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No Fear Translations
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Enter in conquest with drum and colors EDMUND , with LEAR and CORDELIA as prisoners, and FIRST CAPTAIN with soldiers
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Enter in conquest with drum and colors EDMUND , with LEAR and CORDELIA as prisoners, and FIRST CAPTAIN with soldiers
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EDMUND Some officers take them away. Good guard
Until their greater pleasures first be known
That are to censure them.
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EDMUND Some officers take them away. Good guard
Until their greater pleasures first be known
That are to censure them.
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CORDELIA (to LEAR)
We are not the first
5 Who with best meaning have incurred the worst.
For thee, oppressèd King, I am cast down.
Myself could else outfrown false fortune’s frown.
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
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CORDELIA (to LEAR)
We are not the first
Who with best meaning have incurred the worst.
For thee, oppressèd King, I am cast down.
Myself could else outfrown false fortune’s frown.
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
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LEAR No, no, no, no! Come, let’s away to prison.
10 We two alone will sing like birds i' th' cage.
When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down
And ask of thee forgiveness. So we’ll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
15 Talk of court news, and we’ll talk with them too—
Who loses and who wins, who’s in, who’s out—
And take upon ’s the mystery of things
As if we were God’s spies. And we’ll wear out
In a walled prison packs and sects of great ones
20 That ebb and flow by the moon.
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LEAR No, no, no, no! Come, let’s away to prison.
We two alone will sing like birds i' th' cage.
When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down
And ask of thee forgiveness. So we’ll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk of court news, and we’ll talk with them too—
Who loses and who wins, who’s in, who’s out—
And take upon ’s the mystery of things
As if we were God’s spies. And we’ll wear out
In a walled prison packs and sects of great ones
That ebb and flow by the moon.
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EDMUND Take them away.
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EDMUND Take them away.
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LEAR Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes.
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LEAR Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes.
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25 The good years shall devour them, flesh and fell,
Ere they shall make us weep. We’ll see 'em starve first.
Come.
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The good years shall devour them, flesh and fell,
Ere they shall make us weep. We’ll see 'em starve first.
Come.
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Exeunt LEAR and CORDELIA , led by soldiers
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Exeunt LEAR and CORDELIA , led by soldiers
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EDMUND Come hither, captain. Hark.
(gives FIRST CAPTAIN a document)
30 Take thou this note. Go follow them to prison.
One step I have advanced thee. If thou dost
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way
To noble fortunes. Know thou this: that men
Are as the time is. To be tender-minded
35 Does not become a sword. Thy great employment
Will not bear question. Either say thou'lt do ’t,
Or thrive by other means.
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EDMUND Come hither, captain. Hark.
(gives FIRST CAPTAIN a document)
Take thou this note. Go follow them to prison.
One step I have advanced thee. If thou dost
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way
To noble fortunes. Know thou this: that men
Are as the time is. To be tender-minded
Does not become a sword. Thy great employment
Will not bear question. Either say thou'lt do ’t,
Or thrive by other means.
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FIRST CAPTAIN I’ll do ’t, my lord.
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FIRST CAPTAIN I’ll do ’t, my lord.
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EDMUND About it, and write “happy” when thou’st done.
Mark, I say, instantly, and carry it so
40 As I have set it down.
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EDMUND About it, and write “happy” when thou’st done.
Mark, I say, instantly, and carry it so
As I have set it down.
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FIRST CAPTAIN I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats.
If it be man’s work, I’ll do ’t.
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FIRST CAPTAIN I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats.
If it be man’s work, I’ll do ’t.
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Exit FIRST CAPTAIN
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Exit FIRST CAPTAIN
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Flourish Enter the Duke of ALBANY , the two ladies GONERIL and REGAN , a SECOND CAPTAIN , and soldiers
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Flourish Enter the Duke of ALBANY , the two ladies GONERIL and REGAN , a SECOND CAPTAIN , and soldiers
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ALBANY (to EDMUND) Sir, you have shown today your valiant strain,
And fortune led you well. You have the captives
45 That were the opposites of this day’s strife.
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ALBANY (to EDMUND) Sir, you have shown today your valiant strain,
And fortune led you well. You have the captives
That were the opposites of this day’s strife.
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I do require them of you, so to use them
As we shall find their merits and our safety
May equally determine.
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I do require them of you, so to use them
As we shall find their merits and our safety
May equally determine.
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EDMUND Sir, I thought it fit
To send the old and miserable king
50 To some retention and appointed guard—
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more—
To pluck the common bosom on his side,
An turn our impressed lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen,
55 My reason all the same, and they are ready
Tomorrow or at further space t' appear
Where you shall hold your session. At this time
We sweat and bleed. The friend hath lost his friend,
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed
60 By those that feel their sharpness.
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place.
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EDMUND Sir, I thought it fit
To send the old and miserable king
To some retention and appointed guard—
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more—
To pluck the common bosom on his side,
An turn our impressed lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen,
My reason all the same, and they are ready
Tomorrow or at further space t' appear
Where you shall hold your session. At this time
We sweat and bleed. The friend hath lost his friend,
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed
By those that feel their sharpness.
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place.
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ALBANY I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother.
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ALBANY I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother.
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REGAN That’s as we list to grace him.
65 Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person—
The which immediacy may well stand up
And call itself your brother.
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REGAN That’s as we list to grace him.
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person—
The which immediacy may well stand up
And call itself your brother.
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GONERIL Not so hot.
70 In his own grace he doth exalt himself
More than in your addition.
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GONERIL Not so hot.
In his own grace he doth exalt himself
More than in your addition.
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REGAN In my rights,
By me invested, he compeers the best.
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REGAN In my rights,
By me invested, he compeers the best.
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ALBANY That were the most if he should
husband you.
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ALBANY That were the most if he should
husband you.
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REGAN Jesters do oft prove prophets.
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REGAN Jesters do oft prove prophets.
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GONERIL Holla, holla!
That eye that told you so looked but asquint.
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GONERIL Holla, holla!
That eye that told you so looked but asquint.
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REGAN 75 Lady, I am not well, else I should answer
From a full-flowing stomach.
(to EDMUND) General,
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony.
Dispose of them, of me. The walls is thine.
80 Witness the world that I create thee here
My lord and master.
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REGAN Lady, I am not well, else I should answer
From a full-flowing stomach.
(to EDMUND) General,
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony.
Dispose of them, of me. The walls is thine.
Witness the world that I create thee here
My lord and master.
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GONERIL Mean you to enjoy him then?
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GONERIL Mean you to enjoy him then?
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ALBANY The let-alone lies not in your good will.
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ALBANY The let-alone lies not in your good will.
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EDMUND Nor in thine, lord.
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EDMUND Nor in thine, lord.
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ALBANY Half-blooded fellow, yes.
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ALBANY Half-blooded fellow, yes.
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REGAN (to EDMUND) Let the drum strike and prove my title thine.
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REGAN (to EDMUND) Let the drum strike and prove my title thine.
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ALBANY 85 Stay yet. Hear reason.—Edmund, I arrest thee
On capital treason, and in thine attaint
This gilded serpent.(indicates GONERIL)
(to REGAN) For your claim, fair sister,
I bar it in the interest of my wife.
90 'Tis she is subcontracted to this lord.
And I, her husband, contradict your banns.
If you will marry, make your loves to me,
My lady is bespoke.
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ALBANY Stay yet. Hear reason.—Edmund, I arrest thee
On capital treason, and in thine attaint
This gilded serpent.(indicates GONERIL)
(to REGAN) For your claim, fair sister,
I bar it in the interest of my wife.
'Tis she is subcontracted to this lord.
And I, her husband, contradict your banns.
If you will marry, make your loves to me,
My lady is bespoke.
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GONERIL An interlude!
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GONERIL An interlude!
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ALBANY Thou art armed, Gloucester. Let the trumpet sound.
95 If none appear to prove upon thy person
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge. (throws down his glove)
I’ll make it on thy heart,
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less
100 Than I have here proclaimed thee.
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ALBANY Thou art armed, Gloucester. Let the trumpet sound.
If none appear to prove upon thy person
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge. (throws down his glove)
I’ll make it on thy heart,
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less
Than I have here proclaimed thee.
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REGAN Sick, oh, sick!
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REGAN Sick, oh, sick!
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GONERIL (aside) If not, I’ll ne'er trust medicine.
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GONERIL (aside) If not, I’ll ne'er trust medicine.
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EDMUND (throwing down his glove)
There’s my exchange. What in the world he is
105 That names me traitor, villainlike he lies.
Call by thy trumpet. He that dares approach,
On him—on you, who not?—I will maintain
My truth and honor firmly.
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EDMUND (throwing down his glove)
There’s my exchange. What in the world he is
That names me traitor, villainlike he lies.
Call by thy trumpet. He that dares approach,
On him—on you, who not?—I will maintain
My truth and honor firmly.
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ALBANY A herald, ho!
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ALBANY A herald, ho!
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EDMUND 110 A herald, ho, a herald!
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EDMUND A herald, ho, a herald!
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Enter a HERALD
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Enter a HERALD
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ALBANY (to EDMUND) Trust to thy single virtue, for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name
Took their discharge.
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ALBANY (to EDMUND) Trust to thy single virtue, for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name
Took their discharge.
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REGAN My sickness grows upon me.
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REGAN My sickness grows upon me.
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ALBANY She is not well. Convey her to my tent.
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ALBANY She is not well. Convey her to my tent.
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Exit REGAN , led
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Exit REGAN , led
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115 Come hither, herald.—Let the trumpet sound,—
And read out this. (gives the HERALD a document)
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Come hither, herald.—Let the trumpet sound,—
And read out this. (gives the HERALD a document)
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SECOND CAPTAIN Sound, trumpet!
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SECOND CAPTAIN Sound, trumpet!
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A trumpet sounds
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A trumpet sounds
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HERALD (reads)
“If any man of quality or degree within the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet. He is bold in his defense.”
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HERALD (reads)
“If any man of quality or degree within the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet. He is bold in his defense.”
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EDMUND Sound!
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EDMUND Sound!
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First trumpet
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First trumpet
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HERALD Again!
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HERALD Again!
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Second trumpet
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Second trumpet
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HERALD Again!
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HERALD Again!
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Third trumpet Trumpet answers within Enter EDGAR , at the third sound, armed, a trumpet before him
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Third trumpet Trumpet answers within Enter EDGAR , at the third sound, armed, a trumpet before him
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ALBANY (to HERALD) Ask him his purposes, why he appears
125 Upon this call o' th' trumpet.
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ALBANY (to HERALD) Ask him his purposes, why he appears
Upon this call o' th' trumpet.
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HERALD What are you?
Your name, your quality, and why you answer
This present summons?
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HERALD What are you?
Your name, your quality, and why you answer
This present summons?
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EDGAR O, know, my name is lost.
By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.
130 Yet am I noble as the adversary
I come to cope withal.
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EDGAR O, know, my name is lost.
By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.
Yet am I noble as the adversary
I come to cope withal.
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ALBANY Which is that adversary?
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ALBANY Which is that adversary?
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EDGAR What’s he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
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EDGAR What’s he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
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EDMUND Himself. What sayst thou to him?
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EDMUND Himself. What sayst thou to him?
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EDGAR Draw thy sword,
That if my speech offend a noble heart
135 Thy arm may do thee justice. (draws his sword) Here is mine.
Behold: it is the privilege of mine honors,
My oath, and my profession. I protest—
Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,
140 Thy valor and thy heart—thou art a traitor,
False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father,
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince,
And from th' extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust below thy foot
145 A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou “No,”
This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,
Thou liest.
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EDGAR Draw thy sword,
That if my speech offend a noble heart
Thy arm may do thee justice. (draws his sword) Here is mine.
Behold: it is the privilege of mine honors,
My oath, and my profession. I protest—
Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,
Thy valor and thy heart—thou art a traitor,
False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father,
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince,
And from th' extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust below thy foot
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou “No,”
This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,
Thou liest.
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EDMUND In wisdom I should ask thy name.
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,
150 And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,
What safe and nicely I might well delay
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn.
Back do I toss these treasons to thy head,
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart—
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EDMUND In wisdom I should ask thy name.
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,
And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,
What safe and nicely I might well delay
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn.
Back do I toss these treasons to thy head,
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart—
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155 Which, for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,
This sword of mine shall give them instant way,
Where they shall rest for ever.—Trumpets, speak!
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Which, for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,
This sword of mine shall give them instant way,
Where they shall rest for ever.—Trumpets, speak!
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Alarums EDMUND and EDGAR fight EDMUND falls
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Alarums EDMUND and EDGAR fight EDMUND falls
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ALBANY Save him, save him!
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ALBANY Save him, save him!
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GONERIL This is practice, Gloucester.
160 By th' law of arms thou wast not bound to answer
An unknown opposite. Thou art not vanquished,
But cozened and beguiled.
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GONERIL This is practice, Gloucester.
By th' law of arms thou wast not bound to answer
An unknown opposite. Thou art not vanquished,
But cozened and beguiled.
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ALBANY Shut your mouth, dame,
Or with this paper shall I stop it.—Hold, sir,
(gives the letter to EDMUND)
165 Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.—
(to GONERIL) Nay, no tearing, lady. I perceive you know it.
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ALBANY Shut your mouth, dame,
Or with this paper shall I stop it.—Hold, sir,
(gives the letter to EDMUND)
Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.—
(to GONERIL) Nay, no tearing, lady. I perceive you know it.
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GONERIL Say, if I do? The laws are mine, not thine.
Who can arraign me for ’t?
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GONERIL Say, if I do? The laws are mine, not thine.
Who can arraign me for ’t?
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ALBANY Most monstrous, oh!
(to EDMUND) Know’st thou this paper?
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ALBANY Most monstrous, oh!
(to EDMUND) Know’st thou this paper?
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EDMUND 170 Ask me not what I know.
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EDMUND Ask me not what I know.
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Exit GONERIL
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Exit GONERIL
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ALBANY Go after her. She’s desperate. Govern her.
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ALBANY Go after her. She’s desperate. Govern her.
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Exit a soldier
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Exit a soldier
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EDMUND What you have charged me with, that have I done—
And more, much more. The time will bring it out.
'Tis past, and so am I.
But what art thou
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,
I do forgive thee.
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EDMUND What you have charged me with, that have I done—
And more, much more. The time will bring it out.
'Tis past, and so am I.
But what art thou
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,
I do forgive thee.
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EDGAR Let’s exchange charity.
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund.
If more, the more thou’st wronged me.
180 My name is Edgar, and thy father’s son.
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.
The dark and vicious place where thee he got
Cost him his eyes.
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EDGAR Let’s exchange charity.
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund.
If more, the more thou’st wronged me.
My name is Edgar, and thy father’s son.
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.
The dark and vicious place where thee he got
Cost him his eyes.
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EDMUND Thou’st spoken right. 'Tis true.
185 The wheel is come full circle. I am here.
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EDMUND Thou’st spoken right. 'Tis true.
The wheel is come full circle. I am here.
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ALBANY Methought thy very gait did prophesy
A royal nobleness. I must embrace thee.
Let sorrow split my heart if ever I
Did hate thee or thy father.
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ALBANY Methought thy very gait did prophesy
A royal nobleness. I must embrace thee.
Let sorrow split my heart if ever I
Did hate thee or thy father.
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EDGAR 190 Worthy prince, I know ’t.
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EDGAR Worthy prince, I know ’t.
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ALBANY Where have you hid yourself?
How have you known the miseries of your father?
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ALBANY Where have you hid yourself?
How have you known the miseries of your father?
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EDGAR By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale,
And when ’tis told, oh, that my heart would burst!
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EDGAR By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale,
And when ’tis told, oh, that my heart would burst!
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195 The bloody proclamation to escape,
That followed me so near—O our lives' sweetness,
That we the pain of death would hourly die
Rather than die at once!—taught me to shift
Into a madman’s rags, t' assume a semblance
200 That very dogs disdained. And in this habit
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,
Their precious stones new lost, became his guide,
Led him, begged for him, saved him from despair.
Never—O fault!—revealed myself unto him
205 Until some half-hour past, when I was armed.
Not sure, though hoping of this good success,
I asked his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my pilgrimage. But his flawed heart—
Alack, too weak the conflict to support—
210 'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst smilingly.
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The bloody proclamation to escape,
That followed me so near—O our lives' sweetness,
That we the pain of death would hourly die
Rather than die at once!—taught me to shift
Into a madman’s rags, t' assume a semblance
That very dogs disdained. And in this habit
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,
Their precious stones new lost, became his guide,
Led him, begged for him, saved him from despair.
Never—O fault!—revealed myself unto him
Until some half-hour past, when I was armed.
Not sure, though hoping of this good success,
I asked his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my pilgrimage. But his flawed heart—
Alack, too weak the conflict to support—
'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst smilingly.
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EDMUND This speech of yours hath moved me,
And shall perchance do good. But speak you on.
You look as you had something more to say.
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EDMUND This speech of yours hath moved me,
And shall perchance do good. But speak you on.
You look as you had something more to say.
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ALBANY If there be more, more woeful, hold it in.
215 For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.
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ALBANY If there be more, more woeful, hold it in.
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.
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EDGAR This would have seemed a period
To such as love not sorrow, but another
To amplify too much would make much more
And top extremity.
220 Whilst I was big in clamor came there in a man
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,
Shunned my abhorred society, but then, finding
Who ’twas that so endured, with his strong arms
He fastened on my neck, and bellowed out
225 As he’d burst heaven, threw him on my father,
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him
That ever ear received—which in recounting
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EDGAR This would have seemed a period
To such as love not sorrow, but another
To amplify too much would make much more
And top extremity.
Whilst I was big in clamor came there in a man
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,
Shunned my abhorred society, but then, finding
Who ’twas that so endured, with his strong arms
He fastened on my neck, and bellowed out
As he’d burst heaven, threw him on my father,
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him
That ever ear received—which in recounting
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His grief grew puissant and the strings of life
Began to crack. Twice then the trumpets sounded,
230 And there I left him tranced.
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His grief grew puissant and the strings of life
Began to crack. Twice then the trumpets sounded,
And there I left him tranced.
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ALBANY But who was this?
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ALBANY But who was this?
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EDGAR Kent, sir, the banished Kent, who in disguise
Followed his enemy king and did him service
Improper for a slave.
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EDGAR Kent, sir, the banished Kent, who in disguise
Followed his enemy king and did him service
Improper for a slave.
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Enter SECOND KNIGHT with a bloody knife
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Enter SECOND KNIGHT with a bloody knife
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SECOND KNIGHT Help, help, O, help!
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SECOND KNIGHT Help, help, O, help!
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EDGAR What kind of help?
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EDGAR What kind of help?
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ALBANY Speak, man.
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ALBANY Speak, man.
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EDGAR 235 What means that bloody knife?
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EDGAR What means that bloody knife?
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SECOND KNIGHT 'Tis hot, it smokes.
It came even from the heart of—oh, she’s dead!
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SECOND KNIGHT 'Tis hot, it smokes.
It came even from the heart of—oh, she’s dead!
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ALBANY Who dead? Speak, man.
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ALBANY Who dead? Speak, man.
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SECOND KNIGHT Your lady, sir, your lady. And her sister
240 By her is poisoned. She confesses it.
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SECOND KNIGHT Your lady, sir, your lady. And her sister
By her is poisoned. She confesses it.
|
|
EDMUND I was contracted to them both. All three
Now marry in an instant.
|
EDMUND I was contracted to them both. All three
Now marry in an instant.
|
|
EDGAR Here comes Kent.
|
EDGAR Here comes Kent.
|
|
ALBANY Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead.
This judgment of the heavens that makes us tremble
245 Touches us not with pity.
|
ALBANY Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead.
This judgment of the heavens that makes us tremble
Touches us not with pity.
|
|
Exit SECOND KNIGHT
|
Exit SECOND KNIGHT
|
|
Enter KENT
|
Enter KENT
|
|
Oh, is this he?
The time will not allow the compliment
Which very manners urges.
|
Oh, is this he?
The time will not allow the compliment
Which very manners urges.
|
|
KENT I am come
To bid my king and master aye good night.
Is he not here?
|
KENT I am come
To bid my king and master aye good night.
Is he not here?
|
|
ALBANY Great thing of us forgot!—
250 Speak, Edmund, where’s the king? And where’s Cordelia?—
|
ALBANY Great thing of us forgot!—
Speak, Edmund, where’s the king? And where’s Cordelia?—
|
|
REGAN ’s and GONERIL ’s corpses are brought out
|
REGAN ’s and GONERIL ’s corpses are brought out
|
|
Seest thou this object, Kent?
|
Seest thou this object, Kent?
|
|
Kent Alack, why thus?
|
Kent Alack, why thus?
|
|
EDMUND Yet Edmund was beloved.
The one the other poisoned for my sake,
255 And after slew herself.
|
EDMUND Yet Edmund was beloved.
The one the other poisoned for my sake,
And after slew herself.
|
|
ALBANY Even so.—Cover their faces.
|
ALBANY Even so.—Cover their faces.
|
|
EDMUND I pant for life. Some good I mean to do
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send—
Be brief in it—to th' castle, for my writ
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia.
260 Nay, send in time!
|
EDMUND I pant for life. Some good I mean to do
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send—
Be brief in it—to th' castle, for my writ
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia.
Nay, send in time!
|
|
ALBANY Run, run, O, run!
|
ALBANY Run, run, O, run!
|
|
EDGAR To who, my lord?—Who hath the office? Send
Thy token of reprieve.
|
EDGAR To who, my lord?—Who hath the office? Send
Thy token of reprieve.
|
|
Edmund Well thought on. Take my sword. The captain—
Give it the captain.
|
Edmund Well thought on. Take my sword. The captain—
Give it the captain.
|
|
ALBANY Haste thee for thy life.
|
ALBANY Haste thee for thy life.
|
|
Exit a soldier
|
Exit a soldier
|
|
Edmund 265 He hath commission from thy wife and me
To hang Cordelia in the prison and
To lay the blame upon her own despair,
That she fordid herself.
|
Edmund He hath commission from thy wife and me
To hang Cordelia in the prison and
To lay the blame upon her own despair,
That she fordid herself.
|
|
ALBANY The gods defend her!—hear him hence awhile.
|
ALBANY The gods defend her!—hear him hence awhile.
|
|
Exit soldiers with EDMUND
|
Exit soldiers with EDMUND
|
|
Enter LEAR with CORDELIA in his arms, a THIRD KNIGHT following
|
Enter LEAR with CORDELIA in his arms, a THIRD KNIGHT following
|
|
LEAR 270 Howl, howl, howl, howl! Oh, you are men of stones.
Had I your tongues and eyes, I’d use them so
That heaven’s vault should crack. She’s gone forever.
I know when one is dead and when one lives.
She’s dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass.
275 If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,
Why then, she lives.
|
LEAR Howl, howl, howl, howl! Oh, you are men of stones.
Had I your tongues and eyes, I’d use them so
That heaven’s vault should crack. She’s gone forever.
I know when one is dead and when one lives.
She’s dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass.
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,
Why then, she lives.
|
|
KENT Is this the promised end?
|
KENT Is this the promised end?
|
|
EDGAR Or image of that horror?
|
EDGAR Or image of that horror?
|
|
ALBANY Fall and cease.
|
ALBANY Fall and cease.
|
|
LEAR This feather stirs. She lives. If it be so,
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows
280 That ever I have felt.
|
LEAR This feather stirs. She lives. If it be so,
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows
That ever I have felt.
|
|
KENT O my good master!
|
KENT O my good master!
|
|
LEAR Prithee, away.
|
LEAR Prithee, away.
|
|
EDGAR 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
|
EDGAR 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
|
|
LEAR A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!
I might have saved her. Now she’s gone for ever.—
Cordelia, Cordelia, stay a little. Ha?
285 What is ’t thou say’st?—Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.—
I killed the slave that was a-hanging thee.
|
LEAR A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!
I might have saved her. Now she’s gone for ever.—
Cordelia, Cordelia, stay a little. Ha?
What is ’t thou say’st?—Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.—
I killed the slave that was a-hanging thee.
|
|
THIRD KNIGHT 'Tis true, my lords, he did.
|
THIRD KNIGHT 'Tis true, my lords, he did.
|
|
LEAR Did I not, fellow?
I have seen the day with my good biting falchion
290 I would have made them skip. I am old now,
And these same crosses spoil me. (to KENT) Who are you?
Mine eyes are not o' th' best, I’ll tell you straight.
|
LEAR Did I not, fellow?
I have seen the day with my good biting falchion
I would have made them skip. I am old now,
And these same crosses spoil me. (to KENT) Who are you?
Mine eyes are not o' th' best, I’ll tell you straight.
|
|
KENT If Fortune brag of two she loved and hated,
One of them we behold.
|
KENT If Fortune brag of two she loved and hated,
One of them we behold.
|
|
LEAR This a dull sight.
295 Are you not Kent?
|
LEAR This a dull sight.
Are you not Kent?
|
|
KENT The same. Your servant Kent.
Where is your servant Caius?
|
KENT The same. Your servant Kent.
Where is your servant Caius?
|
|
LEAR He’s a good fellow, I can tell you that.
He’ll strike, and quickly too. He’s dead and rotten.
|
LEAR He’s a good fellow, I can tell you that.
He’ll strike, and quickly too. He’s dead and rotten.
|
|
KENT 300 No, my good lord. I am the very man—
|
KENT No, my good lord. I am the very man—
|
|
LEAR I’ll see that straight.
|
LEAR I’ll see that straight.
|
|
KENT That from your first of difference and decay
Have followed your sad steps.
|
KENT That from your first of difference and decay
Have followed your sad steps.
|
|
LEAR You’re welcome hither.
|
LEAR You’re welcome hither.
|
|
KENT Nor no man else. All’s cheerless, dark, and deadly.
305 Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves,
And desperately are dead.
|
KENT Nor no man else. All’s cheerless, dark, and deadly.
Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves,
And desperately are dead.
|
|
LEAR Ay, so I think.
|
LEAR Ay, so I think.
|
|
ALBANY He knows not what he says, and vain it is
That we present us to him.
|
ALBANY He knows not what he says, and vain it is
That we present us to him.
|
|
Enter THIRD MESSENGER
|
Enter THIRD MESSENGER
|
|
EDGAR Very bootless.
|
EDGAR Very bootless.
|
|
THIRD MESSENGER Edmund is dead, my lord.
|
THIRD MESSENGER Edmund is dead, my lord.
|
|
ALBANY That’s but a trifle here.—
310 You lords and noble friends, know our intent.
What comfort to this great decay may come
Shall be applied. For us, we will resign
During the life of this old majesty
To him our absolute power.
|
ALBANY That’s but a trifle here.—
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.
What comfort to this great decay may come
Shall be applied. For us, we will resign
During the life of this old majesty
To him our absolute power.
|
You, to your rights
With boot, and such addition as your honors
Have more than merited.—All friends shall taste
The wages of their virtue, and all foes
The cup of their deservings. O, see, see!
|
You, to your rights
With boot, and such addition as your honors
Have more than merited.—All friends shall taste
The wages of their virtue, and all foes
The cup of their deservings. O, see, see!
|
|
LEAR 320 And my poor fool is hanged.—No, no, no life?
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life,
And thou no breath at all? Oh, thou'lt come no more,
Never, never, never, never, never.—
Pray you, undo this button. Thank you, sir.
325 Do you see this? Look on her. Look, her lips.
Look there, look there. O, O, O, O.
(dies)
|
LEAR And my poor fool is hanged.—No, no, no life?
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life,
And thou no breath at all? Oh, thou'lt come no more,
Never, never, never, never, never.—
Pray you, undo this button. Thank you, sir.
Do you see this? Look on her. Look, her lips.
Look there, look there. O, O, O, O.
(dies)
|
|
EDGAR He faints!—My lord, my lord!
|
EDGAR He faints!—My lord, my lord!
|
|
KENT Break, heart. I prithee, break!
|
KENT Break, heart. I prithee, break!
|
|
EDGAR |
EDGAR |
|
KENT Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass. He hates him
That would upon the rack of this tough world
Stretch him out longer.
|
KENT Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass. He hates him
That would upon the rack of this tough world
Stretch him out longer.
|
|
EDGAR Oh, he is gone indeed.
|
EDGAR Oh, he is gone indeed.
|
|
KENT The wonder is he hath endured so long.
335 He but usurped his life.
|
KENT The wonder is he hath endured so long.
He but usurped his life.
|
|
ALBANY Bear them from hence. Our present business
Is to general woe.
(to KENT and EDGAR) Friends of my soul, you twain
Rule in this realm, and the gored state sustain.
|
ALBANY Bear them from hence. Our present business
Is to general woe.
(to KENT and EDGAR) Friends of my soul, you twain
Rule in this realm, and the gored state sustain.
|
|
KENT 340 I have a journey, sir, shortly to go.
My master calls me. I must not say no.
|
KENT I have a journey, sir, shortly to go.
My master calls me. I must not say no.
|
|
EDGAR The weight of this sad time we must obey.
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest hath borne most. We that are young
345 Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
|
EDGAR The weight of this sad time we must obey.
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest hath borne most. We that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
|
|
Exeunt with a dead march
|
Exeunt with a dead march
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter in conquest with drum and colors EDMUND , with LEAR and CORDELIA as prisoners, and FIRST CAPTAIN with soldiers
|
Enter in conquest with drum and colors EDMUND , with LEAR and CORDELIA as prisoners, and FIRST CAPTAIN with soldiers
|
|
EDMUND Some officers take them away. Good guard
Until their greater pleasures first be known
That are to censure them.
|
EDMUND Some officers take them away. Good guard
Until their greater pleasures first be known
That are to censure them.
|
|
CORDELIA (to LEAR)
We are not the first
5 Who with best meaning have incurred the worst.
For thee, oppressèd King, I am cast down.
Myself could else outfrown false fortune’s frown.
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
|
CORDELIA (to LEAR)
We are not the first
Who with best meaning have incurred the worst.
For thee, oppressèd King, I am cast down.
Myself could else outfrown false fortune’s frown.
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
|
|
LEAR No, no, no, no! Come, let’s away to prison.
10 We two alone will sing like birds i' th' cage.
When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down
And ask of thee forgiveness. So we’ll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
15 Talk of court news, and we’ll talk with them too—
Who loses and who wins, who’s in, who’s out—
And take upon ’s the mystery of things
As if we were God’s spies. And we’ll wear out
In a walled prison packs and sects of great ones
20 That ebb and flow by the moon.
|
LEAR No, no, no, no! Come, let’s away to prison.
We two alone will sing like birds i' th' cage.
When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down
And ask of thee forgiveness. So we’ll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk of court news, and we’ll talk with them too—
Who loses and who wins, who’s in, who’s out—
And take upon ’s the mystery of things
As if we were God’s spies. And we’ll wear out
In a walled prison packs and sects of great ones
That ebb and flow by the moon.
|
|
EDMUND Take them away.
|
EDMUND Take them away.
|
|
LEAR Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes.
|
LEAR Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes.
|
|
25 The good years shall devour them, flesh and fell,
Ere they shall make us weep. We’ll see 'em starve first.
Come.
|
The good years shall devour them, flesh and fell,
Ere they shall make us weep. We’ll see 'em starve first.
Come.
|
|
Exeunt LEAR and CORDELIA , led by soldiers
|
Exeunt LEAR and CORDELIA , led by soldiers
|
|
EDMUND Come hither, captain. Hark.
(gives FIRST CAPTAIN a document)
30 Take thou this note. Go follow them to prison.
One step I have advanced thee. If thou dost
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way
To noble fortunes. Know thou this: that men
Are as the time is. To be tender-minded
35 Does not become a sword. Thy great employment
Will not bear question. Either say thou'lt do ’t,
Or thrive by other means.
|
EDMUND Come hither, captain. Hark.
(gives FIRST CAPTAIN a document)
Take thou this note. Go follow them to prison.
One step I have advanced thee. If thou dost
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way
To noble fortunes. Know thou this: that men
Are as the time is. To be tender-minded
Does not become a sword. Thy great employment
Will not bear question. Either say thou'lt do ’t,
Or thrive by other means.
|
|
FIRST CAPTAIN I’ll do ’t, my lord.
|
FIRST CAPTAIN I’ll do ’t, my lord.
|
|
EDMUND About it, and write “happy” when thou’st done.
Mark, I say, instantly, and carry it so
40 As I have set it down.
|
EDMUND About it, and write “happy” when thou’st done.
Mark, I say, instantly, and carry it so
As I have set it down.
|
|
FIRST CAPTAIN I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats.
If it be man’s work, I’ll do ’t.
|
FIRST CAPTAIN I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats.
If it be man’s work, I’ll do ’t.
|
|
Exit FIRST CAPTAIN
|
Exit FIRST CAPTAIN
|
|
Flourish Enter the Duke of ALBANY , the two ladies GONERIL and REGAN , a SECOND CAPTAIN , and soldiers
|
Flourish Enter the Duke of ALBANY , the two ladies GONERIL and REGAN , a SECOND CAPTAIN , and soldiers
|
|
ALBANY (to EDMUND) Sir, you have shown today your valiant strain,
And fortune led you well. You have the captives
45 That were the opposites of this day’s strife.
|
ALBANY (to EDMUND) Sir, you have shown today your valiant strain,
And fortune led you well. You have the captives
That were the opposites of this day’s strife.
|
|
I do require them of you, so to use them
As we shall find their merits and our safety
May equally determine.
|
I do require them of you, so to use them
As we shall find their merits and our safety
May equally determine.
|
|
EDMUND Sir, I thought it fit
To send the old and miserable king
50 To some retention and appointed guard—
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more—
To pluck the common bosom on his side,
An turn our impressed lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen,
55 My reason all the same, and they are ready
Tomorrow or at further space t' appear
Where you shall hold your session. At this time
We sweat and bleed. The friend hath lost his friend,
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed
60 By those that feel their sharpness.
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place.
|
EDMUND Sir, I thought it fit
To send the old and miserable king
To some retention and appointed guard—
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more—
To pluck the common bosom on his side,
An turn our impressed lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen,
My reason all the same, and they are ready
Tomorrow or at further space t' appear
Where you shall hold your session. At this time
We sweat and bleed. The friend hath lost his friend,
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed
By those that feel their sharpness.
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place.
|
|
ALBANY I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother.
|
ALBANY I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother.
|
|
REGAN That’s as we list to grace him.
65 Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person—
The which immediacy may well stand up
And call itself your brother.
|
REGAN That’s as we list to grace him.
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person—
The which immediacy may well stand up
And call itself your brother.
|
|
GONERIL Not so hot.
70 In his own grace he doth exalt himself
More than in your addition.
|
GONERIL Not so hot.
In his own grace he doth exalt himself
More than in your addition.
|
|
REGAN In my rights,
By me invested, he compeers the best.
|
REGAN In my rights,
By me invested, he compeers the best.
|
|
ALBANY That were the most if he should
husband you.
|
ALBANY That were the most if he should
husband you.
|
|
REGAN Jesters do oft prove prophets.
|
REGAN Jesters do oft prove prophets.
|
|
GONERIL Holla, holla!
That eye that told you so looked but asquint.
|
GONERIL Holla, holla!
That eye that told you so looked but asquint.
|
|
REGAN 75 Lady, I am not well, else I should answer
From a full-flowing stomach.
(to EDMUND) General,
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony.
Dispose of them, of me. The walls is thine.
80 Witness the world that I create thee here
My lord and master.
|
REGAN Lady, I am not well, else I should answer
From a full-flowing stomach.
(to EDMUND) General,
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony.
Dispose of them, of me. The walls is thine.
Witness the world that I create thee here
My lord and master.
|
|
GONERIL Mean you to enjoy him then?
|
GONERIL Mean you to enjoy him then?
|
|
ALBANY The let-alone lies not in your good will.
|
ALBANY The let-alone lies not in your good will.
|
|
EDMUND Nor in thine, lord.
|
EDMUND Nor in thine, lord.
|
|
ALBANY Half-blooded fellow, yes.
|
ALBANY Half-blooded fellow, yes.
|
|
REGAN (to EDMUND) Let the drum strike and prove my title thine.
|
REGAN (to EDMUND) Let the drum strike and prove my title thine.
|
|
ALBANY 85 Stay yet. Hear reason.—Edmund, I arrest thee
On capital treason, and in thine attaint
This gilded serpent.(indicates GONERIL)
(to REGAN) For your claim, fair sister,
I bar it in the interest of my wife.
90 'Tis she is subcontracted to this lord.
And I, her husband, contradict your banns.
If you will marry, make your loves to me,
My lady is bespoke.
|
ALBANY Stay yet. Hear reason.—Edmund, I arrest thee
On capital treason, and in thine attaint
This gilded serpent.(indicates GONERIL)
(to REGAN) For your claim, fair sister,
I bar it in the interest of my wife.
'Tis she is subcontracted to this lord.
And I, her husband, contradict your banns.
If you will marry, make your loves to me,
My lady is bespoke.
|
|
GONERIL An interlude!
|
GONERIL An interlude!
|
|
ALBANY Thou art armed, Gloucester. Let the trumpet sound.
95 If none appear to prove upon thy person
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge. (throws down his glove)
I’ll make it on thy heart,
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less
100 Than I have here proclaimed thee.
|
ALBANY Thou art armed, Gloucester. Let the trumpet sound.
If none appear to prove upon thy person
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge. (throws down his glove)
I’ll make it on thy heart,
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less
Than I have here proclaimed thee.
|
|
REGAN Sick, oh, sick!
|
REGAN Sick, oh, sick!
|
|
GONERIL (aside) If not, I’ll ne'er trust medicine.
|
GONERIL (aside) If not, I’ll ne'er trust medicine.
|
|
EDMUND (throwing down his glove)
There’s my exchange. What in the world he is
105 That names me traitor, villainlike he lies.
Call by thy trumpet. He that dares approach,
On him—on you, who not?—I will maintain
My truth and honor firmly.
|
EDMUND (throwing down his glove)
There’s my exchange. What in the world he is
That names me traitor, villainlike he lies.
Call by thy trumpet. He that dares approach,
On him—on you, who not?—I will maintain
My truth and honor firmly.
|
|
ALBANY A herald, ho!
|
ALBANY A herald, ho!
|
|
EDMUND 110 A herald, ho, a herald!
|
EDMUND A herald, ho, a herald!
|
|
Enter a HERALD
|
Enter a HERALD
|
|
ALBANY (to EDMUND) Trust to thy single virtue, for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name
Took their discharge.
|
ALBANY (to EDMUND) Trust to thy single virtue, for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name
Took their discharge.
|
|
REGAN My sickness grows upon me.
|
REGAN My sickness grows upon me.
|
|
ALBANY She is not well. Convey her to my tent.
|
ALBANY She is not well. Convey her to my tent.
|
|
Exit REGAN , led
|
Exit REGAN , led
|
|
115 Come hither, herald.—Let the trumpet sound,—
And read out this. (gives the HERALD a document)
|
Come hither, herald.—Let the trumpet sound,—
And read out this. (gives the HERALD a document)
|
|
SECOND CAPTAIN Sound, trumpet!
|
SECOND CAPTAIN Sound, trumpet!
|
|
A trumpet sounds
|
A trumpet sounds
|
|
HERALD (reads)
“If any man of quality or degree within the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet. He is bold in his defense.”
|
HERALD (reads)
“If any man of quality or degree within the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet. He is bold in his defense.”
|
|
EDMUND Sound!
|
EDMUND Sound!
|
|
First trumpet
|
First trumpet
|
|
HERALD Again!
|
HERALD Again!
|
|
Second trumpet
|
Second trumpet
|
|
HERALD Again!
|
HERALD Again!
|
|
Third trumpet Trumpet answers within Enter EDGAR , at the third sound, armed, a trumpet before him
|
Third trumpet Trumpet answers within Enter EDGAR , at the third sound, armed, a trumpet before him
|
|
ALBANY (to HERALD) Ask him his purposes, why he appears
125 Upon this call o' th' trumpet.
|
ALBANY (to HERALD) Ask him his purposes, why he appears
Upon this call o' th' trumpet.
|
|
HERALD What are you?
Your name, your quality, and why you answer
This present summons?
|
HERALD What are you?
Your name, your quality, and why you answer
This present summons?
|
|
EDGAR O, know, my name is lost.
By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.
130 Yet am I noble as the adversary
I come to cope withal.
|
EDGAR O, know, my name is lost.
By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.
Yet am I noble as the adversary
I come to cope withal.
|
|
ALBANY Which is that adversary?
|
ALBANY Which is that adversary?
|
|
EDGAR What’s he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
|
EDGAR What’s he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
|
|
EDMUND Himself. What sayst thou to him?
|
EDMUND Himself. What sayst thou to him?
|
|
EDGAR Draw thy sword,
That if my speech offend a noble heart
135 Thy arm may do thee justice. (draws his sword) Here is mine.
Behold: it is the privilege of mine honors,
My oath, and my profession. I protest—
Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,
140 Thy valor and thy heart—thou art a traitor,
False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father,
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince,
And from th' extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust below thy foot
145 A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou “No,”
This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,
Thou liest.
|
EDGAR Draw thy sword,
That if my speech offend a noble heart
Thy arm may do thee justice. (draws his sword) Here is mine.
Behold: it is the privilege of mine honors,
My oath, and my profession. I protest—
Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,
Thy valor and thy heart—thou art a traitor,
False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father,
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince,
And from th' extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust below thy foot
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou “No,”
This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,
Thou liest.
|
|
EDMUND In wisdom I should ask thy name.
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,
150 And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,
What safe and nicely I might well delay
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn.
Back do I toss these treasons to thy head,
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart—
|
EDMUND In wisdom I should ask thy name.
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,
And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,
What safe and nicely I might well delay
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn.
Back do I toss these treasons to thy head,
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart—
|
|
155 Which, for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,
This sword of mine shall give them instant way,
Where they shall rest for ever.—Trumpets, speak!
|
Which, for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,
This sword of mine shall give them instant way,
Where they shall rest for ever.—Trumpets, speak!
|
|
Alarums EDMUND and EDGAR fight EDMUND falls
|
Alarums EDMUND and EDGAR fight EDMUND falls
|
|
ALBANY Save him, save him!
|
ALBANY Save him, save him!
|
|
GONERIL This is practice, Gloucester.
160 By th' law of arms thou wast not bound to answer
An unknown opposite. Thou art not vanquished,
But cozened and beguiled.
|
GONERIL This is practice, Gloucester.
By th' law of arms thou wast not bound to answer
An unknown opposite. Thou art not vanquished,
But cozened and beguiled.
|
|
ALBANY Shut your mouth, dame,
Or with this paper shall I stop it.—Hold, sir,
(gives the letter to EDMUND)
165 Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.—
(to GONERIL) Nay, no tearing, lady. I perceive you know it.
|
ALBANY Shut your mouth, dame,
Or with this paper shall I stop it.—Hold, sir,
(gives the letter to EDMUND)
Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.—
(to GONERIL) Nay, no tearing, lady. I perceive you know it.
|
|
GONERIL Say, if I do? The laws are mine, not thine.
Who can arraign me for ’t?
|
GONERIL Say, if I do? The laws are mine, not thine.
Who can arraign me for ’t?
|
|
ALBANY Most monstrous, oh!
(to EDMUND) Know’st thou this paper?
|
ALBANY Most monstrous, oh!
(to EDMUND) Know’st thou this paper?
|
|
EDMUND 170 Ask me not what I know.
|
EDMUND Ask me not what I know.
|
|
Exit GONERIL
|
Exit GONERIL
|
|
ALBANY Go after her. She’s desperate. Govern her.
|
ALBANY Go after her. She’s desperate. Govern her.
|
|
Exit a soldier
|
Exit a soldier
|
|
EDMUND What you have charged me with, that have I done—
And more, much more. The time will bring it out.
'Tis past, and so am I.
But what art thou
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,
I do forgive thee.
|
EDMUND What you have charged me with, that have I done—
And more, much more. The time will bring it out.
'Tis past, and so am I.
But what art thou
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,
I do forgive thee.
|
|
EDGAR Let’s exchange charity.
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund.
If more, the more thou’st wronged me.
180 My name is Edgar, and thy father’s son.
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.
The dark and vicious place where thee he got
Cost him his eyes.
|
EDGAR Let’s exchange charity.
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund.
If more, the more thou’st wronged me.
My name is Edgar, and thy father’s son.
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.
The dark and vicious place where thee he got
Cost him his eyes.
|
|
EDMUND Thou’st spoken right. 'Tis true.
185 The wheel is come full circle. I am here.
|
EDMUND Thou’st spoken right. 'Tis true.
The wheel is come full circle. I am here.
|
|
ALBANY Methought thy very gait did prophesy
A royal nobleness. I must embrace thee.
Let sorrow split my heart if ever I
Did hate thee or thy father.
|
ALBANY Methought thy very gait did prophesy
A royal nobleness. I must embrace thee.
Let sorrow split my heart if ever I
Did hate thee or thy father.
|
|
EDGAR 190 Worthy prince, I know ’t.
|
EDGAR Worthy prince, I know ’t.
|
|
ALBANY Where have you hid yourself?
How have you known the miseries of your father?
|
ALBANY Where have you hid yourself?
How have you known the miseries of your father?
|
|
EDGAR By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale,
And when ’tis told, oh, that my heart would burst!
|
EDGAR By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale,
And when ’tis told, oh, that my heart would burst!
|
|
195 The bloody proclamation to escape,
That followed me so near—O our lives' sweetness,
That we the pain of death would hourly die
Rather than die at once!—taught me to shift
Into a madman’s rags, t' assume a semblance
200 That very dogs disdained. And in this habit
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,
Their precious stones new lost, became his guide,
Led him, begged for him, saved him from despair.
Never—O fault!—revealed myself unto him
205 Until some half-hour past, when I was armed.
Not sure, though hoping of this good success,
I asked his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my pilgrimage. But his flawed heart—
Alack, too weak the conflict to support—
210 'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst smilingly.
|
The bloody proclamation to escape,
That followed me so near—O our lives' sweetness,
That we the pain of death would hourly die
Rather than die at once!—taught me to shift
Into a madman’s rags, t' assume a semblance
That very dogs disdained. And in this habit
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,
Their precious stones new lost, became his guide,
Led him, begged for him, saved him from despair.
Never—O fault!—revealed myself unto him
Until some half-hour past, when I was armed.
Not sure, though hoping of this good success,
I asked his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my pilgrimage. But his flawed heart—
Alack, too weak the conflict to support—
'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst smilingly.
|
|
EDMUND This speech of yours hath moved me,
And shall perchance do good. But speak you on.
You look as you had something more to say.
|
EDMUND This speech of yours hath moved me,
And shall perchance do good. But speak you on.
You look as you had something more to say.
|
|
ALBANY If there be more, more woeful, hold it in.
215 For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.
|
ALBANY If there be more, more woeful, hold it in.
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.
|
|
EDGAR This would have seemed a period
To such as love not sorrow, but another
To amplify too much would make much more
And top extremity.
220 Whilst I was big in clamor came there in a man
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,
Shunned my abhorred society, but then, finding
Who ’twas that so endured, with his strong arms
He fastened on my neck, and bellowed out
225 As he’d burst heaven, threw him on my father,
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him
That ever ear received—which in recounting
|
EDGAR This would have seemed a period
To such as love not sorrow, but another
To amplify too much would make much more
And top extremity.
Whilst I was big in clamor came there in a man
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,
Shunned my abhorred society, but then, finding
Who ’twas that so endured, with his strong arms
He fastened on my neck, and bellowed out
As he’d burst heaven, threw him on my father,
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him
That ever ear received—which in recounting
|
|
His grief grew puissant and the strings of life
Began to crack. Twice then the trumpets sounded,
230 And there I left him tranced.
|
His grief grew puissant and the strings of life
Began to crack. Twice then the trumpets sounded,
And there I left him tranced.
|
|
ALBANY But who was this?
|
ALBANY But who was this?
|
|
EDGAR Kent, sir, the banished Kent, who in disguise
Followed his enemy king and did him service
Improper for a slave.
|
EDGAR Kent, sir, the banished Kent, who in disguise
Followed his enemy king and did him service
Improper for a slave.
|
|
Enter SECOND KNIGHT with a bloody knife
|
Enter SECOND KNIGHT with a bloody knife
|
|
SECOND KNIGHT Help, help, O, help!
|
SECOND KNIGHT Help, help, O, help!
|
|
EDGAR What kind of help?
|
EDGAR What kind of help?
|
|
ALBANY Speak, man.
|
ALBANY Speak, man.
|
|
EDGAR 235 What means that bloody knife?
|
EDGAR What means that bloody knife?
|
|
SECOND KNIGHT 'Tis hot, it smokes.
It came even from the heart of—oh, she’s dead!
|
SECOND KNIGHT 'Tis hot, it smokes.
It came even from the heart of—oh, she’s dead!
|
|
ALBANY Who dead? Speak, man.
|
ALBANY Who dead? Speak, man.
|
|
SECOND KNIGHT Your lady, sir, your lady. And her sister
240 By her is poisoned. She confesses it.
|
SECOND KNIGHT Your lady, sir, your lady. And her sister
By her is poisoned. She confesses it.
|
|
EDMUND I was contracted to them both. All three
Now marry in an instant.
|
EDMUND I was contracted to them both. All three
Now marry in an instant.
|
|
EDGAR Here comes Kent.
|
EDGAR Here comes Kent.
|
|
ALBANY Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead.
This judgment of the heavens that makes us tremble
245 Touches us not with pity.
|
ALBANY Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead.
This judgment of the heavens that makes us tremble
Touches us not with pity.
|
|
Exit SECOND KNIGHT
|
Exit SECOND KNIGHT
|
|
Enter KENT
|
Enter KENT
|
|
Oh, is this he?
The time will not allow the compliment
Which very manners urges.
|
Oh, is this he?
The time will not allow the compliment
Which very manners urges.
|
|
KENT I am come
To bid my king and master aye good night.
Is he not here?
|
KENT I am come
To bid my king and master aye good night.
Is he not here?
|
|
ALBANY Great thing of us forgot!—
250 Speak, Edmund, where’s the king? And where’s Cordelia?—
|
ALBANY Great thing of us forgot!—
Speak, Edmund, where’s the king? And where’s Cordelia?—
|
|
REGAN ’s and GONERIL ’s corpses are brought out
|
REGAN ’s and GONERIL ’s corpses are brought out
|
|
Seest thou this object, Kent?
|
Seest thou this object, Kent?
|
|
Kent Alack, why thus?
|
Kent Alack, why thus?
|
|
EDMUND Yet Edmund was beloved.
The one the other poisoned for my sake,
255 And after slew herself.
|
EDMUND Yet Edmund was beloved.
The one the other poisoned for my sake,
And after slew herself.
|
|
ALBANY Even so.—Cover their faces.
|
ALBANY Even so.—Cover their faces.
|
|
EDMUND I pant for life. Some good I mean to do
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send—
Be brief in it—to th' castle, for my writ
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia.
260 Nay, send in time!
|
EDMUND I pant for life. Some good I mean to do
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send—
Be brief in it—to th' castle, for my writ
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia.
Nay, send in time!
|
|
ALBANY Run, run, O, run!
|
ALBANY Run, run, O, run!
|
|
EDGAR To who, my lord?—Who hath the office? Send
Thy token of reprieve.
|
EDGAR To who, my lord?—Who hath the office? Send
Thy token of reprieve.
|
|
Edmund Well thought on. Take my sword. The captain—
Give it the captain.
|
Edmund Well thought on. Take my sword. The captain—
Give it the captain.
|
|
ALBANY Haste thee for thy life.
|
ALBANY Haste thee for thy life.
|
|
Exit a soldier
|
Exit a soldier
|
|
Edmund 265 He hath commission from thy wife and me
To hang Cordelia in the prison and
To lay the blame upon her own despair,
That she fordid herself.
|
Edmund He hath commission from thy wife and me
To hang Cordelia in the prison and
To lay the blame upon her own despair,
That she fordid herself.
|
|
ALBANY The gods defend her!—hear him hence awhile.
|
ALBANY The gods defend her!—hear him hence awhile.
|
|
Exit soldiers with EDMUND
|
Exit soldiers with EDMUND
|
|
Enter LEAR with CORDELIA in his arms, a THIRD KNIGHT following
|
Enter LEAR with CORDELIA in his arms, a THIRD KNIGHT following
|
|
LEAR 270 Howl, howl, howl, howl! Oh, you are men of stones.
Had I your tongues and eyes, I’d use them so
That heaven’s vault should crack. She’s gone forever.
I know when one is dead and when one lives.
She’s dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass.
275 If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,
Why then, she lives.
|
LEAR Howl, howl, howl, howl! Oh, you are men of stones.
Had I your tongues and eyes, I’d use them so
That heaven’s vault should crack. She’s gone forever.
I know when one is dead and when one lives.
She’s dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass.
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,
Why then, she lives.
|
|
KENT Is this the promised end?
|
KENT Is this the promised end?
|
|
EDGAR Or image of that horror?
|
EDGAR Or image of that horror?
|
|
ALBANY Fall and cease.
|
ALBANY Fall and cease.
|
|
LEAR This feather stirs. She lives. If it be so,
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows
280 That ever I have felt.
|
LEAR This feather stirs. She lives. If it be so,
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows
That ever I have felt.
|
|
KENT O my good master!
|
KENT O my good master!
|
|
LEAR Prithee, away.
|
LEAR Prithee, away.
|
|
EDGAR 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
|
EDGAR 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
|
|
LEAR A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!
I might have saved her. Now she’s gone for ever.—
Cordelia, Cordelia, stay a little. Ha?
285 What is ’t thou say’st?—Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.—
I killed the slave that was a-hanging thee.
|
LEAR A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!
I might have saved her. Now she’s gone for ever.—
Cordelia, Cordelia, stay a little. Ha?
What is ’t thou say’st?—Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.—
I killed the slave that was a-hanging thee.
|
|
THIRD KNIGHT 'Tis true, my lords, he did.
|
THIRD KNIGHT 'Tis true, my lords, he did.
|
|
LEAR Did I not, fellow?
I have seen the day with my good biting falchion
290 I would have made them skip. I am old now,
And these same crosses spoil me. (to KENT) Who are you?
Mine eyes are not o' th' best, I’ll tell you straight.
|
LEAR Did I not, fellow?
I have seen the day with my good biting falchion
I would have made them skip. I am old now,
And these same crosses spoil me. (to KENT) Who are you?
Mine eyes are not o' th' best, I’ll tell you straight.
|
|
KENT If Fortune brag of two she loved and hated,
One of them we behold.
|
KENT If Fortune brag of two she loved and hated,
One of them we behold.
|
|
LEAR This a dull sight.
295 Are you not Kent?
|
LEAR This a dull sight.
Are you not Kent?
|
|
KENT The same. Your servant Kent.
Where is your servant Caius?
|
KENT The same. Your servant Kent.
Where is your servant Caius?
|
|
LEAR He’s a good fellow, I can tell you that.
He’ll strike, and quickly too. He’s dead and rotten.
|
LEAR He’s a good fellow, I can tell you that.
He’ll strike, and quickly too. He’s dead and rotten.
|
|
KENT 300 No, my good lord. I am the very man—
|
KENT No, my good lord. I am the very man—
|
|
LEAR I’ll see that straight.
|
LEAR I’ll see that straight.
|
|
KENT That from your first of difference and decay
Have followed your sad steps.
|
KENT That from your first of difference and decay
Have followed your sad steps.
|
|
LEAR You’re welcome hither.
|
LEAR You’re welcome hither.
|
|
KENT Nor no man else. All’s cheerless, dark, and deadly.
305 Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves,
And desperately are dead.
|
KENT Nor no man else. All’s cheerless, dark, and deadly.
Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves,
And desperately are dead.
|
|
LEAR Ay, so I think.
|
LEAR Ay, so I think.
|
|
ALBANY He knows not what he says, and vain it is
That we present us to him.
|
ALBANY He knows not what he says, and vain it is
That we present us to him.
|
|
Enter THIRD MESSENGER
|
Enter THIRD MESSENGER
|
|
EDGAR Very bootless.
|
EDGAR Very bootless.
|
|
THIRD MESSENGER Edmund is dead, my lord.
|
THIRD MESSENGER Edmund is dead, my lord.
|
|
ALBANY That’s but a trifle here.—
310 You lords and noble friends, know our intent.
What comfort to this great decay may come
Shall be applied. For us, we will resign
During the life of this old majesty
To him our absolute power.
|
ALBANY That’s but a trifle here.—
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.
What comfort to this great decay may come
Shall be applied. For us, we will resign
During the life of this old majesty
To him our absolute power.
|
You, to your rights
With boot, and such addition as your honors
Have more than merited.—All friends shall taste
The wages of their virtue, and all foes
The cup of their deservings. O, see, see!
|
You, to your rights
With boot, and such addition as your honors
Have more than merited.—All friends shall taste
The wages of their virtue, and all foes
The cup of their deservings. O, see, see!
|
|
LEAR 320 And my poor fool is hanged.—No, no, no life?
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life,
And thou no breath at all? Oh, thou'lt come no more,
Never, never, never, never, never.—
Pray you, undo this button. Thank you, sir.
325 Do you see this? Look on her. Look, her lips.
Look there, look there. O, O, O, O.
(dies)
|
LEAR And my poor fool is hanged.—No, no, no life?
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life,
And thou no breath at all? Oh, thou'lt come no more,
Never, never, never, never, never.—
Pray you, undo this button. Thank you, sir.
Do you see this? Look on her. Look, her lips.
Look there, look there. O, O, O, O.
(dies)
|
|
EDGAR He faints!—My lord, my lord!
|
EDGAR He faints!—My lord, my lord!
|
|
KENT Break, heart. I prithee, break!
|
KENT Break, heart. I prithee, break!
|
|
EDGAR |
EDGAR |
|
KENT Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass. He hates him
That would upon the rack of this tough world
Stretch him out longer.
|
KENT Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass. He hates him
That would upon the rack of this tough world
Stretch him out longer.
|
|
EDGAR Oh, he is gone indeed.
|
EDGAR Oh, he is gone indeed.
|
|
KENT The wonder is he hath endured so long.
335 He but usurped his life.
|
KENT The wonder is he hath endured so long.
He but usurped his life.
|
|
ALBANY Bear them from hence. Our present business
Is to general woe.
(to KENT and EDGAR) Friends of my soul, you twain
Rule in this realm, and the gored state sustain.
|
ALBANY Bear them from hence. Our present business
Is to general woe.
(to KENT and EDGAR) Friends of my soul, you twain
Rule in this realm, and the gored state sustain.
|
|
KENT 340 I have a journey, sir, shortly to go.
My master calls me. I must not say no.
|
KENT I have a journey, sir, shortly to go.
My master calls me. I must not say no.
|
|
EDGAR The weight of this sad time we must obey.
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest hath borne most. We that are young
345 Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
|
EDGAR The weight of this sad time we must obey.
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest hath borne most. We that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
|
|
Exeunt with a dead march
|
Exeunt with a dead march
|
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