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No Fear Translations
No Fear Audio
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Modern Text |
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Enter KENT disguised
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Enter KENT disguised
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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.
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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.
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Horns within Enter LEAR with attendant knights
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Horns within Enter LEAR with attendant knights
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LEAR Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it ready.
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LEAR Let me not stay a jot for dinner. Go get it ready.
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Exit attendant
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Exit attendant
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(to KENT) How now, what art thou?
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(to KENT) How now, what art thou?
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KENT 10 A man, sir.
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KENT A man, sir.
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LEAR What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
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LEAR What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
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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.
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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.
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LEAR What art thou?
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LEAR What art thou?
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KENT A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.
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KENT A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.
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LEAR If thou beest as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough. What wouldst thou?
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LEAR If thou beest as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough. What wouldst thou?
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KENT 20 Service.
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KENT Service.
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LEAR Who wouldst thou serve?
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LEAR Who wouldst thou serve?
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KENT You.
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KENT You.
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LEAR Dost thou know me, fellow?
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LEAR Dost thou know me, fellow?
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KENT No, sir. But you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.
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KENT No, sir. But you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.
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LEAR What’s that?
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LEAR What’s that?
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KENT Authority.
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KENT Authority.
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LEAR What services canst thou do?
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LEAR What services canst thou do?
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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.
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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.
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LEAR How old art thou?
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LEAR How old art thou?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Exit attendant
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Exit attendant
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Enter OSWALD the steward
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Enter OSWALD the steward
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You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?
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You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?
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OSWALD So please you—
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OSWALD So please you—
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Exit OSWALD
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Exit OSWALD
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LEAR What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.
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LEAR What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.
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Exit FIRST KNIGHT
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Exit FIRST KNIGHT
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Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep.
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Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep.
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Enter FIRST KNIGHT
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Enter FIRST KNIGHT
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45 How now? Where’s that mongrel?
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How now? Where’s that mongrel?
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FIRST KNIGHT He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.
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FIRST KNIGHT He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.
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LEAR Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.
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LEAR Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.
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FIRST KNIGHT Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he would not.
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FIRST KNIGHT Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he would not.
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LEAR He would not?
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LEAR He would not?
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FIRST KNIGHT |
FIRST KNIGHT |
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LEAR 55 Ha! Sayest thou so?
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LEAR Ha! Sayest thou so?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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FIRST KNIGHT Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away.
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FIRST KNIGHT Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away.
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LEAR No more of that. I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her.
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LEAR No more of that. I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her.
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Exit an attendant
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Exit an attendant
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Go you, call hither my fool.
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Go you, call hither my fool.
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Exit another attendant
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Exit another attendant
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Enter OSWALD
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Enter OSWALD
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O you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
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O you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
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OSWALD My lady’s father.
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OSWALD My lady’s father.
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LEAR “My lady’s father”? My lord’s knave, your whoreson dog!
70 You slave, you cur!
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LEAR “My lady’s father”? My lord’s knave, your whoreson dog!
You slave, you cur!
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OSWALD I am none of these, my lord. I beseech your pardon.
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OSWALD I am none of these, my lord. I beseech your pardon.
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LEAR Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
(he strikes OSWALD)
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LEAR Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
(he strikes OSWALD)
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OSWALD I’ll not be strucken, my lord.
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OSWALD I’ll not be strucken, my lord.
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KENT Nor tripped neither, you base football player.
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KENT Nor tripped neither, you base football player.
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LEAR (to KENT) I thank thee, fellow. Thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.
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LEAR (to KENT) I thank thee, fellow. Thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.
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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.
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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.
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Exit OSWALD
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Exit OSWALD
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LEAR Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee.
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LEAR Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee.
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Enter FOOL
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Enter FOOL
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(gives KENT money) There’s earnest of thy service.
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(gives KENT money) There’s earnest of thy service.
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FOOL Let me hire him too.—Here’s my coxcomb.
(offers KENT his cap)
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FOOL Let me hire him too.—Here’s my coxcomb.
(offers KENT his cap)
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LEAR 85 How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?
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LEAR How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?
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FOOL (to KENT) Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
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FOOL (to KENT) Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
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LEAR Why, Fool?
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LEAR Why, Fool?
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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.
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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.
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LEAR 95 Why, my boy?
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LEAR Why, my boy?
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FOOL If I gave them all my living, I’d keep my coxcombs myself.
There’s mine. Beg another of thy daughters.
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FOOL If I gave them all my living, I’d keep my coxcombs myself.
There’s mine. Beg another of thy daughters.
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LEAR Take heed, sirrah—the whip.
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LEAR Take heed, sirrah—the whip.
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FOOL Truth’s a dog that must to kennel. He must be whipped out, when Lady Brach may stand by th' fire and stink.
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FOOL Truth’s a dog that must to kennel. He must be whipped out, when Lady Brach may stand by th' fire and stink.
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LEAR A pestilent gall to me!
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LEAR A pestilent gall to me!
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FOOL Sirrah, I’ll teach thee a speech.
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FOOL Sirrah, I’ll teach thee a speech.
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LEAR Do.
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LEAR Do.
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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.
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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.
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KENT 115 This is nothing, Fool.
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KENT This is nothing, Fool.
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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?
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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?
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LEAR Why no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.
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LEAR Why no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.
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FOOL (to KENT) Prithee, tell him so much the rent of his land comes to. He will not believe a fool.
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FOOL (to KENT) Prithee, tell him so much the rent of his land comes to. He will not believe a fool.
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LEAR A bitter fool.
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LEAR A bitter fool.
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FOOL Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and a sweet fool?
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FOOL Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter fool and a sweet fool?
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LEAR No, lad. Teach me.
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LEAR No, lad. Teach me.
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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.
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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.
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LEAR Dost thou call me fool, boy?
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LEAR Dost thou call me fool, boy?
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FOOL All thy other titles thou hast given away that thou wast born with.
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FOOL All thy other titles thou hast given away that thou wast born with.
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KENT This is not altogether fool, my lord.
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KENT This is not altogether fool, my lord.
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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.
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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.
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LEAR What two crowns shall they be?
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LEAR What two crowns shall they be?
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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.
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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.
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LEAR 155 When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?
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LEAR When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?
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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.
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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.
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LEAR An you lie, sirrah, we’ll have you whipped.
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LEAR An you lie, sirrah, we’ll have you whipped.
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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.
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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.
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Enter GONERIL
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Enter GONERIL
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LEAR How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on?
175 Methinks you are too much of late i' th' frown.
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LEAR How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on?
Methinks you are too much of late i' th' frown.
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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,
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Which else were shame, that then necessity
Will call discreet proceeding.
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Which else were shame, that then necessity
Will call discreet proceeding.
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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.
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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.
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LEAR Are you our daughter?
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LEAR Are you our daughter?
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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.
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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.
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FOOL 210 May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
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FOOL May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
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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?
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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?
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FOOL Lear’s shadow.
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FOOL Lear’s shadow.
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LEAR I would learn that. For by the marks
220 Of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.
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LEAR I would learn that. For by the marks
Of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.
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FOOL Which they will make an obedient father.
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FOOL Which they will make an obedient father.
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LEAR (to GONERIL) Your name, fair gentlewoman?
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LEAR (to GONERIL) Your name, fair gentlewoman?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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LEAR Darkness and devils!
Saddle my horses. Call my train together.—
Degenerate bastard, I’ll not trouble thee.
Yet have I left a daughter.
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GONERIL You strike my people, and your disordered rabble
245 Make servants of their betters.
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GONERIL You strike my people, and your disordered rabble
Make servants of their betters.
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Enter ALBANY
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Enter ALBANY
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LEAR Woe that too late repents!—
(to ALBANY) O sir, are you come?
Is it your will? Speak, sir.—Prepare my horses.
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LEAR Woe that too late repents!—
(to ALBANY) O sir, are you come?
Is it your will? Speak, sir.—Prepare my horses.
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Exit attendant
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Exit attendant
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Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
250 More hideous when thou show’st thee in a child
Than the sea monster.
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Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show’st thee in a child
Than the sea monster.
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ALBANY Pray, sir, be patient.
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ALBANY Pray, sir, be patient.
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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.
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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.
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ALBANY 265 My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant,
Of what hath moved you.
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ALBANY My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant,
Of what hath moved you.
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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?
|
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GONERIL 285 Never afflict yourself to know more of it,
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.
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GONERIL Never afflict yourself to know more of it,
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it.
|
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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—
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ALBANY I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you—
|
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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.
|
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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.
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KENT A man, sir.
|
|
LEAR What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
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LEAR What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
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|
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.
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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?
|
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KENT A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.
|
KENT A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.
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LEAR If thou beest as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough. What wouldst thou?
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LEAR If thou beest as poor for a subject as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough. What wouldst thou?
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KENT 20 Service.
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KENT Service.
|
|
LEAR Who wouldst thou serve?
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LEAR Who wouldst thou serve?
|
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KENT You.
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KENT You.
|
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LEAR Dost thou know me, fellow?
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LEAR Dost thou know me, fellow?
|
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KENT No, sir. But you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.
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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.
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KENT Authority.
|
|
LEAR What services canst thou do?
|
LEAR What services canst thou do?
|
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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.
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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.
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LEAR How old art thou?
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LEAR How old art thou?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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|
Exit attendant
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Exit attendant
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|
Enter OSWALD the steward
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Enter OSWALD the steward
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|
You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?
|
You, you, sirrah, where’s my daughter?
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OSWALD So please you—
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OSWALD So please you—
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Exit OSWALD
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Exit OSWALD
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LEAR What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.
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LEAR What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.
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Exit FIRST KNIGHT
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Exit FIRST KNIGHT
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Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep.
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Where’s my fool, ho? I think the world’s asleep.
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Enter FIRST KNIGHT
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Enter FIRST KNIGHT
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45 How now? Where’s that mongrel?
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How now? Where’s that mongrel?
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FIRST KNIGHT He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.
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FIRST KNIGHT He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.
|
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LEAR Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.
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LEAR Why came not the slave back to me when I called him.
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FIRST KNIGHT Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he would not.
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FIRST KNIGHT Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner he would not.
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LEAR He would not?
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LEAR He would not?
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FIRST KNIGHT |
FIRST KNIGHT |
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LEAR 55 Ha! Sayest thou so?
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LEAR Ha! Sayest thou so?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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FIRST KNIGHT Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away.
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FIRST KNIGHT Since my young lady’s going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined away.
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LEAR No more of that. I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her.
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LEAR No more of that. I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her.
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Exit an attendant
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Exit an attendant
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Go you, call hither my fool.
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Go you, call hither my fool.
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|
Exit another attendant
|
Exit another attendant
|
|
Enter OSWALD
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Enter OSWALD
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O you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
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O you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
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OSWALD My lady’s father.
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OSWALD My lady’s father.
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LEAR “My lady’s father”? My lord’s knave, your whoreson dog!
70 You slave, you cur!
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LEAR “My lady’s father”? My lord’s knave, your whoreson dog!
You slave, you cur!
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OSWALD I am none of these, my lord. I beseech your pardon.
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OSWALD I am none of these, my lord. I beseech your pardon.
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LEAR Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
(he strikes OSWALD)
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LEAR Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
(he strikes OSWALD)
|
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OSWALD I’ll not be strucken, my lord.
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OSWALD I’ll not be strucken, my lord.
|
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KENT Nor tripped neither, you base football player.
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KENT Nor tripped neither, you base football player.
|
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LEAR (to KENT) I thank thee, fellow. Thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.
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LEAR (to KENT) I thank thee, fellow. Thou servest me, and I’ll love thee.
|
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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)
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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?
|
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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.
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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.
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FOOL May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
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|
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?
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|
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.
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|
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.
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|
Enter ALBANY
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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.
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|
Exit attendant
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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.
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|
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.
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|
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
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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
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|
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.
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|
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—
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|
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.
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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.
|
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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.
|
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GONERIL 345 Nay, then—
|
GONERIL Nay, then—
|
|
ALBANY Well, well, th' event.
|
ALBANY Well, well, th' event.
|
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
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