Edg. Give me your hand: you are now within a foot

Of the extreme verge: for all beneath the moon
Would I not leap upright.

Glo.
Let go my hand,
Here, friend, is another purse; in it a jewel
Well worth a poor man's taking: Fairies, and gods,
Prosper it with thee! Go thou further off;
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
Edy. Now fare you well, good sir. [Seems to go.
Glo.
With all my heart.
Edg. Why I do trifle thus with his despair,
Is done to cure it.

O you mighty gods!

Glo.
This world I do renounce: and, in your sights,
Shake patiently my great affliction off:

If I could bear it longer, and not fall

To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,

My snuff, and loathed part of nature, should

Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!-
Now fellow, fare thee well. [He leops, and falls along.
Edg.
Gone, sir? farewell!-

And yet I know not how conceit may rob
The treasury of life, when life itself
Yields to the theft: Had he been where he thought,
By this, had thought been past.-Alive, or dead?
Ho, you sir! friend!-Hear you, sir?--Speak!
Thus might he pass indeed :-Yet he revives:
What are you, sir?

Away, and let me die.

[thers, air,

Glo. Edg. Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feaSo many fathoms down precipitating, Thou hadst shiver'd like an egg: but thou dost breathe;

[sound,

Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st: art
Ten masts at each make not the altitude,
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell;
Thy life's a miracle: Speak yet again.
Glo. But have I fallen, or no?

Edg. From the dread summit of this chalky bourn; Look up a-height;-the shrill-gorg'd lark so far Cannot be seen or heard: do but look up.

Glo. Alack, I have no eyes.

Is wretchedness deprived that benefit,
To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort,
When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage,
And frustrate his proud will.
Edg.
Give me your arm:
Up: So-How is't? Feel you your legs? You
Glo. Too well, too well.
[stand.
Edg.
This is above all strangeness.
Upon the crown o' the cliff, what thing was that
Which parted from you?

Glo.
A poor unfortunate beggar.
Edg. As I stood here below, methought, his eyes
Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,
Horns whelk'd, and waved like the enridg'd sea;
It was some fiend; Therefore, thou happy father,
Think that the clearest gods, who make them honors
Of men's impossibilities, have preserved thee.

Glo. I do remember now: henceforth I'll bear Affliction, till it do cry out itself,

a crow-keeper: draw me a clothier's yard. Look, look, a mouse! Peace, peace;-this piece of toasted cheese will do't.-There's my gauntlet: I'll prove it on a giant.--Bring up the brown bills.-0, well flown bird!-i' the clout, i' the clout: hewch !-Give the word."

Edg. Sweet marjorain. Lear. Pass.

Glo. I know that voice.

Lear. Ha! Goneril!-with a white beard!-They flatter'd me like a dog; and told me, I had white hairs in my beard, ere the black ones were there. To say ay, and no, to every thing I said!-Ay and no too was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me once, and the wind to make me chatter; When the thunder would not peace at my bidding; there I found them, there I smelt them out. Go to, they are not men o' their words: they told me I was every thing; 'tis a lie; I am not ague-proof.

Glo. The trick' of that voice I do well remember: Is't not the king?

Lear.

Ay, every inch a king:

When I do stare, see, how the subject quakes.
I pardon that man's life; what was thy cause ?—
Adukery.-

Thou shalt not die; Die for adultery! No:
The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly
Does lecher in my sight.

Let copulation thrive, for Gloster's bastard son
Was kinder to his father, than my daughters
Got 'tween the lawful sheets.

To't, luxury, pell-mell, for I lack soldiers.-
Behold yon' simpering dame,

Whose face between her forks presageth snow;
That minces virtue, and does shake the head
To hear of pleasure's name;

The fitchew, nor the soil'd horse, goes to't
With a more riotous appetite.
Down from the waist they are centaurs,
Though women all above:

[ness,

But to the girdle do the gods inherit, Beneath is all the fiend's; there's bell, there's darkThere is the sulphurous pit, burning, scalding, stench, consumption:-Fie, fie, fie! pah! pah! give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my imagination; there's money for thee. Glo. 0, let me kiss that band!

Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality. Glo. ruin'd piece of nature! This great world Shall so wear out to nought.-Dost thou know me? Lear I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; I'll not love. Read thou this challenge; mark but the penning of it.

Glo. Were al he letters suns, I could not see one. Edg. I would not take this from report;-it is, And my heart breaks at it.

Lear. Read.

Glo. What, with the case of eyes?

Lear. O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a light: Yet you

Glo. I see it feelingly.

comes here?

Lear. What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes, with no eyes. Look with thine ears; see how yon' justice rails upon yon' simple thief Hark, in thine ear: change places; and, handydandy, which is the justice, which is the thief?Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a beggar? Glo. Ay, sir.

Lear. And the creature run from the eur? There thou might'st behold the great image of authority: A dog's obey' in office.

Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand: [back;
Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own
Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind
For which thou whipp'st her. The usurer hangs

the cozener.

Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear; Robes,and furr'd gowns, hide all. Plate sin with gold, And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks: Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw doth pierce it. None does offend, none, I say, none; I'll able 'em: Take that of me, my friend, who have the power To seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes; And, like a scurvy politician, seem

To see the things thou dost not.-Now, now, now,

now:

Pull off my boots:-harder, harder; so.

Edg. O, matter and impertinency mix'd! Reason in madness!

Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes. I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloster: Thou must be patient; we came crying hither. Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air, We wawl, and cry :-I will preach to thee; mark me. Glo. Alack, alack the day!

Lear. When we are born, we cry, that we are come To this great stage of fools;- This a good

block?"

It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe
A troop of horse with felt: I'll put it in proof;
And when I have stolen upon these sons-in-law,
Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill.

Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants.
Gent. O, here he is, lay hand upon him,-Sir,
Your most dear daughter-

Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even The natural fool of fortune.-Use me well; You shall have ransom.

I am cut to the brains.

Gent.

Let me have a surgeon,

You shall have any thing. Lear. No seconds? All myself? Why, this would make a man, a man of salt," To use his eyes for garden water-pots, Ay, and for laying autumn's dust.

Gent.

Good sir,

Lear. I will die bravely, like a bridegroom:
What?

I will be jovial; come, come; I am a king,
My masters, know you that!

Gent. You are a royal one, and we obey you. Lear. Then there's life in it. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa. [Exit running; Attendants follow. Gent. A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch; Past speaking of in a king!-Thou hast one daughter,

Who redeems nature from the general curse
Which twain have brought her to.

Edg. Hail, gentle sir.

Gent. Sir, speed you: What's your will? Edg. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward? Gent. Most sure, and vulgar; every one hears that, Which can distinguish sound. Edg.

But by your favor, How near's the other army' ? Gent. Near, and on speedy foot; the main descry Stands on the hourly thought."

• Block anciently signified the head part of a hat.

A man of tears.

The main body is expected to be descried every hour.

Stew.

Hearty thanks: of heaven

Enter Steward.

A proclaim'd prize! Most happy! That eyeless head of thine was first framed flesh To raise my fortunes.-Thou old unhappy traitor, Briefly thyself remember:-The sword is out That must destroy thee. Glo.

Now let thy friendly hand Put strength enough to it. [EDGAR opposes. Stew. Wherefore, bold peasant. Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence; Lest that the infection of his fortune take Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.

Edg. Ch'ill not let go, zir, without vurther 'casion. Stew. Let go, slave, or thou diest.

Edg. Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor volk pass. And ch'ud ha' been zwagger'd out of my life, 'twould not ha' been zo long as 'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near the old man; keep out, che vor' ye, or ise try whether your costard' or my bat' be the harder: Ch'ill be plain with you.

Edg. I know thee well: a serviceable villain; As duteous to the vices of thy mistress, As badness would desire, Glo.

What, is he dead! Edg. Sit you down, father; rest you.—Let's see his pockets: these letters, that he speaks of, May be my friends.-He's dead: I am only sorry He had no other death's man.-Let us see: Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not: To know our enemies' minds, we'd rip their hearts; Their papers, is more lawful.

[Reads.] Let our reciprocal vows be remembered You have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and place will be fruitfully of fered. There is nothing done, if he return the con

• Evil genius. 1 Blessing. 2 Reward, recompence Go your way.

queror: Then am I the prisoner, and his bed my | gaol; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your labor. Your wife, (so I would say,) and your affectionate servant, GONERIL. O undistinguish'd space of woman's will!— A plot upon her virtuous husband's life; And the exchange, my brother!-Here, in the sands, Thee I'll rake up,' the post unsanctified Of murderous lechers: and, in the mature time, With this ungracious paper strike the sight Of the death-practis'd duke: For him 'tis well, That of thy death and business I can tell.

[Exit EDGAR, dragging out the Body. Glo. The king is mad: How stiff is my vile sense, That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract: So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs; And woes, by wrong imaginations, lose The knowledge of themselves.

SCENE VII.-A Tent in the French Camp. LEAR on a Bed asleep: Physician,Gentleman, and others, attending. Enter CORDELIA and KENT. Cor. O thou good Kent, how shall I live, and work, To match thy goodness? My life will be too short, And every measure fail me.

Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'erpaid. All my reports go with the modest truth; Nor more, nor clipp'd, but so.

Cor.

Be better suited: These weeds are memories of those worser hours; I pr'ythee, put them off. Kent. Pardon me, dear madam; Yet to be known, shortens my made intent: My boon I make it, that you know me not, Till time and I think meet.

Cor. Then be it so, my good lord.-How does
the king?
[To the Physician.
Phys. Madam, sleeps still.
Cor. O you kind gods,

Cure this great breach in his abused nature!
Th' untuned and jarring senses, O, wind up,
Of this child-changed father!

Phys. So please your majesty,

That we may wake the king? he hath slept long. Cor. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed I' the sway of your own will. Is he array'd?

Gent. Ay, madam; in the heaviness of his sleep, We We put fresh garments on him.

Phys. Be by, good madam,when we do awake him; I doubt not of his temperance. Cor.

Very well.

Phys. Please you, draw near.-Louder the music there!

Cor. O my dear father! Restoration, hang
Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss
Repair those violent harms, that my two sisters
Have in thy reverence made!

Kent.
Kind and dear princess!
Cor. Had you not been their father, these white
flakes

I'll cover thee (the dead steward) in the sands.
•Dressed

Had challenged pity of them. Was this a face
To be expos'd against the warring winds?
To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?
In the most terrible and nimble stroke
Of quick, cross lightning? to watch (poor perdu!")
With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog,
Though he had bit me, should have stood that night
Against my fire; And wast thou fain, poor father,
To hovel thee with swine, and rogues forlorn,
In short and musty straw? Alack, alack!
"Tis wonder, that thy life and wits at once
Had not concluded all.-He wakes; speak to him.
Phys. Madam, do you; 'tis fittest.

Cor. How does my royal lord? How fares your majesty?

Lear. You do me wrong, to take me out o' the

I am mightily abused. I should even die with pity,
To see another thus.-I know not what to say.
I will not swear, these are my hands:-let's see;
I feel this pin prick. 'Would I were assured
Of my condition.

Cor. O, look upon me, sir,
And hold your hands in benediction o'er me.-
No, sir, you must not kneel.

Lear.

Cor.

Lear. Be your tears wet?

weep not:

And so am, I am. Yes, faith. I pray,

If you have poison for me, I will drink it.
I know, you do not love me; for your sisters
Have, as I do remember, done me wrong:
You have some cause, they have not.

Cor.

Lear. Am I in France? Kent.

No cause, no cause.

In your own kingdont, sir.

Lear. Do not abuse me.

SCENE I-The Camp of the British Forces, near Dover. Enter, with Drums and Colors, EDMUND, REGAN, Officers, Soldiers, and others.

Edm. Know of the duke, if his last purpose hold; Or, whether since he is advis'd by aught To change the course: He's full of alteration, And self-approving:-Bring his constant pleasure. [To an Officer, who goes out. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Edm. "Tis to be doubted, madam. Reg. Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you: Tell me, but truly, but then speak the truth, Do you not love my sister? Edm. In honor'd love. Reg. But have you never found my brother's way To the forefended* place? Edm.

That thought abuses' you. Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers. Edm. No, by mine honor, madam.

Reg. I never shall endure her: Dear my lord, Be not familiar with her. Edm.

Fear me not:She, and the duke her husband,

Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers. Gon. I had rather lose the battle, than that sister Should loosen him and me. [Aside.

Alb. Our very loving sister, well be met.Sir, this I hear, The king is come to his daughter, With others, whom the rigor of our state Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest, I never yet was valiant: for this business, It toucheth us as France invades our land, Not bolds the king; with others, whom, I fear, Most just and heavy causes make oppose.' Edm. Sir, you speak nobly. Reg. Why is this reason'd? Gon. Combine together against the enemy: For these domestic and particular broils

Are not to question here.

Alb. Let us then determine With the ancient of war on our proceedings. Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent. Reg. Sister, you'll go with us? Gon. No.

Reg. 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us. Gon. O, ho, I know the riddle: [Aside.] I will go. As they are going out, enter EDGAR, disguised. Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man

Alb.
I'll overtake you.-Speak.
[Exeunt EDMUND, REGAN, GONERIL, Officers,
Soldiers, and Attendants.

Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion, that will prove
What is avouched there: If you miscarry,
Your business of the world hath so an end,
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!
Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.
Edg.
I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.
[Exit.
Alb. Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy
paper.

Re-enter EDmund.

Edm. The enemy's in view, draw up your powers. Here is the guess of their true strength and forces By diligent discovery;-But your haste Is now urged on you.

Alb. We will greet the time." [Exit. Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love; Each jealous of the other, as the stung Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? Both? one? or neither? neither can be enjoy'd, If both remain alive: To take the widow, Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril; And hardly shall I carry out my side,' Her husband being alive. Now then we'll use His countenance for the battle: which being done, Let her, who would be rid of him, devise His speedy taking off. As for the mercy Which he intends to Lear, and to Cordelia,The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon: for my state Stands on me to defend, not to debate. SCENE II.—A Field between the two Camps. Alarum within. Enter, with Drum and Colors, LEAR, CORDELIA, and their Forces; and exeunt.

Enter EDGAR and GLOSTER.

[Exit,

Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree For your good host; pray that the right may thrive. If ever I return to you again, I'll bring you comfort. Glo.

Grace go with you, sir. [Exit EDGAR. Alarums: afterwards a Retreat. Re-enter Edgar

Edg. Away, old man, give me thy hand, away. King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en Give me thy hand, come on.

Glo No further, sir; a man may rot even here • Decision. Be ready to meet the occasion. 4. e. Make my part good.