sudden joy did weep and for sorrow sung that such a king should play bopeep and go the fools among prithee nuncle keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie would fain learn to lie an you lie sirrah well have you whipped fool marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are theyll have me whipped for speaking true thoult have me whipped for lying and sometimes am whipped for holding my peace had rather be any kind o thing than a fool and yet would not be thee nuncle thou hast pared thy wit o both sides and left nothing i the middle here comes one o the parings enter how now daughter what makes that frontlet on methinks you are too much of late i the frown fool thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning now thou art an without a figure am better than thou art now am a fool thou art nothing to yes forsooth will hold my tongue so your face bids me though you say nothing mum mum he that keeps nor crust nor crum weary of all shall want some pointing to thats a shealed peascod not only sir this your alllicensed fool but other of your insolent retinue do hourly carp and quarrel breaking forth in rank and nottobe endured riots sir had thought by making this well known unto you to have found a safe redress but now grow fearful by what yourself too late have spoke and done that you protect this course and put it on by your allowance which if you should the fault would not scape censure nor the redresses sleep which in the tender of a wholesome weal might in their working do you that offence which else were shame that then necessity will call discreet proceeding fool for you trow nuncle the hedgesparrow fed the cuckoo so long that its had it head bit off by it young so out went the candle and we were left darkling are you our daughter come sir would you would make use of that good wisdom whereof know you are fraught and put away these dispositions that of late transform you from what you rightly are fool may not an ass know when the cart draws the horse whoop jug love thee doth any here know me this is not lear doth lear walk thus speak thus where are his eyes either his notion weakens his discernings are lethargiedha waking tis not so who is it that can tell me who am fool lears shadow would learn that for by the marks of sovereignty knowledge and reason should be false persuaded had daughters fool which they will make an obedient father your name fair gentlewoman this admiration sir is much o the savour of other your new pranks do beseech you to understand my purposes aright as you are old and reverend you should be wise here do you keep a hundred knights and squires men so disorderd so deboshd and bold that this our court infected with their manners shows like a riotous inn epicurism and lust make it more like a tavern or a brothel than a graced palace the shame itself doth speak for instant remedy be then desired by her that else will take the thing she begs little to disquantity your train and the remainder that shall still depend to be such men as may besort your age and know themselves and you darkness and devils saddle my horses call my train together degenerate bastard ill not trouble thee yet have left a daughter you strike my people and your disorderd rabble make servants of their betters enter woe that too late repents to sir are you come is it your will speak sir prepare my horses ingratitude thou marblehearted fiend more hideous when thou showst thee in a child than the seamonster pray sir be patient to detested kite thou liest my train are men of choice and rarest parts that all particulars of duty know and in the most exact regard support the worships of their name most small fault how ugly didst thou in cordelia show that like an engine wrenchd my frame of nature from the fixd place drew from heart all love and added to the gall lear lear lear beat at this gate that let thy folly in striking his head and thy dear judgment out go go my people my lord am guiltless as am ignorant of what hath moved you it may be so my lord hear nature hear dear goddess hear suspend thy purpose if thou didst intend to make this creature fruitful into her womb convey sterility dry up in her the organs of increase and from her derogate body never spring babe to honour her if she must teem create her child of spleen that it may live and be a thwart disnatured torment to her let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth with cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks turn all her mothers pains and benefits to laughter and contempt that she may feel how sharper than a serpents tooth it is to have a thankless child away away exit now gods that we adore whereof comes this never afflict yourself to know the cause but let his disposition have that scope that dotage gives it reenter what fifty of my followers at a clap within a fortnight whats the matter sir ill tell thee to life and death am ashamed that thou hast power to shake my manhood thus that these hot tears which break from me perforce should make thee worth them blasts and fogs upon thee the untented woundings of a fathers curse pierce every sense about thee old fond eyes beweep this cause again ill pluck ye out and cast you with the waters that you lose to temper clay yea it is come to this let is be so yet have left a daughter who am sure is kind and comfortable when she shall hear this of thee with her nails shell flay thy wolvish visage thou shalt find that ill resume the shape which thou dost think have cast off for ever thou shalt warrant thee exeunt and attendants do you mark that my lord cannot be so partial goneril to the great love bear you pray you content what oswald ho to the fool you sir more knave than fool after your master fool nuncle lear nuncle lear tarry and take the fool with thee fox when one has caught her and such a daughter should sure to the slaughter if my cap would buy a halter so the fool follows after exit this man hath had good counsela hundred knights tis politic and safe to let him keep at point a hundred knights yes that on every dream each buzz each fancy each complaint dislike he may enguard his dotage with their powers and hold our lives in mercy oswald say well you may fear too far safer than trust too far let me still take away the harms fear not fear still to be taken know his heart what he hath utterd have writ my sister if she sustain him and his hundred knights when have showd the unfitness reenter how now oswald what have you writ that letter to my sister yes madam take you some company and away to horse inform her full of my particular fear and thereto add such reasons of your own as may compact it more get you gone and hasten your return exit no no my lord this milky gentleness and course of yours though condemn not yet under pardon you are much more attaskd for want of wisdom than praised for harmful mildness how far your eyes may pierce can not tell striving to better oft we mar whats well nay then well well the event exeunt court before the same enter and fool go you before to gloucester with these letters acquaint my daughter no further with any thing you know than comes from her demand out of the letter if your diligence be not speedy shall be there afore you will not sleep my lord till have delivered your letter exit fool if a mans brains were ins heels weret not in danger of kibes ay boy fool then prithee be merry thy wit shall neer go slipshod ha ha ha fool shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly for though shes as like this as a crabs like an apple yet can tell what can tell why what canst thou tell my boy fool she will taste as like this as a crab does to a crab thou canst tell why ones nose stands i the middle ons face no fool why to keep ones eyes of either sides nose that what a man cannot smell out he may spy into did her wrong fool canst tell how an oyster makes his shell no fool nor neither but can tell why a snail has a house why fool why to put his head in not to give it away to his daughters and leave his horns without a case will forget my nature so kind a father be my horses ready fool thy asses are gone about em the reason why the seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason because they are not eight fool yes indeed thou wouldst make a good fool to take t again perforce monster ingratitude fool if thou wert my fool nuncle ild have thee beaten for being old before thy time hows that fool thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise let me not be mad not mad sweet heaven keep me in temper would not be mad enter gentleman how now are the horses ready gentleman ready my lord come boy fool she thats a maid now and laughs at my departure shall not be a maid long unless things be cut shorter exeunt gloucesters castle enter and meets him save thee curan and you sir have been with your father and given him notice that the duke of cornwall and regan his duchess will be here with him this night how comes that nay know not you have heard of the news abroad mean the whispered ones for they are yet but earkissing arguments not pray you what are they have you heard of no likely wars toward twixt the dukes of cornwall and albany not a word you may do then in time fare you well sir exit the duke be here tonight the better best this weaves itself perforce into my business my father hath set guard to take my brother and have one thing of a queasy question which must act briefness and fortune work brother a word descend brother say enter my father watches sir fly this place intelligence is given where you are hid you have now the good advantage of the night have you not spoken gainst the duke of cornwall hes coming hither now i the night i the haste and regan with him have you nothing said upon his party gainst the duke of albany advise yourself am sure ont not a word hear my father coming pardon me in cunning must draw my sword upon you draw seem to defend yourself now quit you well yield come before my father light ho here fly brother torches torches so farewell exit some blood drawn on me would beget opinion wounds his arm of my more fierce endeavour have seen drunkards do more than this in sport father father stop stop no help enter and servants with torches now edmund wheres the villain here stood he in the dark his sharp sword out mumbling of wicked charms conjuring the moon to stand auspicious mistress but where is he look sir bleed where is the villain edmund fled this way sir when by no means he could pursue him ho go after exeunt some servants by no means what persuade me to the murder of your lordship but that told him the revenging gods gainst parricides did all their thunders bend spoke with how manifold and strong a bond the child was bound to the father sir in fine seeing how loathly opposite stood to his unnatural purpose in fell motion with his prepared sword he charges home my unprovided body lanced mine arm but when he saw my best alarumd spirits bold in the quarrels right roused to the encounter or whether gasted by the noise made full suddenly he fled let him fly far not in this land shall he remain uncaught and founddispatch the noble duke my master my worthy arch and patron comes tonight by his authority will proclaim it that he which finds him shall deserve our thanks bringing the murderous coward to the stake he that conceals him death when dissuaded him from his intent and found him pight to do it with curst speech threatend to discover him he replied thou unpossessing bastard dost thou think if would stand against thee would the reposal of any trust virtue or worth in thee make thy words faithd no what should deny as this would ay though thou didst produce my very characterild turn it all to thy suggestion plot and damned practise and thou must make a dullard of the world if they not thought the profits of my death were very pregnant and potential spurs to make thee seek it strong and fastend villain would he deny his letter never got him tucket within hark the dukes trumpets know not why he comes all ports ill bar the villain shall not scape the duke must grant me that besides his picture will send far and near that all the kingdom may have the due note of him and of my land loyal and natural boy ill work the means to make thee capable enter and attendants how now my noble friend since came hither which can call but now have heard strange news if it be true all vengeance comes too short which can pursue the offender how dost my lord madam my old heart is crackd its crackd what did my fathers godson seek your life he whom my father named your edgar lady lady shame would have it hid was he not companion with the riotous knights that tend upon my father know not madam tis too bad too bad yes madam he was of that consort no marvel then though he were ill affected tis they have put him on the old mans death to have the expense and waste of his revenues have this present evening from my sister been well informd of them and with such cautions that if they come to sojourn at my house ill not be there nor assure thee regan edmund hear that you have shown your father childlike office twas my duty sir he did bewray his practise and received this hurt you see striving to apprehend him is he pursued ay my good lord if he be taken he shall never more be feard of doing harm make your own purpose how in my strength you please for you edmund whose virtue and obedience doth this instant so much commend itself you shall be ours natures of such deep trust we shall much need you we first seize on shall serve you sir truly however else for him thank your grace you know not why we came to visit you thus out of season threading darkeyed night occasions noble gloucester of some poise wherein we must have use of your advice our father he hath writ so hath our sister of differences which least thought it fit to answer from our home the several messengers from hence attend dispatch our good old friend lay comforts to your bosom and bestow your needful counsel to our business which craves the instant use serve you madam your graces are right welcome exeunt before gloucesters castle enter and severally good dawning to thee friend art of this house ay where may we set our horses the mire prithee if thou lovest me tell me love thee not why then care not for thee if had thee in lipsbury pinfold would make thee care for me why dost thou use me thus know thee not fellow know thee what dost thou know me for knave a rascal an eater of broken meats a base proud shallow beggarly threesuited hundredpound filthy worstedstocking knave a lilylivered actiontaking knave a whoreson glassgazing superserviceable finical rogue onetrunkinheriting slave one that wouldst be a bawd in way of good service and art nothing but the composition of a knave beggar coward pandar and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch one whom will beat into clamorous whining if thou deniest the least syllable of thy addition why what a monstrous fellow art thou thus to rail on one that is neither known of thee nor knows thee what a brazenfaced varlet art thou to deny thou knowest me is it two days ago since tripped up thy heels and beat thee before the king draw you rogue for though it be night yet the moon shines ill make a sop o the moonshine of you draw you whoreson cullionly barbermonger draw drawing his sword away have nothing to do with thee draw you rascal you come with letters against the king and take vanity the puppets part against the royalty of her father draw you rogue or ill so carbonado your shanks draw you rascal come your ways help ho murder help strike you slave stand rogue stand you neat slave strike beating him help ho murder murder enter with his rapier drawn and servants how now whats the matter with you goodman boy an you please come ill flesh ye come on young master weapons arms what s the matter here keep peace upon your lives he dies that strikes again what is the matter the messengers from our sister and the king what is your difference speak am scarce in breath my lord no marvel you have so bestirred your valour you cowardly rascal nature disclaims in thee a tailor made thee thou art a strange fellow a tailor make a man ay a tailor sir a stonecutter or painter could not have made him so ill though he had been but two hours at the trade speak yet how grew your quarrel this ancient ruffian sir whose life have spared at suit of his gray beard thou whoreson zed thou unnecessary letter my lord if you will give me leave will tread this unbolted villain into mortar and daub the wall of a jakes with him spare my gray beard you wagtail peace sirrah you beastly knave know you no reverence yes sir but anger hath a privilege why art thou angry that such a slave as this should wear a sword who wears no honesty such smiling rogues as these like rats oft bite the holy cords atwain which are too intrinse t unloose smooth every passion that in the natures of their lords rebel bring oil to fire snow to their colder moods renege affirm and turn their halcyon beaks with every gale and vary of their masters knowing nought like dogs but following plague upon your epileptic visage smile you my speeches as were a fool goose if had you upon sarum plain ild drive ye cackling home to camelot why art thou mad old fellow how fell you out say that no contraries hold more antipathy than and such a knave why dost thou call him a knave whats his offence his countenance likes me not no more perchance does mine nor his nor hers sir tis my occupation to be plain have seen better faces in my time than stands on any shoulder that see before me at this instant this is some fellow who having been praised for bluntness doth affect saucy roughness and constrains the garb quite from his nature he cannot flatter he an honest mind and plain he must speak truth an they will take it so if not hes plain these kind of knaves know which in this plainness harbour more craft and more corrupter ends than twenty silly ducking observants that stretch their duties nicely sir in good sooth in sincere verity under the allowance of your great aspect whose influence like the wreath of radiant fire on flickering phoebus front what meanst by this to go out of my dialect which you discommend so much know sir am no flatterer he that beguiled you in a plain accent was a plain knave which for my part will not be though should win your displeasure to entreat me to t what was the offence you gave him never gave him any it pleased the king his master very late to strike at me upon his misconstruction when he conjunct and flattering his displeasure trippd me behind being down insulted raild and put upon him such a deal of man that worthied him got praises of the king for him attempting who was selfsubdued and in the fleshment of this dread exploit drew on me here again none of these rogues and cowards but ajax is their fool fetch forth the stocks you stubborn ancient knave you reverend braggart well teach you sir am too old to learn call not your stocks for me serve the king on whose employment was sent to you you shall do small respect show too bold malice against the grace and person of my master stocking his messenger fetch forth the stocks as have life and honour there shall he sit till noon till noon till night my lord and all night too why madam if were your fathers dog you should not use me so sir being his knave will this is a fellow of the selfsame colour our sister speaks of come bring away the stocks stocks brought out let me beseech your grace not to do so his fault is much and the good king his master will cheque him for t your purposed low correction is such as basest and contemnedst wretches for pilferings and most common trespasses are punishd with the king must take it ill that hes so slightly valued in his messenger should have him thus restraind ill answer that my sister may receive it much more worse to have her gentleman abused assaulted for following her affairs put in his legs is put in the stocks come my good lord away exeunt all but and am sorry for thee friend tis the dukes pleasure whose disposition all the world well knows will not be rubbd nor stoppd ill entreat for thee pray do not sir have watched and travelld hard some time shall sleep out the rest ill whistle good mans fortune may grow out at heels give you good morrow the dukes to blame in this twill be ill taken exit good king that must approve the common saw thou out of heavens benediction comest to the warm sun approach thou beacon to this under globe that by thy comfortable beams may peruse this letter nothing almost sees miracles but misery know tis from cordelia who hath most fortunately been informd of my obscured course and shall find time from this enormous state seeking to give losses their remedies all weary and oerwatchd take vantage heavy eyes not to behold this shameful lodging fortune good night smile once more turn thy wheel sleeps wood enter heard myself proclaimd and by the happy hollow of a tree escaped the hunt no port is free no place that guard and most unusual vigilance does not attend my taking whiles may scape will preserve myself and am bethought to take the basest and most poorest shape that ever penury in contempt of man brought near to beast my face ill grime with filth blanket my loins elf all my hair in knots and with presented nakedness outface the winds and persecutions of the sky the country gives me proof and precedent of bedlam beggars who with roaring voices strike in their numbd and mortified bare arms pins wooden pricks nails sprigs of rosemary and with this horrible object from low farms poor pelting villages sheepcotes and mills sometime with lunatic bans sometime with prayers enforce their charity poor turlygod poor tom thats something yet edgar nothing am exit before gloucesters castle in the stocks enter fool and gentleman tis strange that they should so depart from home and not send back my messenger gentleman as learnd the night before there was no purpose in them of this remove hail to thee noble master ha makest thou this shame thy pastime no my lord fool ha ha he wears cruel garters horses are tied by the heads dogs and bears by the neck monkeys by the loins and men by the legs when a mans overlusty at legs then he wears wooden netherstocks whats he that hath so much thy place mistook to set thee here it is both he and she your son and daughter no yes no say say yea no no they would not yes they have by jupiter swear no by juno swear ay they durst not do t they could not would not do t tis worse than murder to do upon respect such violent outrage resolve me with all modest haste which way thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage coming from us my lord when at their home did commend your highness letters to them ere was risen from the place that showd my duty kneeling came there a reeking post stewd in his haste half breathless panting forth from goneril his mistress salutations deliverd letters spite of intermission which presently they read on whose contents they summond up their meiny straight took horse commanded me to follow and attend the leisure of their answer gave me cold looks and meeting here the other messenger whose welcome perceived had poisond mine being the very fellow that of late displayd so saucily against your highness having more man than wit about me drew he raised the house with loud and coward cries your son and daughter found this trespass worth the shame which here it suffers fool winters not gone yet if the wildgeese fly that way fathers that wear rags do make their children blind but fathers that bear bags shall see their children kind fortune that arrant whore neer turns the key to the poor but for all this thou shalt have as many dolours for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year how this mother swells up toward my heart hysterica passio down thou climbing sorrow thy elements below where is this daughter with the earl sir here within follow me not stay here exit gentleman made you no more offence but what you speak of none how chance the king comes with so small a train fool and thou hadst been set i the stocks for that question thou hadst well deserved it why fool fool well set thee to school to an ant to teach thee theres no labouring i the winter all that follow their noses are led by their eyes but blind men and theres not a nose among twenty but can smell him thats stinking let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hill lest it break thy neck with following it but the great one that goes up the hill let him draw thee after when a wise man gives thee better counsel give me mine again would have none but knaves follow it since a fool gives it that sir which serves and seeks for gain and follows but for form will pack when it begins to rain and leave thee in the storm but will tarry the fool will stay and let the wise man fly the knave turns fool that runs away the fool no knave perdy where learned you this fool fool not i the stocks fool reenter with deny to speak with me they are sick they are weary they have travelld all the night mere fetches the images of revolt and flying off fetch me a better answer my dear lord you know the fiery quality of the duke how unremoveable and fixd he is in his own course vengeance plague death confusion fiery what quality why gloucester gloucester ild speak with the duke of cornwall and his wife well my good lord have informd them so informd them dost thou understand me man ay my good lord the king would speak with cornwall the dear father would with his daughter speak commands her service are they informd of this my breath and blood fiery the fiery duke tell the hot duke that no but not yet may be he is not well infirmity doth still neglect all office whereto our health is bound we are not ourselves when nature being oppressd commands the mind to suffer with the body ill forbear and am falln out with my more headier will to take the indisposed and sickly fit for the sound man death on my state wherefore looking on should he sit here this act persuades me that this remotion of the duke and her is practise only give me my servant forth go tell the duke and s wife ild speak with them now presently bid them come forth and hear me or at their chamberdoor ill beat the drum till it cry sleep to death would have all well betwixt you exit me my heart my rising heart but down fool cry to it nuncle as the cockney did to the eels when she put em i the paste alive she knapped em o the coxcombs with a stick and cried down wantons down twas her brother that in pure kindness to his horse buttered his hay enter and servants good morrow to you both hail to your grace is set at liberty am glad to see your highness regan think you are know what reason have to think so if thou shouldst not be glad would divorce me from thy mothers tomb sepulchring an adultress to are you free some other time for that beloved regan thy sisters naught regan she hath tied sharptoothd unkindness like a vulture here points to his heart can scarce speak to thee thoult not believe with how depraved a qualityo regan pray you sir take patience have hope you less know how to value her desert than she to scant her duty say how is that cannot think my sister in the least would fail her obligation if sir perchance she have restraind the riots of your followers tis on such ground and to such wholesome end as clears her from all blame my curses on her sir you are old nature in you stands on the very verge of her confine you should be ruled and led by some discretion that discerns your state better than you yourself therefore pray you that to our sister you do make return say you have wrongd her sir ask her forgiveness do you but mark how this becomes the house dear daughter confess that am old kneeling age is unnecessary on my knees beg that youll vouchsafe me raiment bed and food good sir no more these are unsightly tricks return you to my sister rising never regan she hath abated me of half my train lookd black upon me struck me with her tongue most serpentlike upon the very heart all the stored vengeances of heaven fall on her ingrateful top strike her young bones you taking airs with lameness fie sir fie you nimble lightnings dart your blinding flames into her scornful eyes infect her beauty you fensuckd fogs drawn by the powerful sun to fall and blast her pride the blest gods so will you wish on me when the rash mood is on no regan thou shalt never have my curse thy tenderhefted nature shall not give thee oer to harshness her eyes are fierce but thine do comfort and not burn tis not in thee to grudge my pleasures to cut off my train to bandy hasty words to scant my sizes and in conclusion to oppose the bolt against my coming in thou better knowst the offices of nature bond of childhood effects of courtesy dues of gratitude thy half o the kingdom hast thou not forgot wherein thee endowd good sir to the purpose who put my man i the stocks tucket within what trumpets that knowt my sisters this approves her letter that she would soon be here enter is your lady come this is a slave whose easyborrowd pride dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows out varlet from my sight what means your grace who stockd my servant regan have good hope thou didst not know ont who comes here heavens enter if you do love old men if your sweet sway allow obedience if yourselves are old make it your cause send down and take my part to art not ashamed to look upon this beard regan wilt thou take her by the hand why not by the hand sir how have offended alls not offence that indiscretion finds and dotage terms so sides you are too tough will you yet hold how came my man i the stocks set him there sir but his own disorders deserved much less advancement you did you pray you father being weak seem so if till the expiration of your month you will return and sojourn with my sister dismissing half your train come then to me am now from home and out of that provision which shall be needful for your entertainment return to her and fifty men dismissd no rather abjure all roofs and choose to wage against the enmity o the air to be a comrade with the wolf and owl necessitys sharp pinch return with her why the hotblooded france that dowerless took our youngest born could as well be brought to knee his throne and squirelike pension beg to keep base life afoot return with her persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter to this detested groom pointing at at your choice sir prithee daughter do not make me mad will not trouble thee my child farewell well no more meet no more see one another but yet thou art my flesh my blood my daughter or rather a disease thats in my flesh which must needs call mine thou art a boil plaguesore an embossed carbuncle in my corrupted blood but ill not chide thee let shame come when it will do not call it do not bid the thunderbearer shoot nor tell tales of thee to highjudging jove mend when thou canst be better at thy leisure can be patient can stay with regan and my hundred knights not altogether so lookd not for you yet nor am provided for your fit welcome give ear sir to my sister for those that mingle reason with your passion must be content to think you old and so but she knows what she does is this well spoken dare avouch it sir what fifty followers is it not well what should you need of more yea or so many sith that both charge and danger speak gainst so great a number how in one house should many people under two commands hold amity tis hard almost impossible why might not you my lord receive attendance from those that she calls servants or from mine why not my lord if then they chanced to slack you we could control them if you will come to me for now spy a dangeri entreat you to bring but five and twenty to no more will give place or notice gave you all and in good time you gave it made you my guardians my depositaries but kept a reservation to be followd with such a number what must come to you with five and twenty regan said you so and speakt again my lord no more with me those wicked creatures yet do look wellfavourd when others are more wicked not being the worst stands in some rank of praise to ill go with thee thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty and thou art twice her love hear me my lord what need you five and twenty ten or five to follow in a house where twice so many have a command to tend you what need one reason not the need our basest beggars are in the poorest thing superfluous allow not nature more than nature needs mans lifes as cheap as beasts thou art a lady if only to go warm were gorgeous why nature needs not what thou gorgeous wearst which scarcely keeps thee warm but for true need you heavens give me that patience patience need you see me here you gods a poor old man as full of grief as age wretched in both if it be you that stir these daughters hearts against their father fool me not so much to bear it tamely touch me with noble anger and let not womens weapons waterdrops stain my mans cheeks no you unnatural hags will have such revenges on you both that all the world shalli will do such things what they are yet know not but they shall be the terrors of the earth you think ill weep no ill not weep have full cause of weeping but this heart shall break into a hundred thousand flaws or ere ill weep fool shall go mad exeunt and fool storm and tempest let us withdraw twill be a storm this house is little the old man and his people cannot be well bestowd tis his own blame hath put himself from rest and must needs taste his folly for his particular ill receive him gladly but not one follower so am purposed where is my lord of gloucester followd the old man forth he is returnd reenter the king is in high rage whither is he going he calls to horse but will know not whither tis best to give him way he leads himself my lord entreat him by no means to stay alack the night comes on and the bleak winds do sorely ruffle for many miles about theres scarce a bush sir to wilful men the injuries that they themselves procure must be their schoolmasters shut up your doors he is attended with a desperate train and what they may incense him to being apt to have his ear abused wisdom bids fear shut up your doors my lord tis a wild night my regan counsels well come out o the storm exeunt heath storm still enter and a gentleman meeting whos there besides foul weather gentleman one minded like the weather most unquietly know you wheres the king gentleman contending with the fretful element bids the winds blow the earth into the sea or swell the curled water bove the main that things might change or cease tears his white hair which the impetuous blasts with eyeless rage catch in their fury and make nothing of strives in his little world of man to outscorn the toandfroconflicting wind and rain this night wherein the cubdrawn bear would couch the lion and the bellypinched wolf keep their fur dry unbonneted he runs and bids what will take all but who is with him gentleman none but the fool who labours to outjest his heartstruck injuries sir do know you and dare upon the warrant of my note commend a dear thing to you there is division although as yet the face of it be coverd with mutual cunning twixt albany and cornwall who haveas who have not that their great stars throned and set highservants who seem no less which are to france the spies and speculations intelligent of our state what hath been seen either in snuffs and packings of the dukes or the hard rein which both of them have borne against the old kind king or something deeper whereof perchance these are but furnishings but true it is from france there comes a power into this scatterd kingdom who already wise in our negligence have secret feet in some of our best ports and are at point to show their open banner now to you if on my credit you dare build so far to make your speed to dover you shall find some that will thank you making just report of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow the king hath cause to plain am a gentleman of blood and breeding and from some knowledge and assurance offer this office to you gentleman will talk further with you no do not for confirmation that am much more than my outwall open this purse and take what it contains if you shall see cordelia as fear not but you shallshow her this ring and she will tell you who your fellow is that yet you do not know fie on this storm will go seek the king gentleman give me your hand have you no more to say few words but to effect more than all yet that when we have found the kingin which your pain that way ill thishe that first lights on him holla the other exeunt severally another part of the heath storm still enter and fool blow winds and crack your cheeks rage blow you cataracts and hurricanoes spout till you have drenchd our steeples drownd the cocks you sulphurous and thoughtexecuting fires vauntcouriers to oakcleaving thunderbolts singe my white head and thou allshaking thunder smite flat the thick rotundity o the world crack natures moulds an germens spill at once that make ingrateful man fool nuncle court holywater in a dry house is better than this rainwater out o door good nuncle in and ask thy daughters blessing heres a night pities neither wise man nor fool rumble thy bellyful spit fire spout rain nor rain wind thunder fire are my daughters tax not you you elements with unkindness never gave you kingdom calld you children you owe me no subscription then let fall your horrible pleasure here stand your slave poor infirm weak and despised old man but yet call you servile ministers that have with two pernicious daughters joind your high engenderd battles gainst a head so old and white as this tis foul fool he that has a house to puts head in has a good headpiece the codpiece that will house before the head has any the head and he shall louse so beggars marry many the man that makes his toe what he his heart should make shall of a corn cry woe and turn his sleep to wake for there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in a glass no will be the pattern of all patience will say nothing enter whos there fool marry heres grace and a codpiece thats a wise man and a fool alas sir are you here things that love night love not such nights as these the wrathful skies gallow the very wanderers of the dark and make them keep their caves since was man such sheets of fire such bursts of horrid thunder such groans of roaring wind and rain never remember to have heard mans nature cannot carry the affliction nor the fear let the great gods that keep this dreadful pother oer our heads find out their enemies now tremble thou wretch that hast within thee undivulged crimes unwhippd of justice hide thee thou bloody hand thou perjured and thou simular man of virtue that art incestuous caitiff to pieces shake that under covert and convenient seeming hast practised on mans life close pentup guilts rive your concealing continents and cry these dreadful summoners grace am a man more sinnd against than sinning alack bareheaded gracious my lord hard by here is a hovel some friendship will it lend you gainst the tempest repose you there while to this hard house more harder than the stones whereof tis raised which even but now demanding after you denied me to come inreturn and force their scanted courtesy my wits begin to turn come on my boy how dost my boy art cold am cold myself where is this straw my fellow the art of our necessities is strange that can make vile things precious come your hovel poor fool and knave have one part in my heart thats sorry yet for thee fool singing he that has and a little tiny wit with hey ho the wind and the rain must make content with his fortunes fit for the rain it raineth every day true my good boy come bring us to this hovel exeunt and fool this is a brave night to cool a courtezan ill speak a prophecy ere go when priests are more in word than matter when brewers mar their malt with water when nobles are their tailors tutors no heretics burnd but wenches suitors when every case in law is right no squire in debt nor no poor knight when slanders do not live in tongues nor cutpurses come not to throngs when usurers tell their gold i the field and bawds and whores do churches build then shall the realm of albion come to great confusion then comes the time who lives to seet that going shall be used with feet this prophecy merlin shall make for live before his time exit gloucesters castle enter and alack alack edmund like not this unnatural dealing when desire their leave that might pity him they took from me the use of mine own house charged me on pain of their perpetual displeasure neither to speak of him entreat for him nor any way sustain him most savage and unnatural go to say you nothing theres a division betwixt the dukes and a worse matter than that have received a letter this night tis dangerous to be spoken have locked the letter in my closet these injuries the king now bears will be revenged home theres part of a power already footed we must incline to the king will seek him and privily relieve him go you and maintain talk with the duke that my charity be not of him perceived if he ask for me am ill and gone to bed though die for it as no less is threatened me the king my old master must be relieved there is some strange thing toward edmund pray you be careful exit this courtesy forbid thee shall the duke instantly know and of that letter too this seems a fair deserving and must draw me that which my father loses no less than all the younger rises when the old doth fall exit the heath before a hovel enter and fool here is the place my lord good my lord enter the tyranny of the open nights too rough for nature to endure storm still let me alone good my lord enter here wilt break my heart had rather break mine own good my lord enter thou thinkst tis much that this contentious storm invades us to the skin so tis to thee but where the greater malady is fixd the lesser is scarce felt thouldst shun a bear but if thy flight lay toward the raging sea thouldst meet the bear i the mouth when the minds free the bodys delicate the tempest in my mind doth from my senses take all feeling else save what beats there filial ingratitude is it not as this mouth should tear this hand for lifting food tot but will punish home no will weep no more in such a night to shut me out pour on will endure in such a night as this regan goneril your old kind father whose frank heart gave all that way madness lies let me shun that no more of that good my lord enter here prithee go in thyself seek thine own ease this tempest will not give me leave to ponder on things would hurt me more but ill go in to the fool in boy go first you houseless poverty nay get thee in ill pray and then ill sleep fool goes in poor naked wretches wheresoer you are that bide the pelting of this pitiless storm how shall your houseless heads and unfed sides your loopd and windowd raggedness defend you from seasons such as these have taen too little care of this take physic pomp expose thyself to feel what wretches feel that thou mayst shake the superflux to them and show the heavens more just within fathom and half fathom and half poor tom the fool runs out from the hovel fool come not in here nuncle heres a spirit help me help me give me thy hand whos there fool spirit a spirit he says his names poor tom what art thou that dost grumble there i the straw come forth enter disguised as a mad man away the foul fiend follows me through the sharp hawthorn blows the cold wind hum go to thy cold bed and warm thee hast thou given all to thy two daughters and art thou come to this who gives any thing to poor tom whom the foul fiend hath led through fire and through flame and through ford and whirlipool eer bog and quagmire that hath laid knives under his pillow and halters in his pew set ratsbane by his porridge made film proud of heart to ride on a bay trottinghorse over fourinched bridges to course his own shadow for a traitor bless thy five wits toms acoldo do de do de do de bless thee from whirlwinds starblasting and taking do poor tom some charity whom the foul fiend vexes there could have him nowand thereand there again and there storm still what have his daughters brought him to this pass couldst thou save nothing didst thou give them all fool nay he reserved a blanket else we had been all shamed now all the plagues that in the pendulous air hang fated oer mens faults light on thy daughters he hath no daughters sir death traitor nothing could have subdued nature to such a lowness but his unkind daughters is it the fashion that discarded fathers should have thus little mercy on their flesh judicious punishment twas this flesh begot those pelican daughters pillicock sat on pillicockhill halloo halloo loo loo fool this cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen take heed o the foul fiend obey thy parents keep thy word justly swear not commit not with mans sworn spouse set not thy sweet heart on proud array toms acold what hast thou been servingman proud in heart and mind that curled my hair wore gloves in my cap served the lust of my mistress heart and did the act of darkness with her swore as many oaths as spake words and broke them in the sweet face of heaven one that slept in the contriving of lust and waked to do it wine loved deeply dice dearly and in woman outparamoured the turk false of heart light of ear bloody of hand hog in sloth fox in stealth wolf in greediness dog in madness lion in prey let not the creaking of shoes nor the rustling of silks betray thy poor heart to woman keep thy foot out of brothels thy hand out of plackets thy pen from lenders books and defy the foul fiend still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind says suum mun ha no nonny dolphin my boy my boy sessa let him trot by storm still why thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies is man no more than this consider him well thou owest the worm no silk the beast no hide the sheep no wool the cat no perfume ha heres three on s are sophisticated thou art the thing itself unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor bare forked animal as thou art off off you lendings come unbutton here tearing off his clothes fool prithee nuncle be contented tis a naughty night to swim in now a little fire in a wild field were like an old lechers heart a small spark all the rest ons body cold look here comes a walking fire enter with a torch this is the foul fiend flibbertigibbet he begins at curfew and walks till the first cock he gives the web and the pin squints the eye and makes the harelip mildews the white wheat and hurts the poor creature of earth withold footed thrice the old he met the nightmare and her ninefold bid her alight and her troth plight and aroint thee witch aroint thee how fares your grace whats he whos there what ist you seek what are you there your names poor tom that eats the swimming frog the toad the tadpole the wallnewt and the water that in the fury of his heart when the foul fiend rages eats cowdung for sallets swallows the old rat and the ditchdog drinks the green mantle of the standing pool who is whipped from tithing to tithing and stock punished and imprisoned who hath had three suits to his back six shirts to his body horse to ride and weapon to wear but mice and rats and such small deer have been toms food for seven long year beware my follower peace smulkin peace thou fiend what hath your grace no better company the prince of darkness is a gentleman modo hes calld and mahu our flesh and blood is grown so vile my lord that it doth hate what gets it poor toms acold go in with me my duty cannot suffer to obey in all your daughters hard commands though their injunction be to bar my doors and let this tyrannous night take hold upon you yet have ventured to come seek you out and bring you where both fire and food is ready first let me talk with this philosopher what is the cause of thunder good my lord take his offer go into the house ill talk a word with this same learned theban what is your study how to prevent the fiend and to kill vermin let me ask you one word in private importune him once more to go my lord his wits begin to unsettle canst thou blame him storm still his daughters seek his death ah that good kent he said it would be thus poor banishd man thou sayst the king grows mad ill tell thee friend am almost mad myself had a son now outlawd from my blood he sought my life but lately very late loved him friend no father his son dearer truth to tell thee the grief hath crazed my wits what a nights this do beseech your grace cry your mercy sir noble philosopher your company toms acold in fellow there into the hovel keep thee warm come lets in all this way my lord with him will keep still with my philosopher good my lord soothe him let him take the fellow take him you on sirrah come on go along with us come good athenian no words no words hush child rowland to the dark tower came his word was stillfie foh and fum smell the blood of a british man exeunt gloucesters castle enter and will have my revenge ere depart his house how my lord may be censured that nature thus gives way to loyalty something fears me to think of now perceive it was not altogether your brothers evil disposition made him seek his death but a provoking merit set awork by a reprovable badness in himself how malicious is my fortune that must repent to be just this is the letter he spoke of which approves him an intelligent party to the advantages of france heavens that this treason were not or not the detector o with me to the duchess if the matter of this paper be certain you have mighty business in hand true or false it hath made thee earl of gloucester seek out where thy father is that he may be ready for our apprehension aside if find him comforting the king it will stuff his suspicion more fullyi will persevere in my course of loyalty though the conflict be sore between that and my blood will lay trust upon thee and thou shalt find a dearer father in my love exeunt chamber in a farmhouse adjoining the castle enter fool and here is better than the open air take it thankfully will piece out the comfort with what addition can will not be long from you all the power of his wits have given way to his impatience the gods reward your kindness exit frateretto calls me and tells me nero is an angler in the lake of darkness pray innocent and beware the foul fiend fool prithee nuncle tell me whether a madman be a gentleman or a yeoman king a king fool no hes a yeoman that has a gentleman to his son for hes a mad yeoman that sees his son a gentleman before him to have a thousand with red burning spits come hissing in upon em the foul fiend bites my back fool hes mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf a horses health a boys love or a whores oath it shall be done will arraign them straight to come sit thou here most learned justicer to the fool thou sapient sir sit here now you she foxes look where he stands and glares wantest thou eyes at trial madam come oer the bourn bessy to me fool her boat hath a leak and she must not speak why she dares not come over to thee the foul fiend haunts poor tom in the voice of a nightingale hopdance cries in toms belly for two white herring croak not black angel have no food for thee how do you sir stand you not so amazed will you lie down and rest upon the cushions ill see their trial first bring in the evidence to thou robed man of justice take thy place to the fool and thou his yokefellow of equity bench by his side to you are o the commission sit you too let us deal justly sleepest or wakest thou jolly shepherd thy sheep be in the corn and for one blast of thy minikin mouth thy sheep shall take no harm pur the cat is gray arraign her first tis goneril here take my oath before this honourable assembly she kicked the poor king her father fool come hither mistress is your name goneril she cannot deny it fool cry you mercy took you for a jointstool and heres another whose warpd looks proclaim what store her heart is made on stop her there arms arms sword fire corruption in the place false justicer why hast thou let her scape bless thy five wits pity sir where is the patience now that thou so oft have boasted to retain aside my tears begin to take his part so much theyll mar my counterfeiting the little dogs and all tray blanch and sweetheart see they bark at me tom will throw his head at them avaunt you curs be thy mouth or black or white tooth that poisons if it bite mastiff greyhound mongrel grim hound or spaniel brach or lym or bobtail tike or trundletail tom will make them weep and wail for with throwing thus my head dogs leap the hatch and all are fled do de de de sessa come march to wakes and fairs and markettowns poor tom thy horn is dry then let them anatomize regan see what breeds about her heart is there any cause in nature that makes these hard hearts to you sir entertain for one of my hundred only do not like the fashion of your garments you will say they are persian attire but let them be changed now good my lord lie here and rest awhile make no noise make no noise draw the curtains so so so well go to supper i he morning so so so fool and ill go to bed at noon reenter come hither friend where is the king my master here sir but trouble him not his wits are gone good friend prithee take him in thy arms have oerheard a plot of death upon him there is a litter ready lay him in t and drive towards dover friend where thou shalt meet both welcome and protection take up thy master if thou shouldst dally half an hour his life with thine and all that offer to defend him stand in assured loss take up take up and follow me that will to some provision give thee quick conduct oppressed nature sleeps this rest might yet have balmd thy broken senses which if convenience will not allow stand in hard cure to the fool come help to bear thy master thou must not stay behind come come away exeunt all but when we our betters see bearing our woes we scarcely think our miseries our foes who alone suffers suffers most i the mind leaving free things and happy shows behind but then the mind much sufferance doth oer skip when grief hath mates and bearing fellowship how light and portable my pain seems now when that which makes me bend makes the king bow he childed as fatherd tom away mark the high noises and thyself bewray when false opinion whose wrong thought defiles thee in thy just proof repeals and reconciles thee what will hap more tonight safe scape the king lurk lurk exit gloucesters castle enter and servants post speedily to my lord your husband show him this letter the army of france is landed seek out the villain gloucester exeunt some of the servants hang him instantly pluck out his eyes leave him to my displeasure edmund keep you our sister company the revenges we are bound to take upon your traitorous father are not fit for your beholding advise the duke where you are going to a most festinate preparation we are bound to the like our posts shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us farewell dear sister farewell my lord of gloucester enter how now wheres the king my lord of gloucester hath conveyd him hence some five or six and thirty of his knights hot questrists after him met him at gate who with some other of the lords dependants are gone with him towards dover where they boast to have wellarmed friends get horses for your mistress farewell sweet lord and sister edmund farewell exeunt and go seek the traitor gloucester pinion him like a thief bring him before us exeunt other servants though well we may not pass upon his life without the form of justice yet our power shall do a courtesy to our wrath which men may blame but not control whos there the traitor enter brought in by two or three ingrateful fox tis he bind fast his corky arms what mean your graces good my friends consider you are my guests do me no foul play friends bind him say servants bind him hard hard filthy traitor unmerciful lady as you are im none to this chair bind him villain thou shalt find plucks his beard by the kind gods tis most ignobly done to pluck me by the beard so white and such a traitor naughty lady these hairs which thou dost ravish from my chin will quicken and accuse thee am your host with robbers hands my hospitable favours you should not ruffle thus what will you do come sir what letters had you late from france be simple answerer for we know the truth and what confederacy have you with the traitors late footed in the kingdom to whose hands have you sent the lunatic king speak have a letter guessingly set down which came from one thats of a neutral heart and not from one opposed cunning and false where hast thou sent the king to dover wherefore to dover wast thou not charged at peril wherefore to dover let him first answer that am tied to the stake and must stand the course wherefore to dover sir because would not see thy cruel nails pluck out his poor old eyes nor thy fierce sister in his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs the sea with such a storm as his bare head in hellblack night endured would have buoyd up and quenchd the stelled fires yet poor old heart he holp the heavens to rain if wolves had at thy gate howld that stern time thou shouldst have said good porter turn the key all cruels else subscribed but shall see the winged vengeance overtake such children seet shalt thou never fellows hold the chair upon these eyes of thine ill set my foot he that will think to live till he be old give me some help cruel you gods one side will mock another the other too if you see vengeance first servant hold your hand my lord have served you ever since was a child but better service have never done you than now to bid you hold how now you dog first servant if you did wear a beard upon your chin id shake it on this quarrel what do you mean my villain they draw and fight first servant nay then come on and take the chance of anger give me thy sword peasant stand up thus takes a sword and runs at him behind first servant am slain my lord you have one eye left to see some mischief on him dies lest it see more prevent it out vile jelly where is thy lustre now all dark and comfortless wheres my son edmund edmund enkindle all the sparks of nature to quit this horrid act out treacherous villain thou callst on him that hates thee it was he that made the overture of thy treasons to us who is too good to pity thee my follies then edgar was abused kind gods forgive me that and prosper him go thrust him out at gates and let him smell his way to dover exit one with how ist my lord how look you have received a hurt follow me lady turn out that eyeless villain throw this slave upon the dunghill regan bleed apace untimely comes this hurt give me your arm exit led by second servant ill never care what wickedness do if this man come to good third servant if she live long and in the end meet the old course of death women will all turn monsters second servant lets follow the old earl and get the bedlam to lead him where he would his roguish madness allows itself to any thing third servant go thou ill fetch some flax and whites of eggs to apply to his bleeding face now heaven help him exeunt severally the heath enter yet better thus and known to be contemnd than still contemnd and flatterd to be worst the lowest and most dejected thing of fortune stands still in esperance lives not in fear the lamentable change is from the best the worst returns to laughter welcome then thou unsubstantial air that embrace the wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst owes nothing to thy blasts but who comes here enter led by an old man my father poorly led world world world but that thy strange mutations make us hate thee lie would not yield to age old man my good lord have been your tenant and your fathers tenant these fourscore years away get thee away good friend be gone thy comforts can do me no good at all thee they may hurt old man alack sir you cannot see your way have no way and therefore want no eyes stumbled when saw full oft tis seen our means secure us and our mere defects prove our commodities dear son edgar the food of thy abused fathers wrath might but live to see thee in my touch ild say had eyes again old man how now whos there aside gods who ist can say am at the worst am worse than eer was old man tis poor mad tom aside and worse may be yet the worst is not so long as we can say this is the worst old man fellow where goest is it a beggarman old man madman and beggar too he has some reason else he could not beg the last nights storm such a fellow saw which made me think a man a worm my son came then into my mind and yet my mind was then scarce friends with him have heard more since as flies to wanton boys are we to the gods they kill us for their sport aside how should this be bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow angering itself and othersbless thee master is that the naked fellow old man ay my lord then prithee get thee gone if for my sake thou wilt oertake us hence a mile or twain the way toward dover do it for ancient love and bring some covering for this naked soul who ill entreat to lead me old man alack sir he is mad tis the times plague when madmen lead the blind do as bid thee or rather do thy pleasure above the rest be gone old man ill bring him the best parel that have come ont what will exit sirrah naked fellow poor toms acold aside cannot daub it further come hither fellow aside and yet mustbless thy sweet eyes they bleed knowst thou the way to dover both stile and gate horseway and footpath poor tom hath been scared out of his good wits bless thee good mans son from the foul fiend five fiends have been in poor tom at once of lust as obidicut hobbididence prince of dumbness mahu of stealing modo of murder flibbertigibbet of mopping and mowing who since possesses chambermaids and waitingwomen so bless thee master here take this purse thou whom the heavens plagues have humbled to all strokes that am wretched makes thee the happier heavens deal so still let the superfluous and lustdieted man that slaves your ordinance that will not see because he doth not feel feel your power quickly so distribution should undo excess and each man have enough dost thou know dover ay master there is a cliff whose high and bending head looks fearfully in the confined deep bring me but to the very brim of it and ill repair the misery thou dost bear with something rich about me from that place shall no leading need give me thy arm poor tom shall lead thee exeunt before albanys palace enter and welcome my lord marvel our mild husband not met us on the way enter now wheres your master madam within but never man so changed told him of the army that was landed he smiled at it told him you were coming his answer was the worse of gloucesters treachery and of the loyal service of his son when informd him then he calld me sot and told me had turnd the wrong side out what most he should dislike seems pleasant to him what like offensive to then shall you go no further it is the cowish terror of his spirit that dares not undertake hell not feel wrongs which tie him to an answer our wishes on the way may prove effects back edmund to my brother hasten his musters and conduct his powers must change arms at home and give the distaff into my husbands hands this trusty servant shall pass between us ere long you are like to hear if you dare venture in your own behalf mistresss command wear this spare speech giving a favour decline your head this kiss if it durst speak would stretch thy spirits up into the air conceive and fare thee well yours in the ranks of death my most dear gloucester exit the difference of man and man to thee a womans services are due my fool usurps my body madam here comes my lord exit enter have been worth the whistle goneril you are not worth the dust which the rude wind blows in your face fear your disposition that nature which contemns its origin cannot be borderd certain in itself she that herself will sliver and disbranch from her material sap perforce must wither and come to deadly use no more the text is foolish wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile filths savour but themselves what have you done tigers not daughters what have you performd father and a gracious aged man whose reverence even the headluggd bear would lick most barbarous most degenerate have you madded could my good brother suffer you to do it man a prince by him so benefited if that the heavens do not their visible spirits send quickly down to tame these vile offences it will come humanity must perforce prey on itself like monsters of the deep milkliverd man that bearst a cheek for blows a head for wrongs who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning thine honour from thy suffering that not knowst fools do those villains pity who are punishd ere they have done their mischief wheres thy drum france spreads his banners in our noiseless land with plumed helm thy slayer begins threats whiles thou a moral fool sitst still and criest alack why does he so see thyself devil proper deformity seems not in the fiend so horrid as in woman vain fool thou changed and selfcoverd thing for shame bemonster not thy feature weret my fitness to let these hands obey my blood they are apt enough to dislocate and tear thy flesh and bones howeer thou art a fiend womans shape doth shield thee marry your manhood now enter a messenger what news messenger my good lord the duke of cornwalls dead slain by his servant going to put out the other eye of gloucester gloucesters eye messenger servant that he bred thrilld with remorse opposed against the act bending his sword to his great master who thereat enraged flew on him and amongst them felld him dead but not without that harmful stroke which since hath pluckd him after this shows you are above you justicers that these our nether crimes so speedily can venge but poor gloucester lost he his other eye messenger both both my lord this letter madam craves a speedy answer tis from your sister aside one way like this well but being widow and my gloucester with her may all the building in my fancy pluck upon my hateful life another way the news is not so tartill read and answer exit where was his son when they did take his eyes messenger come with my lady hither he is not here messenger no my good lord met him back again knows he the wickedness messenger ay my good lord twas he informd against him and quit the house on purpose that their punishment might have the freer course gloucester live to thank thee for the love thou showdst the king and to revenge thine eyes come hither friend tell me what more thou knowst exeunt the french camp near dover enter and a gentleman why the king of france is so suddenly gone back know you the reason gentleman something he left imperfect in the state which since his coming forth is thought of which imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger that his personal return was most required and necessary who hath he left behind him general gentleman the marshal of france monsieur la far did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief gentleman ay sir she took them read them in my presence and now and then an ample tear trilld down her delicate cheek it seemd she was a queen over her passion who most rebellike sought to be king oer her then it moved her gentleman not to a rage patience and sorrow strove who should express her goodliest you have seen sunshine and rain at once her smiles and tears were like a better way those happy smilets that playd on her ripe lip seemd not to know what guests were in her eyes which parted thence as pearls from diamonds droppd in brief sorrow would be a rarity most beloved if all could so become it made she no verbal question gentleman faith once or twice she heaved the name of father pantingly forth as if it pressd her heart cried sisters sisters shame of ladies sisters kent father sisters what i the storm i the night let pity not be believed there she shook the holy water from her heavenly eyes and clamour moistend then away she started to deal with grief alone 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 since gentleman no was this before the king returnd gentleman no since well sir the poor distressed lears 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 gentleman why good sir sovereign shame so elbows him his own unkindness that strippd her from his benediction turnd her to foreign casualties gave her dear rights to his doghearted daughters these things sting his mind so venomously that burning shame detains him from cordelia gentleman alack poor gentleman of albanys and cornwalls powers you heard not gentleman tis so they are afoot well sir ill bring you to our master lear and leave you to attend him some dear cause will in concealment wrap me up awhile when am known aright you shall not grieve lending me this acquaintance pray you go along with me exeunt the same tent enter with drum and colours doctor and soldiers alack tis he why he was met even now as mad as the vexd sea singing aloud crownd with rank fumiter and furrowweeds with burdocks hemlock nettles cuckooflowers darnel and all the idle weeds that grow in our sustaining corn century send forth search every acre in the highgrown field and bring him to our eye exit an officer what can mans wisdom in the restoring his bereaved sense he that helps him take all my outward worth doctor there is means madam our fosternurse 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 all blest secrets all you unpublishd virtues of the earth spring with my tears be aidant and remediate in the good mans distress seek seek for him lest his ungovernd rage dissolve the life that wants the means to lead it enter a messenger messenger news madam the british powers are marching hitherward tis known before our preparation stands in expectation of them dear father it is thy business that 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 aged fathers right soon may hear and see him exeunt gloucesters castle enter and but are my brothers powers set forth ay madam himself in person there madam with much ado your sister is the better soldier lord edmund spake not with your lord at home no madam what might import my sisters letter to him know not lady faith he is posted hence on serious matter it was great ignorance gloucesters eyes being out to let him live where he arrives he moves all hearts against us edmund think is gone in pity of his misery to dispatch his nighted life moreover to descry the strength o the enemy must needs after him madam with my letter our troops set forth tomorrow stay with us the ways are dangerous may not madam my lady charged my duty in this business why should she write to edmund might not you transport her purposes by word belike somethingi know not what ill love thee much let me unseal the letter madam had rather know your lady does not love her husband am sure of that and at her late being here she gave strange oeillades and most speaking looks to noble edmund know you are of her bosom madam speak in understanding you are knowt therefore do advise you take this note my lord is dead edmund and have talkd and more convenient is he for my hand than for your ladys you may gather more if you do find him pray you give him this and when your mistress hears thus much from you pray desire her call her wisdom to her so fare you well if you do chance to hear of that blind traitor preferment falls on him that cuts him off would could meet him madam should show what party do follow fare thee well exeunt fields near dover enter and dressed like a peasant when shall we come to the top of that same hill you do climb up it now look how we labour methinks the ground is even horrible steep hark do you hear the sea no truly why then your other senses grow imperfect by your eyes anguish so may it be indeed methinks thy voice is alterd and thou speakst in better phrase and matter than thou didst youre much deceived in nothing am changed but in my garments methinks youre better spoken come on sir heres the place stand still how fearful and dizzy tis to cast ones eyes so low the crows and choughs that wing the midway air 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 fishermen that walk upon the beach appear like mice and yond tall anchoring bark diminishd to her cock her cock a buoy almost too small for sight the murmuring surge that on the unnumberd idle pebbles chafes cannot be heard so high ill look no more lest my brain turn and the deficient sight topple down headlong set me where you stand give me your hand you are now within a foot of the extreme verge for all beneath the moon would not leap upright let go my hand here friend s another purse in it a jewel well worth a poor mans taking fairies and gods prosper it with thee go thou farther off bid me farewell and let me hear thee going now fare you well good sir with all my heart why do trifle thus with his despair is done to cure it kneeling you mighty gods this world do renounce and in your sights shake patiently my great affliction off if 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 bless him now fellow fare thee well he falls forward gone sir farewell and yet know not how conceit may rob the treasury of life when life itself yields to the theft had he been where he thought 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 away and let me die hadst thou been aught but gossamer feathers air so many fathom down precipitating thoudst shiverd like an egg but thou dost breathe hast heavy substance bleedst not speakst art sound ten masts at each make not the altitude which thou hast perpendicularly fell thy lifes a miracle speak yet again but have falln or no from the dread summit of this chalky bourn look up aheight the shrillgorged lark so far cannot be seen or heard do but look up alack have no eyes is wretchedness deprived that benefit to end itself by death twas yet some comfort when misery could beguile the tyrants rage and frustrate his proud will give me your arm up so how is t feel you your legs you stand too well too well this is above all strangeness upon the crown o the cliff what thing was that which parted from you poor unfortunate beggar as stood here below methought his eyes were two full moons he had a thousand noses horns whelkd and waved like the enridged sea it was some fiend therefore thou happy father think that the clearest gods who make them honours of mens impossibilities have preserved thee do remember now henceforth ill bear affliction till it do cry out itself enough enough and die that thing you speak of took it for a man often twould say the fiend the fiend he led me to that place bear free and patient thoughts but who comes here enter fantastically dressed with wild flowers the safer sense will neer accommodate his master thus no they cannot touch me for coining am the king himself thou sidepiercing sight natures above art in that respect theres your pressmoney that fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper draw me a clothiers yard look look a mouse peace peace this piece of toasted cheese will do t theres my gauntlet ill prove it on a giant bring up the brown bills well flown bird i the clout i the clout hewgh give the word sweet marjoram pass know that voice ha goneril with a white beard they flattered me like a dog and told me had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones were there to say ay and no to every thing that saiday 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 found em there smelt em out go to they are not men o their words they told me was every thing tis a lie am not agueproof the trick of that voice do well remember is t not the king ay every inch a king when do stare see how the subject quakes pardon that mans 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 gloucesters bastard son was kinder to his father than my daughters got tween the lawful sheets to t luxury pellmell for lack soldiers behold yond simpering dame whose face between her forks presages snow that minces virtue and does shake the head to hear of pleasures 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 theres hell theres darkness theres the sulphurous pit burning scalding stench consumption fie fie fie pah pah give me an ounce of civet good apothecary to sweeten my imagination theres money for thee let me kiss that hand let me wipe it first it smells of mortality ruind piece of nature this great world shall so wear out to nought dost thou know me remember thine eyes well enough dost thou squiny at me no do thy worst blind cupid ill not love read thou this challenge mark but the penning of it were all the letters suns could not see one would not take this from report it is and my heart breaks at it read what with the case of eyes ho are you there with me no eyes 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 see it feelingly what art mad man may see how this world goes with no eyes look with thine ears see how yond justice rails upon yond simple thief hark in thine ear change places and handydandy which is the justice which is the thief thou hast seen a farmers dog bark at a beggar ay sir and the creature run from the cur there thou mightst behold the great image of authority a dogs obeyed in office thou rascal beadle hold thy bloody hand why dost thou lash that whore strip thine own back thou hotly lustst to use her in that kind for which thou whippst her the usurer hangs the cozener through tatterd clothes small vices do appear robes and furrd gowns hide all plate sin with gold and the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks arm it in rags a pigmys straw does pierce it none does offend none say none ill able em take that of me my friend who have the power to seal the accusers 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 matter and impertinency mixd reason in madness if thou wilt weep my fortunes take my eyes know thee well enough thy name is gloucester thou must be patient we came crying hither thou knowst the first time that we smell the air we wawl and cry will preach to thee mark alack alack the day when we are born we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools this a good block it were a delicate stratagem to shoe troop of horse with felt ill put t in proof and when have stoln upon these sonsinlaw then kill kill kill kill kill kill enter a gentleman with attendants gentleman here he is lay hand upon him sir your most dear daughter no rescue what a prisoner am even the natural fool of fortune use me well you shall have ransom let me have surgeons am cut to the brains gentleman you shall have any thing no seconds all myself why this would make a man a man of salt to use his eyes for garden waterpots ay and laying autumns dust gentleman good sir will die bravely like a bridegroom what will be jovial come come am a king my masters know you that gentleman you are a royal one and we obey you then theres life int nay if you get it you shall get it with running sa sa sa sa exit running attendants follow gentleman sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch past speaking of in a king thou hast one daughter who redeems nature from the general curse which twain have brought her to hail gentle sir gentleman sir speed you whats your will do you hear aught sir of a battle toward gentleman most sure and vulgar every one hears that which can distinguish sound but by your favour how nears the other army gentleman near and on speedy foot the main descry stands on the hourly thought thank you sir thats all gentleman though that the queen on special cause is here her army is moved on thank you sir exit gentleman you evergentle gods take my breath from me let not my worser spirit tempt me again to die before you please well pray you father now good sir what are you most poor man made tame to fortunes blows who by the art of known and feeling sorrows am pregnant to good pity give me your hand ill lead you to some biding hearty thanks the bounty and the benison of heaven to boot and boot enter proclaimd prize most happy that eyeless head of thine was first framed flesh to raise my fortunes thou old unhappy traitor briefly thyself remember the sword is out that must destroy thee now let thy friendly hand put strength enough tot interposes wherefore bold peasant darest thou support a publishd traitor hence lest that the infection of his fortune take like hold on thee let go his arm chill not let go zir without vurther casion let go slave or thou diest good gentleman go your gait and let poor volk pass an chud ha bin zwaggered out of my life twould not ha bin zo long as tis by a vortnight nay come not near th old man keep out che vor ye or ise try whether your costard or my ballow be the harder chill be plain with you out dunghill chill pick your teeth zir come no matter vor your foins they fight and knocks him down slave thou hast slain me villain take my purse if ever thou wilt thrive bury my body and give the letters which thou findst about me to edmund earl of gloucester seek him out upon the british party untimely death dies know thee well a serviceable villain as duteous to the vices of thy mistress as badness would desire what is he dead sit you down father rest you lets see these pockets the letters that he speaks of may be my friends hes dead am only sorry he had no other deathsman let us see leave gentle wax and manners blame us not to know our enemies minds weld rip their hearts their papers is more lawful 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 the prisoner and his bed my goal from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me and supply the place for your labour yourwife so would say affectionate servant undistinguishd space of womans will plot upon her virtuous husbands life and the exchange my brother here in the sands thee ill rake up the post unsanctified of murderous lechers and in the mature time with this ungracious paper strike the sight of the death practised duke for him tis well that of thy death and business can tell the king is mad how stiff is my vile sense that stand up and have ingenious feeling of my huge sorrows better were distract so should my thoughts be severd from my griefs and woes by wrong imaginations lose the knowledge of themselves give me your hand drum afar off far off methinks hear the beaten drum come father ill bestow you with a friend exeunt tent in the french camp on a bed asleep soft music playing gentleman and others attending enter and doctor thou good kent how shall live and work to match thy goodness my life will be too short and every measure fail me to be acknowledged madam is oerpaid all my reports go with the modest truth nor more nor clippd but so be better suited these weeds are memories of those worser hours prithee put them off pardon me dear madam yet to be known shortens my made intent my boon make it that you know me not till time and think meet then bet so my good lord to the doctor how does the king doctor madam sleeps still you kind gods cure this great breach in his abused nature the untuned and jarring senses wind up of this childchanged father doctor so please your majesty that we may wake the king he hath slept long be governd by your knowledge and proceed the sway of your own will is he arrayd gentleman ay madam in the heaviness of his sleep we put fresh garments on him doctor be by good madam when we do awake him doubt not of his temperance very well doctor please you draw near louder the music there 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 kind and dear princess had you not been their father these white flakes had challenged pity of them was this a face to be opposed against the warring winds to stand against the deep dreadbolted thunder in the most terrible and nimble stroke of quick cross lightning to watchpoor perdu with this thin helm mine enemys 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 him doctor madam do you tis fittest how does my royal lord how fares your majesty you do me wrong to take me out o the grave thou art a soul in bliss but am bound upon a wheel of fire that mine own tears do scald like moulten lead sir do you know me you are a spirit know when did you die still still far wide doctor hes scarce awake let him alone awhile where have been where am fair daylight am mightily abused should een die with pity to see another thus know not what to say will not swear these are my hands lets see feel this pin prick would were assured of my condition look upon me sir and hold your hands in benediction oer me no sir you must not kneel pray do not mock me am a very foolish fond old man fourscore and upward not an hour more nor less and to deal plainly fear am not in my perfect mind methinks should know you and know this man yet am doubtful for am mainly ignorant what place this is and all the skill have remembers not these garments nor know not where did lodge last night do not laugh at me for as am a man think this lady to be my child cordelia and so am am be your tears wet yes faith pray weep not if you have poison for me will drink it know you do not love me for your sisters have as do remember done me wrong you have some cause they have not no cause no cause am in france in your own kingdom sir do not abuse me doctor be comforted good madam the great rage you see is killd in him and yet it is danger to make him even oer the time he has lost desire him to go in trouble him no more till further settling willt please your highness walk you must bear with me pray you now forget and forgive am old and foolish exeunt all but and gentleman gentleman holds it true sir that the duke of cornwall was so slain most certain sir gentleman who is conductor of his people as tis said the bastard son of gloucester gentleman they say edgar his banished son is with the earl of kent in germany report is changeable tis time to look about the powers of the kingdom approach apace gentleman the arbitrement is like to be bloody fare you well sir exit my point and period will be throughly wrought or well or ill as this days battles fought exit the british camp near dover enter with drum and colours gentlemen and soldiers know of the duke if his last purpose hold or whether since he is advised by aught to change the course hes full of alteration and selfreproving bring his constant pleasure to a gentleman who goes out our sisters man is certainly miscarried tis to be doubted madam now sweet lord you know the goodness intend upon you tell mebut trulybut then speak the truth do you not love my sister in honourd love but have you never found my brothers way to the forfended place that thought abuses you am doubtful that you have been conjunct and bosomd with her as far as we call hers no by mine honour madam never shall endure her dear my lord be not familiar with her fear me not she and the duke her husband enter with drum and colours and soldiers aside had rather lose the battle than that sister should loosen him and me our very loving sister well bemet sir this hear the king is come to his daughter with others whom the rigor of our state forced to cry out where could not be honest never yet was valiant for this business it toucheth us as france invades our land not bolds the king with others whom fear most just and heavy causes make oppose sir you speak nobly why is this reasond combine together gainst the enemy for these domestic and particular broils are not the question here lets then determine with the ancient of war on our proceedings shall attend you presently at your tent sister youll go with us no tis most convenient pray you go with us aside ho know the riddlei will go as they are going out enter disguised if eer your grace had speech with man so poor hear me one word ill overtake you speak exeunt all but and before you fight the battle ope this letter if you have victory let the trumpet sound for him that brought it wretched though seem 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 stay till have read the letter was forbid it when time shall serve let but the herald cry and ill appear again why fare thee well will oerlook thy paper exit reenter the enemys in view draw up your powers here is the guess of their true strength and forces by diligent discovery but your haste is now urged on you we will greet the time exit to both these sisters have sworn my love each jealous of the other as the stung are of the adder which of them shall take both one or neither neither can be enjoyd if both remain alive to take the widow exasperates makes mad her sister goneril and hardly shall carry out my side her husband being alive now then well use his countenance for the battle which being done let her who would be rid of him devise 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 field between the two camps alarum within enter with drum and colours and soldiers over the stage and exeunt enter and here father take the shadow of this tree for your good host pray that the right may thrive if ever return to you again ill bring you comfort grace go with you sir exit alarum and retreat within reenter away old man give me thy hand away king lear hath lost he and his daughter taen give me thy hand come on no farther sir a man may rot even here what in ill thoughts again men must endure their going hence even as their coming hither ripeness is all come on and thats true too exeunt the british camp near dover enter in conquest with drum and colours and prisoners captain soldiers c some officers take them away good guard until their greater pleasures first be known that are to censure them we are not the first who with best meaning have incurrd the worst for thee oppressed king am cast down myself could else outfrown false fortunes frown shall we not see these daughters and these sisters no no no no come lets away to prison we two alone will sing like birds i the cage when thou dost ask me blessing ill kneel down and ask of thee forgiveness so well live and pray and sing and tell old tales and laugh at gilded butterflies and hear poor rogues talk of court news and well talk with them too who loses and who wins whos in whos out and take upons the mystery of things as if we were gods spies and well wear out in a walld prison packs and sects of great ones that ebb and flow by the moon take them away upon such sacrifices my cordelia the gods themselves throw incense have caught thee he that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven and fire us hence like foxes wipe thine eyes the goodyears shall devour them flesh and fell ere they shall make us weep well see em starve first come exeunt and guarded come hither captain hark take thou this note giving a paper go follow them to prison one step have advanced thee if thou dost as this instructs thee thou dost make thy way to noble fortunes know thou this that men are as the time is to be tenderminded does not become a sword thy great employment will not bear question either say thoult do t or thrive by other means captain ill do t my lord about it and write happy when thou hast done mark say instantly and carry it so as have set it down captain cannot draw a cart nor eat dried oats if it be mans work ill do t exit flourish enter another captain and soldiers sir you have shown today your valiant strain and fortune led you well you have the captives that were the opposites of this days strife we do require them of you so to use them as we shall find their merits and our safety may equally determine sir thought it fit to send the old and miserable king to some retention and appointed guard whose age has charms in it whose title more to pluck the common bosom on his side an turn our impressd lances in our eyes which do command them with him sent the queen my reason all the same and they are ready tomorrow or at further space to appear where you shall hold your session at this time we sweat and bleed the friend hath lost his friend and the best quarrels in the heat are cursed by those that feel their sharpness the question of cordelia and her father requires a fitter place sir by your patience hold you but a subject of this war not as a brother thats as we list to grace him methinks our pleasure might have been demanded ere you had spoke so far he led our powers bore the commission of my place and person the which immediacy may well stand up and call itself your brother not so hot in his own grace he doth exalt himself more than in your addition in my rights by me invested he compeers the best that were the most if he should husband you jesters do oft prove prophets holla holla that eye that told you so lookd but asquint lady am not well else should answer from a fullflowing stomach general take thou my soldiers prisoners patrimony dispose of them of me the walls are thine witness the world that create thee here my lord and master mean you to enjoy him the letalone lies not in your good will nor in thine lord halfblooded fellow yes to let the drum strike and prove my title thine stay yet hear reason edmund arrest thee on capital treason and in thine attaint this gilded serpent pointing to goneril for your claim fair sister bar it in the interest of my wife tis she is subcontracted to this lord and her husband contradict your bans if you will marry make your loves to me my lady is bespoke an interlude thou art armd gloucester let the trumpet sound if none appear to prove upon thy head thy heinous manifest and many treasons there is my pledge throwing down a glove ill prove it on thy heart ere taste bread thou art in nothing less than have here proclaimd thee sick sick aside if not ill neer trust medicine theres my exchange throwing down a glove what in the world he is that names me traitor villainlike he lies call by thy trumpet he that dares approach on him on you who not will maintain my truth and honour firmly herald ho herald ho a herald trust to thy single virtue for thy soldiers all levied in my name have in my name took their discharge my sickness grows upon me she is not well convey her to my tent exit regan led enter a herald come hither heraldlet the trumpet sound and read out this captain sound trumpet trumpet sounds herald reads if any man of quality or degree within the lists of the army will maintain upon edmund supposed earl of gloucester that he is a manifold traitor let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet he is bold in his defence sound first trumpet herald again second trumpet herald again third trumpet trumpet answers within enter at the third sound armed with a trumpet before him ask him his purposes why he appears upon this call o the trumpet herald what are you your name your quality and why you answer this present summons know my name is lost by treasons tooth baregnawn and cankerbit yet am noble as the adversary come to cope which is that adversary whats he that speaks for edmund earl of gloucester himself what sayst thou to him draw thy sword that if my speech offend a noble heart thy arm may do thee justice here is mine behold it is the privilege of mine honours my oath and my profession protest maugre thy strength youth place and eminence despite thy victor sword and firenew fortune thy valour and thy heart thou art a traitor false to thy gods thy brother and thy father conspirant gainst this highillustrious prince and from the extremest upward of thy head to the descent and dust below thy foot most toadspotted traitor say thou no this sword this arm and my best spirits are bent to prove upon thy heart whereto speak thou liest in wisdom should ask thy name but since thy outside looks so fair and warlike and that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes what safe and nicely might well delay by rule of knighthood disdain and spurn back do toss these treasons to thy head with the hellhated lie oerwhelm thy heart which for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise this sword of mine shall give them instant way where they shall rest for ever trumpets speak alarums they fight falls save him save him this is practise gloucester by the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer an unknown opposite thou art not vanquishd but cozend and beguiled shut your mouth dame or with this paper shall stop it hold sir thou worse than any name read thine own evil no tearing lady perceive you know it gives the letter to say if do the laws are mine not thine who can arraign me fort most monstrous oh knowst thou this paper ask me not what know exit go after her shes desperate govern her what you have charged me with that have done and more much more the time will bring it out tis past and so am but what art thou that hast this fortune on me if thourt noble do forgive thee lets exchange charity am no less in blood than thou art edmund if more the more thou hast wrongd me my name is edgar and thy fathers son the gods are just and of our pleasant vices make instruments to plague us the dark and vicious place where thee he got cost him his eyes thou hast spoken right tis true the wheel is come full circle am here methought thy very gait did prophesy royal nobleness must embrace thee let sorrow split my heart if ever did hate thee or thy father worthy prince knowt where have you hid yourself how have you known the miseries of your father by nursing them my lord list a brief tale and when tis told that my heart would burst the bloody proclamation to escape that followd me so nearo our lives sweetness that we the pain of death would hourly die rather than die at oncetaught me to shift into a madmans rags to assume a semblance that very dogs disdaind and in this habit met my father with his bleeding rings their precious stones new lost became his guide led him beggd for him saved him from despair nevero faultreveald myself unto him until some halfhour past when was armd not sure though hoping of this good success askd his blessing and from first to last told him my pilgrimage but his flawd heart alack too weak the conflict to support twixt two extremes of passion joy and grief burst smilingly this speech of yours hath moved me and shall perchance do good but speak you on you look as you had something more to say if there be more more woeful hold it in for am almost ready to dissolve hearing of this this would have seemd a period to such as love not sorrow but another to amplify too much would make much more and top extremity whilst was big in clamour came there in a man who having seen me in my worst estate shunnd my abhorrd society but then finding who twas that so endured with his strong arms he fastened on my neck and bellowd out as held burst heaven threw him on my father told the most piteous tale of lear and him that ever ear received which in recounting his grief grew puissant and the strings of life began to crack twice then the trumpets sounded and there left him tranced but who was this kent sir the banishd kent who in disguise followd his enemy king and did him service improper for a slave enter a gentleman with a bloody knife gentleman help help help what kind of help speak man what means that bloody knife gentleman tis hot it smokes it came even from the heart ofo shes dead who dead speak man gentleman your lady sir your lady and her sister by her is poisoned she hath confessd it was contracted to them both all three now marry in an instant here comes kent produce their bodies be they alive or dead this judgment of the heavens that makes us tremble touches us not with pity exit gentleman enter is this he the time will not allow the compliment which very manners urges am come to bid my king and master aye good night is he not here great thing of us forgot speak edmund wheres the king and wheres cordelia seest thou this object kent the bodies of and are brought in alack why thus yet edmund was beloved the one the other poisond for my sake and after slew herself even so cover their faces pant for life some good mean to do despite of mine own nature quickly send be brief in it to the castle for my writ is on the life of lear and on cordelia nay send in time run run run to who my lord who hath the office send thy token of reprieve well thought on take my sword give it the captain haste thee for thy life exit he hath commission from thy wife and me to hang cordelia in the prison and to lay the blame upon her own despair that she fordid herself the gods defend her bear him hence awhile is borne off reenter with dead in his arms captain and others following howl howl howl howl you are men of stones had your tongues and eyes ild use them so that heavens vault should crack shes gone for ever know when one is dead and when one lives shes dead as earth lend me a lookingglass if that her breath will mist or stain the stone why then she lives is this the promised end or image of that horror fall and cease this feather stirs she lives if it be so it is a chance which does redeem all sorrows that ever have felt kneeling my good master prithee away tis noble kent your friend plague upon you murderers traitors all might have saved her now shes gone for ever cordelia cordelia stay a little ha what ist thou sayst her voice was ever soft gentle and low an excellent thing in woman killd the slave that was ahanging thee captain tis true my lords he did did not fellow have seen the day with my good biting falchion would have made them skip am old now and these same crosses spoil me who are you mine eyes are not o the best ill tell you straight if fortune brag of two she loved and hated one of them we behold this is a dull sight are you not kent the same your servant kent where is your servant caius hes a good fellow can tell you that hell strike and quickly too hes dead and rotten no my good lord am the very man ill see that straight that from your first of difference and decay have followd your sad steps you are welcome hither nor no man else alls cheerless dark and deadly your eldest daughters have fordone them selves and desperately are dead ay so think he knows not what he says and vain it is that we present us to him very bootless enter a captain captain edmund is dead my lord thats but a trifle here you lords and noble friends know our intent what comfort to this great decay may come shall be applied for us we will resign during the life of this old majesty to him our absolute power to and you to your rights with boot and such addition as your honours have more than merited all friends shall taste the wages of their virtue and all foes the cup of their deservings see see and my poor fool is hangd no no no life why should a dog a horse a rat have life and thou no breath at all thoult come no more never never never never never pray you undo this button thank you sir do you see this look on her look her lips look there look there dies he faints my lord my lord break heart prithee break look up my lord vex not his ghost let him pass he hates him much that would upon the rack of this tough world stretch him out longer he is gone indeed the wonder is he hath endured so long he but usurpd his life bear them from hence our present business is general woe to and friends of my soul you twain rule in this realm and the gored state sustain have a journey sir shortly to go my master calls me must not say no the weight of this sad time we must obey speak what we feel not what we ought to say the oldest hath borne most we that are young shall never see so much nor live so long exeunt with a dead march