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Enter KENT disguised
Enter KENT disguised

KENT

If but as well I other accents borrow,
That can my speech diffuse, my good intent
May carry through itself to that full issue
For which I razed my likeness. Now, banished Kent,
5 If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemned,
So may it come thy master, whom thou lovest,
Shall find thee full of labors.

KENT

If but as well I other accents borrow,
That can my speech diffuse, my good intent
May carry through itself to that full issue
For which I razed my likeness. Now, banished Kent,
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemned,
So may it come thy master, whom thou lovest,
Shall find thee full of labors.
Horns within Enter LEAR with attendant knights
Horns within Enter LEAR with attendant knights

LEAR

Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it ready.

LEAR

Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it ready.
Exit attendant
Exit attendant
(to KENT) How now, what art thou?
(to KENT) How now, what art thou?

KENT

10 A man, sir.

KENT

A man, sir.

LEAR

What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?

LEAR

What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?

KENT

I do profess to be no less than I seem—to serve him truly that will put me in trust, to love him that is honest, to converse with him that is wise and says little, to fear judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.

KENT

I do profess to be no less than I seem—to serve him truly that will put me in trust, to love him that is honest, to converse with him that is wise and says little, to fear judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.

LEAR

What art thou?

LEAR

What art thou?

KENT

A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.

KENT

A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.

LEAR

If thou beest as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough. What wouldst thou?

LEAR

If thou beest as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough. What wouldst thou?

KENT

20 Service.

KENT

Service.

LEAR

Who wouldst thou serve?

LEAR

Who wouldst thou serve?

KENT

You.

KENT

You.

LEAR

Dost thou know me, fellow?

LEAR

Dost thou know me, fellow?

KENT

No, sir. But you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.

KENT

No, sir. But you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.

LEAR

What’s that?

LEAR

What’s that?

KENT

Authority.

KENT

Authority.

LEAR

What services canst thou do?

LEAR

What services canst thou do?

KENT

I 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, I am qualified in. And the best of me is diligence.

KENT

I 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, I am qualified in. And the best of me is diligence.

LEAR

How old art thou?

LEAR

How old art thou?

KENT

Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to dote on her for anything. I have years on my back forty- eight.

KENT

Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to dote on her for anything. I have years on my back forty- eight.

LEAR

Follow me. Thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet.—Dinner, ho, dinner! Where’s my knave, my fool?—Go you, and call my fool hither.

LEAR

Follow me. Thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet.—Dinner, ho, dinner! Where’s my knave, my fool?—Go you, and call my fool hither.
Exit attendant
Exit attendant
Enter OSWALD the steward
Enter OSWALD the steward
You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?
You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?

OSWALD

So please you—

OSWALD

So please you—
Exit OSWALD
Exit OSWALD

LEAR

What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.

LEAR

What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.
Exit FIRST KNIGHT
Exit FIRST KNIGHT
Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep.
Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep.
Enter FIRST KNIGHT
Enter FIRST KNIGHT
45 How now? Where’s that mongrel?
How now? Where’s that mongrel?

FIRST KNIGHT

He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.

FIRST KNIGHT

He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.

LEAR

Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.

LEAR

Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.

FIRST KNIGHT

Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he would not.

FIRST KNIGHT

Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he would not.

LEAR

He would not?

LEAR

He would not?

FIRST KNIGHT

My lord, I know not what the matter is, but to my judgment your highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were wont. There’s a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants as in the duke himself also, and your daughter.

FIRST KNIGHT

My lord, I know not what the matter is, but to my judgment your highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were wont. There’s a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants as in the duke himself also, and your daughter.

LEAR

55 Ha! Sayest thou so?

LEAR

Ha! Sayest thou so?

FIRST KNIGHT

I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken—for my duty cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged.

FIRST KNIGHT

I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken—for my duty cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged.

LEAR

Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception. I have perceived a most faint neglect of late, which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretense and purpose of unkindness. I will look further into ’t. But where’s my fool? I have not seen him this two days.

LEAR

Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception. I have perceived a most faint neglect of late, which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretense and purpose of unkindness. I will look further into ’t. But where’s my fool? I have not seen him this two days.

FIRST KNIGHT

Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away.

FIRST KNIGHT

Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away.

LEAR

No more of that. I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her.

LEAR

No more of that. I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her.
Exit an attendant
Exit an attendant
Go you, call hither my fool.
Go you, call hither my fool.
Exit another attendant
Exit another attendant
Enter OSWALD
Enter OSWALD
O you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
O you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?

OSWALD

My lady’s father.

OSWALD

My lady’s father.

LEAR

“My lady’s father”? My lord’s knave, your whoreson dog!
70 You slave, you cur!

LEAR

“My lady’s father”? My lord’s knave, your whoreson dog!
You slave, you cur!

OSWALD

I am none of these, my lord. I beseech your pardon.

OSWALD

I am none of these, my lord. I beseech your pardon.

LEAR

Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
(he strikes OSWALD)

LEAR

Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
(he strikes OSWALD)

OSWALD

I’ll not be strucken, my lord.

OSWALD

I’ll not be strucken, my lord.

KENT

(tripping OSWALD)
Nor tripped neither, you base football player.

KENT

(tripping OSWALD)
Nor tripped neither, you base football player.

LEAR

(to KENT) I thank thee, fellow. Thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.

LEAR

(to KENT) I thank thee, fellow. Thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.

KENT

(to OSWALD) Come, sir, arise, away! I’ll teach you differences. Away, away. If you will measure your lubber’s length again, tarry. But away, go to. Have you wisdom? So.

KENT

(to OSWALD) Come, sir, arise, away! I’ll teach you differences. Away, away. If you will measure your lubber’s length again, tarry. But away, go to. Have you wisdom? So.
Exit OSWALD
Exit OSWALD

LEAR

Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee.

LEAR

Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee.
Enter FOOL
Enter FOOL
(gives KENT money) There’s earnest of thy service.
(gives KENT money) There’s earnest of thy service.

FOOL

Let me hire him too.—Here’s my coxcomb.
(offers KENT his cap)

FOOL

Let me hire him too.—Here’s my coxcomb.
(offers KENT his cap)

LEAR

85 How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?

LEAR

How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?

FOOL

(to KENT) Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.

FOOL

(to KENT) Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.

LEAR

Why, Fool?

LEAR

Why, Fool?

FOOL

Why? For taking one’s part that’s out of favor. Nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch cold shortly. There, take my coxcomb. Why, this fellow has banished two on ’s daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will. If thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.—How now, nuncle? Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters.

FOOL

Why? For taking one’s part that’s out of favor. Nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch cold shortly. There, take my coxcomb. Why, this fellow has banished two on ’s daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will. If thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.—How now, nuncle? Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters.

LEAR

95 Why, my boy?

LEAR

Why, my boy?

FOOL

If I gave them all my living, I’d keep my coxcombs myself.
There’s mine. Beg another of thy daughters.

FOOL

If I gave them all my living, I’d keep my coxcombs myself.
There’s mine. Beg another of thy daughters.

LEAR

Take heed, sirrah—the whip.

LEAR

Take heed, sirrah—the whip.

FOOL

Truth’s a dog that must to kennel. He must be whipped out, when Lady Brach may stand by th' fire and stink.

FOOL

Truth’s a dog that must to kennel. He must be whipped out, when Lady Brach may stand by th' fire and stink.

LEAR

A pestilent gall to me!

LEAR

A pestilent gall to me!

FOOL

Sirrah, I’ll teach thee a speech.

FOOL

Sirrah, I’ll teach thee a speech.

LEAR

Do.

LEAR

Do.

FOOL

Mark it, nuncle.
105 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,
110 Set less than thou throwest,
Leave thy drink and thy whore
And keep in-a-door,
And thou shalt have more
Than two tens to a score.

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 in-a-door,
And thou shalt have more
Than two tens to a score.

KENT

115 This is nothing, Fool.

KENT

This is nothing, Fool.

FOOL

Then ’tis like the breath of an unfee’d lawyer. You gave me nothing for ’t.—Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?

FOOL

Then ’tis like the breath of an unfee’d lawyer. You gave me nothing for ’t.—Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?

LEAR

Why no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.

LEAR

Why no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.

FOOL

(to KENT) Prithee, tell him so much the rent of his land comes to. He will not believe a fool.

FOOL

(to KENT) Prithee, tell him so much the rent of his land comes to. He will not believe a fool.

LEAR

A bitter fool.

LEAR

A bitter fool.

FOOL

Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and a sweet fool?

FOOL

Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and a sweet fool?

LEAR

No, lad. Teach me.

LEAR

No, lad. Teach me.

FOOL

125 That lord that counseled thee
To give away thy land,
Come place him here by me.
Do thou for him stand.
The sweet and bitter fool
130 Will presently appear—
The one in motley here,
The other found out there.

FOOL

That lord that counseled 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.

LEAR

Dost thou call me fool, boy?

LEAR

Dost thou call me fool, boy?

FOOL

All thy other titles thou hast given away that thou wast born with.

FOOL

All thy other titles thou hast given away that thou wast born with.

KENT

This is not altogether fool, my lord.

KENT

This is not altogether fool, my lord.

FOOL

No, faith, lords and great men will not let me. If I had a monopoly out, they would have part on ’t. And ladies too— they will not let me have all fool to myself; they’ll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I’ll give thee two crowns.

FOOL

No, faith, lords and great men will not let me. If I had a monopoly out, they would have part on ’t. And ladies too— they will not let me have all fool to myself; they’ll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I’ll give thee two crowns.

LEAR

What two crowns shall they be?

LEAR

What two crowns shall they be?

FOOL

Why—after I have cut the egg i' th' middle and eat up the meat—the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i' th' middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o' th' back o'er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.
(sings)
Fools had ne'er less wit in a year,
For wise men are grown foppish.
They know not how their wits to wear,
Their manners are so apish.

FOOL

Why—after I have cut the egg i' th' middle and eat up the meat—the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i' th' middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o' th' back o'er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.
(sings)
Fools had ne'er less wit in a year,
For wise men are grown foppish.
They know not how their wits to wear,
Their manners are so apish.

LEAR

155 When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?

LEAR

When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?

FOOL

I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou madest thy daughters thy mothers. For when thou gavest them the rod, and put’st down thine own breeches,
(sings)
Then they for sudden joy did weep
And I for sorrow sung,
That such a king should play bo-peep
And go the fools among.
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie. I would fain learn to lie.

FOOL

I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou madest thy daughters thy mothers. For when thou gavest them the rod, and put’st down thine own breeches,
(sings)
Then they for sudden joy did weep
And I for sorrow sung,
That such a king should play bo-peep
And go the fools among.
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie. I would fain learn to lie.

LEAR

An you lie, sirrah, we’ll have you whipped.

LEAR

An you lie, sirrah, we’ll have you whipped.

FOOL

I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. They’ll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool. And yet I would not be thee, nuncle. Thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides and left nothing i' th' middle. Here comes one o' the parings.

FOOL

I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. They’ll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool. And yet I would not be thee, nuncle. Thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides and left nothing i' th' middle. Here comes one o' the parings.
Enter GONERIL
Enter GONERIL

LEAR

How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on?
175 Methinks you are too much of late i' th' frown.

LEAR

How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on?
Methinks you are too much of late i' th' frown.

FOOL

(to LEAR) Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better than thou art now. I am a fool. Thou art nothing.
(to GONERIL) Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue. So your face bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum,
He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,
Weary of all, shall want some.
(indicates LEAR) That’s a shelled peascod.

FOOL

(to LEAR) Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better than thou art now. I am a fool. Thou art nothing.
(to GONERIL) Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue. So your face bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum,
He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,
Weary of all, shall want some.
(indicates LEAR) That’s a shelled peascod.

GONERIL

(to LEAR) Not only, sir, this your all-licensed fool,
But other of your insolent retinue
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth
In rank and not-to-be-endurèd riots. Sir,
190 I 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
195 Would not ’scape censure, nor the redresses sleep
Which in the tender of a wholesome weal
Might in their working do you that offense,

GONERIL

(to LEAR) Not only, sir, this your all-licensed fool,
But other of your insolent retinue
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth
In rank and not-to-be-endurèd riots. Sir,
I 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 offense,
Which else were shame, that then necessity
Will call discreet proceeding.
Which else were shame, that then necessity
Will call discreet proceeding.

FOOL

200 For you know, nuncle,
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,
That it’s had it head bit off by it young.
So out went the candle and we were left darkling.

FOOL

For you know, nuncle,
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,
That it’s had it head bit off by it young.
So out went the candle and we were left darkling.

LEAR

Are you our daughter?

LEAR

Are you our daughter?

GONERIL

205 Come, sir,
I would you would make use of that good wisdom
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away
These dispositions that of late transform you
From what you rightly are.

GONERIL

Come, sir,
I would you would make use of that good wisdom
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away
These dispositions that of late transform you
From what you rightly are.

FOOL

210 May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug! I love thee.

FOOL

May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug! I love thee.

LEAR

Does any here know me? Why, this is not Lear.
Doth Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens, or his discernings
215 Are lethargied. Ha, sleeping or waking?
Sure, ’tis not so.
Who is it that can tell me who I am?

LEAR

Does any here know me? Why, this is not Lear.
Doth Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens, or his discernings
Are lethargied. Ha, sleeping or waking?
Sure, ’tis not so.
Who is it that can tell me who I am?

FOOL

Lear’s shadow.

FOOL

Lear’s shadow.

LEAR

I would learn that. For by the marks
220 Of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.

LEAR

I would learn that. For by the marks
Of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.

FOOL

Which they will make an obedient father.

FOOL

Which they will make an obedient father.

LEAR

(to GONERIL) Your name, fair gentlewoman?

LEAR

(to GONERIL) Your name, fair gentlewoman?

GONERIL

This admiration, sir, is much o' th' savor
225 Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you
To understand my purposes aright.
As you are old and reverend, should be wise.
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires,
Men so disordered, so debauched and bold
230 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
235 By her that else will take the thing she begs,
A little to disquantity your train,
And the remainder that shall still depend
To be such men as may besort your age,
Which know themselves and you.

GONERIL

This admiration, sir, is much o' th' savor
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you
To understand my purposes aright.
As you are old and reverend, should be wise.
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires,
Men so disordered, so debauched 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,
A little to disquantity your train,
And the remainder that shall still depend
To be such men as may besort your age,
Which know themselves and you.

LEAR

240 Darkness and devils!
Saddle my horses. Call my train together.—
Degenerate bastard, I’ll not trouble thee.
Yet have I left a daughter.

LEAR

Darkness and devils!
Saddle my horses. Call my train together.—
Degenerate bastard, I’ll not trouble thee.
Yet have I left a daughter.

GONERIL

You strike my people, and your disordered rabble
245 Make servants of their betters.

GONERIL

You strike my people, and your disordered rabble
Make servants of their betters.
Enter ALBANY
Enter ALBANY

LEAR

Woe that too late repents!—
(to ALBANY)     O sir, are you come?
Is it your will? Speak, sir.—Prepare my horses.

LEAR

Woe that too late repents!—
(to ALBANY)     O sir, are you come?
Is it your will? Speak, sir.—Prepare my horses.
Exit attendant
Exit attendant
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
250 More hideous when thou show’st thee in a child
Than the sea monster.
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show’st thee in a child
Than the sea monster.

ALBANY

Pray, sir, be patient.

ALBANY

Pray, sir, be patient.

LEAR

(to GONERIL)   Detested kite, thou liest!
My train are men of choice and rarest parts
255 That all particulars of duty know
And in the most exact regard support
The worships of their name. O most small fault,
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show,
Which like an engine wrenched my frame of nature
260 From the fixed place, drew from heart all love,
And added to the gall! O Lear, Lear, Lear!
(strikes his head)
Beat at this gate that let thy folly in
And thy dear judgment out!—Go, go, my people.

LEAR

(to GONERIL)   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. O most small fault,
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show,
Which like an engine wrenched my frame of nature
From the fixed place, drew from heart all love,
And added to the gall! O Lear, Lear, Lear!
(strikes his head)
Beat at this gate that let thy folly in
And thy dear judgment out!—Go, go, my people.

ALBANY

265 My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant,
Of what hath moved you.

ALBANY

My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant,
Of what hath moved you.

LEAR

It may be so, my lord.
Hear, Nature, hear, dear goddess, hear!
Suspend thy purpose if thou didst intend
270 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
A babe to honor her. If she must teem,
275 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,

LEAR

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
A babe to honor 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 mother’s pains and benefits
280 To laughter and contempt, that she may feel—
That she may feel
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child.—Away, away!
Turn all her mother’s pains and benefits
To laughter and contempt, that she may feel—
That she may feel
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child.—Away, away!
Exeunt LEAR , FOOL , KENT , FIRST KNIGHT and the other attendants
Exeunt LEAR , FOOL , KENT , FIRST KNIGHT and the other attendants

ALBANY

Now gods that we adore, whereof comes this?

ALBANY

Now gods that we adore, whereof comes this?

GONERIL

285 Never afflict yourself to know more of it,
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.

GONERIL

Never afflict yourself to know more of it,
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.
Enter LEAR and FOOL
Enter LEAR and FOOL

LEAR

What, fifty of my followers at a clap?
Within a fortnight?

LEAR

What, fifty of my followers at a clap?
Within a fortnight?

ALBANY

290 What’s the matter, sir?

ALBANY

What’s the matter, sir?

LEAR

I’ll tell thee.
(to GONERIL) Life and death! I am ashamed
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus,
That these hot tears which break from me perforce
295 Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee!
Th' untented woundings of a father’s curse
Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,
Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck ye out

LEAR

I’ll tell thee.
(to GONERIL) Life and death! I 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!
Th' untented woundings of a father’s curse
Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,
Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck ye out
And cast you, with the waters that you loose,
300 To temper clay. Yea, is ’t come to this?
Ha? Let it be so. I have another daughter,
Who I am sure is kind and comfortable.
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She’ll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find
305 That I’ll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever. Thou shalt, I warrant thee.
And cast you, with the waters that you loose,
To temper clay. Yea, is ’t come to this?
Ha? Let it be so. I have another daughter,
Who I am sure is kind and comfortable.
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She’ll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find
That I’ll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever. Thou shalt, I warrant thee.
Exit LEAR
Exit LEAR

GONERIL

Do you mark that, my lord?

GONERIL

Do you mark that, my lord?

ALBANY

I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you—

ALBANY

I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you—

GONERIL

     Pray you, content.
310 Come, sire, no more.—What, Oswald, ho!
(to FOOL) You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.

GONERIL

     Pray you, content.
Come, sire, no more.—What, Oswald, ho!
(to FOOL) You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.

FOOL

Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry and take the fool with thee.
A fox when one has caught her
And such a daughter
315 Should sure to the slaughter,
If my cap would buy a halter.
So the fool follows after.

FOOL

Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry and take the fool with thee.
A 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 FOOL
Exit FOOL

GONERIL

This man hath had good counsel—a hundred knights!
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep
320 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, I say!

GONERIL

This man hath had good counsel—a 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, I say!

ALBANY

Well, you may fear too far.

ALBANY

Well, you may fear too far.

GONERIL

325 Safer than trust too far.
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart.
What he hath uttered I have writ my sister.
If she sustain him and his hundred knights
330 When I have showed th' unfitness—

GONERIL

Safer than trust too far.
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart.
What he hath uttered I have writ my sister.
If she sustain him and his hundred knights
When I have showed th' unfitness—
Enter OSWALD the steward
Enter OSWALD the steward

OSWALD

Here, madam.

OSWALD

Here, madam.

GONERIL

How now, Oswald?
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?

GONERIL

How now, Oswald?
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?

OSWALD

Ay, madam.

OSWALD

Ay, madam.

GONERIL

335 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.

GONERIL

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 OSWALD
Exit OSWALD
   No, no, my lord,
340 Though I condemn not, yet under pardon
You are much more attasked for want of wisdom
Than praised for harmful mildness.
   No, no, my lord,
Though I condemn not, yet under pardon
You are much more attasked for want of wisdom
Than praised for harmful mildness.

ALBANY

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.
Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well.

ALBANY

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.
Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well.

GONERIL

345 Nay, then—

GONERIL

Nay, then—

ALBANY

Well, well, th' event.

ALBANY

Well, well, th' event.
Exeunt
Exeunt

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter KENT disguised
Enter KENT disguised

KENT

If but as well I other accents borrow,
That can my speech diffuse, my good intent
May carry through itself to that full issue
For which I razed my likeness. Now, banished Kent,
5 If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemned,
So may it come thy master, whom thou lovest,
Shall find thee full of labors.

KENT

If but as well I other accents borrow,
That can my speech diffuse, my good intent
May carry through itself to that full issue
For which I razed my likeness. Now, banished Kent,
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemned,
So may it come thy master, whom thou lovest,
Shall find thee full of labors.
Horns within Enter LEAR with attendant knights
Horns within Enter LEAR with attendant knights

LEAR

Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it ready.

LEAR

Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it ready.
Exit attendant
Exit attendant
(to KENT) How now, what art thou?
(to KENT) How now, what art thou?

KENT

10 A man, sir.

KENT

A man, sir.

LEAR

What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?

LEAR

What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?

KENT

I do profess to be no less than I seem—to serve him truly that will put me in trust, to love him that is honest, to converse with him that is wise and says little, to fear judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.

KENT

I do profess to be no less than I seem—to serve him truly that will put me in trust, to love him that is honest, to converse with him that is wise and says little, to fear judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.

LEAR

What art thou?

LEAR

What art thou?

KENT

A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.

KENT

A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.

LEAR

If thou beest as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough. What wouldst thou?

LEAR

If thou beest as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough. What wouldst thou?

KENT

20 Service.

KENT

Service.

LEAR

Who wouldst thou serve?

LEAR

Who wouldst thou serve?

KENT

You.

KENT

You.

LEAR

Dost thou know me, fellow?

LEAR

Dost thou know me, fellow?

KENT

No, sir. But you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.

KENT

No, sir. But you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.

LEAR

What’s that?

LEAR

What’s that?

KENT

Authority.

KENT

Authority.

LEAR

What services canst thou do?

LEAR

What services canst thou do?

KENT

I 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, I am qualified in. And the best of me is diligence.

KENT

I 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, I am qualified in. And the best of me is diligence.

LEAR

How old art thou?

LEAR

How old art thou?

KENT

Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to dote on her for anything. I have years on my back forty- eight.

KENT

Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to dote on her for anything. I have years on my back forty- eight.

LEAR

Follow me. Thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet.—Dinner, ho, dinner! Where’s my knave, my fool?—Go you, and call my fool hither.

LEAR

Follow me. Thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet.—Dinner, ho, dinner! Where’s my knave, my fool?—Go you, and call my fool hither.
Exit attendant
Exit attendant
Enter OSWALD the steward
Enter OSWALD the steward
You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?
You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?

OSWALD

So please you—

OSWALD

So please you—
Exit OSWALD
Exit OSWALD

LEAR

What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.

LEAR

What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.
Exit FIRST KNIGHT
Exit FIRST KNIGHT
Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep.
Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep.
Enter FIRST KNIGHT
Enter FIRST KNIGHT
45 How now? Where’s that mongrel?
How now? Where’s that mongrel?

FIRST KNIGHT

He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.

FIRST KNIGHT

He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.

LEAR

Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.

LEAR

Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.

FIRST KNIGHT

Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he would not.

FIRST KNIGHT

Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he would not.

LEAR

He would not?

LEAR

He would not?

FIRST KNIGHT

My lord, I know not what the matter is, but to my judgment your highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were wont. There’s a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants as in the duke himself also, and your daughter.

FIRST KNIGHT

My lord, I know not what the matter is, but to my judgment your highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were wont. There’s a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants as in the duke himself also, and your daughter.

LEAR

55 Ha! Sayest thou so?

LEAR

Ha! Sayest thou so?

FIRST KNIGHT

I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken—for my duty cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged.

FIRST KNIGHT

I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken—for my duty cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged.

LEAR

Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception. I have perceived a most faint neglect of late, which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretense and purpose of unkindness. I will look further into ’t. But where’s my fool? I have not seen him this two days.

LEAR

Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception. I have perceived a most faint neglect of late, which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretense and purpose of unkindness. I will look further into ’t. But where’s my fool? I have not seen him this two days.

FIRST KNIGHT

Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away.

FIRST KNIGHT

Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away.

LEAR

No more of that. I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her.

LEAR

No more of that. I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her.
Exit an attendant
Exit an attendant
Go you, call hither my fool.
Go you, call hither my fool.
Exit another attendant
Exit another attendant
Enter OSWALD
Enter OSWALD
O you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
O you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?

OSWALD

My lady’s father.

OSWALD

My lady’s father.

LEAR

“My lady’s father”? My lord’s knave, your whoreson dog!
70 You slave, you cur!

LEAR

“My lady’s father”? My lord’s knave, your whoreson dog!
You slave, you cur!

OSWALD

I am none of these, my lord. I beseech your pardon.

OSWALD

I am none of these, my lord. I beseech your pardon.

LEAR

Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
(he strikes OSWALD)

LEAR

Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
(he strikes OSWALD)

OSWALD

I’ll not be strucken, my lord.

OSWALD

I’ll not be strucken, my lord.

KENT

(tripping OSWALD)
Nor tripped neither, you base football player.

KENT

(tripping OSWALD)
Nor tripped neither, you base football player.

LEAR

(to KENT) I thank thee, fellow. Thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.

LEAR

(to KENT) I thank thee, fellow. Thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.

KENT

(to OSWALD) Come, sir, arise, away! I’ll teach you differences. Away, away. If you will measure your lubber’s length again, tarry. But away, go to. Have you wisdom? So.

KENT

(to OSWALD) Come, sir, arise, away! I’ll teach you differences. Away, away. If you will measure your lubber’s length again, tarry. But away, go to. Have you wisdom? So.
Exit OSWALD
Exit OSWALD

LEAR

Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee.

LEAR

Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee.
Enter FOOL
Enter FOOL
(gives KENT money) There’s earnest of thy service.
(gives KENT money) There’s earnest of thy service.

FOOL

Let me hire him too.—Here’s my coxcomb.
(offers KENT his cap)

FOOL

Let me hire him too.—Here’s my coxcomb.
(offers KENT his cap)

LEAR

85 How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?

LEAR

How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?

FOOL

(to KENT) Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.

FOOL

(to KENT) Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.

LEAR

Why, Fool?

LEAR

Why, Fool?

FOOL

Why? For taking one’s part that’s out of favor. Nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch cold shortly. There, take my coxcomb. Why, this fellow has banished two on ’s daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will. If thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.—How now, nuncle? Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters.

FOOL

Why? For taking one’s part that’s out of favor. Nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch cold shortly. There, take my coxcomb. Why, this fellow has banished two on ’s daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will. If thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.—How now, nuncle? Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters.

LEAR

95 Why, my boy?

LEAR

Why, my boy?

FOOL

If I gave them all my living, I’d keep my coxcombs myself.
There’s mine. Beg another of thy daughters.

FOOL

If I gave them all my living, I’d keep my coxcombs myself.
There’s mine. Beg another of thy daughters.

LEAR

Take heed, sirrah—the whip.

LEAR

Take heed, sirrah—the whip.

FOOL

Truth’s a dog that must to kennel. He must be whipped out, when Lady Brach may stand by th' fire and stink.

FOOL

Truth’s a dog that must to kennel. He must be whipped out, when Lady Brach may stand by th' fire and stink.

LEAR

A pestilent gall to me!

LEAR

A pestilent gall to me!

FOOL

Sirrah, I’ll teach thee a speech.

FOOL

Sirrah, I’ll teach thee a speech.

LEAR

Do.

LEAR

Do.

FOOL

Mark it, nuncle.
105 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,
110 Set less than thou throwest,
Leave thy drink and thy whore
And keep in-a-door,
And thou shalt have more
Than two tens to a score.

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 in-a-door,
And thou shalt have more
Than two tens to a score.

KENT

115 This is nothing, Fool.

KENT

This is nothing, Fool.

FOOL

Then ’tis like the breath of an unfee’d lawyer. You gave me nothing for ’t.—Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?

FOOL

Then ’tis like the breath of an unfee’d lawyer. You gave me nothing for ’t.—Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?

LEAR

Why no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.

LEAR

Why no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.

FOOL

(to KENT) Prithee, tell him so much the rent of his land comes to. He will not believe a fool.

FOOL

(to KENT) Prithee, tell him so much the rent of his land comes to. He will not believe a fool.

LEAR

A bitter fool.

LEAR

A bitter fool.

FOOL

Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and a sweet fool?

FOOL

Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and a sweet fool?

LEAR

No, lad. Teach me.

LEAR

No, lad. Teach me.

FOOL

125 That lord that counseled thee
To give away thy land,
Come place him here by me.
Do thou for him stand.
The sweet and bitter fool
130 Will presently appear—
The one in motley here,
The other found out there.

FOOL

That lord that counseled 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.

LEAR

Dost thou call me fool, boy?

LEAR

Dost thou call me fool, boy?

FOOL

All thy other titles thou hast given away that thou wast born with.

FOOL

All thy other titles thou hast given away that thou wast born with.

KENT

This is not altogether fool, my lord.

KENT

This is not altogether fool, my lord.

FOOL

No, faith, lords and great men will not let me. If I had a monopoly out, they would have part on ’t. And ladies too— they will not let me have all fool to myself; they’ll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I’ll give thee two crowns.

FOOL

No, faith, lords and great men will not let me. If I had a monopoly out, they would have part on ’t. And ladies too— they will not let me have all fool to myself; they’ll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I’ll give thee two crowns.

LEAR

What two crowns shall they be?

LEAR

What two crowns shall they be?

FOOL

Why—after I have cut the egg i' th' middle and eat up the meat—the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i' th' middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o' th' back o'er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.
(sings)
Fools had ne'er less wit in a year,
For wise men are grown foppish.
They know not how their wits to wear,
Their manners are so apish.

FOOL

Why—after I have cut the egg i' th' middle and eat up the meat—the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i' th' middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o' th' back o'er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.
(sings)
Fools had ne'er less wit in a year,
For wise men are grown foppish.
They know not how their wits to wear,
Their manners are so apish.

LEAR

155 When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?

LEAR

When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?

FOOL

I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou madest thy daughters thy mothers. For when thou gavest them the rod, and put’st down thine own breeches,
(sings)
Then they for sudden joy did weep
And I for sorrow sung,
That such a king should play bo-peep
And go the fools among.
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie. I would fain learn to lie.

FOOL

I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou madest thy daughters thy mothers. For when thou gavest them the rod, and put’st down thine own breeches,
(sings)
Then they for sudden joy did weep
And I for sorrow sung,
That such a king should play bo-peep
And go the fools among.
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie. I would fain learn to lie.

LEAR

An you lie, sirrah, we’ll have you whipped.

LEAR

An you lie, sirrah, we’ll have you whipped.

FOOL

I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. They’ll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool. And yet I would not be thee, nuncle. Thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides and left nothing i' th' middle. Here comes one o' the parings.

FOOL

I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. They’ll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool. And yet I would not be thee, nuncle. Thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides and left nothing i' th' middle. Here comes one o' the parings.
Enter GONERIL
Enter GONERIL

LEAR

How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on?
175 Methinks you are too much of late i' th' frown.

LEAR

How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on?
Methinks you are too much of late i' th' frown.

FOOL

(to LEAR) Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better than thou art now. I am a fool. Thou art nothing.
(to GONERIL) Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue. So your face bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum,
He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,
Weary of all, shall want some.
(indicates LEAR) That’s a shelled peascod.

FOOL

(to LEAR) Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better than thou art now. I am a fool. Thou art nothing.
(to GONERIL) Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue. So your face bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum,
He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,
Weary of all, shall want some.
(indicates LEAR) That’s a shelled peascod.

GONERIL

(to LEAR) Not only, sir, this your all-licensed fool,
But other of your insolent retinue
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth
In rank and not-to-be-endurèd riots. Sir,
190 I 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
195 Would not ’scape censure, nor the redresses sleep
Which in the tender of a wholesome weal
Might in their working do you that offense,

GONERIL

(to LEAR) Not only, sir, this your all-licensed fool,
But other of your insolent retinue
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth
In rank and not-to-be-endurèd riots. Sir,
I 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 offense,
Which else were shame, that then necessity
Will call discreet proceeding.
Which else were shame, that then necessity
Will call discreet proceeding.

FOOL

200 For you know, nuncle,
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,
That it’s had it head bit off by it young.
So out went the candle and we were left darkling.

FOOL

For you know, nuncle,
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,
That it’s had it head bit off by it young.
So out went the candle and we were left darkling.

LEAR

Are you our daughter?

LEAR

Are you our daughter?

GONERIL

205 Come, sir,
I would you would make use of that good wisdom
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away
These dispositions that of late transform you
From what you rightly are.

GONERIL

Come, sir,
I would you would make use of that good wisdom
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away
These dispositions that of late transform you
From what you rightly are.

FOOL

210 May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug! I love thee.

FOOL

May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug! I love thee.

LEAR

Does any here know me? Why, this is not Lear.
Doth Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens, or his discernings
215 Are lethargied. Ha, sleeping or waking?
Sure, ’tis not so.
Who is it that can tell me who I am?

LEAR

Does any here know me? Why, this is not Lear.
Doth Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens, or his discernings
Are lethargied. Ha, sleeping or waking?
Sure, ’tis not so.
Who is it that can tell me who I am?

FOOL

Lear’s shadow.

FOOL

Lear’s shadow.

LEAR

I would learn that. For by the marks
220 Of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.

LEAR

I would learn that. For by the marks
Of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.

FOOL

Which they will make an obedient father.

FOOL

Which they will make an obedient father.

LEAR

(to GONERIL) Your name, fair gentlewoman?

LEAR

(to GONERIL) Your name, fair gentlewoman?

GONERIL

This admiration, sir, is much o' th' savor
225 Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you
To understand my purposes aright.
As you are old and reverend, should be wise.
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires,
Men so disordered, so debauched and bold
230 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
235 By her that else will take the thing she begs,
A little to disquantity your train,
And the remainder that shall still depend
To be such men as may besort your age,
Which know themselves and you.

GONERIL

This admiration, sir, is much o' th' savor
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you
To understand my purposes aright.
As you are old and reverend, should be wise.
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires,
Men so disordered, so debauched 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,
A little to disquantity your train,
And the remainder that shall still depend
To be such men as may besort your age,
Which know themselves and you.

LEAR

240 Darkness and devils!
Saddle my horses. Call my train together.—
Degenerate bastard, I’ll not trouble thee.
Yet have I left a daughter.

LEAR

Darkness and devils!
Saddle my horses. Call my train together.—
Degenerate bastard, I’ll not trouble thee.
Yet have I left a daughter.

GONERIL

You strike my people, and your disordered rabble
245 Make servants of their betters.

GONERIL

You strike my people, and your disordered rabble
Make servants of their betters.
Enter ALBANY
Enter ALBANY

LEAR

Woe that too late repents!—
(to ALBANY)     O sir, are you come?
Is it your will? Speak, sir.—Prepare my horses.

LEAR

Woe that too late repents!—
(to ALBANY)     O sir, are you come?
Is it your will? Speak, sir.—Prepare my horses.
Exit attendant
Exit attendant
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
250 More hideous when thou show’st thee in a child
Than the sea monster.
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show’st thee in a child
Than the sea monster.

ALBANY

Pray, sir, be patient.

ALBANY

Pray, sir, be patient.

LEAR

(to GONERIL)   Detested kite, thou liest!
My train are men of choice and rarest parts
255 That all particulars of duty know
And in the most exact regard support
The worships of their name. O most small fault,
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show,
Which like an engine wrenched my frame of nature
260 From the fixed place, drew from heart all love,
And added to the gall! O Lear, Lear, Lear!
(strikes his head)
Beat at this gate that let thy folly in
And thy dear judgment out!—Go, go, my people.

LEAR

(to GONERIL)   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. O most small fault,
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show,
Which like an engine wrenched my frame of nature
From the fixed place, drew from heart all love,
And added to the gall! O Lear, Lear, Lear!
(strikes his head)
Beat at this gate that let thy folly in
And thy dear judgment out!—Go, go, my people.

ALBANY

265 My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant,
Of what hath moved you.

ALBANY

My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant,
Of what hath moved you.

LEAR

It may be so, my lord.
Hear, Nature, hear, dear goddess, hear!
Suspend thy purpose if thou didst intend
270 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
A babe to honor her. If she must teem,
275 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,

LEAR

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
A babe to honor 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 mother’s pains and benefits
280 To laughter and contempt, that she may feel—
That she may feel
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child.—Away, away!
Turn all her mother’s pains and benefits
To laughter and contempt, that she may feel—
That she may feel
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child.—Away, away!
Exeunt LEAR , FOOL , KENT , FIRST KNIGHT and the other attendants
Exeunt LEAR , FOOL , KENT , FIRST KNIGHT and the other attendants

ALBANY

Now gods that we adore, whereof comes this?

ALBANY

Now gods that we adore, whereof comes this?

GONERIL

285 Never afflict yourself to know more of it,
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.

GONERIL

Never afflict yourself to know more of it,
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.
Enter LEAR and FOOL
Enter LEAR and FOOL

LEAR

What, fifty of my followers at a clap?
Within a fortnight?

LEAR

What, fifty of my followers at a clap?
Within a fortnight?

ALBANY

290 What’s the matter, sir?

ALBANY

What’s the matter, sir?

LEAR

I’ll tell thee.
(to GONERIL) Life and death! I am ashamed
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus,
That these hot tears which break from me perforce
295 Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee!
Th' untented woundings of a father’s curse
Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,
Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck ye out

LEAR

I’ll tell thee.
(to GONERIL) Life and death! I 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!
Th' untented woundings of a father’s curse
Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,
Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck ye out
And cast you, with the waters that you loose,
300 To temper clay. Yea, is ’t come to this?
Ha? Let it be so. I have another daughter,
Who I am sure is kind and comfortable.
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She’ll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find
305 That I’ll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever. Thou shalt, I warrant thee.
And cast you, with the waters that you loose,
To temper clay. Yea, is ’t come to this?
Ha? Let it be so. I have another daughter,
Who I am sure is kind and comfortable.
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She’ll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find
That I’ll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever. Thou shalt, I warrant thee.
Exit LEAR
Exit LEAR

GONERIL

Do you mark that, my lord?

GONERIL

Do you mark that, my lord?

ALBANY

I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you—

ALBANY

I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you—

GONERIL

     Pray you, content.
310 Come, sire, no more.—What, Oswald, ho!
(to FOOL) You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.

GONERIL

     Pray you, content.
Come, sire, no more.—What, Oswald, ho!
(to FOOL) You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.

FOOL

Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry and take the fool with thee.
A fox when one has caught her
And such a daughter
315 Should sure to the slaughter,
If my cap would buy a halter.
So the fool follows after.

FOOL

Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry and take the fool with thee.
A 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 FOOL
Exit FOOL

GONERIL

This man hath had good counsel—a hundred knights!
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep
320 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, I say!

GONERIL

This man hath had good counsel—a 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, I say!

ALBANY

Well, you may fear too far.

ALBANY

Well, you may fear too far.

GONERIL

325 Safer than trust too far.
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart.
What he hath uttered I have writ my sister.
If she sustain him and his hundred knights
330 When I have showed th' unfitness—

GONERIL

Safer than trust too far.
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart.
What he hath uttered I have writ my sister.
If she sustain him and his hundred knights
When I have showed th' unfitness—
Enter OSWALD the steward
Enter OSWALD the steward

OSWALD

Here, madam.

OSWALD

Here, madam.

GONERIL

How now, Oswald?
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?

GONERIL

How now, Oswald?
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?

OSWALD

Ay, madam.

OSWALD

Ay, madam.

GONERIL

335 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.

GONERIL

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 OSWALD
Exit OSWALD
   No, no, my lord,
340 Though I condemn not, yet under pardon
You are much more attasked for want of wisdom
Than praised for harmful mildness.
   No, no, my lord,
Though I condemn not, yet under pardon
You are much more attasked for want of wisdom
Than praised for harmful mildness.

ALBANY

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.
Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well.

ALBANY

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.
Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well.

GONERIL

345 Nay, then—

GONERIL

Nay, then—

ALBANY

Well, well, th' event.

ALBANY

Well, well, th' event.
Exeunt
Exeunt
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