Noblownambitiondothourarmsincite，Butlove，dearlove，andouragedfather’sright：
SoonmayIhearandseehim!
ExeuntSCENEV。Gloucester’scastle。EnterREGANandOSWALDREGANButaremybrother’spowerssetforth？OSWALDAy，madam。REGANHimselfinpersonthere？OSWALDMadam，withmuchado：
Yoursisteristhebettersoldier。REGANLordEdmundspakenotwithyourlordathome？OSWALDNo，madam。REGANWhatmightimportmysister’slettertohim？OSWALDIknownot，lady。REGAN’Faith，heispostedhenceonseriousmatter。
Itwasgreatignorance，Gloucester’seyesbeingout，Tolethimlive：wherehearriveshemovesAllheartsagainstus：Edmund，Ithink，isgone，Inpityofhismisery，todispatchHisnightedlife：moreover，todescryThestrengtho’theenemy。OSWALDImustneedsafterhim，madam，withmyletter。REGANOurtroopssetforthto—morrow：staywithus；
Thewaysaredangerous。OSWALDImaynot，madam：
Myladychargedmydutyinthisbusiness。REGANWhyshouldshewritetoEdmund？MightnotyouTransportherpurposesbyword？Belike，Something——Iknownotwhat：I’lllovetheemuch，Letmeunsealtheletter。OSWALDMadam，Ihadrather——REGANIknowyourladydoesnotloveherhusband；
Iamsureofthat：andatherlatebeinghereShegavestrangeoeilladesandmostspeakinglooksTonobleEdmund。Iknowyouareofherbosom。OSWALDI，madam？REGANIspeakinunderstanding；youare；Iknow’t：
ThereforeIdoadviseyou，takethisnote：
Mylordisdead；EdmundandIhavetalk’d；
AndmoreconvenientisheformyhandThanforyourlady’s：youmaygathermore。
Ifyoudofindhim，prayyou，givehimthis；
Andwhenyourmistresshearsthusmuchfromyou，Ipray，desirehercallherwisdomtoher。
So，fareyouwell。
Ifyoudochancetohearofthatblindtraitor，Prefermentfallsonhimthatcutshimoff。OSWALDWouldIcouldmeethim，madam!IshouldshowWhatpartyIdofollow。REGANFaretheewell。
ExeuntSCENEVI。FieldsnearDover。EnterGLOUCESTER，andEDGARdressedlikeapeasantGLOUCESTERWhenshallwecometothetopofthatsamehill？EDGARYoudoclimbupitnow：look，howwelabour。GLOUCESTERMethinksthegroundiseven。EDGARHorriblesteep。
Hark，doyouhearthesea？GLOUCESTERNo，truly。EDGARWhy，then，yourothersensesgrowimperfectByyoureyes’anguish。GLOUCESTERSomayitbe，indeed：
Methinksthyvoiceisalter’d；andthouspeak’stInbetterphraseandmatterthanthoudidst。EDGARYou’remuchdeceived：innothingamI
changedButinmygarments。GLOUCESTERMethinksyou’rebetterspoken。EDGARComeon，sir；here’stheplace：standstill。HowfearfulAnddizzy’tis，tocastone’seyessolow!
ThecrowsandchoughsthatwingthemidwayairShowscarcesogrossasbeetles：halfwaydownHangsonethatgatherssamphire，dreadfultrade!
Methinksheseemsnobiggerthanhishead：
Thefishermen，thatwalkuponthebeach，Appearlikemice；andyondtallanchoringbark，Diminish’dtohercock；hercock，abuoyAlmosttoosmallforsight：themurmuringsurge，Thatontheunnumber’didlepebbleschafes，Cannotbeheardsohigh。I’lllooknomore；
Lestmybrainturn，andthedeficientsightToppledownheadlong。GLOUCESTERSetmewhereyoustand。EDGARGivemeyourhand：youarenowwithinafootOftheextremeverge：forallbeneaththemoonWouldInotleapupright。GLOUCESTERLetgomyhand。
Here，friend，’sanotherpurse；initajewelWellworthapoorman’staking：fairiesandgodsProsperitwiththee!Gothoufartheroff；
Bidmefarewell，andletmeheartheegoing。EDGARNowfareyouwell，goodsir。GLOUCESTERWithallmyheart。EDGARWhyIdotriflethuswithhisdespairIsdonetocureit。GLOUCESTER[Kneeling]Oyoumightygods!
ThisworldIdorenounce，and，inyoursights，Shakepatientlymygreatafflictionoff：
IfIcouldbearitlonger，andnotfallToquarrelwithyourgreatopposelesswills，MysnuffandloathedpartofnatureshouldBurnitselfout。IfEdgarlive，O，blesshim!
Now，fellow，faretheewell。
HefallsforwardEDGARGone，sir：farewell。
AndyetIknownothowconceitmayrobThetreasuryoflife，whenlifeitselfYieldstothetheft：hadhebeenwherehethought，Bythis，hadthoughtbeenpast。Aliveordead？
Ho，yousir!friend!Hearyou，sir!speak!
Thusmighthepassindeed：yetherevives。
Whatareyou，sir？GLOUCESTERAway，andletmedie。EDGARHadstthoubeenaughtbutgossamer，feathers，air，Somanyfathomdownprecipitating，Thou’dstshiver’dlikeanegg：butthoudostbreathe；
Hastheavysubstance；bleed’stnot；speak’st；
artsound。
TenmastsateachmakenotthealtitudeWhichthouhastperpendicularlyfell：
Thylife’samiracle。Speakyetagain。GLOUCESTERButhaveIfall’n，orno？EDGARFromthedreadsummitofthischalkybourn。
Lookupa—height；theshrill—gorgedlarksofarCannotbeseenorheard：dobutlookup。GLOUCESTERAlack，Ihavenoeyes。
Iswretchednessdeprivedthatbenefit，Toenditselfbydeath？’Twasyetsomecomfort，Whenmiserycouldbeguilethetyrant’srage，Andfrustratehisproudwill。EDGARGivemeyourarm：
Up：so。Howis’t？Feelyouyourlegs？Youstand。GLOUCESTERToowell，toowell。EDGARThisisaboveallstrangeness。
Uponthecrowno’thecliff，whatthingwasthatWhichpartedfromyou？GLOUCESTERApoorunfortunatebeggar。EDGARAsIstoodherebelow，methoughthiseyesWeretwofullmoons；hehadathousandnoses，Hornswhelk’dandwavedliketheenridgedsea：
Itwassomefiend；therefore，thouhappyfather，Thinkthattheclearestgods，whomakethemhonoursOfmen’simpossibilities，havepreservedthee。GLOUCESTERIdoremembernow：henceforthI’llbearAfflictiontillitdocryoutitself’Enough，enough，’anddie。Thatthingyouspeakof，Itookitforaman；often’twouldsay’Thefiend，thefiend：’heledmetothatplace。EDGARBearfreeandpatientthoughts。Butwhocomeshere？
EnterKINGLEAR，fantasticallydressedwithwildflowersThesafersensewillne’eraccommodateHismasterthus。KINGLEARNo，theycannottouchmeforcoining；
Iamthekinghimself。EDGAROthouside—piercingsight!KINGLEARNature’saboveartinthatrespect。There’syourpress—money。Thatfellowhandleshisbowlikeacrow—keeper：drawmeaclothier’syard。Look，look，amouse!Peace，peace；thispieceoftoastedcheesewilldo’t。There’smygauntlet；I’llproveitonagiant。Bringupthebrownbills。O，wellflown，bird!i’theclout，i’theclout：hewgh!
Givetheword。EDGARSweetmarjoram。KINGLEARPass。GLOUCESTERIknowthatvoice。KINGLEARHa!Goneril，withawhitebeard!Theyflatteredmelikeadog；andtoldmeIhadwhitehairsinmybearderetheblackoneswerethere。Tosay’ay’
and’no’toeverythingthatIsaid!——’Ay’and’no’
toowasnogooddivinity。Whentheraincametowetmeonce，andthewindtomakemechatter；
whenthethunderwouldnotpeaceatmybidding；thereI
found’em，thereIsmelt’emout。Goto，theyarenotmeno’theirwords：theytoldmeIwaseverything；’tisalie，Iamnotague—proof。GLOUCESTERThetrickofthatvoiceIdowellremember：
Is’tnottheking？KINGLEARAy，everyinchaking：
WhenIdostare，seehowthesubjectquakes。
Ipardonthatman’slife。Whatwasthycause？
Adultery？
Thoushaltnotdie：dieforadultery!No：
Thewrengoesto’t，andthesmallgildedflyDoeslecherinmysight。
Letcopulationthrive；forGloucester’sbastardsonWaskindertohisfatherthanmydaughtersGot’tweenthelawfulsheets。
To’t，luxury，pell—mell!forIlacksoldiers。
Beholdyondsimperingdame，Whosefacebetweenherforkspresagessnow；
Thatmincesvirtue，anddoesshaketheheadTohearofpleasure’sname；
Thefitchew，northesoiledhorse，goesto’tWithamoreriotousappetite。
DownfromthewaisttheyareCentaurs，Thoughwomenallabove：
Buttothegirdledothegodsinherit，Beneathisallthefiends’；
There’shell，there’sdarkness，there’sthesulphurouspit，Burning，scalding，stench，consumption；fie，fie，fie!pah，pah!Givemeanounceofcivet，goodapothecary，tosweetenmyimagination：
there’smoneyforthee。GLOUCESTERO，letmekissthathand!KINGLEARLetmewipeitfirst；itsmellsofmortality。GLOUCESTEROruin’dpieceofnature!ThisgreatworldShallsowearouttonought。Dostthouknowme？KINGLEARIrememberthineeyeswellenough。Dostthousquinyatme？No，dothyworst，blindCupid!I’llnotlove。Readthouthischallenge；markbutthepenningofit。GLOUCESTERWerealltheletterssuns，Icouldnotseeone。EDGARIwouldnottakethisfromreport；itis，Andmyheartbreaksatit。KINGLEARRead。GLOUCESTERWhat，withthecaseofeyes？KINGLEARO，ho，areyoutherewithme？Noeyesinyourhead，nornomoneyinyourpurse？Youreyesareinaheavycase，yourpurseinalight；yetyouseehowthisworldgoes。GLOUCESTERIseeitfeelingly。KINGLEARWhat，artmad？Amanmayseehowthisworldgoeswithnoeyes。Lookwiththineears：seehowyondjusticerailsuponyondsimplethief。Hark，inthineear：changeplaces；and，handy—dandy，whichisthejustice，whichisthethief？Thouhastseenafarmer’sdogbarkatabeggar？GLOUCESTERAy，sir。KINGLEARAndthecreaturerunfromthecur？Therethoumightstbeholdthegreatimageofauthority：
adog’sobeyedinoffice。
Thourascalbeadle，holdthybloodyhand!
Whydostthoulashthatwhore？Stripthineownback；
Thouhotlylust’sttouseherinthatkindForwhichthouwhipp’sther。Theusurerhangsthecozener。
Throughtatter’dclothessmallvicesdoappear；
Robesandfurr’dgownshideall。Platesinwithgold，Andthestronglanceofjusticehurtlessbreaks：
Armitinrags，apigmy’sstrawdoespierceit。
Nonedoesoffend，none，Isay，none；I’llable’em：
Takethatofme，myfriend，whohavethepowerTosealtheaccuser’slips。Gettheeglasseyes；
Andlikeascurvypolitician，seemToseethethingsthoudostnot。Now，now，now，now：
Pulloffmyboots：harder，harder：so。EDGARO，matterandimpertinencymix’d!Reasoninmadness!KINGLEARIfthouwiltweepmyfortunes，takemyeyes。
Iknowtheewellenough；thynameisGloucester：
Thoumustbepatient；wecamecryinghither：
Thouknow’st，thefirsttimethatwesmelltheair，Wewawlandcry。Iwillpreachtothee：mark。GLOUCESTERAlack，alacktheday!KINGLEARWhenweareborn，wecrythatwearecomeTothisgreatstageoffools：thisagoodblock；
Itwereadelicatestratagem，toshoeAtroopofhorsewithfelt：I’llput’tinproof；
AndwhenIhavestol’nuponthesesons—in—law，Then，kill，kill，kill，kill，kill，kill!
EnteraGentleman，withAttendantsGentlemanO，hereheis：layhanduponhim。Sir，Yourmostdeardaughter——KINGLEARNorescue？What，aprisoner？IamevenThenaturalfooloffortune。Usemewell；
Youshallhaveransom。Letmehavesurgeons；
Iamcuttothebrains。GentlemanYoushallhaveanything。KINGLEARNoseconds？allmyself？
Why，thiswouldmakeamanamanofsalt，Tousehiseyesforgardenwater—pots，Ay，andlayingautumn’sdust。GentlemanGoodsir，——KINGLEARIwilldiebravely，likeabridegroom。
What!
Iwillbejovial：come，come；Iamaking，Mymasters，knowyouthat。GentlemanYouarearoyalone，andweobeyyou。KINGLEARThenthere’slifein’t。Nay，ifyougetit，youshallgetitwithrunning。Sa，sa，sa，sa。
Exitrunning；AttendantsfollowGentlemanAsightmostpitifulinthemeanestwretch，Pastspeakingofinaking!Thouhastonedaughter，WhoredeemsnaturefromthegeneralcurseWhichtwainhavebroughtherto。EDGARHail，gentlesir。GentlemanSir，speedyou：what’syourwill？EDGARDoyouhearaught，sir，ofabattletoward？GentlemanMostsureandvulgar：everyonehearsthat，Whichcandistinguishsound。EDGARBut，byyourfavour，Hownear’stheotherarmy？GentlemanNearandonspeedyfoot；themaindescryStandsonthehourlythought。EDGARIthankyou，sir：that’sall。GentlemanThoughthatthequeenonspecialcauseishere，Herarmyismovedon。EDGARIthankyou，sir。
ExitGentlemanGLOUCESTERYouever—gentlegods，takemybreathfromme：
LetnotmyworserspirittemptmeagainTodiebeforeyouplease!EDGARWellprayyou，father。GLOUCESTERNow，goodsir，whatareyou？EDGARAmostpoorman，madetametofortune’sblows；
Who，bytheartofknownandfeelingsorrows，Ampregnanttogoodpity。Givemeyourhand，I’llleadyoutosomebiding。GLOUCESTERHeartythanks：
ThebountyandthebenisonofheavenToboot，andboot!
EnterOSWALDOSWALDAproclaim’dprize!Mosthappy!
ThateyelessheadofthinewasfirstframedfleshToraisemyfortunes。Thouoldunhappytraitor，Brieflythyselfremember：theswordisoutThatmustdestroythee。GLOUCESTERNowletthyfriendlyhandPutstrengthenoughto’t。
EDGARinterposesOSWALDWherefore，boldpeasant，Darestthousupportapublish’dtraitor？Hence；
LestthattheinfectionofhisfortunetakeLikeholdonthee。Letgohisarm。EDGARCh’illnotletgo，zir，withoutvurther’casion。OSWALDLetgo，slave，orthoudiest!EDGARGoodgentleman，goyourgait，andletpoorvolkpass。Anchudha’binzwaggeredoutofmylife，’twouldnotha’binzolongas’tisbyavortnight。
Nay，comenotnearth’oldman；keepout，chevorye，orisetrywhetheryourcostardormyballowbetheharder：ch’illbeplainwithyou。OSWALDOut，dunghill!EDGARCh’illpickyourteeth，zir：come；nomattervoryourfoins。
Theyfight，andEDGARknockshimdownOSWALDSlave，thouhastslainme：villain，takemypurse：
Ifeverthouwiltthrive，burymybody；
Andgivetheletterswhichthoufind’staboutmeToEdmundearlofGloucester；seekhimoutUpontheBritishparty：O，untimelydeath!
DiesEDGARIknowtheewell：aserviceablevillain；
AsduteoustothevicesofthymistressAsbadnesswoulddesire。GLOUCESTERWhat，ishedead？EDGARSityoudown，father；restyouLet’sseethesepockets：thelettersthathespeaksofMaybemyfriends。He’sdead；IamonlysorryHehadnootherdeath’s—man。Letussee：
Leave，gentlewax；and，manners，blameusnot：
Toknowourenemies’minds，we’ldriptheirhearts；
Theirpapers，ismorelawful。
Reads’Letourreciprocalvowsberemembered。Youhavemanyopportunitiestocuthimoff：ifyourwillwantnot，timeandplacewillbefruitfullyoffered。
Thereisnothingdone，ifhereturntheconqueror：
thenamItheprisoner，andhisbedmygoal；
fromtheloathedwarmthwhereofdeliverme，andsupplytheplaceforyourlabour。
’Your——wife，soIwouldsay——
’Affectionateservant，’GONERIL。’
Oundistinguish’dspaceofwoman’swill!
Aplotuponhervirtuoushusband’slife；
Andtheexchangemybrother!Here，inthesands，TheeI’llrakeup，thepostunsanctifiedOfmurderouslechers：andinthematuretimeWiththisungraciouspaperstrikethesightOfthedeathpractisedduke：forhim’tiswellThatofthydeathandbusinessIcantell。GLOUCESTERThekingismad：howstiffismyvilesense，ThatIstandup，andhaveingeniousfeelingOfmyhugesorrows!BetterIweredistract：
Soshouldmythoughtsbesever’dfrommygriefs，AndwoesbywrongimaginationsloseTheknowledgeofthemselves。EDGARGivemeyourhand：
DrumafaroffFaroff，methinks，Ihearthebeatendrum：
Come，father，I’llbestowyouwithafriend。
ExeuntSCENEVII。AtentintheFrenchcamp。LEARonabedasleep，softmusicplaying；Gentleman，andothersattending。
EnterCORDELIA，KENT，andDoctorCORDELIAOthougoodKent，howshallIliveandwork，Tomatchthygoodness？Mylifewillbetooshort，Andeverymeasurefailme。KENTTobeacknowledged，madam，iso’erpaid。
Allmyreportsgowiththemodesttruth；
Normorenorclipp’d，butso。CORDELIABebettersuited：
Theseweedsarememoriesofthoseworserhours：
Iprithee，putthemoff。KENTPardonme，dearmadam；
Yettobeknownshortensmymadeintent：
MyboonImakeit，thatyouknowmenotTilltimeandIthinkmeet。CORDELIAThenbe’tso，mygoodlord。
TotheDoctorHowdoestheking？DoctorMadam，sleepsstill。CORDELIAOyoukindgods，Curethisgreatbreachinhisabusednature!
Theuntunedandjarringsenses，O，windupOfthischild—changedfather!DoctorSopleaseyourmajestyThatwemaywaketheking：hehathsleptlong。CORDELIABegovern’dbyyourknowledge，andproceedI’theswayofyourownwill。Ishearray’d？GentlemanAy，madam；intheheavinessofhissleepWeputfreshgarmentsonhim。DoctorBeby，goodmadam，whenwedoawakehim；
Idoubtnotofhistemperance。CORDELIAVerywell。DoctorPleaseyou，drawnear。Louderthemusicthere!CORDELIAOmydearfather!RestorationhangThymedicineonmylips；andletthiskissRepairthoseviolentharmsthatmytwosistersHaveinthyreverencemade!KENTKindanddearprincess!CORDELIAHadyounotbeentheirfather，thesewhiteflakesHadchallengedpityofthem。WasthisafaceTobeopposedagainstthewarringwinds？
Tostandagainstthedeepdread—boltedthunder？
InthemostterribleandnimblestrokeOfquick，crosslightning？towatch——poorperdu!——
Withthisthinhelm？Mineenemy’sdog，Thoughhehadbitme，shouldhavestoodthatnightAgainstmyfire；andwastthoufain，poorfather，Tohoveltheewithswine，androguesforlorn，Inshortandmustystraw？Alack，alack!
’TiswonderthatthylifeandwitsatonceHadnotconcludedall。Hewakes；speaktohim。DoctorMadam，doyou；’tisfittest。CORDELIAHowdoesmyroyallord？Howfaresyourmajesty？KINGLEARYoudomewrongtotakemeouto’thegrave：
Thouartasoulinbliss；butIamboundUponawheeloffire，thatmineowntearsDoscaldlikemoultenlead。CORDELIASir，doyouknowme？KINGLEARYouareaspirit，Iknow：whendidyoudie？CORDELIAStill，still，farwide!DoctorHe’sscarceawake：lethimaloneawhile。KINGLEARWherehaveIbeen？WhereamI？Fairdaylight？
Iammightilyabused。Ishoulde’endiewithpity，Toseeanotherthus。Iknownotwhattosay。
Iwillnotswearthesearemyhands：let’ssee；
Ifeelthispinprick。WouldIwereassuredOfmycondition!CORDELIAO，lookuponme，sir，Andholdyourhandsinbenedictiono’erme：
No，sir，youmustnotkneel。KINGLEARPray，donotmockme：
Iamaveryfoolishfondoldman，Fourscoreandupward，notanhourmorenorless；
And，todealplainly，IfearIamnotinmyperfectmind。
MethinksIshouldknowyou，andknowthisman；
YetIamdoubtfulforIammainlyignorantWhatplacethisis；andalltheskillIhaveRemembersnotthesegarments；norIknownotWhereIdidlodgelastnight。Donotlaughatme；
For，asIamaman，IthinkthisladyTobemychildCordelia。CORDELIAAndsoIam，Iam。KINGLEARBeyourtearswet？yes，’faith。Ipray，weepnot：
Ifyouhavepoisonforme，Iwilldrinkit。
Iknowyoudonotloveme；foryoursistersHave，asIdoremember，donemewrong：
Youhavesomecause，theyhavenot。CORDELIANocause，nocause。KINGLEARAmIinFrance？KENTInyourownkingdom，sir。KINGLEARDonotabuseme。DoctorBecomforted，goodmadam：thegreatrage，Yousee，iskill’dinhim：andyetitisdangerTomakehimeveno’erthetimehehaslost。
Desirehimtogoin；troublehimnomoreTillfurthersettling。CORDELIAWill’tpleaseyourhighnesswalk？KINGLEARYoumustbearwithme：
Prayyounow，forgetandforgive：Iamoldandfoolish。
ExeuntallbutKENTandGentlemanGentlemanHoldsittrue，sir，thattheDukeofCornwallwassoslain？KENTMostcertain，sir。GentlemanWhoisconductorofhispeople？KENTAs’tissaid，thebastardsonofGloucester。GentlemanTheysayEdgar，hisbanishedson，iswiththeEarlofKentinGermany。KENTReportischangeable。’Tistimetolookabout；thepowersofthekingdomapproachapace。GentlemanThearbitrementisliketobebloody。
Fareyouwell，sir。
ExitKENTMypointandperiodwillbethroughlywrought，Orwellorill，asthisday’sbattle’sfought。
ExitACTVSCENEI。TheBritishcamp，nearDover。Enter，withdrumandcolours，EDMUND，REGAN，Gentlemen，andSoldiers。EDMUNDKnowofthedukeifhislastpurposehold，OrwhethersinceheisadvisedbyaughtTochangethecourse：he’sfullofalterationAndself—reproving：bringhisconstantpleasure。
ToaGentleman，whogoesoutREGANOursister’smaniscertainlymiscarried。EDMUND’Tistobedoubted，madam。REGANNow，sweetlord，YouknowthegoodnessIintenduponyou：
Tellme——buttruly——butthenspeakthetruth，Doyounotlovemysister？EDMUNDInhonour’dlove。REGANButhaveyouneverfoundmybrother’swayTotheforfendedplace？EDMUNDThatthoughtabusesyou。REGANIamdoubtfulthatyouhavebeenconjunctAndbosom’dwithher，asfaraswecallhers。EDMUNDNo，byminehonour，madam。REGANInevershallendureher：dearmylord，Benotfamiliarwithher。EDMUNDFearmenot：
Sheandthedukeherhusband!
Enter，withdrumandcolours，ALBANY，GONERIL，andSoldiersGONERIL[Aside]IhadratherlosethebattlethanthatsisterShouldloosenhimandme。ALBANYOurverylovingsister，wellbe—met。
Sir，thisIhear；thekingiscometohisdaughter，WithotherswhomtherigorofourstateForcedtocryout。WhereIcouldnotbehonest，Ineveryetwasvaliant：forthisbusiness，Ittouchethus，asFranceinvadesourland，Notboldstheking，withothers，whom，Ifear，Mostjustandheavycausesmakeoppose。EDMUNDSir，youspeaknobly。REGANWhyisthisreason’d？GONERILCombinetogether’gainsttheenemy；
ForthesedomesticandparticularbroilsArenotthequestionhere。ALBANYLet’sthendetermineWiththeancientofwaronourproceedings。EDMUNDIshallattendyoupresentlyatyourtent。REGANSister，you’llgowithus？GONERILNo。REGAN’Tismostconvenient；prayyou，gowithus。GONERIL[Aside]O，ho，Iknowtheriddle。——Iwillgo。
Astheyaregoingout，enterEDGARdisguisedEDGARIfe’eryourgracehadspeechwithmansopoor，Hearmeoneword。ALBANYI’llovertakeyou。Speak。
ExeuntallbutALBANYandEDGAREDGARBeforeyoufightthebattle，opethisletter。
Ifyouhavevictory，letthetrumpetsoundForhimthatbroughtit：wretchedthoughIseem，IcanproduceachampionthatwillproveWhatisavouchedthere。Ifyoumiscarry，Yourbusinessoftheworldhathsoanend，Andmachinationceases。Fortuneloveyou。ALBANYStaytillIhavereadtheletter。EDGARIwasforbidit。
Whentimeshallserve，letbuttheheraldcry，AndI’llappearagain。ALBANYWhy，faretheewell：Iwillo’erlookthypaper。
ExitEDGAR
Re—enterEDMUNDEDMUNDTheenemy’sinview；drawupyourpowers。
HereistheguessoftheirtruestrengthandforcesBydiligentdiscovery；butyourhasteIsnowurgedonyou。ALBANYWewillgreetthetime。
ExitEDMUNDToboththesesistershaveIswornmylove；
Eachjealousoftheother，asthestungAreoftheadder。WhichofthemshallItake？
Both？one？orneither？Neithercanbeenjoy’d，Ifbothremainalive：totakethewidowExasperates，makesmadhersisterGoneril；
AndhardlyshallIcarryoutmyside，Herhusbandbeingalive。Nowthenwe’lluseHiscountenanceforthebattle；whichbeingdone，LetherwhowouldberidofhimdeviseHisspeedytakingoff。AsforthemercyWhichheintendstoLearandtoCordelia，Thebattledone，andtheywithinourpower，Shallneverseehispardon；formystateStandsonmetodefend，nottodebate。
ExitSCENEII。Afieldbetweenthetwocamps。Alarumwithin。Enter，withdrumandcolours，KINGLEAR，CORDELIA，andSoldiers，overthestage；andexeuntEnterEDGARandGLOUCESTEREDGARHere，father，taketheshadowofthistreeForyourgoodhost；praythattherightmaythrive：
IfeverIreturntoyouagain，I’llbringyoucomfort。GLOUCESTERGracegowithyou，sir!
ExitEDGAR
Alarumandretreatwithin。Re—enterEDGAREDGARAway，oldman；givemethyhand；away!
KingLearhathlost，heandhisdaughterta’en：
Givemethyhand；comeon。GLOUCESTERNofarther，sir；amanmayrotevenhere。EDGARWhat，inillthoughtsagain？MenmustendureTheirgoinghence，evenastheircominghither；
Ripenessisall：comeon。GLOUCESTERAndthat’struetoo。
ExeuntSCENEIII。TheBritishcampnearDover。Enter，inconquest，withdrumandcolours，EDMUND，KING
LEARandCORDELIA，prisoners；Captain，Soldiers，&；cEDMUNDSomeofficerstakethemaway：goodguard，UntiltheirgreaterpleasuresfirstbeknownThataretocensurethem。CORDELIAWearenotthefirstWho，withbestmeaning，haveincurr’dtheworst。
Forthee，oppressedking，amIcastdown；
Myselfcouldelseout—frownfalsefortune’sfrown。
Shallwenotseethesedaughtersandthesesisters？KINGLEARNo，no，no，no!Come，let’sawaytoprison：
Wetwoalonewillsinglikebirdsi’thecage：
Whenthoudostaskmeblessing，I’llkneeldown，Andaskoftheeforgiveness：sowe’lllive，Andpray，andsing，andtelloldtales，andlaughAtgildedbutterflies，andhearpoorroguesTalkofcourtnews；andwe’lltalkwiththemtoo，Wholosesandwhowins；who’sin，who’sout；
Andtakeupon’sthemysteryofthings，AsifwewereGod’sspies：andwe’llwearout，Inawall’dprison，packsandsectsofgreatones，Thatebbandflowbythemoon。EDMUNDTakethemaway。KINGLEARUponsuchsacrifices，myCordelia，Thegodsthemselvesthrowincense。HaveIcaughtthee？
Hethatpartsusshallbringabrandfromheaven，Andfireushencelikefoxes。Wipethineeyes；
Thegood—yearsshalldevourthem，fleshandfell，Eretheyshallmakeusweep：we’llsee’emstarvefirst。Come。
ExeuntKINGLEARandCORDELIA，guardedEDMUNDComehither，captain；hark。
Takethouthisnote；
Givingapapergofollowthemtoprison：
OnestepIhaveadvancedthee；ifthoudostAsthisinstructsthee，thoudostmakethywayTonoblefortunes：knowthouthis，thatmenAreasthetimeis：tobetender—mindedDoesnotbecomeasword：thygreatemploymentWillnotbearquestion；eithersaythou’ltdo’t，Orthrivebyothermeans。CaptainI’lldo’t，mylord。EDMUNDAboutit；andwritehappywhenthouhastdone。
Mark，Isay，instantly；andcarryitsoAsIhavesetitdown。CaptainIcannotdrawacart，noreatdriedoats；
Ifitbeman’swork，I’lldo’t。
ExitFlourish。EnterALBANY，GONERIL，REGAN，anotherCaptain，andSoldiersALBANYSir，youhaveshownto—dayyourvaliantstrain，Andfortuneledyouwell：youhavethecaptivesThatweretheoppositesofthisday’sstrife：
Wedorequirethemofyou，sotousethemAsweshallfindtheirmeritsandoursafetyMayequallydetermine。EDMUNDSir，IthoughtitfitTosendtheoldandmiserablekingTosomeretentionandappointedguard；
Whoseagehascharmsinit，whosetitlemore，Topluckthecommonbosomonhisside，Anturnourimpress’dlancesinoureyesWhichdocommandthem。WithhimIsentthequeen；
Myreasonallthesame；andtheyarereadyTo—morrow，oratfurtherspace，toappearWhereyoushallholdyoursession。AtthistimeWesweatandbleed：thefriendhathlosthisfriend；
Andthebestquarrels，intheheat，arecursedBythosethatfeeltheirsharpness：
ThequestionofCordeliaandherfatherRequiresafitterplace。ALBANYSir，byyourpatience，Iholdyoubutasubjectofthiswar，Notasabrother。REGANThat’saswelisttogracehim。
Methinksourpleasuremighthavebeendemanded，Ereyouhadspokesofar。Heledourpowers；
Borethecommissionofmyplaceandperson；
Thewhichimmediacymaywellstandup，Andcallitselfyourbrother。GONERILNotsohot：
Inhisowngracehedothexalthimself，Morethaninyouraddition。REGANInmyrights，Bymeinvested，hecompeersthebest。GONERILThatwerethemost，ifheshouldhusbandyou。REGANJestersdooftproveprophets。GONERILHolla，holla!
Thateyethattoldyousolook’dbuta—squint。REGANLady，Iamnotwell；elseIshouldanswerFromafull—flowingstomach。General，Takethoumysoldiers，prisoners，patrimony；
Disposeofthem，ofme；thewallsarethine：
Witnesstheworld，thatIcreatetheehereMylordandmaster。GONERILMeanyoutoenjoyhim？ALBANYThelet—aloneliesnotinyourgoodwill。EDMUNDNorinthine，lord。ALBANYHalf—bloodedfellow，yes。REGAN[ToEDMUND]Letthedrumstrike，andprovemytitlethine。ALBANYStayyet；hearreason。Edmund，IarresttheeOncapitaltreason；and，inthineattaint，ThisgildedserpentPointingtoGonerilForyourclaim，fairsister，Ibaritintheinterestofmywife：
’Tissheissub—contractedtothislord，AndI，herhusband，contradictyourbans。
Ifyouwillmarry，makeyourlovestome，Myladyisbespoke。GONERILAninterlude!ALBANYThouartarm’d，Gloucester：letthetrumpetsound：
IfnoneappeartoproveuponthyheadThyheinous，manifest，andmanytreasons，Thereismypledge；
ThrowingdownagloveI’llproveitonthyheart，EreItastebread，thouartinnothinglessThanIhavehereproclaim’dthee。REGANSick，O，sick!GONERIL[Aside]Ifnot，I’llne’ertrustmedicine。EDMUNDThere’smyexchange：
ThrowingdownaglovewhatintheworldheisThatnamesmetraitor，villain—likehelies：
Callbythytrumpet：hethatdaresapproach，Onhim，onyou，whonot？IwillmaintainMytruthandhonourfirmly。ALBANYAherald，ho!EDMUNDAherald，ho，aherald!ALBANYTrusttothysinglevirtue；forthysoldiers，Allleviedinmyname，haveinmynameTooktheirdischarge。REGANMysicknessgrowsuponme。ALBANYSheisnotwell；conveyhertomytent。
ExitRegan，ledEnteraHeraldComehither，herald，——Letthetrumpetsound，Andreadoutthis。CaptainSound，trumpet!
AtrumpetsoundsHerald[Reads]’IfanymanofqualityordegreewithinthelistsofthearmywillmaintainuponEdmund，supposedEarlofGloucester，thatheisamanifoldtraitor，lethimappearbythethirdsoundofthetrumpet：heisboldinhisdefence。’EDMUNDSound!
FirsttrumpetHeraldAgain!
SecondtrumpetHeraldAgain!
ThirdtrumpetTrumpetanswerswithinEnterEDGAR，atthethirdsound，armed，withatrumpetbeforehimALBANYAskhimhispurposes，whyheappearsUponthiscallo’thetrumpet。HeraldWhatareyou？
Yourname，yourquality？andwhyyouanswerThispresentsummons？EDGARKnow，mynameislost；
Bytreason’stoothbare—gnawnandcanker—bit：
YetamInobleastheadversaryIcometocope。ALBANYWhichisthatadversary？EDGARWhat’shethatspeaksforEdmundEarlofGloucester？EDMUNDHimself：whatsay’stthoutohim？EDGARDrawthysword，That，ifmyspeechoffendanobleheart，Thyarmmaydotheejustice：hereismine。
Behold，itistheprivilegeofminehonours，Myoath，andmyprofession：Iprotest，Maugrethystrength，youth，place，andeminence，Despitethyvictorswordandfire—newfortune，Thyvalourandthyheart，thouartatraitor；
Falsetothygods，thybrother，andthyfather；
Conspirant’gainstthishigh—illustriousprince；
And，fromtheextremestupwardofthyheadTothedescentanddustbelowthyfoot，Amosttoad—spottedtraitor。Saythou’No，’
Thissword，thisarm，andmybestspirits，arebentToproveuponthyheart，wheretoIspeak，Thouliest。EDMUNDInwisdomIshouldaskthyname；
But，sincethyoutsidelookssofairandwarlike，Andthatthytonguesomesayofbreedingbreathes，WhatsafeandnicelyImightwelldelayByruleofknighthood，Idisdainandspurn：
BackdoItossthesetreasonstothyhead；
Withthehell—hatedlieo’erwhelmthyheart；
Which，fortheyyetglancebyandscarcelybruise，Thisswordofmineshallgivetheminstantway，Wheretheyshallrestforever。Trumpets，speak!
Alarums。Theyfight。EDMUNDfallsALBANYSavehim，savehim!GONERILThisispractise，Gloucester：
BythelawofarmsthouwastnotboundtoanswerAnunknownopposite；thouartnotvanquish’d，Butcozen’dandbeguiled。ALBANYShutyourmouth，dame，OrwiththispapershallIstopit：Hold，sir：
Thouworsethananyname，readthineownevil：
Notearing，lady：Iperceiveyouknowit。
GivesthelettertoEDMUNDGONERILSay，ifIdo，thelawsaremine，notthine：
Whocanarraignmefor’t。ALBANYMostmonstrous!oh!
Know’stthouthispaper？GONERILAskmenotwhatIknow。
ExitALBANYGoafterher：she’sdesperate；governher。EDMUNDWhatyouhavechargedmewith，thathaveIdone；
Andmore，muchmore；thetimewillbringitout：
’Tispast，andsoamI。ButwhatartthouThathastthisfortuneonme？Ifthou’rtnoble，Idoforgivethee。EDGARLet’sexchangecharity。
Iamnolessinbloodthanthouart，Edmund；
Ifmore，themorethouhastwrong’dme。
MynameisEdgar，andthyfather’sson。
Thegodsarejust，andofourpleasantvicesMakeinstrumentstoplagueus：
ThedarkandviciousplacewheretheehegotCosthimhiseyes。EDMUNDThouhastspokenright，’tistrue；
Thewheeliscomefullcircle：Iamhere。ALBANYMethoughtthyverygaitdidprophesyAroyalnobleness：Imustembracethee：
Letsorrowsplitmyheart，ifeverI
Didhatetheeorthyfather!EDGARWorthyprince，Iknow’t。ALBANYWherehaveyouhidyourself？
Howhaveyouknownthemiseriesofyourfather？EDGARBynursingthem，mylord。Listabrieftale；
Andwhen’tistold，O，thatmyheartwouldburst!
Thebloodyproclamationtoescape，Thatfollow’dmesonear，——O，ourlives’sweetness!
ThatwethepainofdeathwouldhourlydieRatherthandieatonce!——taughtmetoshiftIntoamadman’srags；toassumeasemblanceThatverydogsdisdain’d：andinthishabitMetImyfatherwithhisbleedingrings，Theirpreciousstonesnewlost：becamehisguide，Ledhim，begg’dforhim，savedhimfromdespair；
Never，——Ofault!——reveal’dmyselfuntohim，Untilsomehalf—hourpast，whenIwasarm’d：
Notsure，thoughhoping，ofthisgoodsuccess，Iask’dhisblessing，andfromfirsttolastToldhimmypilgrimage：buthisflaw’dheart，Alack，tooweaktheconflicttosupport!
’Twixttwoextremesofpassion，joyandgrief，Burstsmilingly。EDMUNDThisspeechofyourshathmovedme，Andshallperchancedogood：butspeakyouon；
Youlookasyouhadsomethingmoretosay。ALBANYIftherebemore，morewoeful，holditin；
ForIamalmostreadytodissolve，Hearingofthis。EDGARThiswouldhaveseem’daperiodTosuchaslovenotsorrow；butanother，Toamplifytoomuch，wouldmakemuchmore，Andtopextremity。
WhilstIwasbiginclamourcamethereinaman，Who，havingseenmeinmyworstestate，Shunn’dmyabhorr’dsociety；butthen，findingWho’twasthatsoendured，withhisstrongarmsHefastenedonmyneck，andbellow’doutAshe’ldburstheaven；threwhimonmyfather；
ToldthemostpiteoustaleofLearandhimThateverearreceived：whichinrecountingHisgriefgrewpuissantandthestringsoflifeBegantocrack：twicethenthetrumpetssounded，AndthereIlefthimtranced。ALBANYButwhowasthis？EDGARKent，sir，thebanish’dKent；whoindisguiseFollow’dhisenemyking，anddidhimserviceImproperforaslave。
EnteraGentleman，withabloodyknifeGentlemanHelp，help，O，help!EDGARWhatkindofhelp？ALBANYSpeak，man。EDGARWhatmeansthatbloodyknife？Gentleman’Tishot，itsmokes；
Itcameevenfromtheheartof——O，she’sdead!ALBANYWhodead？speak，man。GentlemanYourlady，sir，yourlady：andhersisterByherispoisoned；shehathconfess’dit。EDMUNDIwascontractedtothemboth：allthreeNowmarryinaninstant。EDGARHerecomesKent。ALBANYProducetheirbodies，betheyaliveordead：
Thisjudgmentoftheheavens，thatmakesustremble，Touchesusnotwithpity。
ExitGentlemanEnterKENT
O，isthishe？
ThetimewillnotallowthecomplimentWhichverymannersurges。KENTIamcomeTobidmykingandmasterayegoodnight：
Ishenothere？ALBANYGreatthingofusforgot!
Speak，Edmund，where’stheking？andwhere’sCordelia？
See’stthouthisobject，Kent？
ThebodiesofGONERILandREGANarebroughtinKENTAlack，whythus？EDMUNDYetEdmundwasbeloved：
Theonetheotherpoison’dformysake，Andafterslewherself。ALBANYEvenso。Covertheirfaces。EDMUNDIpantforlife：somegoodImeantodo，Despiteofmineownnature。Quicklysend，Bebriefinit，tothecastle；formywritIsonthelifeofLearandonCordelia：
Nay，sendintime。ALBANYRun，run，O，run!EDGARTowho，mylord？Whohaththeoffice？
sendThytokenofreprieve。EDMUNDWellthoughton：takemysword，Giveitthecaptain。ALBANYHastethee，forthylife。
ExitEDGAREDMUNDHehathcommissionfromthywifeandmeTohangCordeliaintheprison，andTolaytheblameuponherowndespair，Thatshefordidherself。ALBANYThegodsdefendher!Bearhimhenceawhile。
EDMUNDisborneoffRe—enterKINGLEAR，withCORDELIAdeadinhisarms；EDGAR，Captain，andothersfollowingKINGLEARHowl，howl，howl，howl!O，youaremenofstones：
HadIyourtonguesandeyes，I’ldusethemsoThatheaven’svaultshouldcrack。She’sgoneforever!
Iknowwhenoneisdead，andwhenonelives；
She’sdeadasearth。Lendmealooking—glass；
Ifthatherbreathwillmistorstainthestone，Why，thenshelives。KENTIsthisthepromisedendEDGAROrimageofthathorror？ALBANYFall，andcease!KINGLEARThisfeatherstirs；shelives!ifitbeso，ItisachancewhichdoesredeemallsorrowsThateverIhavefelt。KENT[Kneeling]Omygoodmaster!KINGLEARPrithee，away。EDGAR’TisnobleKent，yourfriend。KINGLEARAplagueuponyou，murderers，traitorsall!
Imighthavesavedher；nowshe’sgoneforever!
Cordelia，Cordelia!stayalittle。Ha!
Whatis’tthousay’st？Hervoicewaseversoft，Gentle，andlow，anexcellentthinginwoman。
Ikill’dtheslavethatwasa—hangingthee。Captain’Tistrue，mylords，hedid。KINGLEARDidInot，fellow？
Ihaveseentheday，withmygoodbitingfalchionIwouldhavemadethemskip：Iamoldnow，Andthesesamecrossesspoilme。Whoareyou？
Mineeyesarenoto’thebest：I’lltellyoustraight。KENTIffortunebragoftwoshelovedandhated，Oneofthemwebehold。KINGLEARThisisadullsight。AreyounotKent？KENTThesame，YourservantKent：WhereisyourservantCaius？KINGLEARHe’sagoodfellow，Icantellyouthat；
He’llstrike，andquicklytoo：he’sdeadandrotten。KENTNo，mygoodlord；Iamtheveryman，——KINGLEARI’llseethatstraight。KENTThat，fromyourfirstofdifferenceanddecay，Havefollow’dyoursadsteps。KINGLEARYouarewelcomehither。KENTNornomanelse：all’scheerless，dark，anddeadly。
Youreldestdaughtershavefordonethemselves，Anddesperatelyaredead。KINGLEARAy，soIthink。ALBANYHeknowsnotwhathesays：andvainitisThatwepresentustohim。EDGARVerybootless。
EnteraCaptainCaptainEdmundisdead，mylord。ALBANYThat’sbutatriflehere。
Youlordsandnoblefriends，knowourintent。
WhatcomforttothisgreatdecaymaycomeShallbeapplied：foruswewillresign，Duringthelifeofthisoldmajesty，Tohimourabsolutepower：
ToEDGARandKENT
you，toyourrights：
Withboot，andsuchadditionasyourhonoursHavemorethanmerited。AllfriendsshalltasteThewagesoftheirvirtue，andallfoesThecupoftheirdeservings。O，see，see!KINGLEARAndmypoorfoolishang’d!No，no，nolife!
Whyshouldadog，ahorse，arat，havelife，Andthounobreathatall？Thou’ltcomenomore，Never，never，never，never，never!
Prayyou，undothisbutton：thankyou，sir。
Doyouseethis？Lookonher，look，herlips，Lookthere，lookthere!
DiesEDGARHefaints!Mylord，mylord!KENTBreak，heart；Iprithee，break!EDGARLookup，mylord。KENTVexnothisghost：O，lethimpass!hehateshimmuchThatwouldupontherackofthistoughworldStretchhimoutlonger。EDGARHeisgone，indeed。KENTThewonderis，hehathenduredsolong：
Hebutusurp’dhislife。ALBANYBearthemfromhence。OurpresentbusinessIsgeneralwoe。
ToKENTandEDGAR
Friendsofmysoul，youtwainRuleinthisrealm，andthegoredstatesustain。KENTIhaveajourney，sir，shortlytogo；
Mymastercallsme，Imustnotsayno。ALBANYTheweightofthissadtimewemustobey；
Speakwhatwefeel，notwhatweoughttosay。
Theoldesthathbornemost：wethatareyoungShallneverseesomuch，norlivesolong。
Exeunt，withadeadmarch