Google

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project

to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject

to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books

are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the

publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying. We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at|http: //books .google .com/I

>fH7o 1

ciq mod t, Google

THE

WORK

Mr. WILLIAM SH/iKESPE.

iV V O L U M E the T H I R r

I CONSISTINGOF

■t HISTORICAL PLAT

LONDON:

f Ptimed tot J. 2ni P. KiuMrni, 5. Birt, T. Imgmait, I Ji. Linutt C. Ujubj 7. BnnJJtJy 7. and *. Ten/m ajid

I S. Drtfr, S.uidB.irimnglin,S.Nta, toiB.DKl.

MDCCXLV.

ciqiiiodt, Google"

PLAYS cmtaiifd in this Vthme.

Kino LEAR. . KiiMi JOHN.

KiKG RICHJRD II.

Hivo HEKkrvtivuti

Kino HEN'rT IV. Part II. Kmo UENRry.

ciqiiiodt, Google

THE

LIFE and D E ATH

or

KING LEAH

Aa

ciq mod t, Google

DRAMATIS PERSONS.

LEAR, King of Britain.

Xi«S of France.

Duiu e/" Burgundy.

Hake of Cornwall.

Httie of Albany.

iS«r;»/Glo'fter. ~ ' '■ i'

£»•;»/ Kent.

Edgar, Sm to Glo'fler.

Edmund, Bq^d Son to Glo*fter.

Curan, c Courtier. ' , ,'

FooL

Ofwald, Sl»»n/»Gonerill. A eld Muiy Tenant to Glower* TvfO Gentlemen, Servantt to Glo'fter.

Gooerill,^

RegaiK ^ ^ ■Dw^i^ta't /» Lear,

CordeUa,] •'.:;_ 1

Xn^iti Modag en the Bm, C§cen, Meffei^m, Solditrt and Juadmtt.

' S C E N E ^« i» Britain.

KING

ciqiEodt, Google

KING LEAR.

A C T L S C E N E I.

SCENE A PtilMi. Mmir Keat, Glo'ficr, mi Edmund llx Bafiuri.

K I H T.

i'

El Hioqghc th^ King had more aflcacd the ' Ddkat^ Aliany thv\ Qomw^. -* Gk. It did always feetn lb to uj: but now - in the divifion of the kingdom, it appeara • not which of riic Dukes he values men ; for. qualities are fi) weigh'd, that cuhdiiy in neither can nuke dxHce of either*s moiety. Km. Is DOt this your ton, my Lord ? Gie. His breeding, Sir, hath been at my charge. I btve fo often bluQi'a to scknowled^ him> diat now I am bniz'd to't. KtHt. I cannot copceive you.

Glo. Sir, this young fellow's mother could ; wfaereupon llie grew nMind-womb'd, and had indeed. Sir, a fbn for ba cradle, ere Ihc had a husband for her bed. Do you findl a fault i

KfKt. I cannot with the fault undone, the iflue of ic beiflg fb pr^)er, Qa. But I hare a fon. Sir, by order of law, fome A3 * 'yean

ciq mod t, Google

6 Km^ L^AB..

* 'ytars^ dder than this, who yet is ao dearer in my ac- count i though this knave came fomewhat Eiwcily. * 'iqui^ the world before he was fent for, yec was his mother ffir, thefe was good (pan at his nuking, and the whorfoa muft be acknowledg'd. Do you know th^ nt^lenlu], Edmund f

Ajff. No, my Lord.

GA). Myjjordo'f AfflA Remember him hereafter as my honourable friend.

Bafi. My fervica tp your Lprdfljip,.

Kent. I mull love you, and fue to know you better.

Bafi> Sir, I Hull w^y your delcrFiog^ . - (a{^in.

Ghi He hath been ode nine years, and away he ihaU The King is coming.

s c 5;. N E n.

To tienif Eater Kit^ Lear, Coravall, Albany, GoneriU, Regan, Corddia, and Attendants. Lear. Attoid the Lords of R'onee kd^ Bwrgmif. GIo. Iflia]I,"my Liege. [Exil^

Lear. Mean time we fhaU ei^itt& our ^ker purpoje. ^ Give me tho Map here. Know, we have diridcd In three, oar kingdom i and 'tis o&r intent. To Ihake all cares and bufinels from our ag^ ,>

Conferring them on younger ftrengths, wMle we Unburthen'd crawl tow'rJ death. Our ftn ^ CanmMSp And you,' our no lels loving ion of Jilhi^t We have this, hour a conftant will to publifti ' Our daughters fev*ral Dow'rs, that future ftrife May be ^ 'prevented.'' The Princes france and SurpH^t .Qct^t rivals in our younger daughter's love. Long in our Court have made their am'rous Iqoum, Aod here are to be aRfweHd. Tell me, daughKrst Since now we will diyeft us, both of rule, Int'reft of territory, ♦ 'and cares^ of ftaai ; Which of you fiiail we fay doth love us moft ?

That \ jew « to 3 prcventetl now. 4 am

ciq mod t, Google

That we our brgefi bounty may exteaci

"Where nature dodi witb merit challenge. OmriU

Our eldefl born, fpcak grft,

GoM. I love you* Sir, Dearer thta eye-right^ Qjac^ ami liberty^ Beyond what can be valijed ridi or rare } No lefi thao life, with grace, health, bcauty» boooiir: As much as child e'er lov'd, or iath«- found. A love that makes breath poor, and ^>ecch untble^ Beyond all Bianner of io much X love you.

Cor. What fhall Cordtii* do ? love and be lilent. [^.

Lear. Of all thefe bounds ov*h from this line to duv With ffaadowy forcjh and with cbampkms rich'df With ploiteoua rivcra vd wide-skirted roeadt. We toake thee JUdy. To thine and Ma^i illbf Be this perpetual*'— What £iys our Jccoad daughter, Our deareft Regmt mfo of CerwwaS? fpeak.

Reg. Vm made of that felf-mctal as my fiOer, And prize mc at her worth. In my true Heart I fioa Ibe names my very deed of jovei Only Ihe comes too fluMt, that I profefi My felf an enemy to all oijier joya, Which the laoft precious ' 'Tpirit'' of fcnfe foy^^^?. And find I am alone felicitate In your dear Highnela' love.

Cor. Then poor Cordelia! 146^-

And yet not fo^ fince I am Aire my lor^a More pond'rous than my tongue.

Leiv. To thee, and liunt^ hereditary crer. Remain this ample third of our &ir kingdom^ No lefi in fpace, validity, and plea£ice. Than that conrer*d on QtfieriU. — Now ouf joy. Although our hft, not leaft j ' 'in^ whc^ yOung lor^ The vines of FrtaOy and milk of Burgnn^^ Strive CO be int*n:&*d : what lay you todtaw A third, more opulent than yow fifters f ^lealc

Cor, Nothing, my Lord.

A 4 Zmt.

ciq mod t, Google

8 King LeaX.

Lear. Nothing? ~

Cer. Nothing.

X/ur. Nothing will conse of nothing, fpeak aftpia.

Cor. Unhappy that I. am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth : I love your Majefty According to my bond, no mcHV nor lefs.

Lear. Hew, hovr, CordeUaf mend your Ipeecb a little. Left you may mar your fortunes.

Cor. Good my Lord, - You have b^ot me, bred me,- Iov*d me. I Return thole duties back as are right fi^ Obeyyou, love you, andmoft honour you. Why have my lifters husbands, if they fay. They love you all ? haply when I (hall wed. That Lord whole hand nraft take my plight, ftnll carry Half my love with him, half my care and daty. Sure I Inall never marry like my Hfters, To love my father all— —

Lear, But goes thy heart with this? ■

Cor. Ay, my good Lord. .

Lear. So young, and lo untender }

Cor. So young, my Lord, and true.

Lear. Let it be fo, thy truth then be thy dowre : For by the facrcd radiance of the fun. The piyftcrics of Hecate^ and the night. By aU the operations of the orbs From whom we do euft, and ceafe co bei Here I difclaim all my paternal care, Propinquitv, and property of blood, Ana as a ftrariger to my heart and me Hold thee, from this for ever. The barb'rous Seytbinit • Or he that makes his generatiiMi mefles To gorge his appetite, fhall to my bolbm Be as well neighbour'd, pitied, and rclicvM, As thou my fometime daughter. •

Keet. Good my Ucge^

Lear. Peace, Keatf Come not between the dragon and his wrath.

I lovM

ciq mod t, Google

Kh^ Lea«. 9

I lov*d ber mofi, and thought to let my reft

On her kind nuitfry. Hence, avoid ray fight— [Ttf Cor.

So be my grave my peace, as here I give

Her bthci's heut from her ; Call Fraiut ; who Sdnt

CaW Burgutidf ~— CormoaU and Albarf^

With my two daughters dowres, digeft- the third.

Let pride, which flic calls pUinncls, marry her.

I do iovcft you joindy with my power,

Prchemincnce, and all the lar^ efiefts

That troop with M^dly. Our felf by mtnthly cour^

Widi lefenration of an hoodred Knights,

By you to be faftain'd, fhall our abode

Make with you by due turris : only retaitr

The name aiid all th* addition to a King;

The fway, revenue, execution, -

Beloved fons, be yours i- which to confirm

This Coronet part between you. [Gftu^ the O-gwii

Xait. Royal Lear, Whom I have ever honour'd as my King, Lov'd as my fajha, as my mailer foUow'd, And as my patron thought on in my pray*rs<^

Lear. The bow is bent and drawn, make from thelhafd

Kent. Lei it ^1 rather, chough the fork invade The region of my heart ; be Kmi unmannerly. When Lear is mad : what would'ft thou do, old man ? Thii^'ft thou that duty Ihall have dread to fpeak When pow'r to Batt'ry bows? to plainnels Hofloor Is boimd, when MajeAy to folly falls. Refcrve thy State ; with better judgtJient check This hideous raOinels i with my life I anfwer. Thy youngell daughter does not love thee leaft. Nor arc thofe empty>hearted, whofe low Ibund Keverbs no hollownels.

Leer. Kent^ on thy life no more.

Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn To wage againft thy foes ; nor fear to lole l^ Thy lafety being the motive.

Lear. Out oimy fight!

Kent.

ciq mod t, Google

l^t. Seo bKler, Z«w vA let qui fttU rcmtia Thr tncbUnk of ^ine «ye.

Lear'. Now t»y 4Poii0^' •<•

JLga, Nov ^y .<^«. Kipg, Thou fwear*ft thy Gods in rsifl.

Lear^Q\!aS^i mikr^wtir'-'^.

jllh. Com, De^r Sir* ferbev.

Kent., Kill thy dKyftcJan, ijid Ay fee beftov UpHH thf iod 4i(qa^ i revobe thy doan. Or whilft I can ycnt clamour £rom my throat, ]*il tell thee thou doft cvU.

Z^w^-Hcar mc* recreant \ Since thou haft-ftiught to nuke t» break our tov, "Which we durft never yet ;■ and wdth ftrain'd |vidia^ To come bctw^t our fentence ui^ our power, AVhi^h nor our nature nqr our pkKX can beari Oiir potency made good, take thy reward. Five days we dp aUoC thee for provifion, . . , ,

To fhield the$ from difalters (^thcLWorid, And on thclixth to turn thy hated back Vpon ovr kitigdom ; if the tenth day following Thy banig)'^ vuctk be found in our doainions. The mompM ia tbty death : away I By J^Utr l^tA.&alt Qot be rerok'd.

Kent. Fve Ukc w^, King ; flth thus tbod wilt ^pwy Freedom Uv« hence, and banifiuncnt is hov > The Gods to their d«u fhdter take thee, maid, \To Cor, That juftlv; ihif^ft^ aod haft tooft rightly &d 1 And yourlafge Tpccches may yoir d«ds ^iprofe !

[To Gon. and Rt^ao. That gxidefibaatnayrpFing from words of love: Thus&nt/, O Princes, bids youalladieu. He'll flupe his okl ccurfe in a country new. IZtdt.

SCEKE

ciq mod t, Google

S C E N E ifr.

Eater GW&tXf mtbFmvx oM^Bufgaivljr, tmj Jttmdmn: Gla, Here's Ff-oiet and'£«r?im^, my ooble iiord. Lear. My Lorf of J«^h»^, [

We firrt addrefi toVrd you, who vith thU ^n^ Have rivaird for our daughteri whajt at leati Will you require in prcfent dowre with her» Or c^c your queft of love? Bur. MoQ royal Majefty, I crave no'more than wh^C your Hi^hnds P^df Not will you tender kfi.

Lear. Ri^ht pohle Biirgu»4ti When fhe was dear to us we held her lb. But now her price is fairn : Sir, there (he ft^odf) If ought within that little ftcnung fiibftapcc, Or all of it with our difplearurc piec'd. And nothing more, may fitly like yoqr GI^eef She'i there, aqd Ihe is yours. ~ :

Bur. I know no anfwer. Lear. Will you with thofc iofirpiitics flw QWflS, Unlricndcd, new-adopted to our h«te, Dowr*d wi^ our curfe, and ftranger'd with our oatl^ Take her, or leave her ? \. ,

Bp: Pardon, royal Sir. £le£tion makes not up on fuch conditions, [iru^

Lear. Then leave her. Sir i for by the bovV that Oi^e I teil you all her wcajth,— Por you, ^^t King, [Ta.FrviiCi, I wouki not from your love makcTuch a Ariy^ To match you where I hate i therefOTc betecph ytyt T* avert your liking a more vorthy way Than on a wrctct> whom nature i^ aftuun*4 Aimoft t' acknowledge hers. ,■

France. This is moft ftrangcl That Ihe, who ev'n but now was, your bc& ol^ed^ Your praife's argument, balm of your a^e, ^

DcvW ^ bcft, fiiould in this trice of time

ciq mod t, Google

»3 Ja^ Lear. ■

Commit a thing (Qmonftmis, to diTmuitle

So many folds of favour! fire tli" offence

MulE be of fuch unnatural degree,

,''As^ monfters.iti oryour fore-TOocht affiraion

Could not fall into taint i which to believe

Of her muft be a faith • 'feafon without

A miracle^ Ihould never plant in me

Cir. lyetbefeechyourMajeiiy, (if'.'fo'' I want that glib and oily art, to fpeafc " And purpofe not, fincc what I well intend, rU do't before I fpeak) that yoo make known It IS no VICIOUS blot, murthcr, orfoulneE, No luchalte aSion, or dillionour'd Itep, That hath depriv-d me. of your grace and favour i .

?"i.'^^,!-'*' """' °f ""'■ '<"■ which I'm richer. A Kill folhciting eye, and fuch a tongue. That 1 am glad I've not, though not to have it Hath loft me in your liking.

Ltar. Better thou ■ Hadft not been born, than not have pleas'd me better

Fract. Is it but this? a tardinefi in nature, Which often leaves the hiftory unfpoktf That it intends to do ? my Lord of BuniaJ, What fay you to the Lady Move's not love When it is mingled with regards, that ftand Alo<)f from th- intir? point. Say will yoo have her ? She IS her fcif a dowry.

Bur. Royal King, Give but that portion which your felf propos'd And here I take Cordelia by the hand, ■

Dutchds of Burgumfy.

Lear. Nothing — I've fwoi-n.

Bur. I'm forty then yoii have lb loft a &ther That you muft lole a husband. *

Cer. Fan be with BurgiaJf, Since that lefpnfb of fortune are hii love, 1 ffaali not be his wife.

■7'nut ithalretfonwilliootininele' sS, , hr """•

ciqiiiodt, Google

IGng Lfar.- >}

Ftami. Faireft Cordeliay that art moft rich, being poor, Moft choice, fbrfaken ; and moft lov'd, defpis'd ! Tha and thy virtues here I feize upon, - Bc'c lawful I take up what's caft away. Gods, Gods I 'lis ftrange, that from their cold'ft n^efl: . My love (hould kindle to enflam'd refpe^ Thy dowrclcfi daughter, King, thrown to my chance, , is Queen of us, of onrs, and our fair Frante: ■ Not all the Duices of wat'rifij Burgutufy Can buy this unpriz'd precious nuid of me. Bid them farewd, Cordelia, though unkind j Xhou lofcft here, a better where to find.

Lear. Thou laft her, France^ let her be thin^ &r we Have no liich daughter, nor Amll ever fee That face of hers again ; therefore be gone Withoutourgrace, our Jove, our benizon: Conic, aobk BurguaJf* IFlouriJb, Exeunt Lcax aad Barg,^

S C E N E IV.

Jraiue. Bid &rewel to your fifters.

Or. Ye jewels of our father, vridi wafh'd eyes Qtrdelia leaves yoo : I know what you are, And like a fifier am moft loth to call Your faults as they are nam'd. Love well our fadier : To your profelGng bofbms I commit him } Bittyet, aias, ftood I vithin his grace, I would prefer him to a better place. So iarewel to 70a both,

Reg, Prefcribe not us our. duty.

Go». Let your ftudy Be to content your Lord, who hath received you At fortunes alnu ; you have obedience fcantcd, ' ~ And well are worthy to want that you have wanted.

Cor. Time Ihall unfold what plaited ainning. hid^ Who "covo'd'' faults at hft with Ihame derides. Wdtnuyyou profper!

France. Come, my ius OrdeUa. [ExeimtFimceaiidCor.

a coTcn S C £1^ E

ciq mod t, Google

14 f^ Lear;

S C E N E V.

Gon. Sifter, it is not littte Prt to fay. Of whatmoft nearly appertains to us both; Iihtnk oar father will go hence to-night.

Reg. That's certain, and with you i Atict tnmith with us.

Gen. Too fie how fiill of changes his age U, the obleN vatbn we have made of it hath not been httte; he alwaVl lor'd our fifter moft, and with what poor judgment bi hath now cafi her c^, appears too grofly.

R^. *Tis the infirmiiy of his age; yet he hath evtt bat (Elderly known tiimfelf.

Gm. The beft and foundeft of his time hath been bbt nlh) thai muft we look fiom his u;e to receive not.alone. the ioipcrfedions of long-engraftea condition, but there- widud the nnraly waywardnds> that inGrm and dukxick years bring with them.

Reg. Such unconfhnt ftarts are we like to hare from him, as this of Kaifx banifimiene.

Gon, There is farther compfement oi lov^-taking be- tween *'£»2K«4i'^ and him j pray your iet usfittogcthetj if our bther carry authority, with fuch difpofitioa as be bear^ diis 1^ liirrender of his wilt but oSaad us,

Reg. We IhtU farther think of it.

Con, V/c muft da fbmechin^ and IT th'heat. {Exttmli

S C E N E VI.

jt CaJiU ielof^ing to the Earl af Ob'iUr. Enter Biftard vitb a ktttr. fiij^.npHou, Nstun, art my Goddcfi, to thy I«r

'> My Icrvins are bound \ wherefore uouM I Stand «'co^ the {tlague of cufion, aad permic

The

ciq mod t, Google

Kh^ Leax* f j

The ' 'oewtefjr^ of fiMiDiis to deprnc ftic)

For that I am foiiK twelre or ftxirnun moohfhiiKi

IJ^ of a brother ? * ^ 'and why bqfiard? hafe f\

'Wbca mjr dioaenlions are as wkl anafa&t

My mind as gen'roiis, aod my flupe as tnn.

As honeft Madam^ iflue? why faraiiid they us

With bafee vith bafends ? bafiaidy? baft, btlK?

Who in tbe laftyfleahh of nature, oke

}fian eofnpefltkm tfnd fierce quality,

Thaa doth widiin a dull, flale^ tired bed.

Go to creating a whole tribe of fota^

^'tweeaa-Sccp and wake? ' 'Well then, good brdlhir,^.

I^girtmate ft^tfr, I mull have year Imd^

Owt father's Iota is to the bafiard EAmm3,

As to th* le^rimatei fine word >— legitimate < ■■""

Wdl, my l^idmate, if this lettsr fbeed

And my inventioa thrlvct EJmmd Ok Infe

SfialI*'toe'-i>th* l^timatt: I grow, ipro^V

Now, Gods, fland up for baftards I

SCENE VII. ?« him, tuter GkfiiiF. ■ CJk JCfMf b«nilh*d thus! and ^mee tn choler pamdl And the King gOM (o-n>ghtt fuUcrH/d his pow'r, CufinM to exhibition I all is gooe

^ Edmdnf // ;(/r/ tiwigbi^g tigainJI the ^rijiy't/fi^tm ^viiieb hffHimtatmiiAinS iltflanett, tn* itlit^ rtfptff ta jmatger brathfrt, Ittttttf wnft rtA*S twiafiUfdi. !» t6i fiiHnf hr mtfl nattt aitihf* /hait^MfaMhade^tblmAhthtala ia iht fixfi f*rJfHf iat midrdklg A a tMMua mo/t ^J^tuh f Mptfi tit tafi hir eviM, »U mt im it* *ma ftffi* tt tXtLi«t agttin/l lit anrtafiKailm^i a»il iiyt/ict 9/ iht ffc'«f.* tbt arnmtnt ilmt itetmts gnml' imff/ing ttarl lUflM is/aiJ', wtmtir wJwMiiTe fiuald I or My maa (fe.

{b) Ji the tnading iipoa anMkBr't hecii ■/«« ix^rt^u afid tafyM0 tttMtgnt//ar htbinJhimifi f* toe anttbir utm t» tvm t^M tmd At i^»» tvtM gnwrnd with aim.

5 tfiitiuflty . . . §U tiit. TStaB. tmtnd,

6 Why hafiarif wherefore h, y WcU then, S to «r be

^jr i»fiardt wherefore J0/>r

ciq mod t, Google

'i6 KhigLiiATL. .

Upon the ^ ! — EJmund, haw now ? what news ?

Ba^. So pleafe your Lordfliip, none.

[Putiii^ vp the Utter.

Glo. Why & eameftly leek you to put up that letttr?

£^. I kQOw no. news* my Lord.

Glo. What paper were you reading?

B^. Nothing, my Lord.

Glo. No 1 what needed then that terrible difpatch of it into your pocket ? the quality of nothing hath not fuch need to bicle itfdf. Let's ice ; come, if it be nothing, I Jhall not need fpedrades.

Bafi. IbefcechyDu, Sir, pardon met it is a letter 5om' my brother, that I have not all o'er-read % and for fo much as I have peras'd, I find it not fit for your o*er- looking.

Ch. Give me the letter, Sir.

Bafi. I fhair ofiend, either to detun, or give it; the contents,, as in part I underlland them, are to blames

Glo. Lees" fee, let's fee.

Bafi. I hope, for my brother's juftification, he wrote this but as an eSyj or tafte of my virtue.

Gla reads.} 'This polity » 'in^ reverenct of age nukes the world bitter to the- befiofeur times ; keeps our fortunes from ■I, *tiUour oldsufs caiaiot reli/b tbem. Ibe^n to Jim an idle and fond honaage in the oppreffion of aged tyraaty % which fcDOfSf not as it i^b power, but of it is fuffered. Come t» mtf that of this I naj fpeak mere. If our father would JUep 'till I wak'd him, youfiouid enjff/. half his revenue for ever, end live the heloved of your hrotber. Edgar. ——Hum —

Confpiracy! Qecp'till I wake him ^— you fliould

enjoy half his revenue My fon Edgarf had he a hand

to write this! a heart and a brain to breed it in! When came this n> you? who brought it?

£i^. It was not bro^c me, my Lord ; there's the cunning of ic I found it thrown in at the cafement o£ my clofet.

Gh. You know the charafter to be your brother's ?

B<^, 9 *"•'

c,qi,it!dt,Google

Ba^. If the matter were good, my Lord, I durft fwcar it were his; but in rcTpeA of that, I would £un think it •were not.

Gh. Itis his.

B/^. It is his hand, my Lord r I hope his heart ts act in the contents.

Gb. Has he never before 'fbonded you in thislwfinefi?

B^. Never, my Lord, ftit Ihaye heard hirti oft muntain it to be fit, that ^ 'fons being at'* perfeft age, and fadicrs declining, the &ther IhouM'be at a ward to the loD, and the fed manage htrrerenoe.

Gle. OTJIkin, viilftin! his wfy opinion in the letter. Abhorred ril/ain! unnatural, deteftcd, ,bruti(h villain! worfc than bnitilh ! Go, Sirrah, Ink him i I'll iqiprchend htm. Abominable villain I where is hep ,

j9^.. I do not well know, myljDrd} if it ihall pleale you to /ii/pend your indignation againfl: my brother, 'till you can derive from him better tellimony of his intent, you Ihould run a certain courf? ; where, if you violently proceed againft him, miftaking his puipole, it would make a great ^p in your honour, and unke in pieces the iieart of his obedience, I dare pawn down my life for him, that he hath writ this, to feci my afl«£tion to your fKKKMir, and to no otiier pretence of danger.

Gie. Thmk you fof

Bafi. If youT boaour judge it meet, ! will place you where you {h^l hear us confer of this, and by an auricular ' aOunnce have your iatiifadioa, and that without any fur-. tber dehy than this very evening.

Gh. Hecannotbefuch amonfter. Mdimmi, feelc him out; windme into him, I pray youj frame the bulinels after yam own wifdom. 1 would ungate my felf, to be ia a due rclblution.

Btjli. I wHI (eek him, Sir, prefently, convey the bu- fioels as 1 flull find means, and acquaint you withal.

Glo. Thefc late eclipfes in the llin and moon portend

00 gpod to us ; though the wifdom of * 'mankind^ can

Vol. III. B " leafon

t ibiu at i DatUT«

ciq mod t, Google

1 8 King Lear;

reafbn it duts and thu^. ;ct luture 6ad» tc felf CoQui^d by the fequent effcfU* Love cools, friead/hip falb o^ br&- then aivide. In cities, mutinies-, in ccxmtries, difcord; in palaces, trealbn} and the bond crack'd 'twin fan vid fatha. This villain of mint comet under the prediction, there's Ion againft fother i the King ^lls from biaia (^ nature, there's father agaJnft child. We have fecn the beft of our time. Machinations, bollowneis, treachery, and all niincuu diforden* .follow us difijuictly to our craves. Find out tto villain* EtimuHd; it fliall loje uiee nothing, do It carefully -.^-.and the 0(^}le and tru&- hearted Ktnt baiu&'d ■' bis ofience, HoneOy. 'Tts ftrange.

S C EN E VHI.

Safi, This is Ae excellent foppery of the world j that when we are fick io fortune, (often the furfcits of our own behaviour^ we make guilty of our difafters, the fun, th£ moon and fbtrs ; as if we were villains on necefllty, fbolt by heavenly compulfion, knaves, thieves, and treacherous by fpherical predominance, drunkards, liars, and adulteren by an inforc'd obedience of planetary influence; and aH that we are evil in, by a divine thruning on. An ad> mirable evafion of wbore-mafter IVfan, to lay his goadfls difpofitionon thediar^of aflar! my father compounded witn my mochec under the Dragon's tail, and my nativity was under Ur/a mafor, fo that it follows I am voagh and lecherous. I fboald have been what I am, had the mat- denliefl ftar in the firmament twinkled on my baftw- dising.

SCENE IX.

Te him. Enter Edgar.

Sa/t. Pat ! — he comes like the catafho|Ae of dw old

comedy; my cue is villainous Melancholy, with a fi^

like Torn o* ^d/nm— — O, diefc eclipfis portend thcfe

djivtlions! fa, Ibl, la, me, — — [Humming:

ciq mod t, Google

tA^ Lear* 19

E^, How now, farodier Edmmif what ieriom con- templauon arc yon in f '

Agf. I am cliinkiw, brother, «f a predi^ion I read this other day, what ibiwld follow thefe eclipfes.

E^. Do jrou bu6e your fetf with that ?

S^, I promife you, the c6e& he writes of lucceeduo- ha[^Uy. When faw you my father Ixft?

M^. The night gone by.

Bafi. S^eHat you with him ?

Edg. Ay, two houn togechfX-

B^. Parted ycni in good terms, found you no difpleit^ fiire in hitd, by word or couflcenancef

£i^. None at all.

B^. Bethink your lelf wherein you lunre oBended him : and at my ioticaty fottiear hb prdence, until fome littlt ume hath quallBed the heat of his difpleafiire) which at this inftazit io rageth in him, that > 'without^ the miichief of your peribn it would fcarcdy aHay.

E^. Some viilaiD hadi done me wrong.

Bi^. Thafs my ftiar % I pray you, have a continent forbtttrance *ttl] the fpeed of his rage goes (bwer : and, as I lay, retire with me to my lodsng, from whence I will fitly bring yau to hear my Lord (peak : pray yoa go, there's my key ; if you do ftir atwoad, go arm'd.

£4. ArmM^ brother!

B^. Brother, I advifeyoa to^befti lamnohoneft man if theni 6e any good meaning toward you : I have Cold ycHi what I have teen and heard, but hintly ; nothing like the image and horror of it •, pray you, away.

£%. 5h^ I hear from you anon ? ££xtf.

S C E N E X.

iB^jf . I ferve you in this bufinefs : A credulous ^ther, and a brother nc^Ie, Whofe nature is fo far from doing harms, Tbu he fufpe£ts none ; on whofe fooliih honefty

B 2 My

ciq mod t, Google

My prafiiccs rideesTicrlfcethcbufmefc; -'

Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit^ '

All with me's tn^t, that I can fafluon fit. : [£»/.

SCENE XI.

The Duke of Albany's Valace. '.

Enter GoneriHi' W Steward. ' '} Con. rirb my father ftrik« my gji^inan.for.cliidiag ■*^ of his fool? 5/w.. Ay, Madam. , ■ . . . . '

Gm. By day and night h« wroDgs met evary hour He* fiaflics into one grols crime or other. That fcts us all at o^j I'll not endure it y . His Knights grow riotous, and himfelf upbnwis u% ■_ On ev'ry trifle. When he returns from hunting, I will not fpeak with him, lay I am fick. If you come flack of foriner fcrvios. You Jhall do, well, the fairft of it 1*11 anfwcr.

Stew. He's coming, Madam, I hear hint i

Gei. Put on what weary negligence you plcaft. You and your fellows : Pd have it come xar queftion : If he diftafte it, let him to tny lifter, Whofe mind and mine I know ia that are one.' Remember what I have Cud, . «

Stew. Very well, Madani;

Gai. And let his Knights have colder lwI».*Wong you : "What grows of it no matter, *'and advife"* Your fellows -To : I'll write ftrait to my fiftor To hold my courft. ' 'Go and prepare^ for dinner.

S C EN^

ciq mod t, Google

£mg; Lear. 21

SCENE XII.

yfo ^en place near the Palace*

EHttr Kent £fgias*d.

Kent. If but as wdl I other accents borrow And can my fpeech diffiife," my good intent Nfay carry thro' it lelf to that liilT ifliie For which I raz'd. my likeneJa. Banifh'd Kent, If thou canfl fcrve where thou doft ftand condemn'd. So may it come, thy matter whoqi thou lov'ft Sbajl find ihce fiill of labours. ^

Horns vnfhin. Enter Lear, Kttigbtj and, Auadants.

Lear. Let roe not (Uy a joe for dinner, go get it ready : how now, what art thou?

Xn/. A man. Sir.

Lear. What doft thai profefi? what would'ft thou with us ?

Kent, I do -profe£ to be no Ie& than I feem ; to ferve him tnily that will put me in tmft, to love him that is honcft, to converTe with him that is wife, " 'to fay^ little, to fear judgment, to light when I cannot chufe, and to . eat'nofifli. . -

Lear. "What art thou i|

Kent. A very honeft-bcarted fellow, and as ' poor as the King.

Leia: If diou becft as poor for a Iubjc£t, as he's fiw a King, thou art poof enough. What would'ft thou ?

Km. Service.

Lear. Whom would'ft thou ferve?

Xent. You.

Lear. Doft thou know me, fellow ?

Xent. No, Sir, but you have thiU in your cogntenance, which I would fain call mafter.

Lear. What's that ?

Xntf. Authority. B 3 Lear.

(a) T» diffufc htrtfit>ii^i t» diforjer, to put out of a rwnlar courfe. // jj m/til IK tbt /ami fin/t in aihir placa in thii jfutStr; dJSuM attfre, diffafed Ibuudt.

6 ukt Jayi ... »U tJit. Warb. imtnd.

ciq mod t, Google

23 Killg LEAft.

I^ar. What fenrices canft thou do ?

Kent. I can keep honeft counfels, ride, run, tnarr a curious tale in telling it, and delfver a plain mefEige blunt- ly : that which ordinary tnca are fit nr, I am qualif^T'd in, and the beft of tne is diligence.

Lea". How old art thou i

Kent. Not To young. Sir, to love a. woman for fioging, nor fo old to daac on her for any thing. I ham yean on my back forty eight

Lear. Follow me, thou Ihalt kxvt me t if ) like thee no worfe after dinner, I wilt not pvt ' 'from thee. Yec no dinner^ ho? dinner — where's my knave? my fool? go yoa and call my fool hither. You, you, Sirrah, whefe'a my daughter?

E^er. Steward.

Slew. So pleafe you — • r^**'-

Lear. "What fays the feUow there? caU th« dotpole back; where's my fool? ho?- ■ I think the world's aflnpi how now? where*s that iDungrel?

J^ight. He lays, my Lord, your daughter is not well.

Lear. Why came not the flave back to m« wlwn I call'd him ?

Kmght. Sir, he aafwet'd in the rounded manoer, he would not.

liar. He would not?

Knigbi. My LbhI, 1 know not what the matter b i but to my judgment, your Highnels is not entertained with that ceremonious aSfedlian as you were wont ^ there's a great abatement of kindnefs appears as welt in the geoeral dependants, as in the Duke himftlf aU(S and your ^^afighter.

Lear. Ha T fay'ft thou fc !

Knigbi. I befecch you, pardon me*, my Lord, iT I be miftakenj for my duty cannot be Hfent, when I think your Mghnefc is wrong'd.

Xwr. Tbou but retoember'fl: mc of my own concep-

tiea

7 fron thee yt. DSnatr,

ciq mod t, Google

tion. I have perceiv'd a, tnoft. &i« iic|^ of late, which 1 hare rather blamed as my own jeakm curiodfy, than ai a very [HVitnce uid purpoie of unkindneft 1 I will look Jiiither into't} but what's my fool? 1 htve not fecn him tbeic two days. .

K4g^. Since oiy youis'.Lady*s going into FrMttt Sir, the fool hath mpoh fined tk^ty.

Lur. No more of that, I nave noted it well 1 go you and tell my daughter, I would Ipetk with her. Go you, call hither my fool. O you, Sir, come you hlthd^ Sir, who am I, Sir?

£nttr Sttwird.

Slew. My Lady's ftther.

Liar, My Lady's hthcr? my Lord's knarci you wbordbn dog, you flave, you cur !

S/ew. I am none of thefc, my Lord ; I beleech your paidon,

Lisr. Do you bandy looks with me, you rucal?

{itriiofg bim;

Stem. I'll not be ftruck, my tdxd.

Kent. Nor tript neither, you bale fbot-ball player?

(frif^sg up his betU.^ [lou fcrv'tt me, i

Lear. I thank thee, fellow. Thou lerv'a coe, and Til love thee. . < -

Kni(. Come, Sir, arifc, away, I'll teach you dtSnwwcsi

away, away v if you will Rioiure your lubber's length

tgainy tarryj but away, go tOi hare you wilHomf ^,

{Pufiies eui tbt StemarJ.

Uar. Now, taj friendly knave, 1 thank tbctfj thB-cH earoeft cX thy fervice,

SCENE XIII,

f 5 them^ Enter Fxl pid. Letmehire htm coov her^s my coxcdihb.

U», How nwr, my pretty kiavef how do'(f tbonf

B 4 FoaU

ciqiiiodt, Google ■

34 King' Lba.k: •

Fooi. Sirrah, you were bdft take mj cMRdmb. ' Kent. Why, my boy?

Fool. Wh y ? for tak ing one's part that is oat of favour j nay, an thou canft not fmile .as the wind fits, cthoa'lt catdi cold ftortly. There, take my coxcomb j why, thisfy- low has baniAi'd two of his daughters, and did the third a blefling againfl his will ; if thou ftiUow htm, thou mufb needs wear my coiccomb. How now, nuncle f would I had two coxcombs, and two daughters. X.ear. Why, my boy f

Foel. If I give them all my living, I'll -keep -my cox- comb my lelf} therms mipe, bc^ another of thy daughters.

Lea'. Take heed, Sirtah, the whip. ,

Feel. Truth's a dog mufl to kennel, he Muft be whipp'd out, when the lady bradi may ilabd by th* fire and ftink.

Lear. A peftilent gall to me.

Fi»f. Sirrah, I'll teach thee a fpeech. - ITo Kent. Lear. Do.

FeeL Mark it, nuncle ; ' Have more than thou fliowcft. Speak lefs than thou knoweft, Liend lefs than thou owetl. Ride more than thou goeft, Learn more than thou trowef!', Set }c& than thou throweft:

Jjeavc thy drink and thy whore, ' ''

And keep within door. And diou ihalt have more *

Than two tens to a fcore. Kent. This is nothing, fbol.

Fooi. Then it is hke the breath of an unfee'd lawyer, you gave me nothing for't i can you make no ufe of no- thing, nuncle?

^«r. Why, no, boy). QOtfalng caa be nude out of nodiing. Fo9l. f r'ychcc^ cell him, fb moch the lent of his land

comes

, ■ C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

Kmg LfiAR. 25

comeito: he will not believe a fod,* [To Kent.

Lear. Dofi thou call me fool?

FooL All thy other titles thou haft given away % that tiou waft bom with.

Kent. This is not aln^ther fool, my Lord.

Foal. No, *^th i Lords and great men will not let me } if I had a monopoly on't, they would have parton't: ray, the Ladies too, they'll not let me have all fool my fclf, they'll be laatching. Give me an e^, nunclc, and I'll give thee two crowns.

Lear. Whit two crowns ftiall they be ?

Foal. Why, after I have cut the egg I'th middle and at up the meat, the two crowns of the egg: when chou doveft thy crown i*th* middle and gav'ft away both parts, thou bor*!! thine a& on thy back o'er the dirt j ihod had'ft Ijttk wit in thy bald crown, when thou gav'ft thy golden one away : if I fpeak like my felf in this, let him be «bi{^*d that firil Ends it fo.

Fools n^er bad kft grace in ttytio-y {Singii^.

For to^e men are grown fopp^, jfnd know tut how tStir wits to wear^

Their matmers are fo e^fi>,

Ltar. > 'Since when^ were yeu wont to be fo full of fones. Surah?

Foci. I have ufed it, nuncle, e'er fince thou mad'ft thy daagfatcn thy mothers; .for when thou gav'ft them die rod, and put'ft down thine own brttches.

rbea

(aj — bdiere a fool.

Ltmr. Abiturtbol!

At/. Poft thou know the difTcrcnce, my boy, betn>ceu ■ bJUCf fcol amd M Tweet one r

tear. No, HA : ntA me.

Ftol. That Lord that cauafel'd thee to give away thy Land, Come place bim hcie by me, 8 'or do^ thou for htm lland. The fwtct and bicter fool will prefently appear, ,

The one in motley bere, the oiher found out there.

Le»r. !>>& thou tat), (^(. 8 do 9 when

ciq mod t, Google

2$ £«s Leak.

jfjid I for forrow fwigf fbatfutb a ^i«fimid plt^ i»-pt^. And go tbe.fieh among.

lYythee, nunclc, keep a fchool-mafter that can teacb liiy fool to lie \ I would fain learn to lie.

Lear. If you lie. Sirrah, we'll have you whipt.

Pool. I marvel what kin diou and tny daughters are; they'll have me whipt for ^king true, thouTt have me whipt for lying, ana fometimes I am whipt for holding my peace. I bad rather be anv kind o* thing than a fool, and yet I wduld not be thee, nuncJc; 3iou haft pared thy wit o* both fides, and left nothing i* d»' middle ; here comes one o* th' parings.

SCENE XIV.

To tbemt Enter Gonerill.

iMr. How now, daught^ ? what makes that frontlet on ? you are coo much of late i* th* frown.

JFeol. Thou waft a ja«ty fcUow when thoa hadft no need to care for her frowning » now dioo art an O without a figure i I am betRr thui thou art now, I am a fool* thou art nothing — yes fbrfooth I will hold my tongue^ [To Gonerill.] fo your ^ce bids me, tho* you hy nothing.

MMty mum-, he that keeps nor cn^ nor crumf [Sufjiiig; Wtarj of alU p3a& vsmi feme.

That's a (heard pea(cod.

Gon. Not only. Sir, this your all-iicen(^d fool. But other of your infolent retinue, Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth In rank and not to be endured riocs. Sir. I thought by making this well known unto ^ou, T* have found a fafe rcdrcfi j but now grow fearful By what your felf too late have fpoke and dooe,

That

ciq mod t, Google

Xjitg Leas..' 27

That yoa noted diis coarft^ and pdt k on By yoar allowance ; if yoa ibould, the ^tt Would not 'Jcipc cenfiuT, nor the redrefles fleep. Which in the tender of a whbHbme weal, Might in their workjng do you that offi^nce, Which elle were fluune, that then necefiity Will call difcrcet proceeding.

Fool. For you know, nuncfe, The bed^t-^arrtv fed th Qtckea fi bi^. That it bad its betdHt ofkf ifsjtmgi So oat wait the candle, and we were left darkling.

Jjm: Are yon our daughter f

Com. I would you would nwke trie of your good wifiiom. Whereof 1 know you are fraught, and put away Thde difpolidoos, whkh of late aanfpBrt you FnHD what you righdy are.

fifii. May not n Ab know when the cart draws the horlc? whoop, Jw, I Jove thee.

I^ar. Doaaay here know mtt this is not Lear: Docsl/jr walk tW? fpeak thus? w^re aie ho eyes? Eidicr his notioo weaken^ bis diiceroiogi Arekthargied — Ha! waking — 't^notfb} Who is it that can tell me woo 1 asn M leaf's fhadow ? I would leara ; for by die marks Of fovereignty, of knowledge, and w i«al6tt» I fhould be falie perfuadcd I had daughten. Tour name, fair gentlewoman ?~—* .

Cm. This admiration. Sir, is mtKh o* th* favaar Of other your new piaoolu. I do be&cch you To nndofiand my purpofes ar^ht : You, as you're old aod rev'rend, Ihoutd be wife. Here do you keep a hundred Knig^n and 'SquireSr McB ladUbcder'a, fo dcbaach'd and bold. That thisour Court, infected with their manner^ Shews like a. riotous }an ; Epicurifm and hjft Make it more like a tavern or a btothd.

Than ti^— — wholun? fmt. Llar't Ihwiov. Lr*r. Youruinef fiiirgesttetfomiiir —

ciq mod t, Google

aS Kiiig Lear.-

Than a grac'd paUce. Shame it felf doth Jpeafc ; - - '

For inftant remedy. Be then dofirtJ :

By her, that elfcwill take tbc thing ibe befp, ■■ .'• ■'

Of fifty to difquanuty your train J

And the remainden that (hall Hill dqjotd^

To be fuch tnco as may belbrc your age>

And koow thcmfelves and you. ' -

Lear. Darknefs and deyti^ ! Saddle my horfes, cz)l my train togettw*--— Degcn'rate baftatd! 1*11 not trouble thee; Yet have I left a daughter. . ■

Gm. You l^rike m^ people, and your diJbrder'd n^le ^4ake fervants of ^ir betters.

S. C EN E XV.

, . To.tbfm, Enter Alb«ny. .

iMi-. Woe! that too late itpcnts--oh, Sir, are you come? Is it your will, fpeak, Sir ? prepare my horfra.-'— [To Alb, Ingratitude! thou marble-hearted fiend, More hideous when thou fhew'ft thee in a child. Than the fea-monfter.

Alh. ' 'Pray you, Sir,^ be patient.

Lear. Detcftcd kite! thou heft. {To Goncrill.

My train are men of choice and rareft parts, That all parriculars of duty know, ^

And in tne moft exaft regard fupport The wcM-ftiiM of their names. O moft fmall fiiult, " How ugly didft thou in Coriir/w fliew ! ' • "

Which like an engine wrencht my frame c^ nature ' From the feet jJace ( drew from my heart all tore. And added. to the gall O^'Lear^ LearT^ Beat at this gaM that let thy folly in, [Strikhig his head. And thy dear judgment our. Go, ^, my people.

Alb. My Lord, I'm guiltlels^ as I'm ignorant Of what hath moved you. ■ - ' -■

Lear. It may be lb, my Lord ■

Hear,

1 Piay, Sir, 2 Liar, Liar, fu'/J .

.,,!., Google

King LeaiL 2g

Hear, Natmt, hear, dear Goddcfs, hear a Either !

Sufpend tby jpuFpofe, if thoa didft iaicai

To make diis creature fruitful :

Into her womb convey ftcrility, "-■'■'

Dry op in her thcorgans of increaft, .

And frpm her dcr<»ate body never ijiririg ■ -

A tobeto honour her! If ffie mnft teem, ■

Create her child of fplccn, that it may live.

And be a thwart difnatur*d torment to her ; J- ,

Let it ftamp wrinkles in her brow of ypath.

With cadent tears free channels in her cheek^

Turn all her ax>ther*s pains and benefits '

To laughter and contempt; that fhe may feel,

How (harper than a ferpent's tooth it is, '

To have a tlwinklds child. — Go, go, my people.

/&. Now, Qods, that we adore, ^fifhcreor comes this?

Gm. Never aBi& your felf to know of * 'whar,^ But fct his difpofiaon haVe thkt ftopc '" Asdotage ^vca it.

Lear. What, fifty of my followers at 'a dap? '

Withio a fiMtnight ?-- — '-

Jib. What's the n»t.ter. Sir?

Lear. I'll tell thee —*- life and death! I am a(ham*d That thou haft pow'rto ftake my tnanhodd thus, ' That thefe hot tears, which breaK from m* pCTforce, ShouVi make thee worth them — blafts and fogs upon thee ! Th' untcnied woundings of a lather's curfc Pierce every ienfe about thee! Old fond eyes, Beweep her oiice again, I'll pluck ye out. And (aft you with the waters that you loTe To temper clay. Ha ! is it come to this ? Let it be fii: 1 have another daughter, , Who I am furc is kind and comfortable} ' When flie fhall hear this of thee, with her nails Sk'11 flea thy wolvilh vifage. Thou flialt find. That I'll reumc the fhape which thou doft think I hare call off for ever. [Ux. Lear and Atteiuknts.

SCENE

ciq mod t, Google

30 £iag Lear, i

SCENE XVI.

Got. Do you mark ihae ?

j£h. I cannot be lb partial, GoturiU^ To the great love I b^ you ~»

Gm. Pray you, be oomenc Wliat, O/^ui^ ho! You, Sir, more knave than ibo), after your mailer, (thee :

FobI. Nuncle Zfor, nuncle Zur, tatiy, ukc the fool with A Fox, when one fui caught hers. And fuch a daughter. Should furc to tne Daughter, If my cap would buy a baiter t So the fool follows aiier. [Eitih

Gen. This, man ! hath had good couDieI>~^ huadned * '\i^x> politick and fafe to let him keep [KoJghts!

A hundred Knights f yes, that on ev'ry dream. Each buz, eachfancy, euh OHnpIalot, didike. He may enguard his dotage with their pow'r^ And hold our lives at mercy. OfmaU^ I lay.

A^. Well, you may fear too fari— •

Gan. Safer than trult too &r. Let me ftill take away the harms I fear. Not fear flill to be barm'd. I kiiow his heart \ What he hath utter'd, I have writ my lifter } If (he'll fuftain him and his hundred K;"'fl^fs When I have fhew'd th' unBmels— *-

Smttr Sutaerd. How now, Qffoaldf What, have you writ that letter to my fifterf

Stev>. Ay, Madam.

Gm, Take you fome company, away to horle. Inform her fiill of iny particular fcan. And thereto add fuch realbns of your own As may compaA it more. So gee you gone. And haften ^r return. ££«/ Steward.

■^No, no, my Lord,

This

♦ •Ti.

ciq mod t, Google

£Mg Leai^. 31

This m'lBnr gendcnefi and courfe of yours, ThoiKh I oondcmn it not, yet under pardon You are much awre at task for waat 01 wildonit Than pm&*d for harmleis mildnels.

j^. Haw hr yaai eyes may pierce I cannot tell ; Striving to bcttCT, oft we mar wtiai's wclJ.

Com. Nay then • ,

Ai&. -WeU, well^ th' event. lExitmt.

SCENE XVU. S^t/UerloK, Kent, Gentiimm and Ftol.

Lear, Go you befbre » GU^fier with theft letters i ac- qount my duighter no further with any thing you know, nian comes from her demand ouC of the letter i if your ^l^gencv be not fpeedy, I fhall be there afne you.

&iit. I wilt not fleep, my.Lord, 'tilt I have deh'vered your letttr. E^*^*

Fod. If a man's brain were in hla heels, wer't not in daiKeritf kibes?

Lutr. Ay, b<^.

Foel Then, I pr'ythe^ be merry, thy wit fliall not goDipflKxl.

Lmt, Ha, ha, ha.

FmL Shalt fee thy other daughter will ufe due fcindty ; for thoo^di Ihe*s as like thb aa a crab's like an apple, yet I can teff what I can tell,

Xxaf. What canft tell, boy ?

Fod. She will tafte as like this, as a crab does to a crab. Canft thou tell why one's noie ftanda i* th' middle of one's hcci

hear. No.

Fooi. Why, to keep one's eyes of either fide one's noft; that what a man cannot fmeD out, he may Ipy into.

Zmt. I did her wrong !

Foal. Canft tell how an oyfter makes his ItieH ?

Irtr. No.

Fal

ciq mod t, Google

32 King Lear.

Fool. Nor I ncithcrj but I can tcU why a fiiatl liass

Lear. Why ? " - fhouft

FooL Why, to' pot's head in, hot to give it away to his daughters, and leave his horns without a cafe.

Lxar. f will forgct.my nature: fdkind afather! bemy horfes ready?

Fool. Thy afles arc gone about *etn r the rcafon why the feven ftars are no more than fcven, is a pretty reafon.

Lear. Becaufe they are not eight.

Foel. Yes indeed j thoa would'flrmake a good fool.

Lear. To uke't again perforce [— monfter ingratitude!

Fool. If thou were my fool, nundc, IM Bavc thee beaten for being old before thy time.

Ltar. How's that?

Fool. Thou fliould'fi: not have been old, 'till thou had'ft been wjfc^

; Lear. O, let me not be mad, not mad, fwect heav*n ! Keep me in temper, I would not be mad. How now, are the horfes ready?

Getit. Ready, my' Lord.

Lear. Come, boy.

F«A She that's a inaid now, and lau^ at my departure. Shall not be a maid long, unlefe things 5e cut fliortcr. [£«.

A C T 11. S C E N E I.

A CaJiU be^n^ihg to the Earl of Glo'fter.' . . Eater Ballard and Curan, fevtrt^. - , . Bastard.

SAVE thee, Otreii. Qir. And you. Sir. I have been with your farfier, and given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall, and R^an his Dutchds, will be here with him this night.

Ba/i,

ciq mod t, Google

&t% Lear. 33

B^. How comes that?

Cur. Nay, 1 know not ; you have heard of the news abroad; I mean the whilper*d ones, for they are yet but car-kifTuig arguments.

Bqfi. Not I ; pray yoo, what arc they ?

Cur. Have you heani of no likely wars toward, 'twixt die Dukes of CornwaU and Albmr^?

B^. Not a word.

Cur. You may then in time. Fare you well. Sir. [Sxif.

SCENE II.

£4}. The Duke be here to-night I the better! bed! This weaves it lelf perforce into my bufinels. My hoher hath &t guard to take my brother. And I have one thing of a queazy quefUon Which I moft aft; brieftiefs, and fortune work I Brother, award: dcicend, bruher, I fay.

7« bim, EMer Edgar.

My £ither watches •, O Sir, By this ^c^ IntcIUgence is giv'n where you are hid j You've now the good advantage of the night— Have you notfpoken 'gainft the Duke of QjrnviaUf Htfs coming hither, now i* th' night, » 'in^ haftc. And Rtgm widi him ; have you nothing faid Upon his pony 'gainft the Duke of Jliatr/ ? ■ Advife your frlf.

E^. I'm fore on't, not a word.

B^. I hear my ^ther coming. Pardon me—— In cunning I muft draw my fword upon you^— Draw, feon to defend your felf. Now quit you well—

Tkid — come before my fiuher — light hoa, here,— Fly, brother— Torches!— fo. farewel— [Ex. Edg.

Vol.. III. C Some

kSaj. }i'tlk ■

ciq mod t, Google

34 ^"^ Lear.

Some blood drawn on me would begn opinion

Ift^ounds bis am. or my more Berce endeavour. l*ve feen drunkacds Do more than this in fport. t'arficr! father! Stop, ftop, nohelp?— —

S C E N E XII.

To himt Enter Glo'{ler, and Servants with tarcbes,

do. Now, Edmund, whcre*s the villain ?

Ba/I. Here ftood he in the dark, hh (harp fword out. Mumbling of' wicked charms, conj'ring the moon To (hod his aufpicious midrdst

Glo. But where is he?

Sajl. Look, Sir, I Weeel.

Gla. Where is the villain, Edmund.?.

Ba^. Fled this way» Sir, when by no means he cOuW-*

Clo, Purfue him,.ho! go after. By no mcwUt whu—

hq^. PerTuade me to the murtherof your Lordfliipj But that I told him th<e revtnging Gods *Gainft parricides did all the thunder bend* Spoke with how manifold and ftrong a bond The child was bound to th' father. Sir, in fine. Seeing how lothly oppofite I Aood To his unnat'ral purpofe, in fell motion "With his prepared fword he charges home My unprovided body, launched mine arm \ And when he faw my bell alarmed fpints. Bold in the quarrel's right, rouz'd to tb' encounter ( Or i?hether gaAed by the nolle I made. Full fuddenlv he fled.

Glo. Let him fly h.x\ Not in this land fhall he remain uncaughti *'And for di^tch^ the noble Duke my matter. My worthy ' 'and arch-pairon,^ comes to-nighcj By hii aathoriiy I will proclaim it.

That

4 And found ; difpatch— —

J atcb and patron, . . . vU tilt. Ihuh. tmtmi.

ciq mod t, Google

ATrag Le AR. 35

That he which finds him AiatJ ddcrve oar thjtnkf. Bringing the murth'rou» coward co tha ftake: He that conceals hira, death.

£afi. When I diflwaded hitn from hi$ intent^ And found hinj pighctodojc, withcurft ipeech I.threaten'd to dtlorver him ; he rej^ied, Th<tu unpollelUng bafta«li dolt thou chink. If I would dond agftinft thee, '''the^ repolaJ Of any tmtt, . vinue, or ivorch in chae ' 'Would maJcc^ thy wprds ftith'd ? no, what ' Td^ deny, (As thb I would, although thoU did'H produce My very char?aer), "would^ turn it alf To thy liiggeftion, plot and damned practice i And thou mud mal^ a dullard of the world. If they wit tbought the pro^H of my death "Were very pccgnant and potential fpurs To make thee reck it. [Tmti^s fnitbin.

Glo. Ofiruige. faOen'^i vtlUio I Would he deny tusleaer^.&idhef hark! 'Hark, the Duke's trumpets ! Ilcnow not why he CDOies— All ports I'll bar, the villain Ihall not 'Icapt^ . The Duke muft grant roe thUi beJuks, his pi<£h]F* I will fend £tr and ncari tbatall.tfae kingdom May hare due note of hira ; and of my laa(l (Loyal and na&iral bay) I'll work the mean* To make thee apRblc.

S C E N E iV.

Enter Cornwall, R^n, mid'jittai^ants. Cam. How now, my nt^le friend ? fince I came hither, Which I can call but now, I have heard ftrange news.

R^. If it be true, all vengeance comes too ihort Which can purfue th* offender-, how docs my Lord? Gle. O Madam, my old heart ia crack'd, it'scrack'd. . /Eff. What, did my fadwr'a godfonfeek your life?

C a - He

« would the 7 Make 8 I OuniM 9 l'<*

ciq mod t, Google

36 King Lear.

He whom my father nam'd, •''your fi.^<w? Hc?^

Glo. O Lady, Lady, ftame would have it hid.

Re^. Was he not companion with the riotous Knights, That tended *'on^ my father?

Gh. 1 know not, Madam; 'tis too bad, too bad.

Bafi. Yes, Madam, he was of that confbrt.

Reg. No marvel then, though he were ill-aftfltd j *Tis they have put him on the old man's death. To have th' expence and wafte of revenues. I have this prefent evening from my lifter Been well inform'd of ihehi, and with fuch cautions That if they come to fojourn at my houle, 1*11 not be there.

Com. Nor I, affure thee, Regan ; EdmUrul, I hear that you have fliewn your iathcr A child-like office.

B^. It's my duty, Sir.

Glo. He did bewray bis praflicc, and receiv'd This hurt you fee, ftriving to apprehend htm.

CoTH^ Is he purfued ?

Glo. Ay, my good ' 'Lord, he is.^

Corn. If he be taken, he fhall never more Be fear*d of doing harm : make your own purpofe. How in my ftrength you pieafe. As foryou, EJmnd Whofe virtue and obedience doth this inflant So much commend it lelf, you fhall be oun ; Natures of fuch deep truft we Ihall much need ; You we firft feize on.

Bq/t. I fhall fefve you. Sir, Truly, however elfe.

Glo. I thank your Grace,

Com, You know not why we came to vifit you Thus out of Icafon threddiog dark'd-ey'd night.

Reg. Occafions, noble Gle'fiery of fome prize. Wherein we muft have ufc of your advice— Our father he hath writ, lb hath our filter. Of diiF'rences, which I beft thought it fit

To

I your Edgar f z apoa 3 Lord,

ciq mod t, Google

To anfwer from our home -, the fev'ral menengers From hence attend difpatch. Qurgood old friend. Lay comets to your bofom, and beQow Your needfu] couofel to our bufineflesj Which crave the inftantufe.

Ch. 1 ferve you. Madam ;' Your Graces arc right welcome. [Exeunt.

'SCENE V.

£nler Kent, and Stewardt feverally.

Stev. Good dawning to thee, friend {art of this houfe?

Kent. Ay.

Steal. Where tnay we let our horfes? '

Kent, r th' mire.

Stew. Fr'ytTiee, if thou lo7*ft me tell me.

Kaif, I love thee noL

SteuL Why then 1 care not for thee.

Kait. If I had thee in Upsbury pinfold, I would makp thee cart for mct

Stea. Why doA thou ufe me thus? I know thee not.

Km. Fellow, I know thee.

Kent. What doft thou know me for?

Kent. A knave, a rafcal, an eater (^ broken meats, a bafe, proud, fhallow, begearly, three-futted, hundred- pound, filthy wooftcd-ft«king knave i a Uily-livcr*d, aiftion'talui^ whorfon, glafi-gazing, fuper-fcrviceable finiol rogue; one-trunk-inheritin^ Have^ one that would'ft be a bawd in way of good fervioe ; and art nothing but the compofition of a knave, b^gar, coward, pander, and the fon and heir of a mungnl biti;h ; one whom I will beat into clam'rous whining, if thou deny'ft the leall fyllable of thy addition.

Stem. Why, what a monftrous fclbw art thou, thug » rail CM one, that is neither known of thee, nor knows tbee!

C 3 Kfnt.

ciq mod t, Google

38 Khg LeAr.

Kenf. What a braKn-fac'd rarlet art thou- to dtey thou knoweft me! is it two days fince I tript op thy heels, and beat thee before the King? draw, you rogue ( for tho' it be night, yet the moon fhines t I'D make a fop o* th* moonfhine of you, you whorfon, cuiHonJy barber- monger, draw. IDrawi^ bisfiDord.

Stew. Away, I have nothing to do with thee.

Kent. Draw, you rafcal j you come with letters againft the King, and take Vanity the puppet's part, :^ainll the royalty of her father j draw, you rogue, or 1*11 fo car- bonado your Ihank>— — draw, you rafcal, come yogr ways.

Stew. Help, ho! murther! help!— —

Kent. Strike, you flave ; fiand^ rc^ue, fiand, you neat- flave, flrike [ \^BMttng him*

Sle^. Help, ho! murther! murther! — •-

S C E N E Yi

Enter Baftard, Cbrnw^I, Regan, Glo'fier, and Servanit.

Saji. How now, what's the matter ? Part' — •—

Kent. With you, goodman boy, if you pleafe j come, I'll flefh yc J come on, young mafter.

Gh. Weapons f arms ? what's the matter here ?

Com. Keep peace, upon your lives i hcdiesthat ftriket Bgain; what's the matter f

Reg. Themeflengen from our lifter and the King? '

Com. What is your difference? fpcak.

Stew. I am fcarcc in brtfath, my Lord.

Kent. No marvel, you have 10 bcftir*d your vaburi you cowardly nftal, nature difclaims aJI ttiaji: in thee : a taitar made thet.

C^rn. Thou art a ftrange fellow; a tailor make a man ?

Hint. A tailor. Sir ? a flone-cutter, or a painter could not have made him fo ill, tho* Aey hacj been but two hours o' th' trade.

Corn. Speak you, hovgreiT yourquairel?

Stev,

ciq mod t, Google

Khig Leajl. 39

Stew. Thh ancient ruffian. Sir* whofc life I havo Ipu*^ at fuicof his grey beard-

Kent. ThouwItorlbnzadI thou unoecd^ry ktter I my Ijordy if you wijl give me leave, I will tread (his uni bolted vithln into mortar, and da^b the wall of a Jakes with him. Spare my erey btard? you wag-uil !—

Cvm. P<ace, SIrrahT You beaftly knave, know you no reverence ?

Kent. Yes, Sir, but anger hath a prtvilege-

Corn. Why art thou angiy ?

Kmt. That Ibch a flavo ai chis /bouM wear a firord. Who wears no honefty : fiich fmiling '^^roguos^ Like ratstA bite the holycordBin twain Too ' 'intrinfick^ t' unhwfe : footh ev'ry palEon That in the nature of their Lords rebels i 'Bring oil to fire, fnov to their colder moods i Renege, affirm, and turn tb«ir halcyon beaks With ev'ry gak and vary of th&x matters, Ai knowing nought, like dogs, but following. A plague upon your epileptick vi&gel Smile you my Speeches, as I weic a fool^ Goole^ if I had you upon Sarum p^in, I'd drive ye cackling home to CanuUf. *

Com. What, art thou mad, old fellow i

Glo. How fell you out f fay that.

Kent. No cootraries -hold mont a^icipatliy. Than I and fuch a knave.

Cent. Why doft thou call hunkoave? what it his fault?

Kent. His countenance liker me not.

Cmi. No more perchance doas mine, nor his, nor hers.

Kent, Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain j I have feen better faces in my time. Than fland on any fhoulden that 1 fee Before me at this inftanc.

C 4 Com.

(a) /« tht parti if Somerfetfhirc mar Camdot thtrt art many Urg^ Moori Mf»M inhifh gfiat ngmhlrt tf Gitfi art hrii, ft that ma- Bf tthrr flactt in England art fim titlut Ji^ii'4 w<« f^ilh and fiatbtrt.

4 logoet M thefe, 5 intricate »-intrinficaM

C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

40 Kiifg Lear.

Corn. Tills isfome fellow, Vfho having been prats*d fbr blunm^ doth aSk& A fawcy roughncfs, snd conftrains the garb Quite from his nature. He can't Batter, he t An honeft mind and [^n, he mull fpeak truth ; An they will take it, Toi if ikk, he's plain. Thefc kind of knaves I know, which in this plainnd) Harbour more craft, and far corrupter ends. Than twenty filky ducking obferrants. That ftrctch their duties nicdy.

£fM/. Sir, in good ^th, in fuiccre verity. Under th* allowance of your grand afpeA, Whofc influence, like the wreath of radiant fire On flickering Pbabus* front ^^

Corn. What mean'ft by this ?

Kent. To gooutofmydialeft, which you difcommend fo much ; I know, Sir, I am no flatterer j ' 'but he^ that b<^il'd you in a plain accent, wis a plain knave \ which for my part I will not be, though I Ihould win your dif- pleafurc to intreat me to't.

Com. What was th' oftece you g^re him ?

Stew. ''Never any :^ It pleas'd the King his mafter very lately To ftrike at me upon his mifiXMiftrutflion ; When he conjuni^, and flatc'ring his difplealiire, Tript me behind \ being down, infultet^ rail*d» And put upon him fuch a deal of man, That worthied him, got praifes of the King, For him attempting who was felf>fiibdu*d. And in[the' fleftiment of this dread cxpbic Drew on me here again.

Kent. None of thele rogues aod cowaids, But jfjax is their * 'foil,'' ' Corn. Fetch fortii the Stocks. You ftubbom ancient knave, you rev'rend braggart^ We'll teach you.

Kent.

6 )i< 7 I MTcr gire him toy i

c,qi,it!dt,Google

Khg Lear. 41

Ktnt. S\Ty I am too old to learn : Call not youc Stocks for me, I fcrve the King i On whofe imployment I was fent to you. Yew Ihall do fmall refpc<a, Ihew too bold malice Againft the grace and perfon of my mafter. Stocking his mcflenger.

Com. Fetch forth the Stocks; As I have » 'life,^ there fhall he fit 'till noon. Reg. 'Till noon ! 'till night, my Lord, and all night too, Kent. Why, Madam, if I were your ^chei's dog. You could not ufe me fo. iS:^ Sir, being his knave, I will. [Stocks brought out. Cent. This is a fellow of the felf-fame nature Our &fter (peaks of. Bring away the Stocks.

Glo, Let me befeech your Grace not to do Jo ; His fault is much, and the good King his matter Will check him for't j your purpos'd low corrtftion . Is £ich, as bafeft and the meaneft wretches For pilPrin^ and moft common treipollci. Are puniQi'd with- The King mull take ic ill That he*s fo (lightly valued io his mcflenger. To have him thus rellrain'd. Corn. I'Uanfwer that.

Reg. My fiftcrmay receive it "'yet much worfc,^ To have her Geotleman abus'd, a^ulted Fot folkming her afiairs. Put in his legs — ^

[Kj»t is put ia the Stocks. Come, my Lord, away. {pteimt Regan md Cornwall.

SCENE VL

Glo. I'm foiry for thee, friend > *iis4he Duke's pleafure, Whoie difpofitiOD all the work! well knows Will not be ruWj'd nor ftop'd. PII Intrcat for thee. '

Kent. Pray, do not. Sir. Pvewatch'dandtravell'dhard Some rime I fhall Qeep out, the reft I'll whiftle : *

A good man's fortune may grow out at heels i

Give 9 life and honour. i Hodi more wcnle,

ciq mod t, Google

42 ^i^g Lear.

Give you good morrow.

Gle. The Duke's to blame in this, 'twill be ill taken.

lExit.

Kent. Good King, that muft approve the common faw. Thou out of heaven's bcnediflion com'ft To the warm fun.* All weary and o'er-watch'd. Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold This ftiamehil lodging. Fortune, good night, fmile once more, turn thy wheel .'

\HeJUeps,

SCENE VII.

SCENE cbai^ti t9 s part of a Hiath.

Enter Edgar,

£(^.T'VE heard my felf proclaim'd,

-■■ And by the happy hollow of a tree Efcap'd the hunt. No port is free, no place That guard and moft unufual vigilance Does not attend my taking, "Whiles I may 'fcape I will p'referve my fcIf : and am bethought To take the bafrft and the pooreft (hape That every penury in oDntempt of man Brought near to bcaR : my /ace I'll grin« with filth. Blanket my loins, 'tlfe all-niy hair in knots,

(a) Alt bU prroith I al faying afpUii it thofi tuhi eri turti'J nt ef heu/e and boat, dtfri'vii of all the t^BifirJi ef Jifi txctptimg tht e§m' jaMT bemtftt of ibi Jir^nJ Sim.

warm fun.

Apprmch thou beacon t« this ander {Ubi, llMitwg ^ tw thi mmM.

I'hat by thy comfarcable beams I maj'

Perafe this letter. Nothing almoft fees IIli^aclel■ But mifcry. I knmv 'lis from Cirdelim.

Who hath moAibrtunaCdy beeninfvm'd

Ofmy flblcurcd courfe. 1 Ihall find time

From this enormou! flate, and feek to'give

Loflei their remediei. AU weary, tft.

.ciq mod t, Google

Khg Lsar. 43

And with preroited nakednels ouc-fftce

The winds, and pcrfccutions of the sky.

The counrry gives me proof and preGdent

Of bedlam beggars, who with roaring voicM

Strike in their nuoibM und mortify'd txn-e arms

Pins, wooden pricks, nails, fprigs ofniftmary;

And with this horrible ol^cA, from law hrms.

Poor pelting villages, 'fliecp-cota and mills,

Sometimes with lunatick bans, fometimes with PAlr*r9

Inforcc their charity J * 'Turhri!'^ poor 3ml

That's fomecbing yet: j^^sr I nothing am. {Exif,

S C E N E Vm.

Charges again to Ibe Earl of Glo'ffierV Q0e. Enter Lear, Ftel, mi GtntUman. Umr. 'TpiS ftrange that they (houW 16 depart from hom^ •■■ And not fend back my raefleneer.

Gm. As 1 learn'd, *

The night befmt there was no purpoft in them Of this remove,

JCfftf. Hail to thee, fioble mafter.

tear. Ha, mak'ft rfiou ftame thy paftime?

K«K, No, my Lord.

iw/. Ha, ha, he wears cruel garters; horfa are ty*d fef tfte heads, dogs and bears by th' neck, monkeys bv th kniB, and men by thMegs; when a man isover'jufty at legs, then he wears wooden i>ethcr ftocks.

Uar What's he, that hath fo much thy place miftook. To fct thee here ? '

Kaa. It is both he and £ht. Your ion and daughter,

Lear. No.

Kent. Yes.

l^ar. No, I fay,

ciq mod t, Google

44> J^ Lbar.

Kent. » 'But I lay,'' ye*.

Lxar. By Jitpiitr, I fwear no.

Kent. By ^^, I fwear ay.

Lear. They durft noc do't. They could nor, would not do't j 'tjt worle than liiurdier, To do upon refpeA Tuch violent outrage: Refolve me with all modeft hafte, which way ' Thou might*fi deferve or they impofe this ufage. Coming from us? .

Kent. My Lord, when at their home I did commend your Highncfs' letters to them, Ere I was rifen from the place, that Ihew'd Myduty kneeling, came a recking poll, Stew'd in his hafte, half breathleJs, panting forth From GoneriUKa miftrefs ffilutation i . Deliver'd letters, fpight of inicrmiflion Which pretently they read : on thole contents They fummon'd up thetrmeiny, ftrait took horfe. Commanded me to follow and attend The leifure of their afifwer ^ gjive me cold looks j And meeting here the other mcQenger, Whofc welcome I pcrceiy'd had pouon'd mine. Being the very fellow which of late DifpUy'd fo fawcily againft your Highnefi, Having more man th^ wit about me,. I drew; He rais'd the houfe with loud and coward cries; Your Ton and daughter found this trefpafs worth The (hame which here it' fuffcrs. [ynif,

' Fool. Winter's not gone yet, if the wild gcefefly that Fathers that wear rags Do make their children blind» But fathen that bear bags Shall fee their children kind. Fortune, that arrant whore, Ne'er turns the key to th' poor. But for all this thou Ihalt have as many dolour^* from

,, thy

(i) A juiiiii itttnded bitwtin dolonn ani dolUn.

3 1 &y.

ciq mod t, Google

King Lear. 45

diy dear daughters, as thou canft tell in a year.

Lear. Oh, how this mother fwelb up tow'rd my heart! Hjfierua p^t down, thou climbing forrow. Thy element's below ; where is this daughter ?

Kent. With the Earl, Sir, here within.

Lear. Follow me not, ftay here. [£»/.

GeiU, Made you no more ofifence But what you fpeak of?

Kent. Nonej How chance the King comes with fo fmall a number?

Foci. An thou hadu been fet i* ih* Stocks for that que- ftion, thou'dft well dcferv'd it.

Kent. Why, fool?

Fool. We'il fct thee to fchool to an Anr, to teach thee there's no lab'ring f th* winter. All that follow their nofcs are led by their eyes, but blind men j and there's noc a noTe among twenty but can fmell him that's ftink-

ing let go thy hold when a great wheel runs dowh a '^

hill, left it break thy neck with following i but the great

one that goes upward, let *'ii^ draw ihce aitcr. When

a wife man gives thee better counfel, give me mine again;

I would have none but knaves follow it, lince a fixj

gives it.

That Sir which ferves for gain.

And follows but for form,

Will pack when it begins to rain.

And Jeave thee in a norm :

And I wiU carry, the fool will ftay,

AtA. let the wife man fly :

The knave turns fool that runs away.

The fool no knave, perdy.

KetU. Where leam'd you this, fool f *

Fool. Hot V th* Stoclu, fool.

SCENE

ciq mod t, Google

46 King tsAR.

S C E N E IX. EitUr Lear dfid Glo'fter. Liar. Deny to foeak with me? they're fick, they^ weary, Tbey have travcIlM all i5e night i meer fetches, The images of revolt and flying ofF. Bring me a better anfwer ■

G%. My dear Lord, You know the 6ery quality of the Duke, How unremovable ana fixt he is In his own courfe.

Lear. Vengeance! plague! death! confijfion! — Fiery ? what fiery quality T why, Gl^fier^ I'd Ipeak with th' Duke of CormniolL, and his wife. Gh. Weill mygoodLord, I have inform'd tbem ib. t£ar. Inform'd them? dolt thou underftand me, man^ Glo, Kjj, my good Lord. [father

Lear, The King would fpeak with ComwaS^ the dear Would with his daughter fpeak, commands her fervice: Are they JnformMor this? — my breath and blood!——' Fiery? the fiery Duke? tell the hot Duke that— . No, but not yer, may be he is not well. Infirmity doth ftill negle£l all office. Whereto our health is bound ; we're not our ftlves. When nature being oppreft commands the mind To fufe- with the body. I'll forbear,. And am hll'n out with my more heady will. To uke the indifpos'd and fickly fit. For the (bund man. — Death on my ftate ! but wherefore Should he fit here? this a£t * ^perfuadech^ me. That ihfi remotioo of the Duke and her Is practice only. Give me my fervaat fbrtb ; Go, tell the Duke and's wife, Td fpeak'with them : Now prefcntly— bid them come forth and hear me, Or at their chamber-door 1*11 beat the drum, •Till it cry, deep to death,

Gifi. J Wild have all well betwixt you, [Exit.

L$ar^ 5 pcrfwadei

ciq mod t, Google

Kmg Lear. 4y

J^ar. O mCy my. hevc .' my rifu^ htatt I but down.

Fool. Cry to it» nuncle, as thcoockney did to the £els» when he put them i' th' Pafty ali«i he wrapt 'em o' th* coxcombs with a fiick, and cry'd down, wantoos, down; *Twa3 bis brotbCf, tliat in pure kindnefi to his borfe but* tcrcd his hay.

S C E N E, X.

Eater Cornwall, Reg3n> Glo'fter, and Servmts.

Lear. Good morrow to you both !

Com. Hail to your Grace ! [Kent is fet at liberty.

Reg. I am glad to fee your Highneis.

hear. Regattt I think you are, I know what realbn , I have to chink fb{ if thou were not glad, I would divorce me Trom thy mother's u>mb. Sepulchring an adult'refs. O, are you free ? [Ta Kent. Some other time for that. Beloved Regan, Thy filler's naught : oh Regan, ihe hath tied Sbarp-tOQth'd unkindnefs, like a vulture, here;

[Points to bis heart, I can fcarce fpeak to thee, thou'It not believe With ^w deprav'd a quality oh Regan! — —

R^. I pray you. Sir, cake patience ; I have \vaQt You lefs know how lo value her delert. Than ftw to fcan Jier duty.

Lear. How is that?— —

Reg. I catMiot think my filter in the kaft Would hW her oU^uoa. . If perchance She have reftrain'd the riots of your foUowers, *Tis on fuch ^ound, and to luch. wboldbme end. As clears her ficm all blame.

Lear. My curies on her !

R^. O Sir, yeu are old, Nature in ycu (lands on the very verge Of her conBfiei you Hioukl be rul'd aod led By fome difcretipn, tint difoerna yoin- ftate ScCKr than you your felf : therefore I pray you,

Tliat

ciq mod t, Google

4$ £rt^ Lear.

That to our fifter you do make return. Say you have wrong'd bcr, Sir.

Lear. Ask her forgivencfs? Do you but mark how this ' 'becomtth uc :^ Dear daughter y I cmfefs that I am old ^ [The King kneeling. jige is unnecejfary : en ttty knees I beg^ ^at you'll voucbfafe me TMmenty bed^ and food.

Reg. Good Sir, no more; thefe are unfightly tricks: Return you to my fifter,

I^ar. Never, Regan: She hath abated me of half my train j Look'd black upon me, ftruck me with her tongue Moft ferpcnt-likc, upon the very heart. All the ftor'd vengeances of heaven fell On her ingrateful head ! ftrike her young bones. You taking airs, with lamends! ■ Corn. Fie, Sir! fie!

Lear. You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames Into her fcornful eyes I infeft her beauty, You fcn-fuck'd fogs, drawn by the pow'rfiil fun To fell, and blaa her pride !

R^. O theblellGodsl So will you wi(h on me, when the rafli mood u on.

Lear. No^ Regan, thou fhalt never have my curie: Thy tender-hefted nature fhall not give Thee o'er to harflinefij her eyes are fierce, but thine Do comfort, and not burn. *Tis not in thee To grudge my pleafures, to cut off my train. To £mdy hafty word, to fcant my fizes. And in conclufx>n to oppofe the bolt Againftmy coming.in. Thou better know'ft The offices of nature, bond of child-hood, Efieds of courtelu, and dues of gratitude : Thy half o' th' kingdom thou haft not forgot. Wherein I thee endow'd.

Reg. Good Sir, to th' purpofe, {Trm^l vmlbim.

Lear, Who put my man i' th' Sucks i

Enttr 6 bccomei the hoafe w becona the aft :

ciq mod t, Google

£n^ Lear. ^g

Enitr Steward.

Corn. What trumpet's that?

Reg. I know'r, my fiftcr's: this approves her letter. That Ihe would foon be here Is your Lady come ?

Lear. This is a (Uve^ whote ea He- borrowed pride Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows. Out, varlet, from my light!

Om. What iDcans your Grace?

S C E N E XI.

Enter Gonerill.

Lear. Who ftockt my ferwnt ? RegaUy Pve good hope Thou didft not know on't. — Who comes here? O beav'ns! If vou do /o« old men, if your fweet fway ' 'HaUow^ obedience, if your fclvcs are old. Make it your ciuife ; fend down and take my part ! Alt not afham'd to look upon this beard ? O Regan, will you uke her by the hand ?

Gm. Why not by th* hand, Sir? how have I offended f All's not oflbice that indifcretion finds. And dotage terms fo.

Lear. O fides, you are too tough I Will you yet hold ? how came my man i' th' Stocks?

Cen. 1 fet him there, Sir; but his own diforden Defcrv'd * 'no^ lefs advancement.

Lear. You ? did you ?

Reg. I pray you, father, being 'wake, feem fo. If, 'till the expiration of your month. You will return and fojourn with my fitter, nfmilBng half your train, come then to me t Tm now. from home, 2nd out of ihac provifion Which Aiall be needful for your entertainment.

I^ar. Return to her? and fifty men difmilsM? Vol. III. D No,

7 allow . . . MtJit. i^arh. imtHi. S macli

ciq mod t, Google

^o King Lkar.'

No, rather I abjure all rooft, and chufe

9 'To be a comrade with the wolf and owl.

To wage, againft the enmity o' th' air,^

Neceffity's (harp pinch — Return with her ? '

Why ! the hoc-olooded France^ that dow'rlefs toolc '

Our youngcft born, I could as well be broi^hc

To knee his throne, and *Squire-Iike penlion beg.

To keep bafc life a-foot i — Return wkb her?

Ferfuade m^ rather to be (kve and fumpter

To this deteftcd groom.

Gon. At yoor choice, Sir.

Lear. I pr'ythee, daughter, do not make me mad, I will not trouble thee, my child. Farewel : We'll no more meet, no more fee one another -, But yet thou art my fleffa, my blood, my ditighECf* Or rather a difcafc- that's in my flelh. Which I muft needs call muie ; thou art a bUc, A plague-fore, or imbofled carbuncle In my corrupted blood ; but i'U not dlide thee Let Ihamc come when it will, I do not call it, I.do not bid the thunder-bearer Ihooc, Nor tell tales of thee to higfa-judgtng Jme. Mend when thou canft, be better at thy leiltut^ 1 can be patient, I can ftay with R^gam, I and my hundred Knights.

Reg. Not all tt^ther, I loc^'d not for you yet, nor am provided For your Bt welcome ; give ear to my GRtr i For thofe that mingle reafon with your pafiiCHi» Muft be content to think you old, and fo ■— But fbe knows what Ihedoes.

Lear. Is this well fpoken t

Reg. I dare avouch it, Sirj what, fifty followers? Is it not well? what ihould you deed of more? Yea, or fo many > fince both charge and danger Speak 'gainft fo great a number : how in one houfe

SheuM

9 To w^ ^ftioft the ennricy o' th' ajr To be a comudc with the wolf and owl, ...#// *Jii.ThtBi. iraa/f.

ciqiiiodt, Google -

King Lbar. 51

Should many pcmile under two comimnda Holdimityf 'lis hard, almoft impoffible.

Cm. Why might not you, my Lord, receive attendance FnMn thofe that me calb fcrvams, or from mine t fye,

Reg. Why not, myLord? if thtntheychanc'dtofuck We roukl comro)} them } if yDu*!) come co me> (For now I fpy a danger) I intriat you To hiiag but ftrc and twenty } tt> no man Will 1 give ^ace (^ notice.

Lear. I gave yoo all —

Reg. And in good time you gave it.

Lear. Made you my guardians, my depoGtarie^ But kept a refcrvation to be foUow'd With foch a nukiber ; muft I come to you With dve and twentyi Regm^ faid you To?

R^. And ^leak'l again, my Lord, no more with ftie.

Lear. Thoie wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd Wlicn others are more wicked. Not being worft Scuids in fome rank of praife ^ I'll go with thee,

[To Oonerill. Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty ; And thou haft twice her love.

Gon. Hear me, my Lord } What need you five and twenty ? ten f or five? To follow in a houfc, where twice fe many Have a conunand to tend you ?

Reg. What needs one ?

Lear. O, rafon not the need : our bafcft beggftra Are in the pooreft thing fuperfiuous^ Allow not nature more than natare needs, Man's life is cheap as bealts*. Thou art a Lady j If only to gp warm were gorgeousr. Why, nature needs not wnat thou gorgeous weaHft^ Which fcarccly keeps thee warm j But for true need, Tou heav'ns, give me that patience which I need I Tou lee me here, you Gods, a poor old man. As full of grief as ^^, wretched in both. If it be you that ftur thde daughters hearts

D 2 Againft

ciq mod t, Google

5* ^g Lear.

Againft their i^ther, fool me not lb much

To bear it umcly : touch me with noWe anger j

0 let not womenB weapons, water-drops.

Stain my man's checks. No, you unnat'nU hags,

1 will have fuch revenges on you both,

Tlut all the world ftiall 1 will do luch things, -—

■VVh.it rhey are yet I Icnow not, but they flull be

The terrors of the earth : you think I'll weep :

No. I'll not weep, ' 'Though I have'' full caufc of weepingj

This heart fhall break into a tbouland 6aw«

Or e'er I wi:ep. O fool, I flial] go mad.

lExewttheAT, Gk>'fter» Kent, and FeoL

S C E N E XII.

Dm. .Lee us withdraw, 'twill be a ftorm.

IStorm and Tmpeft.

Reg. This houle is fmall, the old maa and his people Cannot be well beftow'd.

Gon. 'Tis his own blame, he'ath put himfelf from reft. And muft needs tafte his folly.

Reg. For his particular, 1*11 receive him gladly. But not one follower.

Gon, So am I [xirpos'd. Where is my Lord' of Glo'fier?

Enter Glo'fter.

Com, Follow'd the old man forth t — he is rcturn'd.

* 'Glo. The King is in high rage.

Corn. Whither is he going?

Gh. He calls to horfe : but will I know not whither.^

Com. 'Tis beft to give him way, ,he leads himfelf.

GoH. My Lord, intreat him by no means to flay.

Glo. Alack, the night comes on : and the high winds Do Ibrely ruTsle ; for many miles ^xMt There's fcarcc a bufti. "

Rez.

1 Thire

2 CA. TheKitw i* in hrgb ngf, aod will J[ know not woither.

ciq mod t, Google

Kh^ Leak. ^«

Rir. O Sir, to wilful men. The u^es chat they [hemfelycs procure . Muft be their fchool-mafters : ihut up your doors; He 8 ancnded with a defp'rate train. And what they may incenJe him to, being api To have his car abusM,- wiltioni bids fear.

Cbtw. Shut up your dcxirs, my Lord, 'tis a wild night. My Ri^im couofels weJl : come out o' th' Aorm. [Extmt'.

ACT HI. SCENE L SCENE A Heath.

Apsrm is beard wUh fkmJtr and Ugbtning. EnierKeatf

and a GentUmoHt feveralif.

WHO'S there befides foiiF weather? [quietly.

GetU. One minded hlce the weather, oxift un- Kent. I know you: where's the King? Gent. Cootending with the freifiil elements i Bids the wind blow the earth into the Tea, Or fweH the curled waters 'bove the main. That things might change or ceafc: tears his white hair. Which the impcmous blalh with eydels lage Catch in their Jiiry, and make nothing of. This night, in which the cub-drawn bear* would coudi, Thfth'on, and the belly-pinched wolf Keep their furr dry, unbonneted he runs. And bids what will, take all. Kcat. But who is with him ? Gent. None but the fool, who labours to out-jeft His tuart-ftnjck injuries.

D J Kent.

(2) Bi cab-dnwn bcu mufi he undtpftatd ibt fbe-bear drawn dry hy Ai fflfing of ber cubs, »na theixt mafi ravtniui and grMdf tf prtj, Wartnutoo.

c,qi,i.d=, Google

54 t^ Lbar.

Kent. Sir, I do know you. And dare upon the wtrrant .of my DOCe Commend a dor thin^ to you. There's divifion (Although as yet the face of it it oover'd With mutml craft) 'twixt jiUviif and CtntwaS: h ^ 'And^ true it is ^tn Frmict there comes a pow*r Into this * ''ihatter'd'' kii^om, who almdf "Wife in our negligence, have iecret lea In fome of our beft ports, and are at point To Ihow their open banner — Now to yoir: If on my credit you dare build fo far To make your fpeed to Dover, you ftull find Some that will thank you, making juft Kport Of how unnaniral and madding ^row The King hath caufe to plain. I am a gentleman of blood and breeding. And from fome knowledge and aflUraDce of you. Offer this office.

Gent, ril talk further with you.

Xenf. No, do not: For confirmadon that I ma much more Than my out-wall, open this porfeaod take What ic contains. If you fhall fee CarMia^ (As fear not but you flail) fliew ber that Ring, And flie will tetl you who this fdk>w is, That yet you do not know. Fie on diis ftorm! I wilt go feek the King.

Gent. Give me your band, have you no more to &y ?

Ktnt.

fr) — TT 'twixt .^a«7 and CariMvell:

Who have (ai wha have not, whom their gmt Han

Thron'd and fet high?) fervant», who ftem no left, *

Which are to Frante the fpie> aod Ipeculationa

Intelligent of our Hate. What hath bem fcen,

Either in inaSi and packings of the Dnku,

Ot the haid rein wtuch both of them have born

Againll the old kind King ; or fomeihing deeper.

Whereof, perchance, thefe are bat furnifhiiisi

Gtni. I wUl talk. '

3 But ^ fcattej-'4

c..^, Google

King I«BA.R. j5

Kent. Few vtMtk, bat to effod more dam all jrec; [take That, when we have found the King, {i 'for"^ wlitch yoi That way, I this:) he that firft lights on him. Holla the other. [Exemt.

SCENE II.

Stem ftiB. Enter Le^ and fool.

Lear. Blow winds, and crack your chcdi:$ ; rage, blow f You cacarads ai>d htirricanoes fbout Till you hare drendit our fteqites,- drownM the cocks 1 You ftilph'rous and thought- executing fires. Vaunt-couriers of oak-cleaving diunder-bolB, StnK my white headi And thou afl-fliaking thunder, StrUte flat the thick rotundity o' th* world, Oack nature's mould, aR * 'germins^ (pill at once That m^e ingraiefiil man !

Fool. O nuncle, court- holy-water in a dry houfc is better Aan the rain>water out o* door. Good nuncle, in, a^ thy daughters blefllng \ here's a night that pities neithei- wife men nor fools.

l,ear. RumWe thy bd!y ftfl, -ipit fire, fpaai rain! Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire, are my daughters; I ux not you, you elements, with unkindnefs, I nev«t gave you kingdom, caH'd you chttdren. You owe me no fubmiflion. Then let fall Your horrible pleafure ; — hwe I ftand your flave, A poor, infirm, weak, and defpis'd old man ! But yet I call you JctvHe minifters. That have with two perafcious daughters join'd Your high-engender'd battles, 'gainft a head So obi and white as this. O, ho ! 'tis foul . [.head- piece :

Fool. He that has a houte to put's head in, has a good The cod-piece that will houfe, before the head has any ; The head and he ftial! lowfe; fo beggars marry many. That man that makes his Me, whatlie his heart Ihouid make, D 4 Shall

S ia ' C gennaiM .,.«!/ tiit. T£<ei. eminj^

ciq mod t, Google

56 lAtg Lear.

Shall of a corn cry woe, and turn his deep to wake.

For there was never yet fair womani but Ihc made moaths

in a glals.

SCENE m.

To tbentt Enter Kent.

Lear. No, I wilt be the pattern of all patience, I will fay nething.

Kent. Who's there?

Feol. Marry, here's grace, and a cod-piece, that's a wife man and a fool.

Kent. Alas, Sir, arc you here? things that love night, Z^ove not fuch nights as thefe : the wrathful sktes Gattow the very wand'rers of the dark. And make them keep their caves : fince I was man. Such (heets of lire, fuch burfts of horrid thunder. Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never Remember to have heard. M»n'3 nature cannot cany Th' afBidion, nor the force.

Lear. Let the great Gods, That keep this dreadful thund'ring o'er our heads, Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wretch. That haft within thee undivulged crimes Unwhipcof jufticef Hide thee, thou bloody hand i Thou perjure, and thou fimular of virtue. That art inceftuous! caitiff, Ihake to pieces. That under covert and convenient fecming Haft pradis'd on man's life! Clofe pent-up guilts, Kive your concealing continents, and ask Thefe dreadful fummoners grace!— 7I am a man. More finn'd againfl;, than finning.

Kenl. Alack, bare-headed ? Gracious my Lord, hard by here is a hovel. Some friendship will it lend you 'gainft the tempeft : Rcpofe you there, while I to this hard houfe (More hard than is the ftone whereof *tis rais'd ; Which even but now, demanding after you,

Deny'd

CiqlllodiGoOglC

King Lear. 57

DenyM me to come in) return, and force Their Tcantcd courtefie.

Lear. My wits b^n to turn. Gome on, my boy. How doft, my boy ? art cold ? Vm cold myfcJf. Where is this ftraw, my felbw ? The art of our nccefllties is ftrange. That GUI make vije things precious. Come, your hovel) Poor fool and knave, Tve one ' ''firing^ in my heart That's (brry yet for thee.

Fool. He that bos and a little titrf wit^

With beigh bo, the wind and the rain^ Mvfi make content with his fortunes fit ^iei^b ibe ram it rainetb every dgy.

Lear. Tn)e,mygoodboy:come,bringustothiahoveL

Fwl. 'Tis a brave night to cool a courtezan. 1*11 fpeak a prophecy or e'er 1 go j When pridb are more in words than matter. When brewers marr their malt with waters When nobles are their tailon tutors ; No hereticks bum'd, but wenches fuitors i ' 'Then comes the time, who lives to fec't. That going fhall be us'd with feet. When every cafe in law is right, . No 'Squire in debt, nor no poor Knighti When Handen do not live in tonguesi And cut-purla come not to throngs i

7 thing (r part When

8 When tjtrj cafe in I»w ii right,

>fo 'Squire in debt, nor no poor Ko^ht i When Oisdendn ooE live in congueg, And cut-purfea come not to ihroags i When uliinra tell their gddi'th' field. And bawdg and whom do charchet build; Then (hall the realm ot jHHbk Come unto great conflifion. Then comes the lime, who lives to fte't. That going flail be ui'd with Awl

. . . ttdtdit. War}, tmni. mmdtraitjf,

C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

58. King Lbasl.

When ufurers tell their gold i' th' field.

And bawds and whores do churches build:

Then (hall the realm of ^ZWmi

Come unto great coafufion.^

This prophecy MerUn (hall nuke^ fori do iive before his

time. ££#.

SCENE IV. jin apartment in Glo'fter'i C^U.

Enttr Glo'Iler aad Ballan]. Ch. A Lack, alack, Edmimd^ I &ix not ihii unnatural ■**■ dealing j when I dcfired their leave that I might jHty him, they mok trom me the ufe of mine own hode, d)arg*d me on pain of perpetual dirpleaflire, neither to fpeak of hrm, entreat for him, or any way iullain him.

Bifi. Moft fa vage and unnatural!

Gh. Go to ; fey you nothing. There is dirifion be- tween the Dukes, and a worie matter than that : I have received a letter this night, 'tis dangerous to be fpokcn, I have lock'd the letter in my cfofet : thefe injuries the King now bears will be rcvengtxl home j there is part of a power already footed ; we muft incline to the Kjng, X will look for hjm, and privily relieve him ; go you and maintain talk with the Duke, that my charity be not of him perceiv'dt if he ask for me, I am ill, and gone to bed i if I die for it, as no Icfs is thrcamcd me, the King my old mailer muft be relieved. There are ftrange things toward, EJmwidi pray you, be carefiji. ■ [Exit,

Btfi. This courtefic forbid thee (hall the Duke, Inftantly know, and of that letter too. This feems a fair defcrving, and muft draw me That which my fiither lofe ; no lefe than all. The younger rifes, when the eld doth fall. [Exit.

SCENE

.ciq mod t, Google

i5»g L E A IL 59.

SCENE V. Tart of the Beatb vsitb a Hovci

Enter Lear, Kent, md Fool.

Jffltf.T TEre is the place, my Lord, good Tny Lord, enter}

il The tyranny rf th' open night's too rough For nature to enoure, \SformJHU.

Liar. Let me alone.

JCn/. Gtxxl ray Lord, enter here.

Lear. Wilt break my heart ?

Kent. I'd rather break mine own; good my Lord, enter.

Ltar. Thou think'ft 'tis nwch that thit contentious Invades us to the skin ', ft 'tis to thee % [ftorm

But where the greater malady is fixt, - The Icflfer is Icarcc felt. Thou'dft fhun a bear j but if thy flight lay toward the roaring Tea, lliou'dft meet the bear i* th* mouth ; when the mind's fre^ The body's delicate ; the tempeft m ray mind Dothfnim my &afes take all feelii^ elfe. Save whit beats there. Filial ingratitude I Ii it not, as this mouth fhould tear this htod For hftiDs food to'c i — But I'Jl puoilh home ; , No, I wS w«p no more — ^in loch a night, IV) ihnt me out? — pour on, I will endure: In fiich a n%ht as this? O R/gsHj (hnerill, Yoor old kind father, whofe frank heart gave all— O, th^waj madoelslyes, let me ihun that. No more of that.

Kent. Good my Lord, enter here.

LeM'. Pr'ythee, go in thy felf, ieek thine own eale. This ttmpeft will not give mc leave to ponder On things w^itd hurt me morc-~~but 111 go in ^

In, boy, go firft. You houfcleft poverty

Nay, gee thee in -, I'll priy, and then I'll deep——. {Ex, Ftd. Poor

ciq mod t, Google

66 ^ftg Lear.

Poor naked wretches, wherefoc'er you are That bide the pelting of this pitilefs ftorm ! How (hall your houfdels he^s, and unfed Hdes, Your loop'd and window'd raggedncfs, defend you , From feafons fuch as thefe? — -O, I have ta'en ' Too little care of this : lalce phyfick, pomp I N Expofc thy felf to feci what wretches reel. That thou may'ft Ihake the fuperflux to them, And ibew the heav'ns more juft.

E^. {JVtthin.} Fathom and half, fathom and half! poorToffl.'

Fool. Come not Id here, nuncle, here's a (pint, help nie, help me, [The Fool runs out from the HofoeL

Kertt. Give mc thy hand, who's there?

Fool. A fpirit, a fpirit, he fays his name's poor Tom.

Kent. What art thou that do'ft grumble there i' ch* ftraw ? come forth.

SCENE VI.

Enter Edgar, Sf^it*d Uke a Madman,

Edg. Away, the foul fiend follows me. Through die Iharp hawthorn blows the cold wind. Humph, go to thy bed and warm thee.

Lear. , Did'ft thou give all to thy daughters > and arc thou come to this?

Edg. Who gives any thing to poor Tom? whom the foul nend hath led through fire and through flame, through ford and whirlpool, o'er bog and quagmire, that hath laid knives under his pillow, and hahers in his

Eue i fct ratsbane by his porridge, made him proud of cart, to ride on a bay trotting horfe, over four inch'd bridges, lo courfe his own fliadow for a traitor, — blefs thy five wits, Tom's a cold. O do, de, do, dc, do, de,— h\t& thee from whirl-winds, ftar-blafting, and taking; do poor Tom fome charity, whom the foul fiend vexes. There could I have him now, and there, and here again, and there. \StormJiill.

ciq mod t, Google

King Lear, 6i

Lear. What! have his daughters brought him 'to this Could'ft thou five nothing ? did'ft thou give 'em all ? [pafsf

isw/. Nay, he rcfcrv'd a blanker, clfe we had been all lliamcd.

Ltar. Now all the plagues that in thie pendulous air Hang fated o*er men*s faults, light tm thy daughters!

Keni. He hath no daughters. Sir.

Lear. Death, traitor, nothing could have fubduM nature To fiich a townefs, but his unkind daughters. . h it the fafhion, that difcarded fathers Should have thus little mercy on their flelh? Judicious punilhment 1 'twas this 5e(h begot Thole pelican daughters.

£i^. Pillicock lat on pillicock-hill, alow, alow, loo, loo.

Fwl. This cold. night will turn us all to fools, and mad-men.

Eii£, Take heed o' ih* foul fiend, cbey thy parents, keep thy wordjndly, fwearnot, commit not with man's fworn.ipoufci kt not thy fwoet heart on proud arrayl rial's a-coH.

I^ar. What haft thou been ?

Et^. A ferving-man, proud Id heart and tniod ; that curl'd my hair, wore gloves in my cap, fcrv'd the luft of my miftrefs's heart, and did the an of darknefs with her : fwore as many oaths as I fpake. words, and broke them in the fweet nice of heav'n. One that flept ' 'on^ the contriving lull, and wak*d to do it. Wine lov'd I deeply ; dice dearly ; and in woman, out-parairour'd the Twik. Fajfe of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand i bog in floth, fox in Health, wolf in greedinefi, ^og in madnels, lion in prey. Lei not the creaking of Jhoes, nor the niRling of filks, betray thy poor heart to wonun. Keep thy foot out of brothels, thy hand out of plackets, diy pen from lenders books, and defie the foul Bend. Still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind : fays fuum, _ mun, nonny, dolphin my boy, boy, Stjfey: let him trot by. ' [SformftilJ.

Lear.

ciq mod t, Google

62 Kir^ Lear.

Latr. Thou wert better in a grave, than to aniwcr with ihy uncovei*d body this extremity of the skies. Is man no more than this ? ConHder him well. Thou ow'ft the worm no filk, the beaft no hide, the flieep no woo), thecatnoper&ime. Ha! here'sthreeoruaarelbphifticatcd. Thou art the thing it felf i unaccommodated roan is no more but fuch a poor, bare, forked animal as thou art. Off, oSf you Icndings: come unbutton here.

[Teari^ pjf his cloatbs.

Tool. Pr*ytbee, nuncle, be contenred ^ 'tis a naughty night n> fwim in. Now a little fire in a wild field were like an oM letcher's heart, a Tmall fpiu-k, and all the reft on's body cold } look, here comes a walking fire.

E^. This b the fout FUbbertigibbct \ he b^^ ac curfew, and walks *titl the firll: cock -, he g^vcs the web and the pin, Iquints the eye, and makes the harc-Iip i mildews the white wheat, and hurts the poor "creatures^, of the earth.

*'St. Withoidfoottdth-ue the wold i" He met the nigbt-TMre^ and bir nhu-faldf Bid her aiigbtf md btr trttb plight^ jtndartynt ihee^ vitcb, areynt tbeef

Kent. How fives your Grace i

SCENE vn.

Enter Glo*fter with » torch.

Lear. What's he ?

Kent. Who's there? what is*t you feek ?

Glo. What are you there? your names?

Edg. Poor Tom, that eats the fwimmlng &og, the toad, the tod-pole ; the wall-newt, and the water-newt \ that in rhefury of his heart, when the foul fiend rages, eats cow- dung for lallets i fwallows the oki rat, and the ditch-dog;

drinks

■ cratare

1 SmUuHd/tQltJ ihrk* lit »ld ... tlitiit, Bi^'t imnii

ciq mod t, Google

£n£ Leak. 63

drinks the greqi nantlc of dx ftanding pad i who is whipc fitim tjthii^ to tytbiiig, and ftock-puoiOi'd, and itnpci- foti'd : whonath had.chree fuics to kU back, fix Hurts to his body, bwfe to ride, and wttpsn to wear :

Butmtce, andraisy and/ucb finaH ^ 'gHr^

Hn* itif Tbtn* J fctdfor Jlfwn ia^ year ->

Beware my follower. Peace, Smulkin, petce^ thoa fiend!

Clo. What, hath your Grace no better company ?

£^. The Prince of.darknds is a gqiileman, Modo he's catltJ, and iV^K.

Gh. Our Be(h atid blood, my Lord, is grown io vile. That it doth hate what gets it.

Edg. tom*s thCa\A.

Gla. Go in with me; fny duty cannot fbfler T* obey in all your daughten hard commands : Thou^ their injunAion be to bar my doors. And let this tyrannons night take ht^ upon you, Tet ha»e I vcntur'd to- come fcek ytw oot, *

And bring you where both fire and food ♦ 'are^ ready,

Lear. Firll let me tallc with this philofopher % What is the cauTc of thunder ? .

Km. My gtxxl Lord, take his o^r. Go into th' houle.

Lear. 1*11 talk a word with this fame learned ^ban: What is your ftudy i

£dg. How to prevent the fiend, and to kill vermin.

Lear. Let m aik you one word in private.

Kent. Importune him to gO| my Lord, His witi bt^in t* unftttte.

Glo. Can'ft thou blame him ? (Stvrm fiiU.

Mfs dfto^hftrs ftek his death : ah, that good Kent! He &id K would be thus i poorbantfh'd roani 7I10U faylt the King grows mad ; 1*11 tell thee, friend, l*m almofttnad my Iclfi I Jiad a Ion, Now out4aw'd fiom my blood, he kiught my lifie But btthf , very late ; I lov'd htm, friend.

No 3 deer 4 is

ciq mod t, Google

A

64 J^ Lear.

No father his Ton dearer: true to tell theev

The grief hath craz'd my wits. What a nighfs this!

I do befeech your Grace,

hear. O cry you mercy. Sir: Noble philofophcr, your company.

Edg. Toftfs a-cold.

G/ff. In, fellow, into th* hovel \ keep thee warm.

Lear, Come, let's in all.

Kent, This way, my Lord.

Lear. With him; I will keep ftill with my philofopher. [low.

JCntf. Good my Lord, footh him ; let him take the fel-

GU. Take him you on.

Kent. Sirrah, come on •■, along with us.

Ltar. Come, good Athemm.

Glo. No words, no words, hufli.

E^. * Child Rffwland to the dark tower came. His word was (till, fie, foh, and fiim, I imeli the blood of a ^tijb man. [Exma.

SCENE vni.

Glo*fter*j C4k. Enter Cornwall and BaRard. CwTf.T Will have revenge, ere I depart this houfc.

A Baft. How, my Lord, I may be cenJur'd, that nature thus gives way to loyalty j fomcihing fiaas me to think of.

Com. I now perceive, it was not alto^her your bro- ther's evil difpoution made him feek his death : but a ♦ 'provoked

(a) Till fahlti Bf/aeb a turn tu thatfrtm whSth thtfi linei art pnted

ieing gtntrtilff taitn fraat baaki af Spaniftl Cbt'miJry, it U fniahit

thi iKirdfio'd ibtrt In&nte Orlando^ labitb tbt tranfiatBmr igMramth

/»* Child Rowland: luhirttu iolanw mamt a Prima, imt tf tbt

' ^m£ijtmt. WarbanoQ.

ciq mod t, Google

^Afg; 1 S A R. 65

* 'provoked^ * 'ipiric'' Jet a-work bf a rqnovable bad- oefe in V^^-^

£afi. How nulicious is my fbrtune, that I muft repent- to bejud ! this is the letter which he ipoke of; which ap- proves him an inidligent party to the advantages oi France. CfA heav'ns ! that-thb treafon were not ; orntt I ttie dete^r I

Qirn, Go with me ta the Dutchefs.

Bqji. If the matter of this paper be ttrtoin, you have mi^ty buTinds in hand.

Com. True or falfc, it hath made thee Earl of Glo'fter : fcck out where thy fitther tfl» that he may be ready for ' ourapixehenrion.

B^. If f find him comfortiog the King, it will {hiS* his fi^ptcion more fully, [/ifide.'] I will perfevere in my Gourie of loyalty, thou^ the coiifli& be fore between that •nd my blood. [Aioud,

Can. I will lay truft upon thee; and thou Hialt find a dearer £uher in my love. \ExeHnt.

C E N E IX.

A Chamber in a Farm-boufe.

Eater Kent aid Glo'fter.

HEre is better than the open air. take it thank- fully: I will piece out the comfort with what

Gh.

addition I can ; I will not be long from you. [£xv/.

Kent. AH the pow*r of his wits has given way 10 his impadenoe: the Gods reward your kindncls!

Enter Lear, Edgar, and Foci.

E^. Frattrrato calls me, and tells me I^ero is an an- g^ ia the lake of darknels; pray innocent, and beware the foul fiend.

Fool. Pr'ythee, nuncle, tell me, whether a madman be a gentleman, or a yeomanP

Vol.' III. £ Lectr.

4 pronddng ...(£/ iJlt. JVari. tmnd. g Bcrit 6 tim/t//.

ciaiiiodt, Google

d

66 Kmg Lear.

Lear. A King, a King.

Feel. No, he's a yeoman that has a gentleman eo hit Ton : for he's a jreoman that fees his fon a gcndsnun be* fore him.

Lear. To bare a thodand widi rod bomii^ C^ia Come hizzing in upon 'ccn. E^. The foul head bites my back. Ftoi. He's mad that trufts in the tamaiefs- of a wolf, the heahh of a horfc, the love of a boy, or the oath c^a whore.

Lear, It Ihall be done, I wilt arraign *em ftnit. Come, fit thou here, moft learned jufticer, f^« the fMi Thou fapicnt Sir,- fit here-""— now, yc (he foxes !

[To Edgar.

E^. The foul fiend hatinupoor Tern in the voioc of a . nightingale. Hopdance cries in Tom's bellyfftr two whit* herrings. Croak not, black angel>- J tuvc ik> food ^or ibec,

Ledr. I'll fee their tryid, bring me in the cvidentt. Thou robed man of jufticc, take thy place, . And thou his yoke-ftllow' of equity. Bench by his fide. You are of the commifiion. Sit you too. Arraign her firft, 'tis Generill,

Fool. Come hither, Miftrds, is yaai name GeneriH?

Jaar, She "" can't^ deny it.

Fool. Cry you mercy, I took you for a. Joint-fiool.

Lear. And here's another whofe waipt looks pfvdaimi What ftprc her heart is made of. - Stop her there. Arms, arms, fword, fire, ' 'conoiptionV in the place : Falfe jufticer, why haft ihou let her 'icape?

Edg. 'Blefs thy five wits!

Kent. O pity ! Sir, where is the patience now, That you fo oft have boafted to retain ?

Edg. My tears begin to take his part fo much. They mar my countcrfeitii^ (4^*

l^ar. The little dogs andaU, Trti^, Blanch, and Sweet-heart i fee, they bark at ine~-^

£<^.

7 catinot $ comipiion

C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

King. LuAJL* 67

E^, Tm will throw his h«d at them; aTaunt,.you Be thy mouth or biack or vrhite, [curs f

Tooth thatpoifons if it bltti Maftiff, grey-hound, mungril grim, Hwod or rpanid« bniche, or }ym y Or bob- tail tike, or trundle-tail, -^

fern will make him wcKp and wail 1 For with throwing thus my licad, ' ■

Dogs leap the hatcli, and all are 6ed. Do, de, de, de : Sefey^ come, march to wakes and fairs. And market towns ; poor Tom, thy hon^ is dry^ '

Lear. Then let them anatomizx Regtm 'lee what

breeds about hef heart — Is there aiiy caufe in nature thae makes tbcfe hard hearts ? You, Sir, I entertain for one of my hundred^ only I do not like the fadfion 6f your garments. Too will fiy they are Pgrfim j but let them be (Jiang'd.

Rt-nier Glo*{icr.

Kent. Now, good my Lord, lye here, and reft a while,

Lear. Make no noife, make no ooife, draw the curtains : So^ io, we*ll go to fuppcr i'th' morning.

Foal. And I'll go to bed at ;ioon.

Glo. Come hither, friend, where is the King, my maftcr?

Kent. Hercj Sir, but trouble him not, his wits arc gboc.

G]o. Good friend, I pr'y thee, take him in thy arms i I have o'er-heard a plot of death upon him : There is a litter ready, lay him ih't. And drive toward DewTt friend, where thou /halt meet Both welcome and proteftion. Take up thy mailer. If chou ftwukl'ft dally half an hour, hb Jiftr, With thine, and all that offer to defend him. Stand in a£lured lofs. Take up, take up. And follow md, that will to fome proviuon Give thee quTck condu^ Come, ^way, afray.

[Exeunt,

SCENE

ciq mod t, Google

68 ^ng Leak.

SCENE X. G]</fter*j CajUe.

Enter Cornwall, Regan, Goncrill, Baftard, and ServoMts. Cors.'pOfl: rpeedily to my Lord your husband, fhew *^ him this letter, the army i;^ France is landed} Teek out the traitor Glo'^er,

Reg. Hang him inftantly..

Gon. Pluck oiit his eyes.

C«ni. Leave him to my dirpleafure. Edmutid^ktxipyfM our lifter company; the revenges wc are. bound to take upon your traiterous father arc not fit for your beholding, Advile the Duke, where you are goino, to a mofl feftinate preparation ; we are bound to the hke. Our pofts Oiall be Iwift, and intelligent betwixt us. Farewel, dear fifter; forewclf my Lord of Gyfier.

Eti/tr Steward. How BOW? where's the King?

Stew. My Lprd ofGlo'Jier hath convey'd him hence. Some five or fix and thirty of hia Knights, Hot queftcrs after, met him at gate, ■ Who, with Ibme other of the Lord's dependants. Are gone with him tow'rd Dover-, where they boaft To have well-armed friends.

Corn. Get hories for your miftrels. GoM. Farewel, fweet Lord, and fifter.

[Exeunt Gon. and Baft. Corn. Edmnd, ftrewel: — go fcek the traitor GAj^w, [To the Servants. Pinion him like a thief, bring him before us : Though well we may not pals upon his life Without the form of juftice; yet our pow'r Shall do a court'fie to our wrath, which men May blame, but not controul.

SCENE

ciq mod t, Google

Khi^ Lear* 69

SCENE XI. Eater Gk/fter Prifmir, andSerooHts.

Who's there? the traitor?

Reg. ■ Ingrateful fox I 'tis he.

Corn. Bind fatl his corky arms. [(ider

Gb. What mean your Graces ? Good my friends, con- You are my gucAs : do me no foul play, friends.

Cmi. Bind him, I lay. [Tbefhhidbim.

Reg. Hard, hard: OBlthy traitor!

Gla. Unmerciful Lady as you are ! I'm none.

Com. To this chair bind him. Villain, thou (halt find — -

Glo. By the kind Gods ■, 'tis nioft ignobly done To pluck me by the beard.

jC^. So white, and fuch a traitor ?

Gk. Nanghty Lady, TheTe haira whKh thou doIl*ravifh from my chin Will quicken and accufe thee. I'm your hoft } With robber's hands, my hofpitable » 'favour^ Tou Ibould not ruffle thus. What will you do?

Com. Come, Sir, what letters had you late from J^wice t

Reg. Be ' 'fimple-anfwcr'd,^ for wc know the truth.

Com. And what confixl'racy have you with the trai»>rs Late footed in the kingdom ?

Rei. To whole hands have you &nc the lunattck King? Speak.

Glo. I've a Jerier gueffingly fet down, Wtuch came from one that's of a noitial hearty And not from one oppo^d.

Com, Cunning

Reg. And h&.

Ctrm. Where haft thou Tent the King ?j

E 3' Gb,

(a) By tit kind Godt ii mt htri miAni a gentrat tif/tgiwm t* all lit G»di, iut this ii inlmiti ai a parlUular atfeal te lbi>fi tobifb vert dijUmgmfifi bf tbt nmmt ef tbi Dii horptaln. Warbunon.

9 &voiin. . . . tU tJit. f^arb. tmmd. !• e. virage.

I fintfle aafweter,

ciq mod t, Google

70 Kifig htXKi

Clo. * 'To Dover^ SiO

Rig. Wherefore to Dover f Waft thou not charg'd, at peril——

Com. Wberefbre to Dover? let him anTwier that.

Glo. I am ty'd to th* {lake, and I muft ftand the courfe.

Reg. V^ hercfore to Dover ?

Gh. Becwfe I would not fee thy cruel nails Pluck out his poor old eyesj nor thy fierce fifto- In his anointca flefh ftick boarifh phangs. The fea, with fuch a Aorm as his bare head In helt-black night indur'd, would have buoyed up Andquench'd the * 'ftellar^ fires: Yet poor old heart, be help'd the heav'ns to rain. . If wolves had at thy gate howl'd that ftern tim^ Thou fliould'ft have faid, good porter, turn the kw j All cniels elfe fubfaibc} but I fliall ice The winged vengeance overtake fuch children.

Com. See't flialt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair. Upon thefe eyes of thine I'll fet my foot.

[Glo'fter is ktld dotoH vibile Cornwall trtadi mt m of bis eyes.

Glo. He chat will think to live *a1l he be old. Give mc fome help. — ^ O cruel ! O you Gods !

Reg. One (ide will mock another^ th' other too.

Ora. If you fee vengeance

Strv, Hold your hand, my Lord : Pve fcrv'd you ever fince I was a child} But better lervice have I uever done you. Than now to bid you hoU.

Reg. How now, you dog?

Serv. If you did wear a beard upon your chin, I'd Ihake ii on this quarrel. What do you cneari ?

CoTH. My villain!

Serv. Nay then come on, and take the chance of anger. [Bgbt, in tbefii^ Cornwall is wounded.

Reg. Give me thy fword. A pca&nt ftand up thus ?

Serv. » To Dov4r, 3 fteeled w ftdled

ciq mod t, Google

Sent. Ok, i am Qun -- my Lordi yoa have one eye left To fee fome mifchief on htm. Oh — [Dits.

Com. Left it fee more, prevent it; our, vilegelly! Wiieie is thy h&rc now ? [Treads out tbt other ^e.

Glo. All dark and oomfortlefs- where'smy fon Edmund? Edtuaidt enkindle all the Iparks of nature To quit tbis horrid ad.

Reg. CXit, treacherous TUlain [ Thou call'ft on him that hates thee: It was he That made the overture of thy treafons to us : Who u too good to pity thee.

Gle. O my follies 1 Then Et^ar was abus'd. Kind Gods, forgive Me thai, and proTper him.

R^. Go thruft nim out At th' gates, and let him linell his way to Dover.

{£*. wifh Glo'ftcr. How ts't, my Lord ? how look you ?

Cem. I have receiv'd a hurt i follow me. Lady. — — Turn out that eyelcis villain} throw thi^ (lave Upon the dunghill — ■ ■ Regan, I bleed apace. Untimely comesthis hurt. Give me your arm. [ExeiAi.

A C T IV. S C E N E I.

SCENE jfti open Country. Enter Edgar.

Edoar<

YE T better thus, and known to be contcmn'd. Than ftill contcmn'd and flatcer'd. To be werfi, (The lowcft, moft dejefted thing of fortune) Stands ftill in efperance, lives not in fear. The lameoublc change is from the bejl\

E4 The

C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

72 JSd^ Lear.

The toorfi returns to laughter. Welcome then. Thou unfubftantial ur that I embri^c! I^he wretch that thou baft blown unoj the toetfi. Owes nothing to thy blafts. .

Enter GVf&si^ led iy an old nun. But who comes here?

My father poorly led? World, world, O world! But that thy ftrange mutations make us hate thee. Life would not yidd to * age.

Old Man. O my good Lord, I have been your ceoan^ And your father's tenant, ihefe fourfcore years.

Glo, Away, get thee away : good friend, be gone t Thy comforts can do me no good at all. Thee dicy may hurt.

Old Man. You cannot fee your way.

Glc. I have no way, and therefore want no eyea : I ftumbled when I Jaw. Full oft 'tis feen, * 'Meannels^ fecures us, and our meer defefts Prove our commodities. O dear fon Edga^y The food oi thy abufed Other's wrath -, Might- 1 but live to fee thee in my touch, I'd lay I had eyes again.

Old Man. How now ? who's there ?,

£dg O Gods! who is*t can &y l*m at the worft? I'm worle than e'er I was.

Old Man. 'Tis poor mad Tlw.

Edg. And worle I may be yet : the worft is not. So long as we can &y, this is the worft.

Old Man. Fellow, where goeft? .

Glo. is it a beegar-man ?

Old Man. Madman, and beggar too.

Glo. He has fome reafon, elfehe could not beg. ]* th* laft night's florm I fuch a fellow fawj Which made me think a man, a worm. My Ion

Came

(a) Yield to fignifiti U9 mtrt lion give way to, flnk DDder, in tf- f^itm t» lb* Ittu^ujg with, bearing op l^wnA lit ia/rmititt ef eft- Warbaiun.

4 Our fflcan

c,qi,it!dt,Google

Khg Lear. 73

Qme dien into m^ mind, and yet m; mind

Was then Icarcc friends with him. ' I've heard incnrc lince.

As flics to wanton boys, arc we to th* Gods; *

They kill us for their fport.

^. Hovrlhooldthisbe? Bid is the trade muft play the fool to forrow, >'Aoguifliing*t^ lelf and others. — 'Bids thee, maf^!

GU. h that the naked fellow?

(Xd Man. Ay, my Lord.

Gle. Get thee away : if for my fake Thou wilt o'ertake us hence a mile or twain r th* way low'rd Dover^ do it for ancient knre } And bring feme covering for this naked fijul. Whom IMl intreat to lead me.

Old Man. Alack, Sir, he is mad. [blind :

Gb. *Tis the time's plague, when madmea Ictd the Do as I bid, ot ruher do thy pleafurej Above the refl, be gone.

Old Mat, Pll bring him the beft 'parrel that I have. Come oQ*t what will, {.^'^i^'

GU- * 'Sirrah, you, naked^ felk>w.

Ei^. Foot Tern's a-cold. I cannot "dally'' fijrthcr.

i4ide.

Gb. Come hither, fellow.

Ed^. And yet I muft: [4fide.

*Ble& thy fweet eyes, they bleed.

Gif. Know'ft thou the way to Dover?

E^. Both (lije and gate, horfe-way,.and foot-path: poor Tim hath been fcar'd out of his good wits. 'BleTs thee, good man, from the foul fiend. Five fiends have been in poor torn at once \ of luft, as Obidicul } Hobbi£- dem. Prince of dun^netsj Mabu, of Healing i Mobu, of murder ; FUikertigiiiei, of mopping and mowing ; who fince pt^fles chamber-maids and waiting-women.

Gb. Here take this purfe, thoij whom the heaven's Have humbled to all flrokes. That I am wretched [plagues Makes thee the happier : heavens, dealfofiitll

I !•«

5 sDgiij^it 6 Simh, wtked 7 dance it w daub it

ciq mod t, Google

74^ Xing Lear,

Let the ruperfiiiotn, and luft-dieted man.

That ' 'brtvca^ your ordinance, that will net fee

Becaufe he do's not fe^, feel your power quickly :

So diflributton fhould undo liiccefi.

And each man have enough. Do'ft thoa know, Dntri

Edg. Ay, maftcr.

Glo. There is a cliff, whole high and bending head Looks fearfully on the confined deep: Bring me but to the very brim of it. And I'll repair the mifery thou do'ft bear With fotnething rich about me : from that place I Ihall no leading need.

Edg. Give me thy arm i Poor Tern £hall lead thee. [£»««/.

^be Duke of Albany'j Palace. EnterGtmcriil and Baftard. (?•». llTElcomc, my Lord. I marvel our mild husband VV Not met us on die way.

Enter Steward. Now, Where's your mafter ?

' Sttw. Madam, within ^ but never man lb changed: I told him of the army that was landed ; ' He fmil'd at it. I told him you were coming. His anfwer was, the worfc. Of G/^^a*3 treachery And of the loyal ftrvice of his fon ■When I inform'd him, then he call'd me fot. And told me I had turn'd the wrong Ode out. What moft he IhcKiId diQike, feems plea^t to him % What like, ofienfivc.

■ GoK. Then Aall you go no further. [Ti Edmund. It is the cowifh terror of his fpirit

That

8 lltTM . . . tUt^t. Wkrh. imtMJ.

ciq mod t, Google

King Lear. 75

Tbit dares not undertake : he'll doc feel wnx^ 'Which de bim to an aofwer i > 'thit our wilhcs^

00 th* way may prove efeds, ' 'tuck,"* u mj brother, Hillcn his mufters, and coodufl his powers

1 muft change arms at home, and give the diftaff Into my husband's hands. This mifty fervant Shall pals between us: you ere long llull hear.

If jrou dare venture in your own behaif,

A miftre(s*s command. Wear thisj [Givtf Urn »

TOg.] fpare Tpeech i ,

Decline your h(»d, this kifs, if it durft fpeak. Would firetch thy fpirits up into the air: Conceive, and fare itiee well. hafi. Yours in the ranks of deatfa, GoR. My moft dear Ghfjtert [£mt bOvd.

Oh, the (Irange difierence of man, and mwi I To thee a woman's foriccs are due. My fool ufurps my body. Stnp. Madam, here coma my Lord,

EMter Albany. Con. I have been worth the whiftlc AW. Oh GmeriUt, You an not worth the daft which the rude wind

Blows in your fece. 1 fear your diQiofition.

That nature which contemns its oriaine^ Cannot be border*d certain in it feffi She that her k^ will * '(liver^ and dif branch _ From her ' 'maternal^ fap, perforce mvA wither, ' And come to deadly ule. GoH. No more, 'tis fooli/h. A&. Wifdom and goodnefs to the vile teetn vile i Tygcrs, not daughters, what have ^ou pcrform'd? A tather, and a gracious aged man. Mod barfj'rous, moft degenerate, have you madded. OmM my good brother faffcr you CO do it,

A man,

9 our wiOia i Inclc, Edmuui,

% fiii»er . . .tli tJit- IVari. imtnJ. 3 BUerial ...»U Uit. Tbn^. *m**d.

ciq mod t, Google

j6 ICmg Lear.

A man, a Prince by him To bmefited i If ihat the heav'ns do npc their vtfible fpirits Send quickly down to tame the vile offences. Humanity mult perforce prey on itfeif Like monfters of the deep.

Gen. Milk-liver'd man! That beaPft a cheek for blows, a head ibr wrong! i "Who haft not in thy brows an eye difcerning Tlitne honour, from thy luring : that not know'ft Foals do * 'thofe^ villains pity who are punilh'd Ere they have drnie their mifchief. Where's thy drum? France fpreads his banners in our noifelels Jand, With plumed helm ' 'the^ flayer b^ns his threan : Whilft thou, a moral fboJ, fit'ft ftill and cry'ft Alack! why does he fo?

jfi^. Sccihyfclf, devil: Proper deformity feems not in the fiend So horrid as in woman.

Gon. Oh vain fool I

Enter a Mefe^er. ■

Mef. Oh my good Lord, the Duke of Cnmwfl^i dead* Slain by his fervant, going to put out The other eye of Gliffier.

Alb. Glo'pr's eyes i

Mef. A fcrvant that he bred, thrill'd with remorie, Oppos'd againfl the aft j bending bis fwoftl To his great mailer : who thereat enrag'd. Flew on him i " 'they'' amongft them fcll*d him dead. But not without that harmful ftroke which fmcc Hath pluck'd him after.

AJh. This ftiews you are above. You jufticcs, that thcfe our nether crimes So fpecd ily can venge. But O poor Gki'Jler ! Loft he his other eye ?

Mf, Both, both, my Lord. This letter. Madam, craves a fpecdy aofwer : •Tis from your fiftcr. Gw.

4 tbefe 5 tli)r - < ud

ciq mod t, Google

GffM. One way I like this well i But being widow, &nd my GWfier with her. May all the building in my fancy pluck Upou my hateful life. Anottier.way The news is not To tart . I'll read, and anfwer. \Exit.

M). Where was his Ion, when tbey-did take his eyes \

Mef, Come with my Lady hither.

Aibi He's not here.

Mef. No, my good Lord, I met him back again.

J&, knows he the. wickedncli?

Mtf. Ay, my good Lord, 'twas he inform 'd agaiaft him. And quit the houfe of purpofe, that their punilhment. Mi^t have the freer courle-.

A&. Glo'Jier, I lire To thai^ thee for the lore thou fhew'dft the King, And to revenge thine eyes. C#me hither, friend. Tell me what more thou know'ft. ^Exewit.

S C E N E III.

D O V £ ^.

Enter Kent md a Gentkmm.

JCfli/.'T^HE King of France fo fuddenly gone back! -■- Know you. the reafon ?

Gent. Something he left imperfect in the fiate. Which fince his comirig forth is thought of, which . Imports the kingdom fo much fear and danger. That his return was tnoft rcquJr'd and neceflary.

Kmt. Who hath he left behind him General?

Gtnt. The Marefcha! of France, Monfieur It Far.

Kent. Did your letters pierce the Queen to any demon- ftration of ^icf ?

Gent. I, Sir, the took 'em, read 'em in my prefence. And now and then an ample tear trili'd down Her delicate cheek: it feem'd fiie was a Queen

Over

ciq mod t, Google

7$ J^ I. BAR.

Over her palCont which tnoft i<d)el-likc

Sought to be King o'er her.

Kent. O, then it tnov'd her.

Gent. But not to rage. Patience and fiuTOtt ftiDve Which Ihould nprefi her goodlieft; you have fem Sun-fhine snd rain at once. Thofe happy finiirs That playM on her lipe lip, fcctn'd not to kpow What guefts were in her eyes, which parted thaKCj As pearls from diamonds dropc — • in brief. Sorrow would be a rarhy moft belov'd. If ali could fb become it.

Kttti. Made {he no verbal ' 'tiueflk?^

Gent. Yes, once or twice ffae ncav'd the name aiihtbir Pamingly forth, as if it i»tft her heait. Cry'd, fillers! fifters! what? i'th' ftorm of night? Let Pity ne'er believe ic^ there ihe fliook -The holy water from her heavenly eyesf And then retir'd, to deal with grief alone.

Kent. The ftars above us govern our conditions : Elfeone felf-mate and mate could not beget Such difF'rent iffues. Spoke you with her fince ?

Gent. No.

Kent. Was this before the King returnM ?

Gent. No, fince.

Kent. The poor diftreffed Lear is in town, Who fbmetimes in his better tune remcnibcn What we are come aboQt, and by no tneuu Will yield to fee his daughter.

Gent. Why, good Sir?

Kent, A fov'reign {faatne fo bows him : his unkindnefi. That ftripl her from his benedi&ion, turn'd her To foreign cafualcies, gave her dear rights To his d(^-heaited daii^h^rs; ttiele things fting him So venocnoudy, thu burning fhame detains him From his Cordelia.

Gent. Aiack poor gemleman !

Kent, Of ^Ibatrfi and Cenwafft po«*rs you heud not ?

Gtm.

7 qncftipn t ,.,»Id tdit. IFmrb. tmtni.

ciq mod t, Google

i3ag Leah. y^

Getit. 'Til fiv ^Kjr arc a-foot

J£ra/. Well, Sir, Pll bring jou to oar mafter Lear^ And leave you to attend him. Some dear caule Will in concealment wrq} me up a while : When I am known -arigRt, you Ihall not grieve Lending me this aoquaintaacc. Pray, along with me. {_Bxt.

S C E N E IV. A Camp. Enter COtddio, Pbt/idan and Soldiers. C(r. A Lack, 'tis he-, why, he was met even now

■**■ Ai mad as the vext fca, Ijnging aloud, Crowtfd with rank '^fimiitory,^ and fiirrow-wecds. With • 'burdocks,'^ hemlock, nettles, cuckow-flowers, Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow In .our fuftaining corn. Send forth a ccnt'ry, Seardi eveiy acre in the high-grown field, 1 And bring him to our eye. What can mAi's wiftJom In the reftoring his bereaved fenfe? He that helps him, take all my outward worth.

Pbjf. Tlwre are means, Madam : Our tofter nurfe of nanire is rcpofe. The which he lacks-, that to provoke in hinj. Arc many fimples OTeratrve, whofe power Will ck>fe the eye of anguifli.

Cor, Ail Weft fecrets, All you unpublifti'd virtues of the earthj ' Spring with my tears j be aidant, and reitiediate In the^ood man's diftrefi! feek, fcek for him, IjA his ungovemM rage diilblve the life That wants the means to lead it.

Enter a MeJJengen

Mef. News, Madam: The Bri/ijb pow'rs are marching hitherward. .

t feoitar «r fiuuiterr, 9 hsnlodci.

ciq mod t, Google

So &ng Lbar.

Cer. 'Tis known before. Our prepaiacion lUnds In expedacion of them. O dear nthcTi It is thy buHneti that I go about :

Therefore great B'toKe ' 'my important^ tcan htth pitied. No blown ambition doth our arms indce. But love, dear lore, and our ag'd Saber's right: Soon may I hear* and fee him! {^Exeuitt. ■

SCENE V.

Regan's Palace.

Enter Rqgan and Steward. ^^."DUT are my brother's powers fet fijrth? -D Steto. Ay, Madam.

Reg. Himfeif in pcrfon there?

Stew. With much ado. Your filter is the better foldicr.

R^. Lord Edmund fpake noc with your Lady at homa?

Stew. No, Madam.

R^. What might import my Mer*a letter to him?

Stev. I know not. Lady.

R^. 'Faith, he is polled hence on ferious matter. It was great ign'rance, Glo'fter's eyes being out. To let him live ; where he arrives, he moves All hearts againft us : Edmund^ I think, is gon^ In pity of his mifery, to difpotch His (lighted life: moreover, todefcry The ftrcngth o' th' enemy.

Stew. I muft needs after him. Madam, with my letter,

Reg. Our troops fet forth to-morrow: ftay with us: The ways are dangerous.

Stew. I may not. Madam ; My Lady charg'd my duty in this bufinefs.

Reg. Why mould Ihc write to Edmund? might not you TranfpoK her purpofcs ' 'by word of mouth ?^

Somc;

I m^ monitiing and impottant 3 by word t

ciq mod t, Google

ISng L s A R. 8 1

Something — I know not what — I'll love thee much Let me iinleal the letter.

Sfew. Madam, I had rather —

JR^. I know your Lady do's not love her husband, Ftn lure of that ; and at her late being here She gave ftrange ceiliads, and moft fpeaking looks To noble Ednmiid. I know you're of her bofom.

Stem, h Madam?

R^. I (peak in underflanding : you. are } I know*C; Therefore I do advile you take this note. My Lord is dead } EJmund and I have talk'd. And more convenient is he for my hand Tbanfor your Lady's: you may gather more: ^

If you do find him, pray you, give him this ; And when your Miftrels hears thus much from yoUy I pray, defirc her call her wifdom ' 'to her,^ ' If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, Preferment falls on him that cuts him offl

Stno. W6u1d I could meec hitii» Madam, I fhould {hew What party I do follow.

Reg. Fare thee well. [Exeunt.

SCENE VL The Country near Dover.

Enter Glo'fter, and Edgar as a Peafant.

K \X7Hcn (hall I come to th' top of that fame hill? * • £Jg. You do climb up it now. Look hon

khow we labour. Glo. Methinks the ground is even. Edg. Horrible deep. I^k, do you hear the fea? G!o. ♦'No truly, not.^

Ed^. Why thenyouc other lenfo grow tmperfcA By your eyes anguifli. Vol. in. F Gh.

3 to her. So ruewell. 4 No, tral/^.

ciq mod t, Google

82 Khtg LfeAR.

Gh. S6 maj ft be indedi. Methinks thy voice is alter'd, and tVoil fpeak'ft In betlrr phrafe and matter th^ thdu didft.

£^. YdiiVe hiUcJi deceiVM : in rttrthirtg ailfi I'chafig'd But in my garmeha.

GU. Sura yoii*ft better Ib^kcn. (fiarfUl

£<^. tortie &n. Sir, tieVe^ tlie place— ftahd ftitt. How And dizzy 'tis, to caft one's eyes fo towt The croWs ind thougKs) 'tliat wing the midWayiir, Shew fcarce fo gwfs as beetles. Hilf way cto*n Hangs one Aat 'gatjiers famphire ; drfadful tralcl Methinks he fcemi no bigger than his heacl. The fifhcr-ftien ^at vpaJk upoii the beacK Appear like mice; and yon'd ta!ll andhbring bark, DiminiftM to her cock 1 tier cock, a buoy Almolt too fnial] for fiant. 't'hc mut^mUringfLirgft, That on th' yhnumbrcu idle pebbles chaTes» Cannot be heard fo high. I'll look no niore» Left fny brain turn aiKl ttic deiicient %ht Topple down headlong.

Glo. fiet mc where you ftand,

Edg. Give me yonr hsnd : yoo'rcflow wdwi -a feet OF th' extream verge: for all below the moon Would not I leap outrighit.

Gie. Let go my hand : Here, friend,*s k'fiothdr purfe, in it a Je*tl Well worth a poor man's taking. Fairies and Gods Profper it with thee! Go thou ftrthcr d^. Bid me farewel, and let me htarthee gCMl^.

£i^. -Now ftrc ye well, good Sir ! <{See)hs to go.

Gto. With all my heart.

£4r. Why *a do^'trifle'tbosTirithhlsdrfpiiIr, "Is^ done to cure it.

Glo. O you mighty Gods ! Thii world I do renounce, and in your %hn Shake patiently my -greac hffliAion off: If 1 could bear it longer, and not fall To quarrel with your great ^ppofelefs wills, *My

5 do I 6 'Tn

ciq mod t, Google

Kmg t E AK. 83

My fnuffand loathed part of luoire Ibould

Bum itfelfeut. ir M^garlive^ Obkfihim!

Now, fellow, brethMwelll iHeUt^mdf^s shf,

£^. Good Sir, farewell And yet I know not hgw conceit nay rob The tresTury of life, when life h fclf Yields to the theft. Had he been where he thoi^t; B^ this had thoya^t been paft— r-JVlive or dcadf Ifoa, you. Sir] fnondt hear you. Sir? fpeaki Thus m^it he pals indeed — yec he revives. What are you, %ir?

Gb. Away, and let me die.

E^. Hn^ft thou been qm^ but Go&'aer, feathers, air. So many fiubom down precipitating, Thou'dft fhiver'd like an eg^ : but thpLj doll br^tbe. Haft heavy fubfUnce, bleed' ft not-, fpeak, anlouiiij? T«a Ma& 1109^1 ipake not the altitwJe Which thou haft perpendicularly fall'n. '

Thy life's a miracle. Speak yet 4g»in.

Cio. BvF jiave I bU'n, or no ?

£4i. Ff9m t^ dEcad rvmmit of this clunky homp! Look up 4 hmgtit, the flyUl-goiig'd Lvk b fat CafiMathcfBm9' beu4: do but look up.

CIt. Alaclf, jh»veooeyes. Is wttidwdAc6 deprived that beoclit To end it felf by death ? 'tw^sy^ t tpo^e comfoiiC, When milery could beguile the tynw's raj^. And fhiftrate his proud will.

Etk. Give me your arm.

Ufh fiH^^faewis'f? faJwuywflflB?^ yvu ft»j»d.

fifr. Tap veU, .«x) Wl-

£J^ Tkia.k 0b9Ff 9)1 ftc9wenels. Uim ^ erpwp o* th* cliff, what fh^g was that

&$. A fWpruofqriMQa.tebfggM'.

£dl. As f A901I tt<R below, mctboMgiht bis eyci V«re two full moons ( he had a thoufand noles, Boras whelk'd ud M«r'd like dw SPO^kied fra .*

F 2 It

C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

$4 Kiitg Lear.

Ic was Ibme fiend. Thereforej thou happjr £utier. Think that the cleareft Gods, who make them honours Of nMfi's impollibilitics^ have prelerv'd thee,

Gio. I do remember now : henceforth Vlt bear AfHiAion, 'till it do cry out it fclf, Enouzbj enough:, and-dic. That thing you fpeak of, I took it for a man ; often 'twould lay . The fiend, the fiend — he led me to that place.

E^. Bear free and patient thoughts.

SCENE vn.

Enter Lear, Jrefi madfy •antbfewers.

But who comes here ?

The fafcr fenfe''wouki^ ne'er accommodate

His mafter thus.

Lear. Nqi they cannot touch me for coyoing, I am the King himfelf.

Edg. O thou fidc-piercing fight!

Ltar. Nature's above art in that refpcft. There's your prefs-mony. That fellow handles his bow like a crow- keeper: draw me a clothier's yard. Look, look, a moule! Peace, peace, this piece of^toafted cheefe riritl do't —there's my gauntlet, I'll prove it on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O, well ffown, "barb l"" i' th' clout, i' th* clout : hewgh. Give the word.

Edg. Sweet marjoram.

Lear. Pals.

Gh. 1 know that voice.

Lear. Ha! GoneriU! hah, Regan! they fiatter'd me like a dog, and told me I had white hairs in my beard, ere the black ones were there. To fay ay, ahd no, to every thing that I laid — Ay and no too, was no good di- vinity. When the rain came to. wet me once, and wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at my bidding, there I found *em, there I Imelt *em out.

Go

; will 8 bird! . . . */V. eJit. Werh. tmtmd.

ciq mod t, Google

Go to, diey are not men o' their ttords; they told mc I was every thing : 'tis a lie, I am not ague- proof.

GIo. The trick of that voice I do well remeaibcr: ia'c not the King?

Lear. Ay, every inch a King. When I do llarct fix how the iiiih]c& quakes. I pardon that m an'slife. What was thy caufe? Adidtery? thou flialt not die; die for adultery I no, the wren goes to't, and the fmall gilded flic docs letcher in my fight. Let copulation thrive : for Cio'fier't baftard- fbn was kinder to his father, than my daughters got *cwem the lawful Ihcets. To't, Luxury, pcU-mdl ; Tor I lack (bldiers. Behold yon fimpering dame, whofc face 'tween her forks prefages fnow; that minces virtue, and does Ibake the bead to hear of pleafure's name. The fitchew, nor the foylcd hoHe goes u>*t with a more rio- tous appetite : down from the wafte they are ^ntaun, though women all above ; but to the girdle do the Gods inherit, beneath is all the fiends. There's hell, there's darkncls, there is the fulphurous pit, burning, fcalding, flench, confumpdon : fie, fie, fie ; pah, pah \ give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to fwtxten my imar ginatioo ! there's mony for thee.

Glo. O, let me ki6 that hand,

Lur. Let me wipe it firft, it fmclls of mortality.

Clo. O niin'd piece of nature! this great world Shall fo wear out to nought. Doft thou know me !

Lear. 1 remember thine eyes well enough : dofl thou (quint at me? no, do thy word, blind Ci^d^ I'll not love. Read thou this challenge, mark but the penning of it. ' Glo. Were all the letters funs, I could not fee one.

E^. 1 would not uke this from report ; {Afide.

It is, and my heart breaks at it.

Liar. R^.

Glo. What, with this cafe of eyes ? I^ar. Oh ho, are you there with me ? no eyes in your head, nor mony in your purfe ? your eyes are in heavy r 3 cafe,

ciq mod t, Google

86 I^g L^AR.

c&re, your fnrfe b a lights y«t you fiit \mr diU WOrld goes.

CiE7. I fee it feelingly.

Lear. W hat, art mad ? a man may fee how thb wot4d goes with no eyes. Look with thine taH : fee how yond Juftice rails upon yond fimple thief. Hark M thine Mr i change places, and handy-dandy, which is the Jtiftioe, which is the thief? thou haft ftea a fertntt's dog bark at abe^r. Gb. Ay, Sir.

Lear. Attd the creatu^e run from fhfe cur: tbcrtihOB might'll' behold the great image of authority % a dog*i obey'd in office.

Thou rafcal bedel, hold diy bloody hand : Why doll thou la(h that whore? Itrip thy own back. Thou hotly luft'ft to ufe her in that kind, For which thou whipp'ft her. Th' ufurer hangs the oozeficr. Through jatter'd doaths frtall »iccs do appear i Robes and furi'd gowns hide all. Plate Ans with gold, And the flrong lance of juftice hurtled brteks : Arm it in rags, a pigmy's flraw dotK pierce it. None does '''ofifend,'' 1 fay none, I'll ' 'abfolre^ 'em; Take that of me, my friend, who have the pow'l* To feal th' accufer's lips. Get thee glafs eyes, And> like a fcurvy politician, jeem To fee the things thou do'ft not. fib:

Now, now, now, now. Pull offmy boots : harder, harder,

E^. O matter and impertineni^ ttiixt, Keafon in madnefi.

Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes. I know thee well enough, thy name is Glo'Jier\ Thou muft be patient ; we came crying hither : '

Thou know'ft, the firft time that we (meH thfe kir We wawle and cry. 1 will preach to thee : miafk>--* Gle. Alack, alack the day t

Lear, When we are born, we cfy that we are com* To this great fta^ of fools— This a good blDtk ! — -

It 9 o&ad, avat, i feblb

ciq mod t, Google

It were a delicate flracagcm to Ihpe

A crgop of hqrfe wi(h Fdt 1 i'il liit't in proof ^

And wnen I've ftol*n upon thefe ions-in-few,

SCENE VIII. Enter 0 GatiftiMih V>ifk ^Ondanii.

Gent. O, here he is, lay hand upon him ; Sir,

Your moft dear daughter

i>ar. No rcfcuei'^what, aprironcrf ^anlcml The naniral fool of fortune. Ufe me well, Tou ffaall have ranfom. l^et me have fur^eons, I am cut to th' brains.

Gent. You |ha!l hgve any thing. Ijar. Ho Aconds * all my feifl "Why, this would make a man, a man of £dt} To uJe his eyes for garden- water-pocs, And laying autumn's duft. I frjl) die bravely. Like a fmug bridegtoom. W^ ? I will tje joviaJ : Come, oome, I am a King, My Maften^ know yqu that? Cent. You ace a royal oos, and we ot^y yov. l^ar. Then there's life in't. Come, an you get ii^ You Qiall get it by running : ^ fa, fii, fp. [kxit.

Gent. A fight mofl: pitiKil in the nfeaneft vyretch, Faft fpeaking of in a King. Thou^aft a daugl^tcr Who redeems nature from th^ general i^urfe Which twain have brought her'tp. Edg. Hail, gentle Sir. Got. Sir, fpecd you : wha;t*s your yvill i £i^. Do you hear ought. Sir, .of a battel roward I Gent. MoA lure, and vulgtir : every one b|^U]i thal^ Which cag diftioguifb Ibund. £^. But by your favow, How fUfr's the other array?

GtfU. licar, and on fpeedyffiot: tbenwinddoy Stands on the hourly thought.

F4 ; £<^.

ciq mod t, Google

S8 iSng^ Lear.

E^. I thank y(xi» Sir.

Gent. Though that the Queen on fpecial caulc is here. Her army is mov'd on. [Exit, -

Glo. You ever gentle Gods, take my breath from me \ Let not my worfer fpirit tempt dk again To die before you plcafe I

E^. Well pray you, father.

Glo. Now, good Sir, what are yoo?

£<^. A moft poor man, made tame to formne's blows, "Who by the art of • 'knowing"' and feeling Jbrrows, Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your band, I'll ]<ad you to fome bioing.

Glo. Hearty thanks \ The bounty and the benizon of heav*n To boot.

SCENE IX.

Enter Steward.

Stew. A proclalm'd prize ! * 'this is mod happy I* That eyclefs head of thine was Hrft fram'd tlclh To raife my formnes. Old unhappy traitor. Briefly thy felf remember: the fword is out That muft deftroy thee.

Glo. Let thy friendly hand Put ftrength enough to it.

Stew. Wherefore, bold pealant, Dar'ft thou fupport a publlfli'd traitor? hence. Left that th' infeftion of his fortune take Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.

Edg. Chill not let go, Zir, without vurther 'cafion.

Stew. Let go, (lave, or thou dy'ft.

Edg. Good gentleman, go your gate, and let poor volk pafs : an 'chud ha' been zwagger'd out of my life, •(would not ha' been 20 long as 'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near th" old man : keep out, che vor'ye, or ioe try whether your coftard or my bat be the harder j chill be plain with you.

Stew.

a known 3 moA bappy I

ciq mod t, Google

Gtig ttAJL, 89

Stew. Our, dunghill !

£<^. Chill pick your teeth, Zir: come, no matter vor your ntyas. [Edgar iiiocks him doziM.

Stew. Slave, thou haft flain me: villain, nUce my puifei If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body. And give the letters which chou find'ft about me To Edmmd Earl of Glo'fter: feek h'm out ♦'On th*^ £»j^ party. Oh untimely death, — \pHt,

£%. I know thee well, a Icrviceable villain ; As duteous to the vices of thy Miftrds, As badnels would dcfire.

Gh. What, is he dead ?

Edg, Sit you down, father: re& you. Let's Tee thcfe pockets; the letters chat he fpe&ks of May be my ftricnds: hc*s dead ; I'm only forry He had no other deathTman, Let us fee — By your leave, gentle wax — and manners blame us not : To know our enemies minds we rip their hearts. Their papers are more lawful.

- Rtads the Letter. T ET our reciprocal vows be remepiired. Tou have many "*-' opportuHities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and place will be fruitfully offer' d. Th&e is nothing done if be return the conqueror, ^hen am I theprifoner, and his bed my god \ from the katbed warmth whereof delrver me, and Ji^ the pkte for your labour.

Tour (wife, fo I would fay) affeliiomte Servant^ Gonerili.

Oh ondtftif^ifh'd rpace of woman's will ! *

A plot upon her virtuous husband's life, ^

And the exchange my brother. Here, i' th' lands

Thee I'll rake up, the poft unlandiBed

OK

(a) MemiMi, ttat the varialhm in it art fi fiiJdi*, and tbtir tiiitg ami tithing fellfU) fa jaici apan lati elher, that iben is «* iifii^ai^ab/t Jpatt hipwttn tbeiH. WaxbiutOD.

4 upon (he

■ciq mod t, Google

90 King Lear,

Of murlh*rous letchers : and in mHtUFS time* With this uttgradau9 paper fbike the /igi)[ Of the dcaA'pre&ia'd Duke : for him 'tis well. That of thy death and bufincfi I qu) tfil).

Glo. The King i< mid i how ftilT is m; v(j« GfA, That I ftand up, and have ingcoioiit f«eling Of my huge ibrrowil betoa: I were diftra^t. So ilwuld my tfaougltti be fcrer'd frotn tty grief^a

[Dnm afar ^. And woes, by wrong imaginatioos, loTe The knowledge of themlelves.

Edg. Give me your hand : Far onF methinks I bear the boicen drum. Comev father, I'll bcftow you with % frieod. [£mw«/.

SCENE X.

A Cbambo'.

Enter Cordelia, Kent, and Pk^ciatt.

Cor. /^ Thou good JCwtf, how fliall I live and wort

^ To match thy gpodnefi ? life will be too Aort, And ev'ry meafure fiul me.

Kmi. To be acknowledged,* Madam, b o'erpoid; All my repons go with the modeft truths Nor more, nor dipt, but fo.

Q>r. Be better fuittd \ Thefe weeds are inentaries of thole worfer hours : I pr*ythce, put them oflF.

Hint. Pardon, dear Madam, Yet to be known (bortens my made ineenc \ My boon I make it, chat you know mc doc, *Till time and I think meet.

Gw. Then be it fo, My Lord. — How does the King? [fo tbe^Jr^fician.

Phif. Madam, Oceps (tilt.

Cor.

ciq mod t, Google

Khg Leak. 91

Or. O you kind Gods! Cure this great bnoch in his abded oanoe, TV unnut'd ind jami^ fenfa O wind up Of this chi)d-ch«i^ teherl

Pirgf. Pleafe jraur MiyAy, That we may wake the Kii^? be kath flepc long,

Cor. Be govertiM by your knowledge, and proceed I* th' fway of your own wiil : is he array'd ?

Enter Lear m a elmr, carried hy SerooMtt,

?bff. Ay, Madam j in the Itetvinela of Occp, Wc put fnSh garments on iikn. Be by, gpod Madam, u4ien we do aw^ firm } I doabc no( of his tempcnmce.

Cvr. O my dear &ner! Reftmration hane I 'Her^ oudidiie on my lipa, and ]et this k» Repair thofe violent harms, that my two liftcn Have in thy ievel%nce made!

Kent. Kind and dear Princefi!

Car. Hid you not bean their father, tbHe white fiakcs I^ challenge pity of chem. Was this 'fecc To be expos'd againft the warring winds? Mint enemy's dog, though he bui bit me, fhoaM Have ftopd chat night againft my fire; and waft Thou fain, poor fitther, to horel thee with fwine And rogues finkm, in fhort and mtifty draw? •'Alack,^ *tis wtmdcr thai thy iife and wits, At once, had not conduded sXi. He wakes. Speak to him.

Pbff. Madam, ' 'do you fpeafc,^ 'tis fitleft.

Cor. Howdoesmy royaiLofd? how ftres yoor M^efty ?

Lear. You do me wrong to uke me oat o* th' grave i Thou art a Ibut in Uift, but I \m bound Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own teare Do fcakl like molten lead.

Cor. Sir, do you know me?

Ltar. You are a Ipitit I know, when did you die ?

Cor. ; Thj 6-AlKl^ali^! 7dDrou,

ciq mod t, Google

92 I^ Lear.

Cor. Stiil, ftill, far wide

Pbyf. He's fcarce'avake, let him alone a while.

Lear. Where have I been ? where am I ? fair day-iight ? I'm * 'much^ abus'd ; 1 Ihouid ev*ii die with pity To fee another thus. I know not * 'what i*- I will not fwear thefe aremy hands: Jet's fee, I feel this pill prick : would I were allur'd - Of my outdition.

Cor. O look ■ 'on^ me, Sir, And hold your hand in benedidion o'er me. No, Sir, you muft not kneel;

Lear. Fray, do not mock me-, I am a very tbolifli fond old man. Fourfcore and upward, and to deal * 'plainly with you,^ 1 fear I am not in my perfect mind. Methinks I ihould know you, and know this man. Yet I am doubtful: for I'm mainly ignorant What place this is, and all the skill I have Remembers not thefe garments ; nay, I know not Where I dkl lodge laft night. Do not laugh at me, For, as I am a man, I think this Lady To be my child Cordelia.

Cor. And fo 1 ami I am — ^ • fnot.

Lear. Be your tears wet ? yes, 'faith 1 1 pray you, weep If you have poifon for me, I will drink it % I know you do not love me-, for your fifters Have, as I do remember, done me wrong. You have fome caufe, they have ' 'none.^

Cor. No caule, no caufe.

Lear. Am I in France?

KtHt. In your own kingdom. Sir.

Lear. Do not abufe me.

Pbyf. Be comforted, good Madam ; the great lage You fee is ♦ 'cur'd !^ defire him to go in. And trouble him no more 'till further fetding.

Car. Will't picafe your Highncis walk f

Liar.

8 mi^htiljr 9 whit to fij i i upon

a plamlfi 3 not. 4 cur'd tn lum :

ciq mod t, Google

Kkg Lear. 93

Lear. You muft bear with tne i Pray you now, forget and forgive, I am old and foolifh. . [Exapit.

ACTV. SCENE L

SCENE ^ Camp.

Enter Baftard, Regan, Gttttlemeat ami Stivers.

Bastard.

KNow of the Dgke if his laft put^fe hold. Or whether fince he is advi^d by ought To change the courfe ? he's fiill of alteration} And felf-reproving : bring his conflant pleafure.

Jie^. Our riser's man is certainly milcarry'd.

B^. 'Tis to be doubted. Madam.

Seg. Now, fweetLord, You know the goodnels I intend upon you: Tell me but truly, but then fpeak the truth. Do you not lore my fitter ?

Bafi. In honoured Ibve.

R^. But have yon never found my brother's way To the fore-fended place ?

Bafi. No, by mine honour.

Reg. I never fliall endure hers dear my Lord, Be not familiar with her.

jBi0. Fear not ; Ihe and the Duke her husband —

Efitir Albany, GonerUl, aad Soldiers. A^. Our very loving fifter, well be met : Sir, this I heard, the King is come to his daughter With ochers, whom the rigour of our ftate Forc*d to cry out. Where I could not be honelt I never yet was valiant : for this buflnefs.

ciq mod t, Google

94 i(!»g; Lear.

It loucheth us as France invades our land,

Not holds ' 'to th"' King, with others, whom I fear

Moft ji^ and heavy caufts make opp^.

Reg. Why is this reafon'd ?

Gtm. Combme together *gainft the enemy; For thefc domeftick and particular broils Are not the queftion here.

y&. Lrfs then determine with * 'th* Andcnt^ of war On our proceeding.

Reg. Sifter, you'll go with as ?

Gm. No.

Reg. It is moll convenient, pray go widi us.

Coa. Oh Iks I know t^ridOl^ i will go. [/^.J lExetat. SCENE n.

Afiwrt Albany. Xttier Edg^ di^i/J.

Edg. If e'er yoor Gnce had Q)eecb with nun fp poor*

Hear me one word.

Alb. ril overtake you ; — — Ipieak.

£c^. Before you %ht the boitel, ope tlus Icuer. If you have vidk'ry, ^ the trumpet lound For him that brought it: wreuhed thou^ J fectn, I can produce a champion, that will prove What is avouched cherc. If you milcarry. Your bufmefs of the world hath b an endi And machination ccafes. Fortune Jove youj

Jib. Stay 'tai I've read the Ictner.

Edg. I was forbid It. When time fhail jerve. Jet but the herald ay. And I'll appear again. [E*:*'.

Jib. VtUy, fare Aee m^i I wffl o'erisdk *Jiy paper.

Eaier Baftard. J3i^. The eoemy^ in view, dnw mp jrour ^oweo. Hard istbc^dBofdieirfiveftrength atri;£v(X^ By diligent difcowry^ bat your iv&e

5 tht 6 th* Andeu

ciq mod t, Google

iSt^ Lear. 95

b now urcM 6n you. ^. We will greet the time. {£m/.

SCENE m.

J^ff. To both there fifters have 1 fwora my low: Esch icAlous of the other, as the ftung Arc of the adder. Which of them flull 1 take ? Balk? WW? oriiMCherf nctther can be enjoj^], If both remain ative: to take the widow, Exalperatcs, makes mad her lifter C0«mj7, And hard); Ihall I carry out my fide, Ibr husband being alive. Now then, we'll u(t: His councenance rar the battel ; which being done. La her who would be rid of him devife His fpeedy taking ^M. As for the mercy Which ^ intends to htar *nd tsiOrrdem, The bderf ^nfr, ttid iffcy within our pontr, ''They ihail ne'er'' fee his pardon: formyftate Standi on me to defend, not to<AAnte. [^^

SCENE IV.

A !PUli.

^anm vSAAi. Eififr wixb drtm ati^ coloiO's, Lear, Cor- delia, mi SoUiert aver thejlage^ md ixeu»t.

JiiMr Edgar wn/Gb'fler. E^. UEre^Htther, take the Shadow of diis tree [thrive : -t* Ftfr^our good hoft; pray that the right may If ever I return to you again, Fil bring yoa comfort. Gl». Onccbe with yoa. Sir! VExlt Edgar.

[j^arum amimreat wiibin.

■XtHMttr Edg^r. ^^. <A'Vay,'Ok] man, give tne thy hand, away; 7 Shall amr King

ciq mod t, Google

. g6 King Lear.

King Lear hath loft, he and his daughter ta'en. Give me thy hand. Come on.

Gh. No further. Sir j a. man may rot even here.

EJg. What, in ill thoughts again? men maft endure Their going hence, ev'n as their coming hither: Ripen(£ is all ; come on.

Gh. And that's true too. [Exeunt. '

S C E N E V. A Camp,

£n;frBaflardi Lear on/ Cordelia AT pr^/if»rji SelMers^

Baft.QOmz officers take them away \ good guard, ^ Until their greater pleafures firft be laown That arc to cenfure them.

Or. We're not the firft. Who with beft meaning have incurr'd the worft : For thee, opprel^King, lamcaftdown. My feif could clfc out-frown filfe fortune's frown. Shall we not fee thefe daughters and thefefiftcrs?

Lear. No, no, no, noi come, let's away to pri&Mi; We two alone wilt fmg like birds i^ th'cag^: When thou doft ask me bldHng, I'll kneel down And ask of thee forgivenels: fo we'll live. And pray, and fing, and tell old tales, and laugh At gilded butterSics ; and hear poor rMjUCS Talk of Court-news, and we'll talk wim them wo, Wholofes, and who wins; who's in, who's out; And take upon's the myftery of things. As if we were God's (pies. And we'll wear out. In a wall'd prifon, packs and feds qf great ones That ebb and flow by th* moon.

Baft. Take them away,

Lear, Upon fuch facrifices, my Cordelia^ The Gods uiemfclves throw incenle. it^ave I cai^ht thee ?

He

ciq mod t, Google

JSfl^ t£AR. 97

Ht diat parts us fliall bring a brand from bieav'n. And fire us hence like foxes i wipe thine eye. The goujeres Ihall devour them Helh and fell, . Ere they flull make m weep j we'll fee 'em ftarv'd firft. Come. [£ir.Lear W Cordelia, ;iMri«/.

Bafi. * 'Come thou hither,^ captain, hark. il^bi^era%. Take thou this note, go follow them to priloD. One Hep I have advanc'd thee, if thou doft As this inftni&s thee, thou doft make thy way To noble fortunes : know thou this, that men Are as the time is > to be tender-minded Do^s not become a fwordi ' 'my '^ great imploymcnt Will not bear queftion ; either ^y tbou*lt cfo*C, Or ^hve by other nieaia.

Cop. I'll do*t, my Lord.

S^. About it, and write happy, when thou*ft done. Mark, 1 lay inftaiitly, and carry it lb As I have fet it down. {ExU CaftaiM.

SCENE VI.

T«bim^ £tf<r Albany, Gonerill, Regan, and Soldiers.

JW. Sir, rou have Ihew'd to-day yeur valiant fttain. And ibrtune led you well : you have the capuva Who were the i^fjolites of this day*i ftrife: I do reomte diem of you, fa to ufe them, Aj we fltall find their merits and our May hby cquaflv determine.

S^, I thoi^t fit To ftnd die oU and nuferable King To fixne retention and appointed guard ; '^^ofi age has charms in it, whofe tide more. To iduck the common boTomsin his fide. Ana turn our impreft launces in our eyes Which do comnund them. With him I fent the Qoeen, My reaibn all the famet ahd they are ready

Vol. III. G To-monow.

2 ComelutW,

9 th/ ... iUtdit. Jini, tmnd.

ciq mod t, Google

To-morrowi or at further faice, t' appear * 'Where'we fhall hold our^ fcfliofu

. ^Ib. Sir, by your patiep.??, I h<rfd you bbt. 9 fubjfiS of thij war, " . '

JJot as a brother. ■ . . ; ;

Re^. Th^t'aa? we Jill (ogr^cehim. Mcthinks our pleafy're migbt liave Ijecfl dfrnaijcJeJ Ere you had fpokc fo far. " fje led our po^j'w^ Botc the comfniffion of my pl^ce and perlbn^ ' ' The which immediate nia'y weU ftahd up,. . And call ii fclf your brother.. " ". . '

Gen. Not fo hot: .' ■ . ' In his Own grace he doth exalt himfcl^ More than in your advancemeot.

' Reg. In my right, ■ '

By pK kwcft^d, be conipeers the beft. ' *

'Jib. That were the nioft, if he Ihou|d hpsb^i»djjc(& ;

Rfg,. Jeftefs do oft prove prophets. ■

Gm: Hoth, holJal That eye tl\ati told ypu Jb, Jook*d but arfquinj|,

Reg. Lady, I am 'not *e]], elfcl Ihduld a'nfwor From a foil flowing ftomach. . General, .. .^ .- Take thou my foldiers, prilbners, patrimony, ,' Difpofeof them, Of me. *'they air areihiheV; Witneft the world that I create thee hcr« . ■ " My Lord and mafter. ■■■■■'■■ '"■' '■ _

Con. Mean you to enjoy; Inm? ' ," ' .^'''' Jli. The leit alone lyes' not in your goqn ^IK Baft. Nor in thine. Lord. '' ' '

M. Half-blooded fel^w,. yes. ■ -^"["' ' ' /

Reg. Let the firum ftrike, and proTc tiiy tiiie thftife. , '■ •• - ^'/kfialT. ■ fp>fj' ifir to go 0*/. Ab. ''Stay: hear my reafon:^'£/jJw»i/,'l'arrcft tht^ ■ On capital treafon, a^d i^ thyarrpftj^ ■ '. " ;

■Thii giWcd fcrpcnt : for ycHfr.cIaim, '&ir lyter; .

I'bar

' t Where jon Qial] hold yaat ' z tbe wait* 3 Sny ycti hcarreafbt).:

ciq mod t, Google

I \^ it in the intercft of my wife ; *Xis Hie is fub-contraAed to this Lord, And I her husband contradift your banes. . If you will marry, make your loves to me. My Lady is befpokc.

Gm. An entcrludc!

Ai&. Thou arc arm*d, Gio'fier, !at the trumpet found: If none appear to prove upon thy perfbn Thy beinouv manifeft, aijd many treafons, There^ is niy pledge: 1*11 prove K. on thy heart. Ere I tafte bread, thou art in nothing Icn Than I have hcreproclaim'd thee.

lUg. Sick, O fick

GoK. If DOC, I'll ne*er tnift poifen. \4fi^'

Bafi. There's my exctangf: i what in the world he h ,XhiiX Ojuncs rac traitor,' villain-like he lies j Calj-by the trumpet; he that dares approach. On him, on you, {'•'whom'' not?) I will maintain My truth and honour iirmly. *

. ^b. A herald, ho! Truft to thy fmgle virtues i for thy fo]diers» All levied in my name, have in my name Took t^irdifcharge.

Rtg. My ffcknels grows upon me.

jflk. She ij not well, convey her to my tent.

. ■ {.Exit Reg.

SCENE VII,

Enter a Herald, Come ludier, liuald, lec the trumpet found. And read' oat this. , {A trumpet founds.

Herald reads.

IF atn man o^^gtai^y or ^ree within tbt ^s of the army* wiU maintafit i^mi £dmund fvppofed Evrt cf Glo'fter, U>at bf i$ a mtafold, traitor, let him tg^er ^ the third JbiMd of the trumpet : be is hold in hi: defeace. i trutt^t. G 1 Her,

4 who

ciq mod t, Google

:koo King Lear.

/ftr. Again. . 2 trau^*

Her. Again, 3 truv^t-

Eater Edgar armed.

4&, Adc htm his purpoTes, why be appean Upon this call o'th' crumpet.

Her. What are you? Your name, your quality, and why you anfwer This prefcnt fummons ? .

E^. Know, my name is loll. By creafon's tooth bare>gnawhand cankcrrbit} Yet y am noble as the advtrfary 1 come to copd.

^!h. Which is that adverfaryi;

Edg. What's he that rpeaks for £d!wa»/Earl of G&^n*?

Bafi, Hipifelf i what fay'ft thou to him?

Edg. Draw rhy fword, That if my fpeech offend a noble heart. Thy ann may do thee juilicc j here is mine; , pehold, it is the privilege of mine honours. My oath, and my profedion. I proteft, Maugre thy ftrengih, place, youth, and eminence, Spightof my viftor-fword, and fire-new fortune. Thy valour, and thy heart, thou art a traitor } Falfc to thy Gods, thy brother, and thy father, Confpirant 'gainft tliis hJghMlluflrious Prince. And from th' excreameft upward of thy head, To the defcent and dull below thy foot. A moft toad-fpotted traitor. Say thou no^ This fword, this arm, and my bell ^irits are bent To prove upon thy heart, whereto I Ibeak, Thou Heft.

Soft, in wifdom I fhould ask thy namci But lince thy but-fide looks fo fair and warHke, And that thy tongue Ibme 'fay ■ of breeding breathes, "What fafe and nicely I mi^ht well delay

By

(a) 'Siy/Br £%-, Jimefitvi ar fniaii/ity.

ciq mod t, Google

Jfiwg tEARj lot

fiy rule of Kntght-hood, I difdain and fpuro .' Back do I tofs tbde treasons to thy hiead, With the lieJI-hated lie o'cr-whclm thy heart, '

* 'To which (for they yet glance by, fcarcely brulfing)^ This fvord of mine inall give them inftant way. Where they (hall reft for ever. Trumpets fp<ak.

IJlanm. fight. Baftwd/«&.

•'ffwi. Save hitn» O fave him i this is prafticc, Glo*fteri^ By th' law of war, thou waH; not bound to anfwer Ail unknown oppolite ; thou ar( not vanquilh'd, But coten'd and b^;uird.

j&. Shut your mouth, damr^ Or with thb paper fbali I Hop it) • . Thou worft uian any thing, read tlitne own evil 1 No tearing, l^y, I perceive you know ic

Cm, Sij if I do, tne laws are mine^ not thine j Who can arraign mc for*t?

jSi. Moafter, know'ftthou This paper?

dm. Ask me not what "> 'I do know.^ \SMt Coil*

jllb. Go after her, ike's defperate, govern her.

s c E N fi vni.

Bcfi, What you have charg*d mc with) that t have done* And more, much more ; the time will bring it out* *Tis paft', and fb am I: but what art tbou That haA this fortune on mc f If thou *rc noble, I do fi»sive thee.

£4r* »^i exdunge our charity.! I am no le& in blood than thou art, Edmund% If more, the more thou'ft wrong^d me. My name is Edgar^ and thy father's fon. The Gods are jult, and of our plcafant vices Make inftniments to "plague and punifli us:** The dark and vicious place* where thee be ^Cf

G 3 Coft

f Vkiclk (&r tlW7 ytx glance by, tifal Ictrcdy WuireJ

* J&. Save hint. £ivfcliimt

Gvi. Th» it pnaict, GUfitrt . . . »U*ih. nwl. im»d. 7 1 fcnow ■■- I plague iw

ciq mod t, Google

102 Kmg Lears

Coft him his eyes.

Soft. Thou'ft rpokcn. rights *tji ttvct The wheel is come fall circle, I am here.

ji&. Methooght thy vetygarc did propheTie fJiEdgah A royal noblendsj I muft embrace thee : Ijct forrow fplit my heart, if ever 1 Did hate thee or ihy father.

E^. Worthy Prince, • 'I know it wtli.^

^li. Where have you hid your felf ? How have you known the miferies of your fethcr ?

E^. By nurfing them, my Lord. Lift ibrjef talc. And when 'tis told, O that my heart tfOuM boril ! The bloody proclamation to ejcape That foUowM me fo near, (O our lives iv«*tncfi f That we the pain of death woatd hduijy bett: Rather than die at once) taught me to Ihift Into a mad-man's rags, t' la&me a fembiance The very dogs difdain'd : and in this habit Met I my father with his bleeding Hi^ *

Their precious gemt new loft i becaOK his gMii^ Led him, bcg'd for him, iav'd him from dcfpair. Never (O faultj rcveal'd. my fcif unto him, tlmil fome half hotir paft, when i was armM, Not fare though hopii^ c^ this good faoeefi, I ask'd his blelfing, and from firft to laft Told him my pilgrimage. Bit his flawM hoart^ Alack, coo w^ the condi& to fupport^ Twixt too extreams of poflkia, joy and grief^ &ir{t fmilingly.

S^. This fpeech of y«jrj hath mov'd m^. And Ihall perchance do good; tHit fpeak you on^ You look as you had fometlnng more to fiy.

^&. If there be mor^, more woful, hwlitini For I am almoll ready ta diiibfve. Hearing of this. 9 I IcdoWl

SCENE

C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

iSftr^ Li At: 103

S. C E N E "IX.

Eni^ a Gentkmtm.

Gfiit. ffetp, hdpt

E^. What kind of help?

^fii. Speak, n»n. ...

E^. What means this bioody-knife?

Gm. *Tis hot, it finoaks, it casK even fixKB dkbfieart Of OlflK'addid.

j£t. Who's dead? ^^cak^ man.

GcMi. Tour Lady, Siti yoorL^jt wa& her filler By her is faafbn*d 1 fbe cbnfefies h.

B^. I was cdritraded to them both; aU three . Now marry in an inftaiit.

£^. Here comes Sent,.

Em& Sent.

J0I. FrodoGJ die bodkb, bvxh^ tifebrdt^d^

[QttieHli mi Kiag/M't Mies broi^ht nU. llHSJudgtdeacof ttifc hakv*iiB,' that imkesoji tren^ie. Touches as notwnhpitr.M'^O! isthiaije? The ciise will hot Mow- die>cDb)fAiifunc ; IT^ Kent Which very tnaAnerBm^.

Xotf. ' 'Sir, I am^ come To bid my King and Miflar iyegtxid night; Is he no(ncre?

jili. Oeatthi^ of OS forgot i Speak, Edmund, Where's the King? vniv^^^iCordeHaf See'fi thou this objcfb, Ktnt ? '[Poimi»i it the deM^dies.

K£Hi. Alack, why thus?

Bafi. Yet Edmund was beksv^di Tht one thcDthcr lAifim'd for my &ke. And after Bew her JeiC

Ali. Even lb « cover their fepes.

.5410. I potior life; ibme good I mean eodoi DdpiehtvCaaiocomiiittare. Quickly fend

G4 (Be

It, Google

I04 f^ Leak..

(Be brief) into the caftle i For my writ Is on the life of Lear ^ 'and'' CordtUa : Jlivf-, fend in time.

jl^. Run, run, » 'O nin, make hafte/

E^. To whom, my Lord? who has the office? iend Thy token of reprieve.

B^. WeU thought on, take 107 fword. Give it the captain -— -

Bdg. Hafte thee for thy life; [£«/ Miffa^er.

B^. He hath commiflion from thy wife and me To hang Cordelia in the prifon, and To lay the blame upon her own defpair. '

j£b. The Gods defcod her ! bnu* him hence a while.

f Battard is ban ef.

S C EN E - X.

Enter L.ear witb Cordelia dead in bis arms.

Lear. Howl, howl, bowl, howl, — O you are men of ' Had I your tongues and eyes, I'd u(e them fo, [ftone. That heaven's vault fhould crack ; Ihe*s gone for ever ! I know when one is deadj and when one lives} She's dead as earth ! lend me a lookii%-gla6. If that her breath will mill or fiatn the ftcMie, Why then fhe lives.

Ktnt. Is this the promi^d end ?

Lear. This feather ftirs, fhe lives; if it be To, It u a chance which do's redeem all fiutows That ever I have felt.

.Kmf. O my good mailer t [Katili)^.

Lear. Pr'ythee, away— —

E^. *Tis noble Keta ybar friend.

Lear. Aplagoeupon yoa,'murth*Fers traitors alt! ' . I might have favM her ; now (he's gone for cverl Cvdk^ Civ-f^jVa, Ihy a litde. Hat — What is*c thou fay's i her vmce was ever fiift. Gentle and low, an excellent tfaiog in woman.

I kill*d

3 and oa 3 O mo, —

C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

King Lbar. 105

I ktll'd the flaTC that was a hanging thee. Gtnt. *Ti» true, roy Lordj, he did. . Lar. Did I nor, fellow i Pve feen the day, with mv good biting faulchioa I would have nude tliem skip : X am oU qgw. And thefe lame croJ^ fpoil roe. Who are you ? Mine eyes are none o* th* beft. I'll tell you flraic

Kent. If fortune brag of two jhe lov'd and hated. One of then) we behold. Lear. Ak yoa not Kent f . Kent. Theumei yourftnrant £fli/} Where is your fcrVantCww/ •

Lear. *"T«xi' a good fellov, I can tell you tiia^ "He*d^ ftrike, and quickly too : b^s dead mi ntten* Keia. No, my good Lord, I am the vety tmn,—— ^ Lfor. I'll lee that ftrait.

Kent. That from your fiift of diflereoce and decay. Have folIow*d your fad ftqM. Lear. You're welcome hither. [deadly:

Kent. *Twas no man elfe: all's cheerlefi, dark, ar'.-i Your eldeft dau^tera have fbrc-done themictve^ And dcfp'ralely arc dead.. Lear. Ay, fo I think.

^. He knows not what he lays, and vain i) it That we jfftfent us to him. E^. Veryboodefi.

Mt^er a Meffei^er. Mef. Edmund is dead, my Lord. Ja. That's but a oifle. You Lords and noble friends, know our intenti What comfort to this great decay may come. Shall be af^Iy*d. For us we will reftgn. During the life of this old Majefty, To him our abfolutc power: to you, your rights,

[^tf Edg. I With boot, and fuch addition as your honours ' Hart

4 He't . . . Mtiii, ^hfh. twumd.

s ticni . . . t/d idit. Titti. imtiid.

ciq mod t, Google

i66 *ir*^ LeAr;

Have more than merited. All friends Ihall tafte ■

The wages of their virtue, and aH fo& The cup of their ' 'defcrvingl.

Ltar. O fee, fee — And my poot fool'' is hahg'd : n6, nii, no Kfc ? Why Ihould a dog, a horfe, * rit havt lift. And thou no bfelth at alt ? fhou'It cptnie no mQre, Never, DCveTj never-, never, nevtei-,-^ — '

Pray, you, undo this button. Thank you. Sir; Do you fee this? look on ha-, look tta her lips. Look there, look tfiirt— ^ \th Sits,

Edg. He faints j my'I/ird !^—

Kent. Break, heirt, I "pr^ythee, break.

•F(^. Lodkijp, tHyLdrd.' [him.

Tent.- Vex not hisgholt : oh, kt hiin pafs* He hates That would upon the rack of this rough world Stretch him oik liJnger.

Edg. He is gone indeed.

Kent. The wonder is, hehath eftdor'd folong: He but ufurpE his life.

Jib. Bear them from hence, our prefcnt bufinds ■ Is general woe; friends of my.foii?, you twain. Rule in this realm, and the gor'd flate fuftain.

Kettt. I have a jouniey. Sir, ftiorily togoi My mafter calls me, I muft nor fay no.

jilb. The wei§j|it of this fad time we muft obey* Speak what we tee!, not what we ought to lay. The oldeft hath born moft j we that arc ycwng ' Shall never fee fo much, ^'Jive e'er'' fo long,

^Exeunt mtb a SeOdOarti,

6 defcTvingf : O fee, fee'--' ■ Lear. Audmy pocrfool, £?e.

7 ooi live

ES4I3 ° ' THE

c,qt,i.dt,Google

i^^gss^^s^Bm^^Bmim

LIFE tfK^DEATH

KING y 0 HN.

ciqiiiodt, Google

DRAMATIS PERSONM

KING John.

Prince Hcnry» Son ta the King.

Archur, Dwa of "Bmi^at^ a^ Nephew ta the Kit^.

Bigot, )

Hubert, an Englilfa Gentlemm.

Philip Faulconl^tdge, Ba/lard-SoH to Richard tbe Firfii afi- terwsrdi hngbttd iy the name ef Sir Richard Plantagenec Robert Faulcoilbridge, f^^s'd Brother to the B^trd. Jatnes Gurney, Servant to tbi Ladf Faulconbridge. Peter ef Pomfirct, a Prophet. .

Philip, fi^e^ France.

Lewis, /^f Dauphin.

jtrcb-Duke ef Auftria."

Pandulpho, the Pope's Legate.

Meliin, a French Lord.

ChacilioD, Amhtjada-frem France /o Kt^John.

Elinu-, ^en-Mother ^England.

Conftance, Mother to Arthur.

Blanch, Dai^bter to Alphenlb lOng ef Caftile, ondNtiet

to King John. L^df Faulconbridge, Mother to the B^ard and Robert

Faulconbridge.

Ctiztns of Angien, Heralds, Executioners, Mtja^trs, SoldierSt and other jlttendants.

7^ SCEi^E fometlmes in England, andfometimes in France.

THE

ciq mod t, Google

•The L r F E and Death rf

KING JOHN.

A C* T I. S C E N E L

rbe Court of ENGLAND.

E^er lOng John, ^een Elinor, Pembroke, Et&x, and Salisbury, with Chatilton.

Kii^ John. i O W &f, ChatiUent what would France with mi 9 Chat. Thus, after greeting, Ipeaks the King R of France^

R In my behaviour, to the Majefty — The borrow'd Majefty of Ewiand here.

EU, A flnuige beginning} borrow'd Majefty! K. John. Silence, good mother, hear the embaflle. Chat. Pbiiip of Frmctt i" tight and true behalf Of tby deceafed brother Geffrefs Son, jhUmr Planlagenelj lay* lawful claim To this f^ir I^nd, and the territories : To IreUmdt FoiSiert^ Jnjeu, 'founutu^ Maitu: Dc£ring thee to lay allde the fword

Which

(a) Thf troQble(bine reign of £. Joha was lurititn iw tvMfarti ij W. Sh^kripear ««rf W. Rowlej, anJ prhttd ibjy. Bm$ tb*jrt/**t fl^ it tmtirtl/ JiffiriMl, akd itifinitify Jaftriar It it. fagt.

ciq mod t, Google

lio-" ' iSfog John.. :

Which fways ufurppgly ihefe fewrai titles, .~

Ancl put the fame into young yirtbur's hand.

Thy nephew, and right royal Sovereign* , \

^.Jibn. What follows, if we diiajfow of this? '

Qbdl, The proud controul of fierce aod bloody wa^, T'Thforce thefe rights fo forcibly with-held. ,i

K. Jo&n. Here have we war for war, and blood for blood, Con^ulipent fpr <»i|ftjou|aiciit ; .|b,an|ffer FraH^.^,

Chat. Then take my King's defiance from my mouth, The far(heft linvt^of nij embalja^ ., ^ ■ X. Jokti Bear mine «o him, JWtJ fo drj»rt in!pcace>-j Be thou as lightning in t1ie eyes olFrancef Ferere- thou eanft-'i^poct, I will he- there, . The thunder of my cannon fliall be heard. So, h^nce I . bq thou the. trumpet oh our -^ath, a Andfullen prcfiige of your own decay. An honouralplc-cwidBft k* him. hayp, . ' ■ Pembroke^ look td'ti farewcl, Cbatilien.'

"Mli. What now, my-fo;], hay^el not ever &ia How that ambitious Conftance would not'ccafc 'Till fhe had Jcindled^^uv;f{3nd,al| the world. Upon the right and party of her fon? _ ' - . »

This might have been prevented, " v>d qj^e irfiole "^ "With vei-y cafic arguments of teve J ■ ■' . -,,* • Which now the ipanage of two ktffgdoms ipuil. With fearful blood^fllUc arbjt^att;;. '

K:'yo^u, Our i[ti:drig^p6flUrion'i!nd ourright for us^.

Eli, Your ftnjfig poflcflibn muth' more th^n your'riehr. Or elff it. muft go wrong with you aqd me ; So much mycohfcientp whifpefs in your, ear. Which none but heav*ii, ^nd yoij, and llhall hear.

JEfex. My Liege/here is the ftrang^ cqntrQvcrfie- Come from.tlje cqi/ritry to be judg'd by ypu ThiUie'er Ihcrfrd^'fhaM I producc.the jnen?- - K.^ohn. Let then) approach. 'Oiir 'AJj^es an^d our Priones Ihall pay ■tthtt ewwiticfl'SiCharge — Whatincn are youi ■?-/ ■■ ... ■ ' SCENE

ciq mod t, Google

Kmg Jqhjj. Ill

SCENE" ,n: ,:

Efiter Robert Faiifconbridgc aaJ ibe IlaflaAJ. ' =- ■ '

B^ft. Your faithful rubjeft, I, a oentledua. .. . '.i. Bom inNartbamptonfinre, and.eldeltlpn,. - As I iuppoie, to Esbert Faiilcathrijge^ A foldicr, , hy the honourrgiving h^ ' Of Caur-dtr-Uon koighced in the fvda.

K.jfobn. What wt thou?

.^. The &n vid heir to th^t lafne Faui(sttiriJ[eM

K. T^^v- I^ t^ ^^^ ^^i** ^d 9^1 thou the iicir J Tou came not of one iii(;);her then !( feomsf

Bt^. Moft certain of one motheri ntuhty Kjng, That b well known, aad as I think oneTiKaci': Bat for the cpnain kpo^rJe^gp of -that (ruti^ . .

1 put you o'er to he^v'n ana to my mother \ Of that I doubt, as all men's children way.

Eli. Out oii the«, rude man, thoi^dofl iham^ thy i^odiqr. And wouod her honour widi this diSidence.

Ba^. I, M^mP ncs I have no reafqii ^ it j That U my brother's plea, and no^ of n^, . ,-.

The which if he c^ prove, he pops n^, ouf.., . ;

Ac Icaft from ^ five hundred pquod a ya^ ; . . . \ Heav*n guard my mother's honour and n^ lan^ I

K.j^M. A gopd blunt fellow: vh)',,b^[)gy0UBger lyjff. Doth he lay tjaim to thine inberitai)ce ? - . : \,

Ba/i. I knov nqc why^ except to get the Ivijd ) ;- But once he Hand^'d me with ba^rdy : But whether I be true bfgnt or no, : ;, . , ' . That ilUl I Jfy ujjpn my tnother's.I^ y . .■

But that I am as w^ bc^ot. fof X-jfigC* :■'.',

(Fair fall the bof>e^ thf i; tooic the ^\^ %-nii^J) ,^ ■ Compare our %^M, ^pd be jvdSP J(WF felf. ■' -•

If old Sir Rei>er{.tiii^ hegct i^s bot^ And were our f^[\cr, -ftn4 tb^ foij Jifet fcUa I O old Sir Rabp:tf faiii^, oa qi^y^kn^

2 give heav'D fhuiks 1 was not like to thee.

- K,7*i*.

ciq mod t, Google

ii2 Km^ John.

K. jM^ Why, vhat a mad-cap hath heav'n lent u3 here ?

MS. He huh a trick of Ceur-de-Hmfs face, Tbe-aocentoF bis tongue aScdetb him : Do you not read Ibme tokens of my fon Id the lai^ comportdon of this man ?

Yi.JobH. Mine eye hath well examined his parti. And Bnds them ^pcneSt Richard : firrah, fpeak. What doth move jrou to claim your brother's land.^

Bi^. Becaufe he hath a half-face, like my ^ther, Wirfi ■ 'that half-fece*- would he have all my land? A haif-fac'd groat, five hundred pound a year?

Rob. My gracious U^e, when thaimy father liv*d. Your brother did iraploy my fethcr much ■

jB^. Well, Sir, by uiis^ou cannot get my land. Your tale muft be how he imploy*d my mother.

Rok. Atid once difpatch'd him in an emboflk To Germany ; there with the Emperor To treat of high aHairs touching that time: Til' advantage of his abfence took the King, And in the mean time fojoum*d at my fethcr^j Wber^ how he did prevail, I ftame to fpeak : But truth it truth ■, Ui%e lengths of Teas and fliorc$ Between my hther ano^my mother lay, (As I have heard my lather fpeak himfclf ) When this lame lufty gentleman was got. Upon his death-bed hc^iy will bequcath'd His lands to tne, and took it on liis death That this Riy mother's Ion was ;ione of his ; An if he were, he came into the world Full fourKcn weeks before the courle of time : Then, good my Liege, let me have what is mnx'. My father's land, as was my father's will.

K. Jehtt. Sirrah, your brother is I^itimate, Your father's wife did after wedlock bear him : And if fhe did play falfe, the &ult .was hers. Which fault lyes on the hazard of all husbands That marry wivtt. Tell mc, how if my brorfier,

Wh<»

I half (bMXbce...tUtdU.Jl>e»t.mtw^.

ciq mod t, Google

ISngJoUHi 1 13

Who as you lay took pains t»get this fetii ' Hadof-yowmber ciaim'd this Ion for hisf Id (both, good friend, your father might have kfipt Tlus calf, bred &x>m-his cow, from ail the world* ' In Iboth he might i iiieA. if he were my brother's, ■ My brother might not claim him t nor your ^ther^ ■ Bongnonffof his, refuie himt this conclude^ My mother's Ton did get your fethcr's heir. Your idler's heir muft have your fafher's land.

Sti. Shall then my father's. will be of no force To difpt^cls that chUd .which is not his ? - ' > -

A$t. Of no more focce to difpofiels mev Sifj Tlian was his will to get me, as. I think. - ..-..> .

EU. Say, hadft thou rachcr htA FaaUatiindgt^ ■.

And tike thy brother, to ei^y thy land;

(^ the reputed Ion of Caar-de-lim,

Lord of thy prefence, and no land befide ? ; . ■

Bafi. Madam, an if my brother had my.lfaapc. And I had bis, $iT Reiert\ his, like him* And if my legs were two fucb riding roc^, . My arms fuch eel-skins fbft; my bccfothin,. That in mine ear I dtirfl not ftick a rofe,* Left men flwuld iky,. lodt:.;wheEe three fartbings gprst And * 'with^ his fliape wen! heir to all this land i Would I might never flir from off this place, rd give it or'ry foot to have this face : I would not be ^ Sir Nobbe in any cafe.

EH. I like thee well ; wilt thou forfake thy fortune, fiequeadi thy iai|d to hitn, SkI foHow mq f " I am a {bidier and now bound to Frmci.

Bafi. Brother, taJceyoUjmy.Und, I'll lakemy chanCct Tour iaoc hafttx got five hundred pound a year. Yet fell your fecc for fiw pence* .and 'ds dear. Madam, I'U foUo^ you unto the doith.

Vol. ill. ^ H, EH.

M JIhding (9 tie tbrtffartbini pifta tarrtml i» ^grtn EltzalKth't Hmt vibitL bad a rofc ea At rtvirfi: amd hting if f.tttr tbij tnafi tt Mt^itt ht wry liiM. TbrotMld.

{b') Sir Ndibe, s uhhiaHU, in tuHtH^t, »f Sir Vjsievt, Ptft.

ciq mod t, Google

I-I4- ^iif£ JoHK.

ES. Nay, I would hive you go befare'iBC thkhor.

Sa^. Our cbuntry manners give our betons way.

K. Jeta. What is thy luine?

Ba^. PbiSp, my Li^e, fo ic my rame begun, Pbi^, good old Sir R»icrf$ wjfift eldcft 6m. [bear'lt:

K. jabn. Fmm hcnctferrii boar bis lume whofe fbrm thou Kneel thou down Pbii^ but rife up more great, Arifc Sir Richard and FUmta^aut.

B^. Brodicr by th' raochefs ftde, give mc ynuthaod, Mjr father nTe-me honour, yours gave land. Now bleflej be the hour, by night or day, 'When I was got, Sir Robert vrai away I

EU. The very ffMrit of Piatiagenitl I am thy grandam i RithrJ, cu] me lb,

Ba^. Madam, ijychanoc, but not Iwtniili, what tho'? Something about, a little from the righc.

In at the window, or cik o'er the hatch : "Who dares not -fitr by di^,' maft walk by nighl^

And have is have, however men do catch ; Near or far oiF, ^dl won is (till well &ott And I am I,, howe'er I was begot.

K. yobn. Go, FattkatAii^e^ now haft thou tby delire, A Undlefs Kni^t malcos choe a landed 'Squire: Come, Madam, and come, Ritbard\ we muft fpeed For Fraticty for Erana^ for k is more than need.

;Bafi. Brother, adieu ; good fortune come to chee ! For thou was got i" th' way of honefty. [Ex. aU but Baft,

SCENE m.

A foot of honour better than I was. But many, ' 'many a^ foot of land the woriel Well, now can I make oay y^ait s Lady. Good-den, Sir ii/f£jrv^— Godamercy, feUmr, Ard if his name be George^ I'll call him Petir i For new-made honour doth foigct mens oan«: *Tia too refpefUve and anJbciabte t

For

3 a mtaj

ciq mod t, Google

^ Jopn. lij

Par your como^^ Now jrqiir travciler. He and his raon-pick at my Worfliip's mcfs j And when^y kniglirly ftonuctijs ftiffic'd, Why then I fiick'my teeth; and catKhife My ♦ 'picfced'' Urni of <ounp-i.e9, — my dear Sjr, (Thus leaiung fw buoc elbow 1 begin) I (ball befftcb ypii, ^thac is Qid^n qow. And then con»$iAi)rwer like an ABCbook: O Sir, 6ys Anfwer, m jour bcft o^mmwM^, At yoijr empfeyment. tit your (crvkx. Sir : -7- No, Sir, iays QueHioq, I> fwew-JMrt at yQurs,-7-

And fo ere Anfwer kooffs wijat Qycftion would,

'^Serving in dulbgue oi complinien^.

And talking of the J^J >ad /fpt/tmnes.

The Pjrenetm and the rw«r POf>

It draws mv^xM iupfier in conclufuw lb,

But this a worfliipful fociety*

And fits the mounting fpifAt >iii(jc qiy felf :

For he is but a. baiBtard V> the ti^n^

That doth not fniaclc of obrery^9a, .

(And lb am I whedier I iimck or no)

And not akuK in habit &n4 devia^

Exterior form, outwvd ^ccffufx^m^i

But from the inwwd mo^km t^Q deJiyer

Sweet, iweet, fwect pojfgn * f"?*" the age's toorii \

'Wfuch, though 1 wjil nOF pnuftife to deceive.

Yet, to aroid deceit, I ijiean to learn ^

For it fhaJI fttew fhc {giotftc^ of my riGng.

But who coma io luch hyfj^ in riding robes?

"What woman-pod. is this.? Jx^ (he iw husband

That will take {^dw .to Wow « horn before herf O me, it Is my mother t now, good Lady, What briogi ^9u hcte to Court Tq haftily ?

Ha SCENE

5 (Skfini in dulone of ^mplimeatt 4iid tMfciog oTtlie il^ and jiptmints. The PjmMa^tO. iIk nm Pti . ..tU tdit. ifari. imini.

ciq mod t, Google

1 1 6 ^rng John.

S C E 'N E .IV. . ' [

Enter La^ Faulconbrldge dni James Gurney. *'

Ladf, Where is that Have, (hy brother P where is he. That holds in chafe mine honour up and down i

Baft. My brorher Robert^ old Sir Reberi'% Saa, Coibrmd the giant, that fatne mighty man. Is it Sir Robert^ fon that you feek fo ? ' •

LaA^. Sir Robertas fon ? ay, thou unrev'rent boy. Sir Robert's fon, why fcom'ft thou at Sir Robert? He is Sir Robert's fon, and lb art thou.

Saft. James Gumey^ wilt thou give us kave a while?

Giir. Good leave, good Philip.

Baft. ^'Philip! foare mc,^ James. There's toys abroad, anon I'lltell thee mwe. [£iw/ James. Madam, I was not old Sir ^f^fr/'slbn. '

SiriJoifr/ might haTceat hispart in me ■ • Upon Geod-Fridof^ and ■ne'er broke his feft : Sir i?(^/ could do well ; marry, confcfs! Could he get me i Sir Robert could not do it ; We know his handy-work, therefore, good mother. To whom am I beholden for thefe limbs? Sir Robert never help'd to make this leg.

La^. Hafl; thou confpircd with thy brother too. That tor thine own gain Hiould'ft defend mine honour? What means this tcorn, thou moft untoward knave ?

Baft. Knight, Knight, good mother, — 51«^^ffJike. '— ■■ Why, I am (}ub*d,' J have it on my fboukler: But, mother, I am not Sir Rober^i ion, I have difctaim'd Sir Robert and my latid. Legitimation, name, and all is gooC} Then, good my mother, let me know my fnAeri Some proper man, I hope ; who was it, mraher i

LaOf. Haft thou deny'd thy Icif a Feadeonbri^e? *

Bafi,

(a) Alliiiing U m part im a Plaj ineWM at' that time, taltd Sdinwn <■«</ Perfcda. nnbaU.

6 Philif. {pvmm, ...»U $iU. Warh. tmcnJ.

ciq mod t, Google

King Jqhn. 117

Sa^. As faithfully as I deny the devil.

Ladf- King Ricberd Ceeur-de-Um was thy father ; By lone and vehement fuit I was feduc'd To maKC room for him in my husband's Bed. ' Heay'n lay not my tranfgreflion to my charge ! Thou art the iffue of my dear offence, Which was fo ftrongly urg'd paft my defence.

Bqfi. Now by this hght were I to get again. Madam, I would not wifh a better father. Some lins do bear their privilege on earth. And fo do:h yours; your fault was not your folly } Needs muft you lay your heart at his dilpole, Sut^eAed tribute to commanding love, A^nft whole fiiry and unmatched force The awlefs lion could not w^ the fight. Nor keep his princely heart from Rjebard's hands. He that per iorce robi lions of their hearts. May eafily win a woman's. Ay, my mother. With all my heart I thank ihee for my fother. Who lives and dares but Itty, thou didft not well When I was got, I'li fend his foul to hell. Come, Lady, I will fbew thee to my kin.

And they ihall &y, when Richard me b^of. If thou hadfh'laid him nay, it had been fui ; .

Who &y$. it was, he lies ^ I £iy 'twai not. [Exemir,

H3 ACT

ciqiiiodt, Google

iiS ^^ JoHi*.

A c T n. S C E N E i.

S C EN Z, before the neaHs c/" Angiers in France.

Bnler Philip Ki)^ ^ France, Lewis the DaufAin, tbt AA^ Duh of Auftria, CoDftance, aad Artlur.

Lewis,

BEfore Jrgitrs wdl met* brave A^is. Arthur ! that great fbre-nmner of thy blood Richard, that robb'd the lion of bit heart And fought the hply wars in Palefihtei By this brave Duke came early to tm grivc : And for atncnds to his pofteric^. At our importance hither is he come. To rprcad his coloun, boy, in thy bebalfi And to rebuke the ufurpaEion , Of thy unDacural unc)e» Et^Hfii Jobtt, Embrace hon, love him, give him welcome hither.

Artb. God lliall ^gire you Onv-de-lieu'a death The rather, that you girc his ofF-^ii^ life, Shadowtog tlicir right under your wings of war. I give you welcome with a pow'rleis band. But with a heart full of unftained love : Welcome before the gates of Anders., Duke.

Lewis. A noble boy ! who would not do thee right I!

At^. Upon thy cheek lay I this zealous ki^ A<^ leal to this indenture of my love ^ That to my home 1 will no more return, •T't) Anglers and the right thou haft in Trance^ Together with that pale that white-^d Chore "Whofe foot fpurns back the ocean's roaring tides. Arid (»Qps from other lands her ifianders \ Ev*n 'lili that England^ hcdg'd in with the main.

That

c,qi,it!dt,Google

Ehg John. 119

That water-walkd bulwark, ftill fecure And confident frocn foreign [nrpofn, £ir*n 'dUducoutmoft corner of-che weft S^ute thee for her King. *TU1 then, fair boy. Will I not think of home, but follow anns.

(^. Oi.Kikehia mother's thanks, a. widow's thanks, *Till your ftrong hand fhatl help to give him ftrength. To nuke a moir requital lo year love.

yfafi. Thepeaceofhear'nistheirs, wholifttheirfworda In fuch a juft and charlcsble war. [bene

K. Pbiiif. Well then, to work ; our engines Ih^ be A^tnft the brows of this refiftmg town % Call for our cbiefcfl: men of difciplinc. To cutt dtt plots of bcft adrano^es. We'll lay brtore this town our royal bones. Wade to the marka-pbce in Frtnehmens blood. Bat we will make it tafajeft t» Ibis boy.

Coi^. Sncf fat m airfwer to yoor embalGe, Left unadvis'd yM ftain your fwords with blood. My Lord QutiBtm may trom England bring That right in peace, whidi here we urge in war. And then we mall repent each drop of blood That hot ralh hafte fo tndtrc^y flied.

Sntir ChatiliiNi.

K. Pbi^. A wonder. Lady ! k), upon diy with Out mefiewr CbaUiQit is arriv'd t What E^tand fays, lay brieSy, gentle Lc»d, We ooUJypeufe for thee. QtasiUm, ffxak.

Cto. Then turn your forces from this poultry Ceg^ And fiir dian 1^ againft a mistier task. Ei^Uiidy impanent of yourjiS demands, Hatb put himlelf in arms \ the adverfe innds^ Whole leifure I have ftaid, have giv'a him time To land his legkxis all as loon as 1. His marches are eroedieoc to this town. His forces ftrong, nis foMiers confident With him atone is come the Motlier-(>]een i

H4 <*■

ciq mod t, Google

I 20 Kh^ John. ..

An jfte, (lirring him to blood and (Irifc.

With Her tier neicc, the Lady Bltmcb of Spatm

With ihem a baftard of tbe King deccas'd.

And all th' unfenled huaK)UR.of tkelandi

Rafli, inconfid'rate, fiery voluntaries,

"With ladies faces, and Bcrce dr^^ons fpleens.

Have fold their fortunes at their native homes.

Bearing their birthright proadiy on their backs.

To make a hazard of new foftunes here.

In brief, a braver choice of dauntlels fpirits

Than now the Englijb bottoms have waft o'er.

Did never doat upon the fwelling tide.

To do offence and fcathe in Chriftendom.

The interruption of their churlifli drums {Drvm ieats^

Cuts off more cirqimftance ; they are at hand.

To parly or to 6ght therefore prepare. K. Philip. How much udook'd for i< this expedition ,' Auft. By how much unexpected, .byfomucli

We muft awake endeavour ft)r defence \ , ■ ■

For courage mounteth with occaOon :

Let them be welcome, then, we a^ prepar'd.

S C . E N ; E II.

Enter [King if England, Baftard, Elinor, Blanch, Pem- broke, and ethers.

"K.Jobn. Pace ht 10 France^ if Friww in peace permit Our juft and lineal entrance to our own : If not, bittd irawf If, and peace afccnd to heav'n ! Whilft we, God's wrathful agont, do correft Their proud contempt that ' 'beat'' his peace to heav*n.

K. Philip. Paace be to England, if that war return From France to England, there to live in peace! Eigland wc love, ^d for that EnglaniPs ftke With burthen of our arinour here wefweati This toil of- ours fliould be a work of thine. But thoq frpm loving Engknd art fo far»

That

7 but!

ciq mod t, Google

King John. 121

That tluxi haft under-wrought its lawiu] Kii^, .

Cue off the &qiience of pofterity,

Out-bced infant ftate* and4one a rape

Upon the maiden virtue of the crown.

Liook h«e upon thy brother Geffrey's (ace,

Thefe eyes, theJe brows, were moulded out of his;

This little abftrad doth contain that lai^

Which dy'd in Gefreyi and the' hand of time

Shall draw this brief into as large a volume.

That Geffrey was thy elder brother born.

And this his fon j England was Geffrey's right.

And this is Geffrefs \ in the name of God

How comes it then that thou art call'd a King,

"When living blood doth in thefe temples beat,

AVhtch own the crown that thou o'er-maftereft? [Fhniee,

K. yehi. From whom haft thou this great commiHion, To draw my anfwer to chy articles? [thoughts

K. Philip. From that fupetnal Judge that ftin good In anj bread of ftrong authority. To look into the blots and (lains of right. That Judge hath made me guardian to tbis^xiy ; Under whofe warrant 1 impeach thy wrong. And by whofe help I mean to chaflife it. ■

Lems.

('%} — I mna to ciuflife ir.

K. JehM. Alack, thou daft oforp attthoritr.

K. PiUif. Excale it, 'tis to beat ufnrping domi,

£/i. Who ii't that thou doll call nfurper, Franctf

C*'JI. Let me make anfwer : thy nfurpine foa.

Eli. Out, infolni! thy Inftard (hall be }Ung, That thou oiay'lt be a Queen, and check the world ^

C**^. M; bed wai ever to thy foa ai trae. As thine was to thy husband ; and thit boy, LikcriD feature tohiȣiiher Ciffrtj, Tluo thou and Jthn, in manncn being as like As rain to water, or deirjl to hig dam. My boy a batlard I by my foul I think Hi* Aiher never wai io trnabrgoti J( cannot be, an if thou wert hit mother.

Eli. 'Ihcrc'i a good (nother, hoy, that blots thy faher. Ca-fi- There'} a good gr-andam, boy, that w»uld blot thee.

jiMji. PfelCC.

ciq mod t, Google

I2S ^JOH^.

Lewis. King Johtiy this ii the my (am of all i

Ejigttmif and IreloTid, AtfOu, Touramt, Miumy

In right of Arthur do I cl«m of thM :

Wik thou refign them, and lay down thytrmsP

K. Jobtt. My life aifcon. I do defie tha, I^mue, Arthur of Sret^^, yield tbce to my hand, And out of my deat love I'll give Ihee more. Than e'er the coward-hand of irMftf can wid. *

K.PWi^.

Bafi. Hear the crier.

ji^. What the devil art thdn I

Safi, One that will pUy the devil. Sir, with you. An a' may catch your hide and yon alone. You are die bare, cf whom the prtiverb goes. Whole valour jdo^deadlJODi by ihebt^; I'UfiMikywUun-caat, an 1 caich yiw right i &jnh, look to't. I* &ith t will, i'fii^h,

BlMtk O well did he become that Lion', rob^ rn»t ^4 ^frabe the Lion of that robe.

Safl. It lyn aafiKhtly on thffawt of him, Ai great Jlridei' > 'ihews' upon ao afs i

Bnl, Afi, I'll take that burthen frooi your bact, *

Or lay on that fhall make yout (houlders crack.

Amfi. What cruder ia this fune that deafa our ean Witk thii abondance of finerflaoiu b«th i King Ltvit, decervioe what we ihall da finight.

Liwi. Women and ibolt, break off your confeieace.

■ llioa . . . tUiJii. Tbifi emimJ.

^ ^y — of FraMM can win; Ssbmitibce, boy.

Eli. Come to thy grandun, child.

Ctmfi. Do, child, go to it grandam, child.' Give gtandam kiagdom, and it grandamwiU Give it a plum, a cherry, and a fig, There'a a good graodam.

jtrtt. Good my mothei^ ^ce t I would that I were loW laid m mv grave, I am not worth this coil thai's mue fi>r me.

Eli. Hit mother fhame* him fo, poor boy, be wMpc

Cenfi. Now Oiame upon you whe'r Ihe doe* or no 1 Hii graadam'a wrong, and not his mother's (hames, Drawi ihofe hcav'n moving pearls from hig poor eyoi' Which beav'a Ihall take in nature of a fee: With tbefe &d cryltal beads heav'n fliall be brib'd

ciq mod t, Google

Kh^ JdHK. <i3

ILPbiBp. Some tnnnprtfiHHfncmhidHrwdMMUi rbde men of tfiigh's i lec m hear them Ipcak, Wbf^dtle tbcj adaut, Artbm'% ctJtMt.

S C B N E III. Ej^ a GikuM upon the wails.

Cit. Wbo is it thu badi wwn'd us to the walbf

K. Phi^. Tis Franw for En^aud.

K. 7oto. £)yi«ri for it ftjfj Too men of Jwgjt&i tnd my kmng frf^eft*-*—

K. Th^. Tou loving men (^ Angiers^ .Atimr'i JutgcAl^ Our trumpet callM yoo to this gentle parte—

K. John. Forouradvaiiftgei thertfotcheu-usftrftt Thefe Sags oi FroKOi that arc adraneed here

Btffbit T» ^n hin Jofiioe. and rnnge on foK.

Eli Thm looai&rou lUmderCr of beaVa rndtaithl

Cm^. Than moiiftroiu iojuter of har'n ami orth t Call me not fUnileKr 1 thou ui£ tliine nfurp The domiution, rCTaltiea and righu Of tluioppnCedlwyi tUi ti diy tJddl fitt'i m^ Idorranue in oothuig b«it in tliee i Tby fiu are vifiud nt (li t pocr duU^ llie cancn of the law ii laid on him. Being but the feccmil gUtenitioa Renuncd from th> fin-concaving WaatfaL-

K. Jtbn. Bcdlun, h&va done. •

CujI. 1 tavc bat this to itj, Tha[ he ts not onlj plagued for htt fita, But God harb made ber iin and her tke phrgite Op tbii removed iflbe. plagn'd for her. And with her plague her fin i hi* aipuy Her injury, tMMcl to her fia, All punilb'd ta cha perron of this cUM, And all for k« i a pague upon W ^

Eii. TIk>u uoadvifed fcuM, I oa& pndlK* A wiH that t^i the title of thy fan.

Cm/. Ay, whodoiifats that? awill; awkkcawillj A woman's will { a cankerM gr*Qdam*) will.

K. Philif. Peace, lady t paafe, or be norc Kfflpcnite f It ill bereenu thii prefence to try Jmn To tbde ill uned repctiuont.

C,ql,lt!dt,G00glC

I24i RngJoHJX,

Be{bDe.fhe eye ud pn^pea^of your town.

Have hither march'd co your cndamageinent. '^^

The canflons haVe their boweb lull of wrath ;

And ready mounted are they to fpit forth

Their iron indignatifin 'gainft your walls:

All prepaftidons for a bloody fiege

And mercilefe proceeding by thcle/rnwi.

Confront your city's eyes, your winking * gates;

And but for our approach, thofe ikxfing Itones

That as a wafte do girdle you about,

Bv the compulfion of their ordinance

By this time from their fixed bedsof lime

Had been dtfh^ited, and wide hasock made

For bloody power to rulh upon your pcac*.

But on the fight of us your lawful King,

(Who painfully with n^ch expedient march

Havebrought a counter-check before your gates.

To fave unfcratch'd your city's threatned cheeks)

Behold the French amaz'd vouchfafe a parie %

And now inftead of bullets wrap'd in fire.

To make a (baking fcaver in your walls.

They fhoot but calm words folded up in fmoak.

To make a faithlefs error in your can ;

Which truft accordingly, kind citizens.

And let in us your King, whofe labour'd fpirits

Fore-weary'd in thb a^jtm of fwift ipeed.

Crave harbourage within your city walh.

a. Philip. When I have faidi make anfwer to us bcfth, Loe in this right hand, whofe protedioa Is moft divinely vow'd upon the right Of him it holds, ftands young PtatUagmet^ Son to the elder brother of this man. And King o'er him, and all that he enjoys. For this down-trodden equity, we tread In warlike march thefe greens before your cowo : Being no fiirther enemy to you,

Tlian

(a) Winkii^ « at/At/^y«r half-open.

ciq mod t, Google

Thantbeconftrnmof bofrntablc zetl.

In the relief of this ppprdud child, ^. t ,

RelJgioufly provokes. Be pkaTed theif , . ' . -

To pay that duty whicji you tniely oyfC:

To him that owns it, namely this youi^g Prince.

And then our arms, like to a muzded,bcar, . :

Save in afped, ' ^havc'' all offence feai'd up: . ■'- • •

Ourcannons malice vainly fliall be ^nt ' \ -

Apinft th* invulnerable clouds of heav'n ; V

And with a blefled, and unvext reticCf

With unhack'd fwordf , and helmeta all unbruisM,

We will bear home that lufty blood again.

Whuih here we came to fpout againft your town i

And leave i(Our children, wives and you in pcijcc, .

But if you fondly pafs our pro&r'd oHer,

Tis not the rounder* of your old>fac'd walls.

Can hide you from wr mefTengers of wari

Though all thefe Eng0>^ and their diiciplioe, ,'

Were harbour'd in their rude circumference

Then tell us, fliall your city call us Lord, i .

In that behalf which we have (halleng'd u? ,

Or ihall we give the fignal to ourragcj

Aod fialk in blood to our pofleffion i

Cit. In brief, we are the King of England's fufcgefts j For him, and to his right, we hol4 this town.

K. "John. Acknowledge then the King, and let me io.

Cit. That can'we not ; but he that proves the Kti^ To him will we prove loyal ; 'till that time Have we ramiti'd up our gates againil the world.

K.yobif. Doth not the crown of ftt^fiwii^ prove thcKing?' And if not that, I bring you witnefl^. Twice fifteen thoufand hearts of EnglmPs breed — — =» -

Ba/l. (Baftards, and elfe.)

K. yoba. To verific our title with their lives.

K. Philip. As many, and as well born bloods as thofc—

Ba^. fS(Hne baftards coo.)

K.PbiXp.

(a) Orcirelc.

ciq mod t, Google

it6 £3^ John.

K. PbU^, Stand in his fice eo omtradift hts duen;

Gt. Till you compound whofe ri^t is worthieft. We for the woitbieft hold thertghc from both.

K. >^ Then God forgive the fin of ail cbofe (bub. That to their everlaftiog refidence. Before the dew of CTCfrin^ falj, ffatll 6cet» In dreadfiil tryd of our lungdom's King!

K.PbiBp. jfmtn, j^mh! Mount» cfaerarien, toamu.

Bt^. Saint Getm chat fwbidg^d the Pragon, and e'a- Sits on his horfebaqc tc mine hofte& door, ^fince

Teach us f<»K ifence! Sirrah, were I at hooK At your.dent Simth» with your Lionel, I'd fet an OK-head to your Lionel htde,« And make a monfterdf ypu. \fo Auftria.

jti^. Feac^, no more.

:£a)i. O tremble, for you hear the Lion roar.

K. John. Up fiigher to the plain, where wc'l) let fordi In belt appointment all our r^tmenCE. ■

B0. Speed thqi to take th* advantage of the Beld.

K. Philip, It fhallbe foj and at the other hill Command the reft to ftand. God and oar right! ^Exeunt.

S C E N E IV.

Here-, after exeurfions, enter tie Herald tf I^Vance wW

trumpets to the gaieu K Her. You men of jlngters^ open wide your gato. And let young Arthur Duke of Sretag^e in \ Who by the hand of France this day hath made Much work for tean in many an EnzUJh mother, Wholfe fons lye fcattei'd on the bleeding ground : And many a widow's husband groveling lycs^ Coldly embracing the dircolour*a earth i While Vi&ory with little lols doth play Upon the dancing banners of the f reach.

Who

(a) Tit Arth-Dttit •wtre « Litn't btii vuhvh h»d hilnj^i U K, Rkhatd Cour-de-lioa. Fopc.

ciq mod t, Google

King John. 127 ■

Who are fit hand trmmpbantlf di^Iijr'd ' '

To enter conquerors-, and lo prodaim • -

jtrtbrn'-'oi Bfiii^tUj Si^Iatid's King, and jreen.

£«/#■ Englifli Heraid with trumpets, ■ E. Her. Rejoictf, you men oi Jngiers; ring