ACTISCENEI。KingLear’spalace。EnterKENT，GLOUCESTER，andEDMUNDKENTIthoughtthekinghadmoreaffectedtheDukeofAlbanythanCornwall。GLOUCESTERItdidalwaysseemsotous：butnow，inthedivisionofthekingdom，itappearsnotwhichofthedukeshevaluesmost；forequalitiesaresoweighed，thatcuriosityinneithercanmakechoiceofeither’smoiety。KENTIsnotthisyourson，mylord？GLOUCESTERHisbreeding，sir，hathbeenatmycharge：
Ihavesooftenblushedtoacknowledgehim，thatnowIambrazedtoit。KENTIcannotconceiveyou。GLOUCESTERSir，thisyoungfellow’smothercould：
whereuponshegrewround—wombed，andhad，indeed，sir，asonforhercradleereshehadahusbandforherbed。
Doyousmellafault？KENTIcannotwishthefaultundone，theissueofitbeingsoproper。GLOUCESTERButIhave，sir，asonbyorderoflaw，someyearelderthanthis，whoyetisnodearerinmyaccount：
thoughthisknavecamesomethingsaucilyintotheworldbeforehewassentfor，yetwashismotherfair；therewasgoodsportathismaking，andthewhoresonmustbeacknowledged。Doyouknowthisnoblegentleman，Edmund？EDMUNDNo，mylord。GLOUCESTERMylordofKent：rememberhimhereafterasmyhonourablefriend。EDMUNDMyservicestoyourlordship。KENTImustloveyou，andsuetoknowyoubetter。EDMUNDSir，Ishallstudydeserving。GLOUCESTERHehathbeenoutnineyears，andawayheshallagain。Thekingiscoming。
Sennet。EnterKINGLEAR，CORNWALL，ALBANY，GONERIL，REGAN，CORDELIA，andAttendantsKINGLEARAttendthelordsofFranceandBurgundy，Gloucester。GLOUCESTERIshall，myliege。
ExeuntGLOUCESTERandEDMUNDKINGLEARMeantimeweshallexpressourdarkerpurpose。
Givemethemapthere。KnowthatwehavedividedInthreeourkingdom：and’tisourfastintentToshakeallcaresandbusinessfromourage；
Conferringthemonyoungerstrengths，whileweUnburthen’dcrawltowarddeath。OursonofCornwall，Andyou，ournolesslovingsonofAlbany，WehavethishouraconstantwilltopublishOurdaughters’severaldowers，thatfuturestrifeMaybepreventednow。Theprinces，FranceandBurgundy，Greatrivalsinouryoungestdaughter’slove，Longinourcourthavemadetheiramoroussojourn，Andherearetobeanswer’d。Tellme，mydaughters，——
Sincenowwewilldivestusbothofrule，Interestofterritory，caresofstate，——
Whichofyoushallwesaydothloveusmost？
ThatweourlargestbountymayextendWherenaturedothwithmeritchallenge。Goneril，Oureldest—born，speakfirst。GONERILSir，Iloveyoumorethanwordscanwieldthematter；
Dearerthaneye—sight，space，andliberty；
Beyondwhatcanbevalued，richorrare；
Nolessthanlife，withgrace，health，beauty，honour；
Asmuchaschilde’erloved，orfatherfound；
Alovethatmakesbreathpoor，andspeechunable；
BeyondallmannerofsomuchIloveyou。CORDELIA[Aside]WhatshallCordeliado？
Love，andbesilent。LEAROfallthesebounds，evenfromthislinetothis，Withshadowyforestsandwithchampainsrich’d，Withplenteousriversandwide—skirtedmeads，Wemaketheelady：tothineandAlbany’sissueBethisperpetual。Whatsaysourseconddaughter，OurdearestRegan，wifetoCornwall？Speak。REGANSir，IammadeOftheself—samemetalthatmysisteris，Andprizemeatherworth。InmytrueheartIfindshenamesmyverydeedoflove；
Onlyshecomestooshort：thatIprofessMyselfanenemytoallotherjoys，Whichthemostprecioussquareofsensepossesses；
AndfindIamalonefelicitateInyourdearhighness’love。CORDELIA[Aside]ThenpoorCordelia!
Andyetnotso；since，Iamsure，mylove’sMorericherthanmytongue。KINGLEARTotheeandthinehereditaryeverRemainthisamplethirdofourfairkingdom；
Nolessinspace，validity，andpleasure，Thanthatconferr’donGoneril。Now，ourjoy，Althoughthelast，notleast；towhoseyoungloveThevinesofFranceandmilkofBurgundyStrivetobeinteress’d；whatcanyousaytodrawAthirdmoreopulentthanyoursisters？Speak。CORDELIANothing，mylord。KINGLEARNothing!CORDELIANothing。KINGLEARNothingwillcomeofnothing：speakagain。CORDELIAUnhappythatIam，IcannotheaveMyheartintomymouth：IloveyourmajestyAccordingtomybond；normorenorless。KINGLEARHow，how，Cordelia!mendyourspeechalittle，Lestitmaymaryourfortunes。CORDELIAGoodmylord，Youhavebegotme，bredme，lovedme：I
Returnthosedutiesbackasarerightfit，Obeyyou，loveyou，andmosthonouryou。
Whyhavemysistershusbands，iftheysayTheyloveyouall？Haply，whenIshallwed，ThatlordwhosehandmusttakemyplightshallcarryHalfmylovewithhim，halfmycareandduty：
Sure，Ishallnevermarrylikemysisters，Tolovemyfatherall。KINGLEARButgoesthyheartwiththis？CORDELIAAy，goodmylord。KINGLEARSoyoung，andsountender？CORDELIASoyoung，mylord，andtrue。KINGLEARLetitbeso；thytruth，then，bethydower：
For，bythesacredradianceofthesun，ThemysteriesofHecate，andthenight；
ByalltheoperationoftheorbsFromwhomwedoexist，andceasetobe；
HereIdisclaimallmypaternalcare，Propinquityandpropertyofblood，AndasastrangertomyheartandmeHoldthee，fromthis，forever。ThebarbarousScythian，OrhethatmakeshisgenerationmessesTogorgehisappetite，shalltomybosomBeaswellneighbour’d，pitied，andrelieved，Asthoumysometimedaughter。KENTGoodmyliege，——KINGLEARPeace，Kent!
Comenotbetweenthedragonandhiswrath。
Ilovedhermost，andthoughttosetmyrestOnherkindnursery。Hence，andavoidmysight!
Sobemygravemypeace，ashereIgiveHerfather’sheartfromher!CallFrance；whostirs？
CallBurgundy。CornwallandAlbany，Withmytwodaughters’dowersdigestthisthird：
Letpride，whichshecallsplainness，marryher。
Idoinvestyoujointlywithmypower，Pre—eminence，andallthelargeeffectsThattroopwithmajesty。Ourself，bymonthlycourse，Withreservationofanhundredknights，Byyoutobesustain’d，shallourabodeMakewithyoubydueturns。OnlywestillretainThename，andalltheadditionstoaking；
Thesway，revenue，executionoftherest，Belovedsons，beyours：whichtoconfirm，Thiscoronetpartbetwixtyou。
GivingthecrownKENTRoyalLear，WhomIhaveeverhonour’dasmyking，Lovedasmyfather，asmymasterfollow’d，Asmygreatpatronthoughtoninmyprayers，——KINGLEARThebowisbentanddrawn，makefromtheshaft。KENTLetitfallrather，thoughtheforkinvadeTheregionofmyheart：beKentunmannerly，WhenLearismad。Whatwiltthoudo，oldman？
Think’stthouthatdutyshallhavedreadtospeak，Whenpowertoflatterybows？Toplainnesshonour’sbound，Whenmajestystoopstofolly。Reversethydoom；
And，inthybestconsideration，chequeThishideousrashness：answermylifemyjudgment，Thyyoungestdaughterdoesnotlovetheeleast；
Norarethoseempty—heartedwhoselowsoundReverbsnohollowness。KINGLEARKent，onthylife，nomore。KENTMylifeIneverheldbutasapawnTowageagainstthyenemies；norfeartoloseit，Thysafetybeingthemotive。KINGLEAROutofmysight!KENTSeebetter，Lear；andletmestillremainThetrueblankofthineeye。KINGLEARNow，byApollo，——KENTNow，byApollo，king，Thouswear’stthygodsinvain。KINGLEARO，vassal!miscreant!
LayinghishandonhisswordALBANYCORNWALLDearsir，forbear。KENTDo：
Killthyphysician，andthefeebestowUponthyfouldisease。Revokethydoom；
Or，whilstIcanventclamourfrommythroat，I’lltelltheethoudostevil。KINGLEARHearme，recreant!
Onthineallegiance，hearme!
Sincethouhastsoughttomakeusbreakourvow，Whichwedurstneveryet，andwithstrain’dprideTocomebetweenoursentenceandourpower，Whichnorournaturenorourplacecanbear，Ourpotencymadegood，takethyreward。
Fivedayswedoallotthee，forprovisionToshieldtheefromdiseasesoftheworld；
AndonthesixthtoturnthyhatedbackUponourkingdom：if，onthetenthdayfollowing，Thybanish’dtrunkbefoundinourdominions，Themomentisthydeath。Away!byJupiter，Thisshallnotberevoked。KENTFaretheewell，king：siththusthouwiltappear，Freedomliveshence，andbanishmentishere。
ToCORDELIA
Thegodstotheirdearsheltertakethee，maid，Thatjustlythink’st，andhastmostrightlysaid!
ToREGANandGONERIL
Andyourlargespeechesmayyourdeedsapprove，Thatgoodeffectsmayspringfromwordsoflove。
ThusKent，Oprinces，bidsyoualladieu；
He’llshapehisoldcourseinacountrynew。
ExitFlourish。Re—enterGLOUCESTER，withKINGOFFRANCE，BURGUNDY，andAttendantsGLOUCESTERHere’sFranceandBurgundy，mynoblelord。KINGLEARMylordofBurgundy。
Wefirstaddresstowardsyou，whowiththiskingHathrivall’dforourdaughter：what，intheleast，Willyourequireinpresentdowerwithher，Orceaseyourquestoflove？BURGUNDYMostroyalmajesty，Icravenomorethanwhatyourhighnessoffer’d，Norwillyoutenderless。KINGLEARRightnobleBurgundy，Whenshewasdeartous，wedidholdherso；
Butnowherpriceisfall’n。Sir，thereshestands：
Ifaughtwithinthatlittleseemingsubstance，Orallofit，withourdispleasurepieced，Andnothingmore，mayfitlylikeyourgrace，She’sthere，andsheisyours。BURGUNDYIknownoanswer。KINGLEARWillyou，withthoseinfirmitiessheowes，Unfriended，new—adoptedtoourhate，Dower’dwithourcurse，andstranger’dwithouroath，Takeher，orleaveher？BURGUNDYPardonme，royalsir；
Electionmakesnotuponsuchconditions。KINGLEARThenleaveher，sir；for，bythepowerthatmademe，Itellyouallherwealth。
ToKINGOFFRANCE
Foryou，greatking，Iwouldnotfromyourlovemakesuchastray，TomatchyouwhereIhate；thereforebeseechyouToavertyourlikingamoreworthierwayThanonawretchwhomnatureisashamedAlmosttoacknowledgehers。KINGOFFRANCEThisismoststrange，Thatshe，thatevenbutnowwasyourbestobject，Theargumentofyourpraise，balmofyourage，Mostbest，mostdearest，shouldinthistriceoftimeCommitathingsomonstrous，todismantleSomanyfoldsoffavour。Sure，heroffenceMustbeofsuchunnaturaldegree，Thatmonstersit，oryourfore—vouch’daffectionFall’nintotaint：whichtobelieveofher，MustbeafaiththatreasonwithoutmiracleCouldneverplantinme。CORDELIAIyetbeseechyourmajesty，——
IfforIwantthatglibandoilyart，Tospeakandpurposenot；sincewhatIwellintend，I’lldo’tbeforeIspeak，——thatyoumakeknownItisnoviciousblot，murder，orfoulness，Nounchasteaction，ordishonour’dstep，Thathathdeprivedmeofyourgraceandfavour；
ButevenforwantofthatforwhichIamricher，Astill—solicitingeye，andsuchatongueAsIamgladIhavenot，thoughnottohaveitHathlostmeinyourliking。KINGLEARBetterthouHadstnotbeenbornthannottohavepleasedmebetter。KINGOFFRANCEIsitbutthis，——atardinessinnatureWhichoftenleavesthehistoryunspokeThatitintendstodo？MylordofBurgundy，Whatsayyoutothelady？Love’snotloveWhenitismingledwithregardsthatstandAlooffromtheentirepoint。Willyouhaveher？
Sheisherselfadowry。BURGUNDYRoyalLear，Givebutthatportionwhichyourselfproposed，AndhereItakeCordeliabythehand，DuchessofBurgundy。KINGLEARNothing：Ihavesworn；Iamfirm。BURGUNDYIamsorry，then，youhavesolostafatherThatyoumustloseahusband。CORDELIAPeacebewithBurgundy!
Sincethatrespectsoffortunearehislove，Ishallnotbehiswife。KINGOFFRANCEFairestCordelia，thatartmostrich，beingpoor；
Mostchoice，forsaken；andmostloved，despised!
TheeandthyvirtueshereIseizeupon：
BeitlawfulItakeupwhat’scastaway。
Gods，gods!’tisstrangethatfromtheircold’stneglectMyloveshouldkindletoinflamedrespect。
Thydowerlessdaughter，king，throwntomychance，Isqueenofus，ofours，andourfairFrance：
NotallthedukesofwaterishBurgundyCanbuythisunprizedpreciousmaidofme。
Bidthemfarewell，Cordelia，thoughunkind：
Thoulosesthere，abetterwheretofind。KINGLEARThouhasther，France：letherbethine；
forweHavenosuchdaughter，norshalleverseeThatfaceofhersagain。ThereforebegoneWithoutourgrace，ourlove，ourbenison。
Come，nobleBurgundy。
Flourish。ExeuntallbutKINGOFFRANCE，GONERIL，REGAN，andCORDELIAKINGOFFRANCEBidfarewelltoyoursisters。CORDELIAThejewelsofourfather，withwash’deyesCordelialeavesyou：Iknowyouwhatyouare；
AndlikeasisterammostloathtocallYourfaultsastheyarenamed。Usewellourfather：
ToyourprofessedbosomsIcommithimButyet，alas，stoodIwithinhisgrace，Iwouldpreferhimtoabetterplace。
So，farewelltoyouboth。REGANPrescribenotusourduties。GONERILLetyourstudyBetocontentyourlord，whohathreceivedyouAtfortune’salms。Youhaveobediencescanted，Andwellareworththewantthatyouhavewanted。CORDELIATimeshallunfoldwhatplaitedcunninghides：
Whocoverfaults，atlastshamethemderides。
Wellmayyouprosper!KINGOFFRANCECome，myfairCordelia。
ExeuntKINGOFFRANCEandCORDELIAGONERILSister，itisnotalittleIhavetosayofwhatmostnearlyappertainstousboth。Ithinkourfatherwillhenceto—night。REGANThat’smostcertain，andwithyou；nextmonthwithus。GONERILYouseehowfullofchangeshisageis；
theobservationwehavemadeofithathnotbeenlittle：healwayslovedoursistermost；andwithwhatpoorjudgmenthehathnowcastheroffappearstoogrossly。REGAN’Tistheinfirmityofhisage：yethehatheverbutslenderlyknownhimself。GONERILThebestandsoundestofhistimehathbeenbutrash；thenmustwelooktoreceivefromhisage，notalonetheimperfectionsoflong—engraffedcondition，buttherewithaltheunrulywaywardnessthatinfirmandcholericyearsbringwiththem。REGANSuchunconstantstartsareweliketohavefromhimasthisofKent’sbanishment。GONERILThereisfurthercomplimentofleavetakingbetweenFranceandhim。Prayyou，let’shittogether：ifourfathercarryauthoritywithsuchdispositionsashebears，thislastsurrenderofhiswillbutoffendus。REGANWeshallfurtherthinkon’t。GONERILWemustdosomething，andi’theheat。
ExeuntSCENEII。TheEarlofGloucester’scastle。EnterEDMUND，withaletterEDMUNDThou，nature，artmygoddess；tothylawMyservicesarebound。WhereforeshouldI
Standintheplagueofcustom，andpermitThecuriosityofnationstodepriveme，ForthatIamsometwelveorfourteenmoon—shinesLagofabrother？Whybastard？whereforebase？
Whenmydimensionsareaswellcompact，Mymindasgenerous，andmyshapeastrue，Ashonestmadam’sissue？WhybrandtheyusWithbase？withbaseness？bastardy？base，base？
Who，inthelustystealthofnature，takeMorecompositionandfiercequalityThandoth，withinadull，stale，tiredbed，Gotothecreatingawholetribeoffops，Got’tweenasleepandwake？Well，then，LegitimateEdgar，Imusthaveyourland：
Ourfather’sloveistothebastardEdmundAstothelegitimate：fineword，——legitimate!
Well，mylegitimate，ifthisletterspeed，Andmyinventionthrive，EdmundthebaseShalltopthelegitimate。Igrow；Iprosper：
Now，gods，standupforbastards!
EnterGLOUCESTERGLOUCESTERKentbanish’dthus!andFranceincholerparted!
Andthekinggoneto—night!subscribedhispower!
Confinedtoexhibition!AllthisdoneUponthegad!Edmund，hownow!whatnews？EDMUNDSopleaseyourlordship，none。
PuttinguptheletterGLOUCESTERWhysoearnestlyseekyoutoputupthatletter？EDMUNDIknownonews，mylord。GLOUCESTERWhatpaperwereyoureading？EDMUNDNothing，mylord。GLOUCESTERNo？Whatneeded，then，thatterribledispatchofitintoyourpocket？thequalityofnothinghathnotsuchneedtohideitself。Let’ssee：come，ifitbenothing，Ishallnotneedspectacles。EDMUNDIbeseechyou，sir，pardonme：itisaletterfrommybrother，thatIhavenotallo’er—read；
andforsomuchasIhaveperused，Ifinditnotfitforyouro’er—looking。GLOUCESTERGivemetheletter，sir。EDMUNDIshalloffend，eithertodetainorgiveit。Thecontents，asinpartIunderstandthem，aretoblame。GLOUCESTERLet’ssee，let’ssee。EDMUNDIhope，formybrother’sjustification，hewrotethisbutasanessayortasteofmyvirtue。GLOUCESTER[Reads]’Thispolicyandreverenceofagemakestheworldbittertothebestofourtimes；keepsourfortunesfromustillouroldnesscannotrelishthem。Ibegintofindanidleandfondbondageintheoppressionofagedtyranny；whosways，notasithathpower，butasitissuffered。Cometome，thatofthisImayspeakmore。IfourfatherwouldsleeptillIwakedhim，youshouldhalfhisrevenueforever，andlivethebelovedofyourbrother，EDGAR。’
Hum——conspiracy!——’SleeptillIwakedhim，——youshouldenjoyhalfhisrevenue，’——MysonEdgar!
Hadheahandtowritethis？aheartandbraintobreeditin？——Whencamethistoyou？whobroughtit？EDMUNDItwasnotbroughtme，mylord；there’sthecunningofit；Ifounditthrowninatthecasementofmycloset。GLOUCESTERYouknowthecharactertobeyourbrother’s？EDMUNDIfthematterweregood，mylord，Idurstswearitwerehis；but，inrespectofthat，Iwouldfainthinkitwerenot。GLOUCESTERItishis。EDMUNDItishishand，mylord；butIhopehisheartisnotinthecontents。GLOUCESTERHathheneverheretoforesoundedyouinthisbusiness？EDMUNDNever，mylord：butIhaveheardhimoftmaintainittobefit，that，sonsatperfectage，andfathersdeclining，thefathershouldbeaswardtotheson，andthesonmanagehisrevenue。GLOUCESTEROvillain，villain!Hisveryopinionintheletter!Abhorredvillain!Unnatural，detested，brutishvillain!worsethanbrutish!Go，sirrah，seekhim；I’llapprehendhim：abominablevillain!
Whereishe？EDMUNDIdonotwellknow，mylord。Ifitshallpleaseyoutosuspendyourindignationagainstmybrothertillyoucanderivefromhimbettertestimonyofhisintent，youshallrunacertaincourse；where，ifyouviolentlyproceedagainsthim，mistakinghispurpose，itwouldmakeagreatgapinyourownhonour，andshakeinpiecestheheartofhisobedience。Idarepawndownmylifeforhim，thathehathwrotethistofeelmyaffectiontoyourhonour，andtonofurtherpretenceofdanger。GLOUCESTERThinkyouso？EDMUNDIfyourhonourjudgeitmeet，Iwillplaceyouwhereyoushallhearusconferofthis，andbyanauricularassurancehaveyoursatisfaction；andthatwithoutanyfurtherdelaythanthisveryevening。GLOUCESTERHecannotbesuchamonster——EDMUNDNorisnot，sure。GLOUCESTERTohisfather，thatsotenderlyandentirelyloveshim。Heavenandearth!Edmund，seekhimout：windmeintohim，Iprayyou：framethebusinessafteryourownwisdom。Iwouldunstatemyself，tobeinadueresolution。EDMUNDIwillseekhim，sir，presently：conveythebusinessasIshallfindmeansandacquaintyouwithal。GLOUCESTERTheselateeclipsesinthesunandmoonportendnogoodtous：thoughthewisdomofnaturecanreasonitthusandthus，yetnaturefindsitselfscourgedbythesequenteffects：lovecools，friendshipfallsoff，brothersdivide：incities，mutinies；incountries，discord；inpalaces，treason；andthebondcracked’twixtsonandfather。Thisvillainofminecomesundertheprediction；there’ssonagainstfather：thekingfallsfrombiasofnature；there’sfatheragainstchild。Wehaveseenthebestofourtime：
machinations，hollowness，treachery，andallruinousdisorders，followusdisquietlytoourgraves。Findoutthisvillain，Edmund；itshalllosetheenothing；doitcarefully。Andthenobleandtrue—heartedKentbanished!hisoffence，honesty!’Tisstrange。
ExitEDMUNDThisistheexcellentfopperyoftheworld，that，whenwearesickinfortune，——oftenthesurfeitofourownbehavior，——wemakeguiltyofourdisastersthesun，themoon，andthestars：asifwewerevillainsbynecessity；foolsbyheavenlycompulsion；knaves，thieves，andtreachers，bysphericalpredominance；drunkards，liars，andadulterers，byanenforcedobedienceofplanetaryinfluence；andallthatweareevilin，byadivinethrustingon：anadmirableevasionofwhoremasterman，tolayhisgoatishdispositiontothechargeofastar!Myfathercompoundedwithmymotherunderthedragon’stail；andmynativitywasunderUrsamajor；sothatitfollows，Iamroughandlecherous。Tut，IshouldhavebeenthatIam，hadthemaidenlieststarinthefirmamenttwinkledonmybastardizing。Edgar——
EnterEDGAR
Andpathecomeslikethecatastropheoftheoldcomedy：mycueisvillanousmelancholy，withasighlikeTomo’Bedlam。O，theseeclipsesdoportendthesedivisions!fa，sol，la，mi。EDGARHownow，brotherEdmund!whatseriouscontemplationareyouin？EDMUNDIamthinking，brother，ofapredictionIreadthisotherday，whatshouldfollowtheseeclipses。EDGARDoyoubusyyourselfaboutthat？EDMUNDIpromiseyou，theeffectshewritesofsucceedunhappily；asofunnaturalnessbetweenthechildandtheparent；death，dearth，dissolutionsofancientamities；divisionsinstate，menacesandmaledictionsagainstkingandnobles；needlessdiffidences，banishmentoffriends，dissipationofcohorts，nuptialbreaches，andIknownotwhat。EDGARHowlonghaveyoubeenasectaryastronomical？EDMUNDCome，come；whensawyoumyfatherlast？EDGARWhy，thenightgoneby。EDMUNDSpakeyouwithhim？EDGARAy，twohourstogether。EDMUNDPartedyouingoodterms？Foundyounodispleasureinhimbywordorcountenance？EDGARNoneatall。EDMUNDBethinkyourselfwhereinyoumayhaveoffendedhim：andatmyentreatyforbearhispresencetillsomelittletimehathqualifiedtheheatofhisdispleasure；whichatthisinstantsoragethinhim，thatwiththemischiefofyourpersonitwouldscarcelyallay。EDGARSomevillainhathdonemewrong。EDMUNDThat’smyfear。Iprayyou，haveacontinentforbearancetillthespiedofhisragegoesslower；and，asIsay，retirewithmetomylodging，fromwhenceIwillfitlybringyoutohearmylordspeak：prayye，go；there’smykey：
ifyoudostirabroad，goarmed。EDGARArmed，brother!EDMUNDBrother，Iadviseyoutothebest；goarmed：I
amnohonestmaniftherebeanygoodmeaningtowardsyou：IhavetoldyouwhatIhaveseenandheard；butfaintly，nothingliketheimageandhorrorofit：prayyou，away。EDGARShallIhearfromyouanon？EDMUNDIdoserveyouinthisbusiness。
ExitEDGAR
Acredulousfather!andabrothernoble，Whosenatureissofarfromdoingharms，Thathesuspectsnone：onwhosefoolishhonestyMypractisesrideeasy!Iseethebusiness。
Letme，ifnotbybirth，havelandsbywit：
Allwithme’smeetthatIcanfashionfit。
ExitSCENEIII。TheDukeofAlbany’spalace。EnterGONERIL，andOSWALD，herstewardGONERILDidmyfatherstrikemygentlemanforchidingofhisfool？OSWALDYes，madam。GONERILBydayandnighthewrongsme；everyhourHeflashesintoonegrosscrimeorother，Thatsetsusallatodds：I’llnotendureit：
Hisknightsgrowriotous，andhimselfupbraidsusOneverytrifle。Whenhereturnsfromhunting，Iwillnotspeakwithhim；sayIamsick：
Ifyoucomeslackofformerservices，Youshalldowell；thefaultofitI’llanswer。OSWALDHe’scoming，madam；Ihearhim。
HornswithinGONERILPutonwhatwearynegligenceyouplease，Youandyourfellows；I’llhaveitcometoquestion：
Ifhedislikeit，lethimtooursister，Whosemindandmine，Iknow，inthatareone，Nottobeover—ruled。Idleoldman，ThatstillwouldmanagethoseauthoritiesThathehathgivenaway!Now，bymylife，Oldfoolsarebabesagain；andmustbeusedWithchequesasflatteries，——whentheyareseenabused。
RememberwhatItellyou。OSWALDWell，madam。GONERILAndlethisknightshavecolderlooksamongyou；
Whatgrowsofit，nomatter；adviseyourfellowsso：
Iwouldbreedfromhenceoccasions，andIshall，ThatImayspeak：I’llwritestraighttomysister，Toholdmyverycourse。Preparefordinner。
ExeuntSCENEIV。Ahallinthesame。EnterKENT，disguisedKENTIfbutaswellIotheraccentsborrow，Thatcanmyspeechdefuse，mygoodintentMaycarrythroughitselftothatfullissueForwhichIrazedmylikeness。Now，banish’dKent，Ifthoucanstservewherethoudoststandcondemn’d，Somayitcome，thymaster，whomthoulovest，Shallfindtheefulloflabours。
Hornswithin。EnterKINGLEAR，Knights，andAttendantsKINGLEARLetmenotstayajotfordinner；gogetitready。
ExitanAttendantHownow!whatartthou？KENTAman，sir。KINGLEARWhatdostthouprofess？whatwouldstthouwithus？KENTIdoprofesstobenolessthanIseem；
toservehimtrulythatwillputmeintrust：tolovehimthatishonest；toconversewithhimthatiswise，andsayslittle；tofearjudgment；tofightwhenI
cannotchoose；andtoeatnofish。KINGLEARWhatartthou？KENTAveryhonest—heartedfellow，andaspoorastheking。KINGLEARIfthoubeaspoorforasubjectasheisforaking，thouartpoorenough。Whatwouldstthou？KENTService。KINGLEARWhowouldstthouserve？KENTYou。KINGLEARDostthouknowme，fellow？KENTNo，sir；butyouhavethatinyourcountenancewhichIwouldfaincallmaster。KINGLEARWhat’sthat？KENTAuthority。KINGLEARWhatservicescanstthoudo？KENTIcankeephonestcounsel，ride，run，maracurioustaleintellingit，anddeliveraplainmessagebluntly：thatwhichordinarymenarefitfor，Iamqualifiedin；andthebestofmeisdiligence。KINGLEARHowoldartthou？KENTNotsoyoung，sir，toloveawomanforsinging，norsooldtodoteonherforanything：Ihaveyearsonmybackfortyeight。KINGLEARFollowme；thoushaltserveme：ifIliketheenoworseafterdinner，Iwillnotpartfromtheeyet。
Dinner，ho，dinner!Where’smyknave？myfool？
Goyou，andcallmyfoolhither。
ExitanAttendantEnterOSWALD
You，you，sirrah，where’smydaughter？OSWALDSopleaseyou，——
ExitKINGLEARWhatsaysthefellowthere？Calltheclotpollback。
ExitaKnightWhere’smyfool，ho？Ithinktheworld’sasleep。
Re—enterKnightHownow!where’sthatmongrel？KnightHesays，mylord，yourdaughterisnotwell。KINGLEARWhycamenottheslavebacktomewhenIcalledhim。KnightSir，heansweredmeintheroundestmanner，hewouldnot。KINGLEARHewouldnot!KnightMylord，Iknownotwhatthematteris；
but，tomyjudgment，yourhighnessisnotentertainedwiththatceremoniousaffectionasyouwerewont；there’sagreatabatementofkindnessappearsaswellinthegeneraldependantsasinthedukehimselfalsoandyourdaughter。KINGLEARHa!sayestthouso？KnightIbeseechyou，pardonme，mylord，ifIbemistaken；
formydutycannotbesilentwhenIthinkyourhighnesswronged。KINGLEARThoubutrememberestmeofmineownconception：
I
haveperceivedamostfaintneglectoflate；whichI
haveratherblamedasmineownjealouscuriositythanasaverypretenceandpurposeofunkindness：
Iwilllookfurtherinto’t。Butwhere’smyfool？
I
havenotseenhimthistwodays。KnightSincemyyounglady’sgoingintoFrance，sir，thefoolhathmuchpinedaway。KINGLEARNomoreofthat；Ihavenoteditwell。
Goyou，andtellmydaughterIwouldspeakwithher。
ExitanAttendantGoyou，callhithermyfool。
ExitanAttendantRe—enterOSWALD
O，yousir，you，comeyouhither，sir：whoamI，sir？OSWALDMylady’sfather。KINGLEAR’Mylady’sfather’!mylord’sknave：yourwhoresondog!youslave!youcur!OSWALDIamnoneofthese，mylord；Ibeseechyourpardon。KINGLEARDoyoubandylookswithme，yourascal？
StrikinghimOSWALDI’llnotbestruck，mylord。KENTNortrippedneither，youbasefootballplayer。
TrippinguphisheelsKINGLEARIthankthee，fellow；thouservestme，andI’lllovethee。KENTCome，sir，arise，away!I’llteachyoudifferences：
away，away!ifyouwillmeasureyourlubber’slengthagain，tarry：butaway!goto；haveyouwisdom？so。
PushesOSWALDoutKINGLEARNow，myfriendlyknave，Ithankthee：
there’searnestofthyservice。
GivingKENTmoneyEnterFoolFoolLetmehirehimtoo：here’smycoxcomb。
OfferingKENThiscapKINGLEARHownow，myprettyknave!howdostthou？FoolSirrah，youwerebesttakemycoxcomb。KENTWhy，fool？FoolWhy，fortakingone’spartthat’soutoffavour：
nay，anthoucanstnotsmileasthewindsits，thou’ltcatchcoldshortly：there，takemycoxcomb：
why，thisfellowhasbanishedtwoon’sdaughters，anddidthethirdablessingagainsthiswill；
ifthoufollowhim，thoumustneedswearmycoxcomb。
Hownow，nuncle!WouldIhadtwocoxcombsandtwodaughters!KINGLEARWhy，myboy？FoolIfIgavethemallmyliving，I’ldkeepmycoxcombsmyself。There’smine；beganotherofthydaughters。KINGLEARTakeheed，sirrah；thewhip。FoolTruth’sadogmusttokennel；hemustbewhippedout，whenLadythebrachmaystandbythefireandstink。KINGLEARApestilentgalltome!FoolSirrah，I’llteachtheeaspeech。KINGLEARDo。FoolMarkit，nuncle：
Havemorethanthoushowest，Speaklessthanthouknowest，Lendlessthanthouowest，Ridemorethanthougoest，Learnmorethanthoutrowest，Setlessthanthouthrowest；
Leavethydrinkandthywhore，Andkeepin—a—door，AndthoushalthavemoreThantwotenstoascore。KENTThisisnothing，fool。FoolThen’tislikethebreathofanunfee’dlawyer；yougavemenothingfor’t。Canyoumakenouseofnothing，nuncle？KINGLEARWhy，no，boy；nothingcanbemadeoutofnothing。Fool[ToKENT]Prithee，tellhim，somuchtherentofhislandcomesto：hewillnotbelieveafool。KINGLEARAbitterfool!FoolDostthouknowthedifference，myboy，betweenabitterfoolandasweetfool？KINGLEARNo，lad；teachme。FoolThatlordthatcounsell’dtheeTogiveawaythyland，Comeplacehimherebyme，Dothouforhimstand：
ThesweetandbitterfoolWillpresentlyappear；
Theoneinmotleyhere，Theotherfoundoutthere。KINGLEARDostthoucallmefool，boy？FoolAllthyothertitlesthouhastgivenaway；thatthouwastbornwith。KENTThisisnotaltogetherfool，mylord。FoolNo，faith，lordsandgreatmenwillnotletme；ifIhadamonopolyout，theywouldhaveparton’t：
andladiestoo，theywillnotletmehaveallfooltomyself；they’llbesnatching。Givemeanegg，nuncle，andI’llgivetheetwocrowns。KINGLEARWhattwocrownsshalltheybe？FoolWhy，afterIhavecuttheeggi’themiddle，andeatupthemeat，thetwocrownsoftheegg。Whenthouclovestthycrowni’themiddle，andgavestawaybothparts，thouborestthyassonthybacko’erthedirt：thouhadstlittlewitinthybaldcrown，whenthougavestthygoldenoneaway。IfIspeaklikemyselfinthis，lethimbewhippedthatfirstfindsitso。
SingingFoolshadne’erlesswitinayear；
Forwisemenaregrownfoppish，Theyknownothowtheirwitstowear，Theirmannersaresoapish。KINGLEARWhenwereyouwonttobesofullofsongs，sirrah？FoolIhaveusedit，nuncle，eversincethoumadestthydaughtersthymothers：forwhenthougavestthemtherod，andput’stdownthineownbreeches，SingingThentheyforsuddenjoydidweep，AndIforsorrowsung，Thatsuchakingshouldplaybo—peep，Andgothefoolsamong。
Prithee，nuncle，keepaschoolmasterthatcanteachthyfooltolie：Iwouldfainlearntolie。KINGLEARAnyoulie，sirrah，we’llhaveyouwhipped。FoolImarvelwhatkinthouandthydaughtersare：
they’llhavemewhippedforspeakingtrue，thou’lthavemewhippedforlying；andsometimesIamwhippedforholdingmypeace。Ihadratherbeanykindo’thingthanafool：andyetIwouldnotbethee，nuncle；thouhastparedthywito’bothsides，andleftnothingi’themiddle：herecomesoneo’
theparings。
EnterGONERILKINGLEARHownow，daughter!whatmakesthatfrontleton？
Methinksyouaretoomuchoflatei’thefrown。FoolThouwastaprettyfellowwhenthouhadstnoneedtocareforherfrowning；nowthouartanOwithoutafigure：Iambetterthanthouartnow；Iamafool，thouartnothing。
ToGONERIL
Yes，forsooth，Iwillholdmytongue；soyourfacebidsme，thoughyousaynothing。Mum，mum，Hethatkeepsnorcrustnorcrum，Wearyofall，shallwantsome。
PointingtoKINGLEAR
That’sashealedpeascod。GONERILNotonly，sir，thisyourall—licensedfool，ButotherofyourinsolentretinueDohourlycarpandquarrel；breakingforthInrankandnot—to—beenduredriots。Sir，Ihadthought，bymakingthiswellknownuntoyou，Tohavefoundasaferedress；butnowgrowfearful，Bywhatyourselftoolatehavespokeanddone。
Thatyouprotectthiscourse，andputitonByyourallowance；whichifyoushould，thefaultWouldnot’scapecensure，northeredressessleep，Which，inthetenderofawholesomeweal，Mightintheirworkingdoyouthatoffence，Whichelsewereshame，thatthennecessityWillcalldiscreetproceeding。FoolFor，youtrow，nuncle，Thehedge—sparrowfedthecuckoosolong，Thatit’shaditheadbitoffbyityoung。
So，outwentthecandle，andwewereleftdarkling。KINGLEARAreyouourdaughter？GONERILCome，sir，Iwouldyouwouldmakeuseofthatgoodwisdom，WhereofIknowyouarefraught；andputawayThesedispositions，thatoflatetransformyouFromwhatyourightlyare。FoolMaynotanassknowwhenthecartdrawsthehorse？Whoop，Jug!Ilovethee。KINGLEARDothanyhereknowme？ThisisnotLear：
DothLearwalkthus？speakthus？Wherearehiseyes？
Eitherhisnotionweakens，hisdiscerningsArelethargied——Ha!waking？’tisnotso。
WhoisitthatcantellmewhoIam？FoolLear’sshadow。KINGLEARIwouldlearnthat；for，bythemarksofsovereignty，knowledge，andreason，IshouldbefalsepersuadedIhaddaughters。FoolWhichtheywillmakeanobedientfather。KINGLEARYourname，fairgentlewoman？GONERILThisadmiration，sir，ismucho’thesavourOfotheryournewpranks。IdobeseechyouTounderstandmypurposesaright：
Asyouareoldandreverend，youshouldbewise。
Heredoyoukeepahundredknightsandsquires；
Mensodisorder’d，sodebosh’dandbold，Thatthisourcourt，infectedwiththeirmanners，Showslikeariotousinn：epicurismandlustMakeitmorelikeatavernorabrothelThanagracedpalace。TheshameitselfdothspeakForinstantremedy：bethendesiredByher，thatelsewilltakethethingshebegs，Alittletodisquantityyourtrain；
Andtheremainder，thatshallstilldepend，Tobesuchmenasmaybesortyourage，Andknowthemselvesandyou。KINGLEARDarknessanddevils!
Saddlemyhorses；callmytraintogether：
Degeneratebastard!I’llnottroublethee。
YethaveIleftadaughter。GONERILYoustrikemypeople；andyourdisorder’drabbleMakeservantsoftheirbetters。
EnterALBANYKINGLEARWoe，thattoolaterepents，——
ToALBANY
O，sir，areyoucome？
Isityourwill？Speak，sir。Preparemyhorses。
Ingratitude，thoumarble—heartedfiend，Morehideouswhenthoushow’sttheeinachildThanthesea—monster!ALBANYPray，sir，bepatient。KINGLEAR[ToGONERIL]Detestedkite!thouliest。
Mytrainaremenofchoiceandrarestparts，Thatallparticularsofdutyknow，AndinthemostexactregardsupportTheworshipsoftheirname。Omostsmallfault，HowuglydidstthouinCordeliashow!
That，likeanengine，wrench’dmyframeofnatureFromthefix’dplace；drewfromheartalllove，Andaddedtothegall。OLear，Lear，Lear!
Beatatthisgate，thatletthyfollyin，StrikinghisheadAndthydearjudgmentout!Go，go，mypeople。ALBANYMylord，Iamguiltless，asIamignorantOfwhathathmovedyou。KINGLEARItmaybeso，mylord。
Hear，nature，hear；deargoddess，hear!
Suspendthypurpose，ifthoudidstintendTomakethiscreaturefruitful!
Intoherwombconveysterility!
Dryupinhertheorgansofincrease；
AndfromherderogatebodyneverspringAbabetohonourher!Ifshemustteem，Createherchildofspleen；thatitmaylive，Andbeathwartdisnaturedtormenttoher!
Letitstampwrinklesinherbrowofyouth；
Withcadenttearsfretchannelsinhercheeks；
Turnallhermother’spainsandbenefitsTolaughterandcontempt；thatshemayfeelHowsharperthanaserpent’stoothitisTohaveathanklesschild!Away，away!
ExitALBANYNow，godsthatweadore，whereofcomesthis？GONERILNeverafflictyourselftoknowthecause；
ButlethisdispositionhavethatscopeThatdotagegivesit。
Re—enterKINGLEARKINGLEARWhat，fiftyofmyfollowersataclap!
Withinafortnight!ALBANYWhat’sthematter，sir？KINGLEARI’lltellthee：
ToGONERIL
Lifeanddeath!IamashamedThatthouhastpowertoshakemymanhoodthus；
Thatthesehottears，whichbreakfrommeperforce，Shouldmaketheeworththem。Blastsandfogsuponthee!
Theuntentedwoundingsofafather’scursePierceeverysenseaboutthee!Oldfondeyes，Beweepthiscauseagain，I’llpluckyeout，Andcastyou，withthewatersthatyoulose，Totemperclay。Yea，itiscometothis？
Letisbeso：yethaveIleftadaughter，Who，Iamsure，iskindandcomfortable：
Whensheshallhearthisofthee，withhernailsShe’llflaythywolvishvisage。ThoushaltfindThatI’llresumetheshapewhichthoudostthinkIhavecastoffforever：thoushalt，Iwarrantthee。
ExeuntKINGLEAR，KENT，andAttendantsGONERILDoyoumarkthat，mylord？ALBANYIcannotbesopartial，Goneril，TothegreatloveIbearyou，——GONERILPrayyou，content。What，Oswald，ho!
TotheFoolYou，sir，moreknavethanfool，afteryourmaster。FoolNuncleLear，nuncleLear，tarryandtakethefoolwiththee。
Afox，whenonehascaughther，Andsuchadaughter，Shouldsuretotheslaughter，Ifmycapwouldbuyahalter：
Sothefoolfollowsafter。
ExitGONERILThismanhathhadgoodcounsel：——ahundredknights!
’TispoliticandsafetolethimkeepAtpointahundredknights：yes，that，oneverydream，Eachbuzz，eachfancy，eachcomplaint，dislike，Hemayenguardhisdotagewiththeirpowers，Andholdourlivesinmercy。Oswald，Isay!ALBANYWell，youmayfeartoofar。GONERILSaferthantrusttoofar：
LetmestilltakeawaytheharmsIfear，Notfearstilltobetaken：Iknowhisheart。
Whathehathutter’dIhavewritmysisterIfshesustainhimandhishundredknightsWhenIhaveshow’dtheunfitness，——
Re—enterOSWALD
Hownow，Oswald!
What，haveyouwritthatlettertomysister？OSWALDYes，madam。GONERILTakeyousomecompany，andawaytohorse：
Informherfullofmyparticularfear；
AndtheretoaddsuchreasonsofyourownAsmaycompactitmore。Getyougone；
Andhastenyourreturn。
ExitOSWALD
No，no，mylord，ThismilkygentlenessandcourseofyoursThoughIcondemnnot，yet，underpardon，Youaremuchmoreattask’dforwantofwisdomThanpraisedforharmfulmildness。ALBANYHowfaryoureyesmaypierceIcannottell：
Strivingtobetter，oftwemarwhat’swell。GONERILNay，then——ALBANYWell，well；theevent。
ExeuntSCENEV。Courtbeforethesame。EnterKINGLEAR，KENT，andFoolKINGLEARGoyoubeforetoGloucesterwiththeseletters。
Acquaintmydaughternofurtherwithanythingyouknowthancomesfromherdemandoutoftheletter。
Ifyourdiligencebenotspeedy，Ishallbethereaforeyou。KENTIwillnotsleep，mylord，tillIhavedeliveredyourletter。
ExitFoolIfaman’sbrainswerein’sheels，were’tnotindangerofkibes？KINGLEARAy，boy。FoolThen，Iprithee，bemerry；thywitshallne’ergoslip—shod。KINGLEARHa，ha，ha!FoolShaltseethyotherdaughterwillusetheekindly；
forthoughshe’saslikethisasacrab’slikeanapple，yetIcantellwhatIcantell。KINGLEARWhy，whatcanstthoutell，myboy？FoolShewilltasteaslikethisasacrabdoestoacrab。Thoucansttellwhyone’snosestandsi’
themiddleon’sface？KINGLEARNo。FoolWhy，tokeepone’seyesofeitherside’snose；thatwhatamancannotsmellout，hemayspyinto。KINGLEARIdidherwrong——FoolCansttellhowanoystermakeshisshell？KINGLEARNo。FoolNorIneither；butIcantellwhyasnailhasahouse。KINGLEARWhy？FoolWhy，toputhisheadin；nottogiveitawaytohisdaughters，andleavehishornswithoutacase。KINGLEARIwillforgetmynature。Sokindafather!
Bemyhorsesready？FoolThyassesaregoneabout’em。Thereasonwhythesevenstarsarenomorethansevenisaprettyreason。KINGLEARBecausetheyarenoteight？FoolYes，indeed：thouwouldstmakeagoodfool。KINGLEARTotake’tagainperforce!Monsteringratitude!FoolIfthouwertmyfool，nuncle，I’ldhavetheebeatenforbeingoldbeforethytime。KINGLEARHow’sthat？FoolThoushouldstnothavebeenoldtillthouhadstbeenwise。KINGLEARO，letmenotbemad，notmad，sweetheavenKeepmeintemper：Iwouldnotbemad!
EnterGentlemanHownow!arethehorsesready？GentlemanReady，mylord。KINGLEARCome，boy。FoolShethat’samaidnow，andlaughsatmydeparture，Shallnotbeamaidlong，unlessthingsbecutshorter。
ExeuntACTIISCENEI。GLOUCESTER’scastle。EnterEDMUND，andCURANmeetshimEDMUNDSavethee，Curan。CURANAndyou，sir。Ihavebeenwithyourfather，andgivenhimnoticethattheDukeofCornwallandReganhisduchesswillbeherewithhimthisnight。EDMUNDHowcomesthat？CURANNay，Iknownot。Youhaveheardofthenewsabroad；
Imeanthewhisperedones，fortheyareyetbutear—kissingarguments？EDMUNDNotIprayyou，whatarethey？CURANHaveyouheardofnolikelywarstoward，’twixttheDukesofCornwallandAlbany？EDMUNDNotaword。CURANYoumaydo，then，intime。Fareyouwell，sir。
ExitEDMUNDThedukebehereto—night？Thebetter!
best!
Thisweavesitselfperforceintomybusiness。
Myfatherhathsetguardtotakemybrother；
AndIhaveonething，ofaqueasyquestion，WhichImustact：briefnessandfortune，work!
Brother，aword；descend：brother，Isay!
EnterEDGAR
Myfatherwatches：Osir，flythisplace；
Intelligenceisgivenwhereyouarehid；
Youhavenowthegoodadvantageofthenight：
Haveyounotspoken’gainsttheDukeofCornwall？
He’scominghither：now，i’thenight，i’thehaste，AndReganwithhim：haveyounothingsaidUponhisparty’gainsttheDukeofAlbany？
Adviseyourself。EDGARIamsureon’t，notaword。EDMUNDIhearmyfathercoming：pardonme：
IncunningImustdrawmysworduponyouDraw；seemtodefendyourself；nowquityouwell。
Yield：comebeforemyfather。Light，ho，here!
Fly，brother。Torches，torches!So，farewell。
ExitEDGAR
Someblooddrawnonmewouldbegetopinion。
WoundshisarmOfmymorefierceendeavour：IhaveseendrunkardsDomorethanthisinsport。Father，father!
Stop，stop!Nohelp？
EnterGLOUCESTER，andServantswithtorchesGLOUCESTERNow，Edmund，where’sthevillain？EDMUNDHerestoodheinthedark，hissharpswordout，Mumblingofwickedcharms，conjuringthemoonTostandauspiciousmistress，——GLOUCESTERButwhereishe？EDMUNDLook，sir，Ibleed。GLOUCESTERWhereisthevillain，Edmund？EDMUNDFledthisway，sir。Whenbynomeanshecould——GLOUCESTERPursuehim，ho!Goafter。
ExeuntsomeServantsBynomeanswhat？EDMUNDPersuademetothemurderofyourlordship；
ButthatItoldhim，therevenginggods’Gainstparricidesdidalltheirthundersbend；
Spoke，withhowmanifoldandstrongabondThechildwasboundtothefather；sir，infine，SeeinghowloathlyoppositeIstoodTohisunnaturalpurpose，infellmotion，Withhispreparedsword，hechargeshomeMyunprovidedbody，lancedminearm：
Butwhenhesawmybestalarum’dspirits，Boldinthequarrel’sright，rousedtotheencounter，OrwhethergastedbythenoiseImade，Fullsuddenlyhefled。GLOUCESTERLethimflyfar：
Notinthislandshallheremainuncaught；
Andfound——dispatch。Thenobledukemymaster，Myworthyarchandpatron，comesto—night：
ByhisauthorityIwillproclaimit，Thathewhichfindshimshalldeserveourthanks，Bringingthemurderouscowardtothestake；
Hethatconcealshim，death。EDMUNDWhenIdissuadedhimfromhisintent，Andfoundhimpighttodoit，withcurstspeechIthreaten’dtodiscoverhim：hereplied，’Thouunpossessingbastard!dostthouthink，IfIwouldstandagainstthee，wouldthereposalOfanytrust，virtue，orworthintheeMakethywordsfaith’d？No：whatIshoulddeny，——
AsthisIwould：ay，thoughthoudidstproduceMyverycharacter，——I’ldturnitallTothysuggestion，plot，anddamnedpractise：
Andthoumustmakeadullardoftheworld，IftheynotthoughttheprofitsofmydeathWereverypregnantandpotentialspursTomaketheeseekit。’GLOUCESTERStrongandfasten’dvillainWouldhedenyhisletter？Inevergothim。
TucketwithinHark，theduke’strumpets!Iknownotwhyhecomes。
AllportsI’llbar；thevillainshallnot’scape；
Thedukemustgrantmethat：besides，hispictureIwillsendfarandnear，thatallthekingdomMayhavetheduenoteofhim；andofmyland，Loyalandnaturalboy，I’llworkthemeansTomaketheecapable。
EnterCORNWALL，REGAN，andAttendantsCORNWALLHownow，mynoblefriend!sinceIcamehither，WhichIcancallbutnow，Ihaveheardstrangenews。REGANIfitbetrue，allvengeancecomestooshortWhichcanpursuetheoffender。Howdost，mylord？GLOUCESTERO，madam，myoldheartiscrack’d，it’scrack’d!REGANWhat，didmyfather’sgodsonseekyourlife？
Hewhommyfathernamed？yourEdgar？GLOUCESTERO，lady，lady，shamewouldhaveithid!REGANWashenotcompanionwiththeriotousknightsThattenduponmyfather？GLOUCESTERIknownot，madam：’tistoobad，toobad。EDMUNDYes，madam，hewasofthatconsort。REGANNomarvel，then，thoughhewereillaffected：
’Tistheyhaveputhimontheoldman’sdeath，Tohavetheexpenseandwasteofhisrevenues。
IhavethispresenteveningfrommysisterBeenwellinform’dofthem；andwithsuchcautions，Thatiftheycometosojournatmyhouse，I’llnotbethere。CORNWALLNorI，assurethee，Regan。
Edmund，IhearthatyouhaveshownyourfatherAchild—likeoffice。EDMUND’Twasmyduty，sir。GLOUCESTERHedidbewrayhispractise；andreceivedThishurtyousee，strivingtoapprehendhim。CORNWALLIshepursued？GLOUCESTERAy，mygoodlord。CORNWALLIfhebetaken，heshallnevermoreBefear’dofdoingharm：makeyourownpurpose，Howinmystrengthyouplease。Foryou，Edmund，WhosevirtueandobediencedoththisinstantSomuchcommenditself，youshallbeours：
Naturesofsuchdeeptrustweshallmuchneed；
Youwefirstseizeon。EDMUNDIshallserveyou，sir，Truly，howeverelse。GLOUCESTERForhimIthankyourgrace。CORNWALLYouknownotwhywecametovisityou，——REGANThusoutofseason，threadingdark—eyednight：
Occasions，nobleGloucester，ofsomepoise，Whereinwemusthaveuseofyouradvice：
Ourfatherhehathwrit，sohathoursister，Ofdifferences，whichIleastthoughtitfitToanswerfromourhome；theseveralmessengersFromhenceattenddispatch。Ourgoodoldfriend，Laycomfortstoyourbosom；andbestowYourneedfulcounseltoourbusiness，Whichcravestheinstantuse。GLOUCESTERIserveyou，madam：
Yourgracesarerightwelcome。
ExeuntSCENEII。BeforeGloucester’scastle。EnterKENTandOSWALD，severallyOSWALDGooddawningtothee，friend：artofthishouse？KENTAy。OSWALDWheremaywesetourhorses？KENTI’themire。OSWALDPrithee，ifthoulovestme，tellme。KENTIlovetheenot。OSWALDWhy，then，Icarenotforthee。KENTIfIhadtheeinLipsburypinfold，Iwouldmaketheecareforme。OSWALDWhydostthouusemethus？Iknowtheenot。KENTFellow，Iknowthee。OSWALDWhatdostthouknowmefor？KENTAknave；arascal；aneaterofbrokenmeats；abase，proud，shallow，beggarly，three—suited，hundred—pound，filthy，worsted—stockingknave；
alily—livered，action—takingknave，awhoreson，glass—gazing，super—serviceablefinicalrogue；
one—trunk—inheritingslave；onethatwouldstbeabawd，inwayofgoodservice，andartnothingbutthecompositionofaknave，beggar，coward，pandar，andthesonandheirofamongrelbitch：onewhomI
willbeatintoclamorouswhining，ifthoudeniesttheleastsyllableofthyaddition。OSWALDWhy，whatamonstrousfellowartthou，thustorailononethatisneitherknownoftheenorknowsthee!KENTWhatabrazen—facedvarletartthou，todenythouknowestme!IsittwodaysagosinceItrippedupthyheels，andbeattheebeforetheking？Draw，yourogue：for，thoughitbenight，yetthemoonshines；I’llmakeasopo’themoonshineofyou：
draw，youwhoresoncullionlybarber—monger，draw。
DrawinghisswordOSWALDAway!Ihavenothingtodowiththee。KENTDraw，yourascal：youcomewithlettersagainsttheking；andtakevanitythepuppet’spartagainsttheroyaltyofherfather：draw，yourogue，orI’llsocarbonadoyourshanks：draw，yourascal；comeyourways。OSWALDHelp，ho!murder!help!KENTStrike，youslave；stand，rogue，stand；
youneatslave，strike。
BeatinghimOSWALDHelp，ho!murder!murder!
EnterEDMUND，withhisrapierdrawn，CORNWALL，REGAN，GLOUCESTER，andServantsEDMUNDHownow!What’sthematter？KENTWithyou，goodmanboy，anyouplease：
come，I’llfleshye；comeon，youngmaster。GLOUCESTERWeapons!arms!What’sthematterhere？CORNWALLKeeppeace，uponyourlives：
Hediesthatstrikesagain。Whatisthematter？REGANThemessengersfromoursisterandtheking。CORNWALLWhatisyourdifference？speak。OSWALDIamscarceinbreath，mylord。KENTNomarvel，youhavesobestirredyourvalour。Youcowardlyrascal，naturedisclaimsinthee：atailormadethee。CORNWALLThouartastrangefellow：atailormakeaman？KENTAy，atailor，sir：astone—cutterorpaintercouldnothavemadehimsoill，thoughhehadbeenbuttwohoursatthetrade。CORNWALLSpeakyet，howgrewyourquarrel？OSWALDThisancientruffian，sir，whoselifeIhavesparedatsuitofhisgraybeard，——KENTThouwhoresonzed!thouunnecessaryletter!
Mylord，ifyouwillgivemeleave，Iwilltreadthisunboltedvillainintomortar，anddaubthewallofajakeswithhim。Sparemygraybeard，youwagtail？CORNWALLPeace，sirrah!
Youbeastlyknave，knowyounoreverence？KENTYes，sir；butangerhathaprivilege。CORNWALLWhyartthouangry？KENTThatsuchaslaveasthisshouldwearasword，Whowearsnohonesty。Suchsmilingroguesasthese，Likerats，oftbitetheholycordsa—twainWhicharetoointrinset’unloose；smootheverypassionThatinthenaturesoftheirlordsrebel；
Bringoiltofire，snowtotheircoldermoods；
Renege，affirm，andturntheirhalcyonbeaksWitheverygaleandvaryoftheirmasters，Knowingnought，likedogs，butfollowing。
Aplagueuponyourepilepticvisage!
Smileyoumyspeeches，asIwereafool？
Goose，ifIhadyouuponSarumplain，I’lddriveyecacklinghometoCamelot。CORNWALLWhy，artthoumad，oldfellow？GLOUCESTERHowfellyouout？saythat。KENTNocontrariesholdmoreantipathyThanIandsuchaknave。CORNWALLWhydostthoucallhimaknave？What’shisoffence？KENTHiscountenancelikesmenot。CORNWALLNomore，perchance，doesmine，norhis，norhers。KENTSir，’tismyoccupationtobeplain：
IhaveseenbetterfacesinmytimeThanstandsonanyshoulderthatIseeBeforemeatthisinstant。CORNWALLThisissomefellow，Who，havingbeenpraisedforbluntness，dothaffectAsaucyroughness，andconstrainsthegarbQuitefromhisnature：hecannotflatter，he，Anhonestmindandplain，hemustspeaktruth!
Antheywilltakeit，so；ifnot，he’splain。
ThesekindofknavesIknow，whichinthisplainnessHarbourmorecraftandmorecorrupterendsThantwentysillyduckingobservantsThatstretchtheirdutiesnicely。KENTSir，ingoodsooth，insincereverity，Undertheallowanceofyourgreataspect，Whoseinfluence，likethewreathofradiantfireOnflickeringPhoebus’front，——CORNWALLWhatmean’stbythis？KENTTogooutofmydialect，whichyoudiscommendsomuch。Iknow，sir，Iamnoflatterer：hethatbeguiledyouinaplainaccentwasaplainknave；whichformypartIwillnotbe，thoughIshouldwinyourdispleasuretoentreatmeto’t。CORNWALLWhatwastheoffenceyougavehim？OSWALDInevergavehimany：
ItpleasedthekinghismasterverylateTostrikeatme，uponhismisconstruction；
Whenhe，conjunctandflatteringhisdispleasure，Tripp’dmebehind；beingdown，insulted，rail’d，Andputuponhimsuchadealofman，Thatworthiedhim，gotpraisesofthekingForhimattemptingwhowasself—subdued；
And，inthefleshmentofthisdreadexploit，Drewonmehereagain。KENTNoneoftheseroguesandcowardsButAjaxistheirfool。CORNWALLFetchforththestocks!
Youstubbornancientknave，youreverendbraggart，We’llteachyou——KENTSir，Iamtoooldtolearn：
Callnotyourstocksforme：Iservetheking；
OnwhoseemploymentIwassenttoyou：
Youshalldosmallrespect，showtooboldmaliceAgainstthegraceandpersonofmymaster，Stockinghismessenger。CORNWALLFetchforththestocks!AsIhavelifeandhonour，Thereshallhesittillnoon。REGANTillnoon!tillnight，mylord；andallnighttoo。KENTWhy，madam，ifIwereyourfather’sdog，Youshouldnotusemeso。REGANSir，beinghisknave，Iwill。CORNWALLThisisafellowoftheself—samecolourOursisterspeaksof。Come，bringawaythestocks!
StocksbroughtoutGLOUCESTERLetmebeseechyourgracenottodoso：
Hisfaultismuch，andthegoodkinghismasterWillchequehimfor’t：yourpurposedlowcorrectionIssuchasbasestandcontemned’stwretchesForpilferingsandmostcommontrespassesArepunish’dwith：thekingmusttakeitill，Thathe’ssoslightlyvaluedinhismessenger，Shouldhavehimthusrestrain’d。CORNWALLI’llanswerthat。REGANMysistermayreceiveitmuchmoreworse，Tohavehergentlemanabused，assaulted，Forfollowingheraffairs。Putinhislegs。
KENTisputinthestocksCome，mygoodlord，away。
ExeuntallbutGLOUCESTERandKENTGLOUCESTERIamsorryforthee，friend；’tistheduke’spleasure，Whosedisposition，alltheworldwellknows，Willnotberubb’dnorstopp’d：I’llentreatforthee。KENTPray，donot，sir：Ihavewatchedandtravell’dhard；
SometimeIshallsleepout，therestI’llwhistle。
Agoodman’sfortunemaygrowoutatheels：
Giveyougoodmorrow!GLOUCESTERTheduke’stoblameinthis；’twillbeilltaken。
ExitKENTGoodking，thatmustapprovethecommonsaw，Thououtofheaven’sbenedictioncomestTothewarmsun!
Approach，thoubeacontothisunderglobe，ThatbythycomfortablebeamsImayPerusethisletter!NothingalmostseesmiraclesButmisery：Iknow’tisfromCordelia，Whohathmostfortunatelybeeninform’dOfmyobscuredcourse；andshallfindtimeFromthisenormousstate，seekingtogiveLossestheirremedies。Allwearyando’erwatch’d，Takevantage，heavyeyes，nottobeholdThisshamefullodging。
Fortune，goodnight：smileoncemore：turnthywheel!
SleepsSCENEIII。Awood。EnterEDGAREDGARIheardmyselfproclaim’d；
AndbythehappyhollowofatreeEscapedthehunt。Noportisfree；noplace，Thatguard，andmostunusualvigilance，Doesnotattendmytaking。WhilesImay’scape，Iwillpreservemyself：andambethoughtTotakethebasestandmostpoorestshapeThateverpenury，incontemptofman，Broughtneartobeast：myfaceI’llgrimewithfilth；
Blanketmyloins：elfallmyhairinknots；
Andwithpresentednakednessout—faceThewindsandpersecutionsofthesky。
ThecountrygivesmeproofandprecedentOfBedlambeggars，who，withroaringvoices，Strikeintheirnumb’dandmortifiedbarearmsPins，woodenpricks，nails，sprigsofrosemary；
Andwiththishorribleobject，fromlowfarms，Poorpeltingvillages，sheep—cotes，andmills，Sometimewithlunaticbans，sometimewithprayers，Enforcetheircharity。PoorTurlygod!poorTom!
That’ssomethingyet：EdgarInothingam。
ExitSCENEIV。BeforeGLOUCESTER’scastle。KENTinthestocks。EnterKINGLEAR，Fool，andGentlemanKINGLEAR’Tisstrangethattheyshouldsodepartfromhome，Andnotsendbackmymessenger。GentlemanAsIlearn’d，ThenightbeforetherewasnopurposeinthemOfthisremove。KENTHailtothee，noblemaster!KINGLEARHa!
Makestthouthisshamethypastime？KENTNo，mylord。FoolHa，ha!hewearscruelgarters。Horsesaretiedbytheheads，dogsandbearsbytheneck，monkeysbytheloins，andmenbythelegs：whenaman’sover—lustyatlegs，thenhewearswoodennether—stocks。KINGLEARWhat’shethathathsomuchthyplacemistookTosettheehere？KENTItisbothheandshe；
Yoursonanddaughter。KINGLEARNo。KENTYes。KINGLEARNo，Isay。KENTIsay，yea。KINGLEARNo，no，theywouldnot。KENTYes，theyhave。KINGLEARByJupiter，Iswear，no。KENTByJuno，Iswear，ay。KINGLEARTheydurstnotdo’t；
Theycouldnot，wouldnotdo’t；’tisworsethanmurder，Todouponrespectsuchviolentoutrage：
Resolveme，withallmodesthaste，whichwayThoumightstdeserve，ortheyimpose，thisusage，Comingfromus。KENTMylord，whenattheirhomeIdidcommendyourhighness’letterstothem，EreIwasrisenfromtheplacethatshow’dMydutykneeling，camethereareekingpost，Stew’dinhishaste，halfbreathless，pantingforthFromGonerilhismistresssalutations；
Deliver’dletters，spiteofintermission，Whichpresentlytheyread：onwhosecontents，Theysummon’duptheirmeiny，straighttookhorse；
Commandedmetofollow，andattendTheleisureoftheiranswer；gavemecoldlooks：
Andmeetingheretheothermessenger，Whosewelcome，Iperceived，hadpoison’dmine，——
BeingtheveryfellowthatoflateDisplay’dsosaucilyagainstyourhighness，——
Havingmoremanthanwitaboutme，drew：
Heraisedthehousewithloudandcowardcries。
YoursonanddaughterfoundthistrespassworthTheshamewhichhereitsuffers。FoolWinter’snotgoneyet，ifthewild—geeseflythatway。
FathersthatwearragsDomaketheirchildrenblind；
ButfathersthatbearbagsShallseetheirchildrenkind。
Fortune，thatarrantwhore，Ne’erturnsthekeytothepoor。
But，forallthis，thoushalthaveasmanydoloursforthydaughtersasthoucansttellinayear。KINGLEARO，howthismotherswellsuptowardmyheart!
Hystericapassio，down，thouclimbingsorrow，Thyelement’sbelow!Whereisthisdaughter？KENTWiththeearl，sir，herewithin。KINGLEARFollowmenot；
Stayhere。
ExitGentlemanMadeyounomoreoffencebutwhatyouspeakof？KENTNone。
Howchancethekingcomeswithsosmallatrain？FoolAndthouhadstbeenseti’thestocksforthatquestion，thouhadstwelldeservedit。KENTWhy，fool？FoolWe’llsettheetoschooltoanant，toteachtheethere’snolabouringi’thewinter。Allthatfollowtheirnosesareledbytheireyesbutblindmen；
andthere’snotanoseamongtwentybutcansmellhimthat’sstinking。Letgothyholdwhenagreatwheelrunsdownahill，lestitbreakthyneckwithfollowingit：butthegreatonethatgoesupthehill，lethimdrawtheeafter。Whenawisemangivestheebettercounsel，givememineagain：
I
wouldhavenonebutknavesfollowit，sinceafoolgivesit。
Thatsirwhichservesandseeksforgain，Andfollowsbutforform，Willpackwhenitbeginstorain，Andleavetheeinthestorm，ButIwilltarry；thefoolwillstay，Andletthewisemanfly：
Theknaveturnsfoolthatrunsaway；
Thefoolnoknave，perdy。KENTWherelearnedyouthis，fool？FoolNoti’thestocks，fool。