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No Fear Translations
No Fear Audio
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Modern Text |
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KENT in the stocks Enter LEAR , FOOL , and GENTLEMAN
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KENT in the stocks Enter LEAR , FOOL , and GENTLEMAN
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LEAR 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,
And not send back my messenger.
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LEAR 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,
And not send back my messenger.
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GENTLEMAN As I learned,
The night before there was no purpose in them
Of this remove.
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GENTLEMAN As I learned,
The night before there was no purpose in them
Of this remove.
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KENT |
KENT |
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LEAR Ha! Makest thou this shame thy pastime?
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LEAR Ha! Makest thou this shame thy pastime?
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KENT No, my lord.
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KENT No, my lord.
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FOOL Ha, ha! Look, he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the heads, dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by the loins, and men by the legs. When a man’s overlusty at legs, then he wears wooden nether-stocks.
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FOOL Ha, ha! Look, he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the heads, dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by the loins, and men by the legs. When a man’s overlusty at legs, then he wears wooden nether-stocks.
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LEAR (to KENT) What’s he that hath so much thy place mistook
To set thee here?
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LEAR (to KENT) What’s he that hath so much thy place mistook
To set thee here?
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KENT It is both he and she:
Your son and daughter.
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KENT It is both he and she:
Your son and daughter.
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LEAR No.
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LEAR No.
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KENT Yes.
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KENT Yes.
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LEAR No, I say.
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LEAR No, I say.
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KENT I say “Yea.”
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KENT I say “Yea.”
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LEAR No, no, they would not.
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LEAR No, no, they would not.
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KENT Yes, they have.
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KENT Yes, they have.
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LEAR 15By Jupiter, I swear “No.”
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LEAR By Jupiter, I swear “No.”
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KENT By Juno, I swear “Ay.”
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KENT By Juno, I swear “Ay.”
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LEAR They durst not do ’t.
They could not, would not do ’t. 'Tis worse than murder
To do upon respect such violent outrage.
Resolve me with all modest haste which way
20Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,
Coming from us.
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LEAR They durst not do ’t.
They could not, would not do ’t. 'Tis worse than murder
To do upon respect such violent outrage.
Resolve me with all modest haste which way
Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,
Coming from us.
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KENT My lord, when at their home
I did commend your highness' letters to them.
Ere I was risen from the place that showed
My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,
25Stewed in his haste, half breathless, panting forth
From Goneril his mistress salutations,
Delivered letters spite of intermission,
Which presently they read, on whose contents
They summoned up their meiny, straight took horse,
30Commanded me to follow and attend
The leisure of their answer, gave me cold looks.
And meeting here the other messenger,
Whose welcome I perceived had poisoned mine—
Being the very fellow which of late
35Displayed so saucily against your highness—
Having more man than wit about me, drew.
He raised the house with loud and coward cries.
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth
The shame which here it suffers.
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KENT My lord, when at their home
I did commend your highness' letters to them.
Ere I was risen from the place that showed
My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,
Stewed in his haste, half breathless, panting forth
From Goneril his mistress salutations,
Delivered letters spite of intermission,
Which presently they read, on whose contents
They summoned up their meiny, straight took horse,
Commanded me to follow and attend
The leisure of their answer, gave me cold looks.
And meeting here the other messenger,
Whose welcome I perceived had poisoned mine—
Being the very fellow which of late
Displayed so saucily against your highness—
Having more man than wit about me, drew.
He raised the house with loud and coward cries.
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth
The shame which here it suffers.
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FOOL Fathers that wear rags
Do make their children blind.
But fathers that bear bags
Shall see their children kind.
Fortune, that arrant whore,
Ne'er turns the key to th' poor.
But for all this thou shalt have as many dolors for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
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FOOL Fathers that wear rags
Do make their children blind.
But fathers that bear bags
Shall see their children kind.
Fortune, that arrant whore,
Ne'er turns the key to th' poor.
But for all this thou shalt have as many dolors for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
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LEAR O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!
50 Hysterica passio, down, thou climbing sorrow.
Thy element’s below.—Where is this daughter?
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LEAR O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!
Hysterica passio, down, thou climbing sorrow.
Thy element’s below.—Where is this daughter?
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KENT With the earl, sir, here within.
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KENT With the earl, sir, here within.
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LEAR Follow me not. Stay here.
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LEAR Follow me not. Stay here.
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Exit LEAR
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Exit LEAR
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GENTLEMAN Made you no more offense but what you speak of?
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GENTLEMAN Made you no more offense but what you speak of?
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KENT 55 None.
How chance the king comes with so small a train?
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KENT None.
How chance the king comes with so small a train?
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FOOL An thou hadst been set i' th' stocks for that question, thou’dst well deserved it.
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FOOL An thou hadst been set i' th' stocks for that question, thou’dst well deserved it.
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KENT Why, Fool?
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KENT Why, Fool?
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FOOL |
FOOL |
That sir which serves and seeks for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins to rain
And leave thee in the storm.
But I will tarry. The fool will stay.
And let the wise man fly.
The knave turns fool that runs away;
The fool, no knave, perdie.
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That sir which serves and seeks for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins to rain
And leave thee in the storm.
But I will tarry. The fool will stay.
And let the wise man fly.
The knave turns fool that runs away;
The fool, no knave, perdie.
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KENT Where learned you this, Fool?
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KENT Where learned you this, Fool?
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FOOL Not i' th' stocks, fool.
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FOOL Not i' th' stocks, fool.
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Enter LEAR and GLOUCESTER
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Enter LEAR and GLOUCESTER
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LEAR Deny to speak with me? They are sick? They are weary?
80 They have traveled all the night?—mere fetches, ay!
The images of revolt and flying off.
Fetch me a better answer.
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LEAR Deny to speak with me? They are sick? They are weary?
They have traveled all the night?—mere fetches, ay!
The images of revolt and flying off.
Fetch me a better answer.
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GLOUCESTER My dear lord,
You know the fiery quality of the duke,
How unremoveable and fixed he is
85 In his own course.
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GLOUCESTER My dear lord,
You know the fiery quality of the duke,
How unremoveable and fixed he is
In his own course.
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LEAR Vengeance, plague, death, confusion!
“Fiery”? What “quality”? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,
I’d speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.
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LEAR Vengeance, plague, death, confusion!
“Fiery”? What “quality”? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,
I’d speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.
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GLOUCESTER Well, my good lord, I have informed them so.
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GLOUCESTER Well, my good lord, I have informed them so.
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LEAR “Informed them”? Dost thou understand me, man?
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LEAR “Informed them”? Dost thou understand me, man?
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GLOUCESTER 90 Ay, my good lord.
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GLOUCESTER Ay, my good lord.
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LEAR The king would speak with Cornwall. The dear father
Would with his daughter speak, commands, tends service.
Are they “informed” of this? My breath and blood!
“Fiery”? The “fiery” duke? Tell the hot duke that Lear—
95 No, but not yet. Maybe he is not well.
Infirmity doth still neglect all office
Whereto our health is bound. We are not ourselves
When nature, being oppressed, commands the mind
To suffer with the body. I’ll forbear,
100 And am fallen out with my more headier will
To take the indisposed and sickly fit
For the sound man.
(notices KENT again)
Death on my state! Wherefore
Should he sit here? This act persuades me
105 That this remotion of the duke and her
Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.
Go tell the duke and ’s wife I’d speak with them—
Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,
Or at their chamber door I’ll beat the drum
110 Till it cry sleep to death.
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LEAR The king would speak with Cornwall. The dear father
Would with his daughter speak, commands, tends service.
Are they “informed” of this? My breath and blood!
“Fiery”? The “fiery” duke? Tell the hot duke that Lear—
No, but not yet. Maybe he is not well.
Infirmity doth still neglect all office
Whereto our health is bound. We are not ourselves
When nature, being oppressed, commands the mind
To suffer with the body. I’ll forbear,
And am fallen out with my more headier will
To take the indisposed and sickly fit
For the sound man.
(notices KENT again)
Death on my state! Wherefore
Should he sit here? This act persuades me
That this remotion of the duke and her
Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.
Go tell the duke and ’s wife I’d speak with them—
Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,
Or at their chamber door I’ll beat the drum
Till it cry sleep to death.
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GLOUCESTER I would have all well betwixt you.
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GLOUCESTER I would have all well betwixt you.
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Exit GLOUCESTER
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Exit GLOUCESTER
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LEAR O me, my heart, my rising heart! But down.
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LEAR O me, my heart, my rising heart! But down.
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FOOL Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she put 'em i' th' paste alive. She knapped 'em o' th' coxcombs with a stick and cried, “Down, wantons, down!” 'Twas her brother that, in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.
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FOOL Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she put 'em i' th' paste alive. She knapped 'em o' th' coxcombs with a stick and cried, “Down, wantons, down!” 'Twas her brother that, in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.
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Enter the Duke of CORNWALL , REGAN , GLOUCESTER , and servants
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Enter the Duke of CORNWALL , REGAN , GLOUCESTER , and servants
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LEAR Good morrow to you both.
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LEAR Good morrow to you both.
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CORNWALL Hail to your grace.
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CORNWALL Hail to your grace.
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KENT here set at liberty
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KENT here set at liberty
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REGAN I am glad to see your highness.
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REGAN I am glad to see your highness.
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LEAR Regan, I think you are. I know what reason
120 I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad,
I would divorce me from thy mother’s tomb,
Sepulchring an adultress.
(to KENT) Oh, are you free?
Some other time for that.
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LEAR Regan, I think you are. I know what reason
I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad,
I would divorce me from thy mother’s tomb,
Sepulchring an adultress.
(to KENT) Oh, are you free?
Some other time for that.
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Exit KENT
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Exit KENT
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Belovèd Regan,
125 Thy sister’s naught. O Regan, she hath tied
Sharp-toothed unkindness, like a vulture, here.
(indicates his heart)
I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe
With how depraved a quality— O Regan!
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Belovèd Regan,
Thy sister’s naught. O Regan, she hath tied
Sharp-toothed unkindness, like a vulture, here.
(indicates his heart)
I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe
With how depraved a quality— O Regan!
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REGAN 130 I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope
You less know how to value her desert
Than she to scant her duty.
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REGAN I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope
You less know how to value her desert
Than she to scant her duty.
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LEAR Say, how is that?
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LEAR Say, how is that?
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REGAN I cannot think my sister in the least
Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance
135 She have restrained the riots of your followers,
'Tis on such ground and to such wholesome end
As clears her from all blame.
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REGAN I cannot think my sister in the least
Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance
She have restrained the riots of your followers,
'Tis on such ground and to such wholesome end
As clears her from all blame.
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LEAR My curses on her!
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LEAR My curses on her!
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REGAN O sir, you are old.
140 Nature in you stands on the very verge
Of his confine. You should be ruled and led
By some discretion that discerns your state
Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you
That to our sister you do make return.
145 Say you have wronged her, sir.
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REGAN O sir, you are old.
Nature in you stands on the very verge
Of his confine. You should be ruled and led
By some discretion that discerns your state
Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you
That to our sister you do make return.
Say you have wronged her, sir.
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LEAR Ask her forgiveness?
Do you but mark how this becomes the house?—
(kneels) “Dear daughter, I confess that I am old.
Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg
That you’ll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.”
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LEAR Ask her forgiveness?
Do you but mark how this becomes the house?—
(kneels) “Dear daughter, I confess that I am old.
Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg
That you’ll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.”
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REGAN 150 Good sir, no more. These are unsightly tricks.
Return you to my sister.
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REGAN Good sir, no more. These are unsightly tricks.
Return you to my sister.
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LEAR (rising) Never, Regan.
She hath abated me of half my train,
Looked black upon me, struck me with her tongue,
155 Most serpentlike, upon the very heart.
All the stored vengeances of heaven fall
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,
You taking airs, with lameness!
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LEAR (rising) Never, Regan.
She hath abated me of half my train,
Looked black upon me, struck me with her tongue,
Most serpentlike, upon the very heart.
All the stored vengeances of heaven fall
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,
You taking airs, with lameness!
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CORNWALL Fie, sir, fie!
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CORNWALL Fie, sir, fie!
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LEAR You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames
160 Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,
You fen-sucked fogs drawn by the powerful sun,
To fall and blister!
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LEAR You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames
Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,
You fen-sucked fogs drawn by the powerful sun,
To fall and blister!
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REGAN O the blessed gods!
So will you wish on me when the rash mood is on.
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REGAN O the blessed gods!
So will you wish on me when the rash mood is on.
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LEAR No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.
165 Thy tender-hafted nature shall not give
Thee o'er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce, but thine
Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,
170 And in conclusion to oppose the bolt
Against my coming in. Thou better know’st
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude.
Thy half o' th' kingdom hast thou not forgot,
175 Wherein I thee endowed.
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LEAR No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.
Thy tender-hafted nature shall not give
Thee o'er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce, but thine
Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,
And in conclusion to oppose the bolt
Against my coming in. Thou better know’st
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude.
Thy half o' th' kingdom hast thou not forgot,
Wherein I thee endowed.
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REGAN Good sir, to the purpose.
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REGAN Good sir, to the purpose.
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LEAR Who put my man i' th' stocks?
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LEAR Who put my man i' th' stocks?
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Tucket within
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Tucket within
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CORNWALL What trumpet’s that?
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CORNWALL What trumpet’s that?
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Enter OSWALD the steward
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Enter OSWALD the steward
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REGAN I know ’t—my sister’s. This approves her letter
That she would soon be here. (to OSWALD)
Is your lady come?
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REGAN I know ’t—my sister’s. This approves her letter
That she would soon be here. (to OSWALD)
Is your lady come?
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LEAR 180 This is a slave whose easy borrowed pride
Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.—
Out, varlet, from my sight!
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LEAR This is a slave whose easy borrowed pride
Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.—
Out, varlet, from my sight!
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CORNWALL What means your grace?
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CORNWALL What means your grace?
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Enter GONERIL
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Enter GONERIL
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LEAR Who stocked my servant? Regan, I have good hope
Thou didst not know on ’t.—Who comes here? O heavens,
185 If you do love old men, if your sweet sway
Allow obedience, if yourselves are old,
Make it your cause. Send down, and take my part!
(to GONERIL) Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?—
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?
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LEAR Who stocked my servant? Regan, I have good hope
Thou didst not know on ’t.—Who comes here? O heavens,
If you do love old men, if your sweet sway
Allow obedience, if yourselves are old,
Make it your cause. Send down, and take my part!
(to GONERIL) Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?—
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?
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GONERIL 190 Why not by th' hand, sir? How have I offended?
All’s not offense that indiscretion finds
And dotage terms so.
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GONERIL Why not by th' hand, sir? How have I offended?
All’s not offense that indiscretion finds
And dotage terms so.
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LEAR O sides, you are too tough.
Will you yet hold?—How came my man i' th' stocks?
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LEAR O sides, you are too tough.
Will you yet hold?—How came my man i' th' stocks?
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CORNWALL I set him there, sir, but his own disorders
195 Deserved much less advancement.
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CORNWALL I set him there, sir, but his own disorders
Deserved much less advancement.
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LEAR You! Did you?
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LEAR You! Did you?
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REGAN I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.
If till the expiration of your month,
You will return and sojourn with my sister,
Dismissing half your train, come then to me.
200 I am now from home, and out of that provision
Which shall be needful for your entertainment.
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REGAN I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.
If till the expiration of your month,
You will return and sojourn with my sister,
Dismissing half your train, come then to me.
I am now from home, and out of that provision
Which shall be needful for your entertainment.
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LEAR Return to her, and fifty men dismissed?
No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl—
205 To wage against the enmity o' th' air—
Necessity’s sharp pinch! Return with her?
Why, the hot-blooded France that dowerless took
Our youngest born—I could as well be brought
To knee his throne, and, squirelike, pension beg
210 To keep base life afoot. Return with her?
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
To this detested groom. (indicates OSWALD)
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LEAR Return to her, and fifty men dismissed?
No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl—
To wage against the enmity o' th' air—
Necessity’s sharp pinch! Return with her?
Why, the hot-blooded France that dowerless took
Our youngest born—I could as well be brought
To knee his throne, and, squirelike, pension beg
To keep base life afoot. Return with her?
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
To this detested groom. (indicates OSWALD)
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GONERIL At your choice, sir.
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GONERIL At your choice, sir.
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LEAR Now, I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.
I will not trouble thee, my child. Farewell.
215 We’ll no more meet, no more see one another.
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter—
Or rather a disease that’s in my flesh,
Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,
A plague-sore or embossèd carbuncle
220 In my corrupted blood. But I’ll not chide thee.
Let shame come when it will. I do not call it.
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LEAR Now, I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.
I will not trouble thee, my child. Farewell.
We’ll no more meet, no more see one another.
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter—
Or rather a disease that’s in my flesh,
Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,
A plague-sore or embossèd carbuncle
In my corrupted blood. But I’ll not chide thee.
Let shame come when it will. I do not call it.
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I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot,
Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove.
Mend when thou canst. Be better at thy leisure.
225 I can be patient. I can stay with Regan,
I and my hundred knights.
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I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot,
Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove.
Mend when thou canst. Be better at thy leisure.
I can be patient. I can stay with Regan,
I and my hundred knights.
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REGAN Not altogether so, sir.
I looked not for you yet, nor am provided
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister.
For those that mingle reason with your passion
230 Must be content to think you old, and so—
But she knows what she does.
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REGAN Not altogether so, sir.
I looked not for you yet, nor am provided
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister.
For those that mingle reason with your passion
Must be content to think you old, and so—
But she knows what she does.
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LEAR Is this well spoken now?
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LEAR Is this well spoken now?
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REGAN I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers?
Is it not well? What should you need of more—
Yea, or so many—sith that both charge and danger
235 Speak 'gainst so great a number? How, in one house,
Should many people under two commands
Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.
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REGAN I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers?
Is it not well? What should you need of more—
Yea, or so many—sith that both charge and danger
Speak 'gainst so great a number? How, in one house,
Should many people under two commands
Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.
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GONERIL Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
From those that she calls servants, or from mine?
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GONERIL Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
From those that she calls servants, or from mine?
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REGAN 240 Why not, my lord? If then they chanced to slack you,
We could control them. If you will come to me—
For now I spy a danger—I entreat you
To bring but five and twenty. To no more
Will I give place or notice.
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REGAN Why not, my lord? If then they chanced to slack you,
We could control them. If you will come to me—
For now I spy a danger—I entreat you
To bring but five and twenty. To no more
Will I give place or notice.
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LEAR 245 I gave you all—
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LEAR I gave you all—
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REGAN And in good time you gave it.
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REGAN And in good time you gave it.
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LEAR Made you my guardians, my depositaries,
But kept a reservation to be followed
With such a number. What, must I come to you
250 With five and twenty, Regan? Said you so?
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LEAR Made you my guardians, my depositaries,
But kept a reservation to be followed
With such a number. What, must I come to you
With five and twenty, Regan? Said you so?
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REGAN And speak ’t again, my lord. No more with me.
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REGAN And speak ’t again, my lord. No more with me.
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LEAR Those wicked creatures yet do look well favored
When others are more wicked. Not being the worst
Stands in some rank of praise.
Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty,
And thou art twice her love.
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LEAR Those wicked creatures yet do look well favored
When others are more wicked. Not being the worst
Stands in some rank of praise.
Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty,
And thou art twice her love.
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GONERIL Hear me, my lord.
What need you five and twenty, ten, or five
To follow in a house where twice so many
260 Have a command to tend you?
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GONERIL Hear me, my lord.
What need you five and twenty, ten, or five
To follow in a house where twice so many
Have a command to tend you?
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REGAN What need one?
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REGAN What need one?
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LEAR O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars
Are in the poorest thing superfluous.
Allow not nature more than nature needs,
Man’s life’s as cheap as beast’s. Thou art a lady.
265 If only to go warm were gorgeous,
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear’st,
Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need—
You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need.
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,
270 As full of grief as age, wretched in both.
If it be you that stir these daughters' hearts
Against their father, fool me not so much
To bear it tamely. Touch me with noble anger.
And let not women’s weapons, water drops,
275 Stain my man’s cheeks! No, you unnatural hags,
|
LEAR O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars
Are in the poorest thing superfluous.
Allow not nature more than nature needs,
Man’s life’s as cheap as beast’s. Thou art a lady.
If only to go warm were gorgeous,
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear’st,
Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need—
You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need.
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,
As full of grief as age, wretched in both.
If it be you that stir these daughters' hearts
Against their father, fool me not so much
To bear it tamely. Touch me with noble anger.
And let not women’s weapons, water drops,
Stain my man’s cheeks! No, you unnatural hags,
|
|
I will have such revenges on you both
That all the world shall—I will do such things—
What they are yet I know not, but they shall be
The terrors of the earth. You think I’ll weep?
280 No, I’ll not weep.
|
I will have such revenges on you both
That all the world shall—I will do such things—
What they are yet I know not, but they shall be
The terrors of the earth. You think I’ll weep?
No, I’ll not weep.
|
|
Storm and tempest
|
Storm and tempest
|
|
I have full cause of weeping, but this heart
Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws,
Or ere I’ll weep.—O Fool, I shall go mad!
|
I have full cause of weeping, but this heart
Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws,
Or ere I’ll weep.—O Fool, I shall go mad!
|
|
Exeunt LEAR , GENTLEMAN , FOOL , and GLOUCESTER
|
Exeunt LEAR , GENTLEMAN , FOOL , and GLOUCESTER
|
|
CORNWALL Let us withdraw. 'Twill be a storm.
|
CORNWALL Let us withdraw. 'Twill be a storm.
|
|
REGAN 285 This house is little. The old man and his people
Cannot be well bestowed.
|
REGAN This house is little. The old man and his people
Cannot be well bestowed.
|
|
GONERIL 'Tis his own blame. Hath put himself from rest,
And must needs taste his folly.
|
GONERIL 'Tis his own blame. Hath put himself from rest,
And must needs taste his folly.
|
|
REGAN For his particular I’ll receive him gladly,
290 But not one follower.
|
REGAN For his particular I’ll receive him gladly,
But not one follower.
|
|
GONERIL So am I purposed.
Where is my lord of Gloucester?
|
GONERIL So am I purposed.
Where is my lord of Gloucester?
|
|
CORNWALL Followed the old man forth. He is returned.
|
CORNWALL Followed the old man forth. He is returned.
|
|
Enter GLOUCESTER
|
Enter GLOUCESTER
|
|
GLOUCESTER The king is in high rage.
|
GLOUCESTER The king is in high rage.
|
|
CORNWALL Whither is he going?
|
CORNWALL Whither is he going?
|
|
GLOUCESTER He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
|
GLOUCESTER He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
|
|
CORNWALL 295 'Tis best to give him way. He leads himself.
|
CORNWALL 'Tis best to give him way. He leads himself.
|
|
GONERIL (to GLOUCESTER) My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.
|
GONERIL (to GLOUCESTER) My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.
|
|
GLOUCESTER Alack, the night comes on, and the high winds
Do sorely ruffle. For many miles about
There’s scarce a bush.
|
GLOUCESTER Alack, the night comes on, and the high winds
Do sorely ruffle. For many miles about
There’s scarce a bush.
|
|
REGAN O sir, to wilful men,
300 The injuries that they themselves procure
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors.
He is attended with a desperate train.
And what they may incense him to, being apt
To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear.
|
REGAN O sir, to wilful men,
The injuries that they themselves procure
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors.
He is attended with a desperate train.
And what they may incense him to, being apt
To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear.
|
|
CORNWALL 305 Shut up your doors, my lord. 'Tis a wild night.
My Regan counsels well. Come out o' th' storm.
|
CORNWALL Shut up your doors, my lord. 'Tis a wild night.
My Regan counsels well. Come out o' th' storm.
|
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
KENT in the stocks Enter LEAR , FOOL , and GENTLEMAN
|
KENT in the stocks Enter LEAR , FOOL , and GENTLEMAN
|
|
LEAR 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,
And not send back my messenger.
|
LEAR 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,
And not send back my messenger.
|
|
GENTLEMAN As I learned,
The night before there was no purpose in them
Of this remove.
|
GENTLEMAN As I learned,
The night before there was no purpose in them
Of this remove.
|
|
KENT |
KENT |
|
LEAR Ha! Makest thou this shame thy pastime?
|
LEAR Ha! Makest thou this shame thy pastime?
|
|
KENT No, my lord.
|
KENT No, my lord.
|
|
FOOL Ha, ha! Look, he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the heads, dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by the loins, and men by the legs. When a man’s overlusty at legs, then he wears wooden nether-stocks.
|
FOOL Ha, ha! Look, he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the heads, dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by the loins, and men by the legs. When a man’s overlusty at legs, then he wears wooden nether-stocks.
|
|
LEAR (to KENT) What’s he that hath so much thy place mistook
To set thee here?
|
LEAR (to KENT) What’s he that hath so much thy place mistook
To set thee here?
|
|
KENT It is both he and she:
Your son and daughter.
|
KENT It is both he and she:
Your son and daughter.
|
|
LEAR No.
|
LEAR No.
|
|
KENT Yes.
|
KENT Yes.
|
|
LEAR No, I say.
|
LEAR No, I say.
|
|
KENT I say “Yea.”
|
KENT I say “Yea.”
|
|
LEAR No, no, they would not.
|
LEAR No, no, they would not.
|
|
KENT Yes, they have.
|
KENT Yes, they have.
|
|
LEAR 15By Jupiter, I swear “No.”
|
LEAR By Jupiter, I swear “No.”
|
|
KENT By Juno, I swear “Ay.”
|
KENT By Juno, I swear “Ay.”
|
|
LEAR They durst not do ’t.
They could not, would not do ’t. 'Tis worse than murder
To do upon respect such violent outrage.
Resolve me with all modest haste which way
20Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,
Coming from us.
|
LEAR They durst not do ’t.
They could not, would not do ’t. 'Tis worse than murder
To do upon respect such violent outrage.
Resolve me with all modest haste which way
Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,
Coming from us.
|
|
KENT My lord, when at their home
I did commend your highness' letters to them.
Ere I was risen from the place that showed
My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,
25Stewed in his haste, half breathless, panting forth
From Goneril his mistress salutations,
Delivered letters spite of intermission,
Which presently they read, on whose contents
They summoned up their meiny, straight took horse,
30Commanded me to follow and attend
The leisure of their answer, gave me cold looks.
And meeting here the other messenger,
Whose welcome I perceived had poisoned mine—
Being the very fellow which of late
35Displayed so saucily against your highness—
Having more man than wit about me, drew.
He raised the house with loud and coward cries.
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth
The shame which here it suffers.
|
KENT My lord, when at their home
I did commend your highness' letters to them.
Ere I was risen from the place that showed
My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,
Stewed in his haste, half breathless, panting forth
From Goneril his mistress salutations,
Delivered letters spite of intermission,
Which presently they read, on whose contents
They summoned up their meiny, straight took horse,
Commanded me to follow and attend
The leisure of their answer, gave me cold looks.
And meeting here the other messenger,
Whose welcome I perceived had poisoned mine—
Being the very fellow which of late
Displayed so saucily against your highness—
Having more man than wit about me, drew.
He raised the house with loud and coward cries.
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth
The shame which here it suffers.
|
|
FOOL Fathers that wear rags
Do make their children blind.
But fathers that bear bags
Shall see their children kind.
Fortune, that arrant whore,
Ne'er turns the key to th' poor.
But for all this thou shalt have as many dolors for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
|
FOOL Fathers that wear rags
Do make their children blind.
But fathers that bear bags
Shall see their children kind.
Fortune, that arrant whore,
Ne'er turns the key to th' poor.
But for all this thou shalt have as many dolors for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
|
|
LEAR O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!
50 Hysterica passio, down, thou climbing sorrow.
Thy element’s below.—Where is this daughter?
|
LEAR O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!
Hysterica passio, down, thou climbing sorrow.
Thy element’s below.—Where is this daughter?
|
|
KENT With the earl, sir, here within.
|
KENT With the earl, sir, here within.
|
|
LEAR Follow me not. Stay here.
|
LEAR Follow me not. Stay here.
|
|
Exit LEAR
|
Exit LEAR
|
|
GENTLEMAN Made you no more offense but what you speak of?
|
GENTLEMAN Made you no more offense but what you speak of?
|
|
KENT 55 None.
How chance the king comes with so small a train?
|
KENT None.
How chance the king comes with so small a train?
|
|
FOOL An thou hadst been set i' th' stocks for that question, thou’dst well deserved it.
|
FOOL An thou hadst been set i' th' stocks for that question, thou’dst well deserved it.
|
|
KENT Why, Fool?
|
KENT Why, Fool?
|
|
FOOL |
FOOL |
That sir which serves and seeks for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins to rain
And leave thee in the storm.
But I will tarry. The fool will stay.
And let the wise man fly.
The knave turns fool that runs away;
The fool, no knave, perdie.
|
That sir which serves and seeks for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins to rain
And leave thee in the storm.
But I will tarry. The fool will stay.
And let the wise man fly.
The knave turns fool that runs away;
The fool, no knave, perdie.
|
|
KENT Where learned you this, Fool?
|
KENT Where learned you this, Fool?
|
|
FOOL Not i' th' stocks, fool.
|
FOOL Not i' th' stocks, fool.
|
|
Enter LEAR and GLOUCESTER
|
Enter LEAR and GLOUCESTER
|
|
LEAR Deny to speak with me? They are sick? They are weary?
80 They have traveled all the night?—mere fetches, ay!
The images of revolt and flying off.
Fetch me a better answer.
|
LEAR Deny to speak with me? They are sick? They are weary?
They have traveled all the night?—mere fetches, ay!
The images of revolt and flying off.
Fetch me a better answer.
|
|
GLOUCESTER My dear lord,
You know the fiery quality of the duke,
How unremoveable and fixed he is
85 In his own course.
|
GLOUCESTER My dear lord,
You know the fiery quality of the duke,
How unremoveable and fixed he is
In his own course.
|
|
LEAR Vengeance, plague, death, confusion!
“Fiery”? What “quality”? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,
I’d speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.
|
LEAR Vengeance, plague, death, confusion!
“Fiery”? What “quality”? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,
I’d speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.
|
|
GLOUCESTER Well, my good lord, I have informed them so.
|
GLOUCESTER Well, my good lord, I have informed them so.
|
|
LEAR “Informed them”? Dost thou understand me, man?
|
LEAR “Informed them”? Dost thou understand me, man?
|
|
GLOUCESTER 90 Ay, my good lord.
|
GLOUCESTER Ay, my good lord.
|
|
LEAR The king would speak with Cornwall. The dear father
Would with his daughter speak, commands, tends service.
Are they “informed” of this? My breath and blood!
“Fiery”? The “fiery” duke? Tell the hot duke that Lear—
95 No, but not yet. Maybe he is not well.
Infirmity doth still neglect all office
Whereto our health is bound. We are not ourselves
When nature, being oppressed, commands the mind
To suffer with the body. I’ll forbear,
100 And am fallen out with my more headier will
To take the indisposed and sickly fit
For the sound man.
(notices KENT again)
Death on my state! Wherefore
Should he sit here? This act persuades me
105 That this remotion of the duke and her
Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.
Go tell the duke and ’s wife I’d speak with them—
Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,
Or at their chamber door I’ll beat the drum
110 Till it cry sleep to death.
|
LEAR The king would speak with Cornwall. The dear father
Would with his daughter speak, commands, tends service.
Are they “informed” of this? My breath and blood!
“Fiery”? The “fiery” duke? Tell the hot duke that Lear—
No, but not yet. Maybe he is not well.
Infirmity doth still neglect all office
Whereto our health is bound. We are not ourselves
When nature, being oppressed, commands the mind
To suffer with the body. I’ll forbear,
And am fallen out with my more headier will
To take the indisposed and sickly fit
For the sound man.
(notices KENT again)
Death on my state! Wherefore
Should he sit here? This act persuades me
That this remotion of the duke and her
Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.
Go tell the duke and ’s wife I’d speak with them—
Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,
Or at their chamber door I’ll beat the drum
Till it cry sleep to death.
|
|
GLOUCESTER I would have all well betwixt you.
|
GLOUCESTER I would have all well betwixt you.
|
|
Exit GLOUCESTER
|
Exit GLOUCESTER
|
|
LEAR O me, my heart, my rising heart! But down.
|
LEAR O me, my heart, my rising heart! But down.
|
|
FOOL Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she put 'em i' th' paste alive. She knapped 'em o' th' coxcombs with a stick and cried, “Down, wantons, down!” 'Twas her brother that, in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.
|
FOOL Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she put 'em i' th' paste alive. She knapped 'em o' th' coxcombs with a stick and cried, “Down, wantons, down!” 'Twas her brother that, in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.
|
|
Enter the Duke of CORNWALL , REGAN , GLOUCESTER , and servants
|
Enter the Duke of CORNWALL , REGAN , GLOUCESTER , and servants
|
|
LEAR Good morrow to you both.
|
LEAR Good morrow to you both.
|
|
CORNWALL Hail to your grace.
|
CORNWALL Hail to your grace.
|
|
KENT here set at liberty
|
KENT here set at liberty
|
|
REGAN I am glad to see your highness.
|
REGAN I am glad to see your highness.
|
|
LEAR Regan, I think you are. I know what reason
120 I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad,
I would divorce me from thy mother’s tomb,
Sepulchring an adultress.
(to KENT) Oh, are you free?
Some other time for that.
|
LEAR Regan, I think you are. I know what reason
I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad,
I would divorce me from thy mother’s tomb,
Sepulchring an adultress.
(to KENT) Oh, are you free?
Some other time for that.
|
|
Exit KENT
|
Exit KENT
|
|
Belovèd Regan,
125 Thy sister’s naught. O Regan, she hath tied
Sharp-toothed unkindness, like a vulture, here.
(indicates his heart)
I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe
With how depraved a quality— O Regan!
|
Belovèd Regan,
Thy sister’s naught. O Regan, she hath tied
Sharp-toothed unkindness, like a vulture, here.
(indicates his heart)
I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe
With how depraved a quality— O Regan!
|
|
REGAN 130 I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope
You less know how to value her desert
Than she to scant her duty.
|
REGAN I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope
You less know how to value her desert
Than she to scant her duty.
|
|
LEAR Say, how is that?
|
LEAR Say, how is that?
|
|
REGAN I cannot think my sister in the least
Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance
135 She have restrained the riots of your followers,
'Tis on such ground and to such wholesome end
As clears her from all blame.
|
REGAN I cannot think my sister in the least
Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance
She have restrained the riots of your followers,
'Tis on such ground and to such wholesome end
As clears her from all blame.
|
|
LEAR My curses on her!
|
LEAR My curses on her!
|
|
REGAN O sir, you are old.
140 Nature in you stands on the very verge
Of his confine. You should be ruled and led
By some discretion that discerns your state
Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you
That to our sister you do make return.
145 Say you have wronged her, sir.
|
REGAN O sir, you are old.
Nature in you stands on the very verge
Of his confine. You should be ruled and led
By some discretion that discerns your state
Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you
That to our sister you do make return.
Say you have wronged her, sir.
|
|
LEAR Ask her forgiveness?
Do you but mark how this becomes the house?—
(kneels) “Dear daughter, I confess that I am old.
Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg
That you’ll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.”
|
LEAR Ask her forgiveness?
Do you but mark how this becomes the house?—
(kneels) “Dear daughter, I confess that I am old.
Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg
That you’ll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.”
|
|
REGAN 150 Good sir, no more. These are unsightly tricks.
Return you to my sister.
|
REGAN Good sir, no more. These are unsightly tricks.
Return you to my sister.
|
|
LEAR (rising) Never, Regan.
She hath abated me of half my train,
Looked black upon me, struck me with her tongue,
155 Most serpentlike, upon the very heart.
All the stored vengeances of heaven fall
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,
You taking airs, with lameness!
|
LEAR (rising) Never, Regan.
She hath abated me of half my train,
Looked black upon me, struck me with her tongue,
Most serpentlike, upon the very heart.
All the stored vengeances of heaven fall
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,
You taking airs, with lameness!
|
|
CORNWALL Fie, sir, fie!
|
CORNWALL Fie, sir, fie!
|
|
LEAR You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames
160 Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,
You fen-sucked fogs drawn by the powerful sun,
To fall and blister!
|
LEAR You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames
Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,
You fen-sucked fogs drawn by the powerful sun,
To fall and blister!
|
|
REGAN O the blessed gods!
So will you wish on me when the rash mood is on.
|
REGAN O the blessed gods!
So will you wish on me when the rash mood is on.
|
|
LEAR No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.
165 Thy tender-hafted nature shall not give
Thee o'er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce, but thine
Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,
170 And in conclusion to oppose the bolt
Against my coming in. Thou better know’st
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude.
Thy half o' th' kingdom hast thou not forgot,
175 Wherein I thee endowed.
|
LEAR No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.
Thy tender-hafted nature shall not give
Thee o'er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce, but thine
Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,
And in conclusion to oppose the bolt
Against my coming in. Thou better know’st
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude.
Thy half o' th' kingdom hast thou not forgot,
Wherein I thee endowed.
|
|
REGAN Good sir, to the purpose.
|
REGAN Good sir, to the purpose.
|
|
LEAR Who put my man i' th' stocks?
|
LEAR Who put my man i' th' stocks?
|
|
Tucket within
|
Tucket within
|
|
CORNWALL What trumpet’s that?
|
CORNWALL What trumpet’s that?
|
|
Enter OSWALD the steward
|
Enter OSWALD the steward
|
|
REGAN I know ’t—my sister’s. This approves her letter
That she would soon be here. (to OSWALD)
Is your lady come?
|
REGAN I know ’t—my sister’s. This approves her letter
That she would soon be here. (to OSWALD)
Is your lady come?
|
|
LEAR 180 This is a slave whose easy borrowed pride
Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.—
Out, varlet, from my sight!
|
LEAR This is a slave whose easy borrowed pride
Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.—
Out, varlet, from my sight!
|
|
CORNWALL What means your grace?
|
CORNWALL What means your grace?
|
|
Enter GONERIL
|
Enter GONERIL
|
|
LEAR Who stocked my servant? Regan, I have good hope
Thou didst not know on ’t.—Who comes here? O heavens,
185 If you do love old men, if your sweet sway
Allow obedience, if yourselves are old,
Make it your cause. Send down, and take my part!
(to GONERIL) Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?—
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?
|
LEAR Who stocked my servant? Regan, I have good hope
Thou didst not know on ’t.—Who comes here? O heavens,
If you do love old men, if your sweet sway
Allow obedience, if yourselves are old,
Make it your cause. Send down, and take my part!
(to GONERIL) Art not ashamed to look upon this beard?—
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?
|
|
GONERIL 190 Why not by th' hand, sir? How have I offended?
All’s not offense that indiscretion finds
And dotage terms so.
|
GONERIL Why not by th' hand, sir? How have I offended?
All’s not offense that indiscretion finds
And dotage terms so.
|
|
LEAR O sides, you are too tough.
Will you yet hold?—How came my man i' th' stocks?
|
LEAR O sides, you are too tough.
Will you yet hold?—How came my man i' th' stocks?
|
|
CORNWALL I set him there, sir, but his own disorders
195 Deserved much less advancement.
|
CORNWALL I set him there, sir, but his own disorders
Deserved much less advancement.
|
|
LEAR You! Did you?
|
LEAR You! Did you?
|
|
REGAN I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.
If till the expiration of your month,
You will return and sojourn with my sister,
Dismissing half your train, come then to me.
200 I am now from home, and out of that provision
Which shall be needful for your entertainment.
|
REGAN I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.
If till the expiration of your month,
You will return and sojourn with my sister,
Dismissing half your train, come then to me.
I am now from home, and out of that provision
Which shall be needful for your entertainment.
|
|
LEAR Return to her, and fifty men dismissed?
No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl—
205 To wage against the enmity o' th' air—
Necessity’s sharp pinch! Return with her?
Why, the hot-blooded France that dowerless took
Our youngest born—I could as well be brought
To knee his throne, and, squirelike, pension beg
210 To keep base life afoot. Return with her?
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
To this detested groom. (indicates OSWALD)
|
LEAR Return to her, and fifty men dismissed?
No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl—
To wage against the enmity o' th' air—
Necessity’s sharp pinch! Return with her?
Why, the hot-blooded France that dowerless took
Our youngest born—I could as well be brought
To knee his throne, and, squirelike, pension beg
To keep base life afoot. Return with her?
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
To this detested groom. (indicates OSWALD)
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GONERIL At your choice, sir.
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GONERIL At your choice, sir.
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LEAR Now, I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.
I will not trouble thee, my child. Farewell.
215 We’ll no more meet, no more see one another.
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter—
Or rather a disease that’s in my flesh,
Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,
A plague-sore or embossèd carbuncle
220 In my corrupted blood. But I’ll not chide thee.
Let shame come when it will. I do not call it.
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LEAR Now, I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.
I will not trouble thee, my child. Farewell.
We’ll no more meet, no more see one another.
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter—
Or rather a disease that’s in my flesh,
Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,
A plague-sore or embossèd carbuncle
In my corrupted blood. But I’ll not chide thee.
Let shame come when it will. I do not call it.
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I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot,
Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove.
Mend when thou canst. Be better at thy leisure.
225 I can be patient. I can stay with Regan,
I and my hundred knights.
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I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot,
Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove.
Mend when thou canst. Be better at thy leisure.
I can be patient. I can stay with Regan,
I and my hundred knights.
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REGAN Not altogether so, sir.
I looked not for you yet, nor am provided
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister.
For those that mingle reason with your passion
230 Must be content to think you old, and so—
But she knows what she does.
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REGAN Not altogether so, sir.
I looked not for you yet, nor am provided
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister.
For those that mingle reason with your passion
Must be content to think you old, and so—
But she knows what she does.
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LEAR Is this well spoken now?
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LEAR Is this well spoken now?
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REGAN I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers?
Is it not well? What should you need of more—
Yea, or so many—sith that both charge and danger
235 Speak 'gainst so great a number? How, in one house,
Should many people under two commands
Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.
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REGAN I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers?
Is it not well? What should you need of more—
Yea, or so many—sith that both charge and danger
Speak 'gainst so great a number? How, in one house,
Should many people under two commands
Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.
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GONERIL Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
From those that she calls servants, or from mine?
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GONERIL Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
From those that she calls servants, or from mine?
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REGAN 240 Why not, my lord? If then they chanced to slack you,
We could control them. If you will come to me—
For now I spy a danger—I entreat you
To bring but five and twenty. To no more
Will I give place or notice.
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REGAN Why not, my lord? If then they chanced to slack you,
We could control them. If you will come to me—
For now I spy a danger—I entreat you
To bring but five and twenty. To no more
Will I give place or notice.
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LEAR 245 I gave you all—
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LEAR I gave you all—
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REGAN And in good time you gave it.
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REGAN And in good time you gave it.
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LEAR Made you my guardians, my depositaries,
But kept a reservation to be followed
With such a number. What, must I come to you
250 With five and twenty, Regan? Said you so?
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LEAR Made you my guardians, my depositaries,
But kept a reservation to be followed
With such a number. What, must I come to you
With five and twenty, Regan? Said you so?
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REGAN And speak ’t again, my lord. No more with me.
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REGAN And speak ’t again, my lord. No more with me.
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LEAR Those wicked creatures yet do look well favored
When others are more wicked. Not being the worst
Stands in some rank of praise.
Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty,
And thou art twice her love.
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LEAR Those wicked creatures yet do look well favored
When others are more wicked. Not being the worst
Stands in some rank of praise.
Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty,
And thou art twice her love.
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GONERIL Hear me, my lord.
What need you five and twenty, ten, or five
To follow in a house where twice so many
260 Have a command to tend you?
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GONERIL Hear me, my lord.
What need you five and twenty, ten, or five
To follow in a house where twice so many
Have a command to tend you?
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REGAN What need one?
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REGAN What need one?
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LEAR O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars
Are in the poorest thing superfluous.
Allow not nature more than nature needs,
Man’s life’s as cheap as beast’s. Thou art a lady.
265 If only to go warm were gorgeous,
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear’st,
Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need—
You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need.
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,
270 As full of grief as age, wretched in both.
If it be you that stir these daughters' hearts
Against their father, fool me not so much
To bear it tamely. Touch me with noble anger.
And let not women’s weapons, water drops,
275 Stain my man’s cheeks! No, you unnatural hags,
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LEAR O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars
Are in the poorest thing superfluous.
Allow not nature more than nature needs,
Man’s life’s as cheap as beast’s. Thou art a lady.
If only to go warm were gorgeous,
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear’st,
Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need—
You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need.
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,
As full of grief as age, wretched in both.
If it be you that stir these daughters' hearts
Against their father, fool me not so much
To bear it tamely. Touch me with noble anger.
And let not women’s weapons, water drops,
Stain my man’s cheeks! No, you unnatural hags,
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I will have such revenges on you both
That all the world shall—I will do such things—
What they are yet I know not, but they shall be
The terrors of the earth. You think I’ll weep?
280 No, I’ll not weep.
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I will have such revenges on you both
That all the world shall—I will do such things—
What they are yet I know not, but they shall be
The terrors of the earth. You think I’ll weep?
No, I’ll not weep.
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Storm and tempest
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Storm and tempest
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I have full cause of weeping, but this heart
Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws,
Or ere I’ll weep.—O Fool, I shall go mad!
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I have full cause of weeping, but this heart
Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws,
Or ere I’ll weep.—O Fool, I shall go mad!
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Exeunt LEAR , GENTLEMAN , FOOL , and GLOUCESTER
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Exeunt LEAR , GENTLEMAN , FOOL , and GLOUCESTER
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CORNWALL Let us withdraw. 'Twill be a storm.
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CORNWALL Let us withdraw. 'Twill be a storm.
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REGAN 285 This house is little. The old man and his people
Cannot be well bestowed.
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REGAN This house is little. The old man and his people
Cannot be well bestowed.
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GONERIL 'Tis his own blame. Hath put himself from rest,
And must needs taste his folly.
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GONERIL 'Tis his own blame. Hath put himself from rest,
And must needs taste his folly.
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REGAN For his particular I’ll receive him gladly,
290 But not one follower.
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REGAN For his particular I’ll receive him gladly,
But not one follower.
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GONERIL So am I purposed.
Where is my lord of Gloucester?
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GONERIL So am I purposed.
Where is my lord of Gloucester?
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CORNWALL Followed the old man forth. He is returned.
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CORNWALL Followed the old man forth. He is returned.
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Enter GLOUCESTER
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Enter GLOUCESTER
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GLOUCESTER The king is in high rage.
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GLOUCESTER The king is in high rage.
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CORNWALL Whither is he going?
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CORNWALL Whither is he going?
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GLOUCESTER He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
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GLOUCESTER He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
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CORNWALL 295 'Tis best to give him way. He leads himself.
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CORNWALL 'Tis best to give him way. He leads himself.
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GONERIL (to GLOUCESTER) My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.
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GONERIL (to GLOUCESTER) My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.
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GLOUCESTER Alack, the night comes on, and the high winds
Do sorely ruffle. For many miles about
There’s scarce a bush.
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GLOUCESTER Alack, the night comes on, and the high winds
Do sorely ruffle. For many miles about
There’s scarce a bush.
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REGAN O sir, to wilful men,
300 The injuries that they themselves procure
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors.
He is attended with a desperate train.
And what they may incense him to, being apt
To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear.
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REGAN O sir, to wilful men,
The injuries that they themselves procure
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors.
He is attended with a desperate train.
And what they may incense him to, being apt
To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear.
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CORNWALL 305 Shut up your doors, my lord. 'Tis a wild night.
My Regan counsels well. Come out o' th' storm.
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CORNWALL Shut up your doors, my lord. 'Tis a wild night.
My Regan counsels well. Come out o' th' storm.
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Exeunt
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Exeunt
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