Chapter XVII: Act IV: SCENE I. The heath.3996 (1)

_Enter_ EDGAR.

_Edg._ Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd,[3997]
Than still contemn'd and flatter'd. To be worst,[3998]
The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune,[3999]
Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear:[4000]
The lamentable change is from the best; 5
The worst returns to laughter. Welcome then,[4001][4002]
Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace![4002]
The wretch that them hast blown unto the worst[4002]
Owes nothing to thy blasts. But who comes here?[4002][4003][4004]

_Enter_ GLOUCESTER, _led by an_ Old Man.[4005]

My father, poorly led? World, world, O world![4005][4006] 10
But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,[4007]
Life would not yield to age.[4008]

_Old Man._ O, my good lord, I have been your tenant,[4009]
and your father's tenant, these fourscore years.[4009][4010]

_Glou._ Away, get thee away; good friend, be gone: 15
Thy comforts can do me no good at all;
Thee they may hurt.

_Old Man._ Alack, sir, you cannot see your way.[4011]

_Glou._ I have no way and therefore want no eyes;
I stumbled when I saw: full oft 'tis seen, 20
Our means secure us, and our mere defects[4012]
Prove our commodities. Ah, dear son Edgar,[4013]
The food of thy abused father's wrath!
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,
I'ld say I had eyes again!

_Old Man._ How now! Who 's there?[4014] 25

_Edg. [Aside]_ O gods! Who is't can say 'I am at the
worst'?[4015][4016]
I am worse than e'er I was.[4017]

_Old Man._ 'Tis poor mad Tom.

_Edg. [Aside]_ And worse I may be yet: the worst is not[4015]
So long as we can say 'This is the worst.'[4018]

_Old Man._ Fellow, where goest?

_Glou._ Is it a beggar-man? 30

_Old Man._ Madman and beggar too.

_Glou._ He has some reason, else he could not beg.[4019]
I' the last night's storm I such a fellow saw,[4020]
Which made me think a man a worm: my son
Came then into my mind, and yet my mind 35
Was then scarce friends with him: I have heard more since.[4021]
As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods;[4022]
They kill us for their sport.[4023]

_Edg. [Aside]_ How should this be?[4015][4024][4025]
Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,[4024][4026]
Angering itself and others. Bless thee, master![4024][4027] 40

_Glou._ Is that the naked fellow?

_Old Man._ Ay, my lord.

_Glou._ Then, prithee, get thee gone: if for my sake[4028]
Thou wilt o'ertake us hence a mile or twain[4029]
I' the way toward Dover, do it for ancient love;[4030]
And bring some covering for this naked soul,[4031] 45
Who I'll entreat to lead me.[4032]

_Old Man._ Alack, sir, he is mad.

_Glou._ 'Tis the times' plague, when madmen lead the blind.[4033]
Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure;[4034]
Above the rest, be gone.

_Old Man._ I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have,[4035][4036] 50
Come on't what will. [_Exit._

_Glou._ Sirrah, naked fellow,--[4037]

_Edg._ Poor Tom's a-cold. [_Aside_] I cannot daub it
further.[4015][4038]

_Glou._ Come hither, fellow.

_Edg. [Aside]_ And yet I must. Bless thy sweet eyes,
they bleed.[4015][4039] 55

_Glou._ Know'st thou the way to Dover?

_Edg._ Both stile and gate, horse-way and foot-path. Poor[4040]
Tom hath been scared out of his good wits. Bless thee,
good[4040][4041][4042]
man's son, from the foul fiend! Five fiends have been in
poor[4040][4042][4043]
Tom at once; of lust, as Obidicut; Hobbididence, prince of[4043][4044] 60
dumbness; Mahu, of stealing; Modo, of murder;[4043][4045]
Flibbertigibbet, of mopping and mowing; who since possesses[4043][4046]
chambermaids and waiting-women. So, bless thee, master![4043][4047]

_Glou._ Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues[4048]
Have humbled to all strokes: that I am wretched[4049] 65
Makes thee the happier. Heavens, deal so still![4049]
Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man,[4050]
That slaves your ordinance, that will not see[4051]
Because he doth not feel, feel your power quickly;[4052]
So distribution should undo excess[4053] 70
And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?

_Edg._ Ay, master.

_Glou._ There is a cliff whose high and bending head
Looks fearfully in the confined deep:[4054]
Bring me but to the very brim of it, 75
And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear
With something rich about me: from that place[4055]
I shall no leading need.[4055][4056]

_Edg._ Give me thy arm:[4057]
Poor Tom shall lead thee. [_Exeunt._[4057][4058]

SCENE II. _Before the Duke of Albany's palace._

_Enter_ GONERIL _and_ EDMUND.[4059]

_Gon._ Welcome, my lord: I marvel our mild husband
Not met us on the way.

_Enter_ OSWALD.[4060]

Now, where's your master?

_Osw._ Madam, within; but never man so changed.[4061]
I told him of the army that was landed;[4061]
He smiled at it: I told him you were coming;[4061] 5
His answer was, 'The worse:' of Gloucester's treachery[4061]
And of the loyal service of his son[4061]
When I inform'd him, then he call'd me sot[4061]
And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out:[4061]
What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;[4061][4062] 10
What like, offensive.[4061][4063]

_Gon. [To Edm.]_ Then shall you go no further.
It is the cowish terror of his spirit,[4064]
That dares not undertake: he'll not feel wrongs,
Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way[4065]
May prove effects. Back, Edmund, to my brother;[4065][4066] 15
Hasten his musters and conduct his powers:
I must change arms at home and give the distaff[4067]
Into my husband's hands. This trusty servant
Shall pass between us: ere long you are like to hear,[4068]
If you dare venture in your own behalf,[4069] 20
A mistress's command. Wear this; spare speech;

[_Giving a favour._[4070]

Decline your head: this kiss, if it durst speak,
Would stretch thy spirits up into the air:
Conceive, and fare thee well.[4071]

_Edm._ Yours in the ranks of death.

_Gon._ My most dear Gloucester![4072] 25

[_Exit Edmund._[4073]

O, the difference of man and man![4072][4074][4075]
To thee a woman's services are due:[4075][4076]
My fool usurps my body.[4075]

_Osw._ Madam, here comes my lord. [_Exit._

_Enter_ ALBANY.[4077]

_Gon._ I have been worth the whistle.[4078]

_Alb._ O Goneril![4079]
You are not worth the dust which the rude wind[4079][4080] 30
Blows in your face. I fear your disposition:[4081]
That nature which contemns its origin[4081][4082]
Cannot be border'd certain in itself;[4081][4083]
She that herself will sliver and disbranch[4081][4084]
From her material sap, perforce must wither[4081][4085] 35
And come to deadly use.[4081]

_Gon._ No more; the text is foolish.[4081][4086]

_Alb._ Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile:[4081]
Filths savour but themselves. What have you done?[4081][4087]
Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd?[4081] 40
A father, and a gracious aged man,[4081]
Whose reverence even the head-lugg'd bear would lick,[4081][4088]
Most barbarous, most degenerate! have you madded.[4081]
Could my good brother suffer you to do it?[4081]
A man, a prince, by him so benefited![4081][4089] 45
If that the heavens do not their visible spirits[4081]
Send quickly down to tame these vile offences,[4081][4090][4091]
It will come,[4081][4090][4092]
Humanity must perforce prey on itself,[4081][4093][4094]
Like monsters of the deep.[4081][4093]

_Gon._ Milk-liver'd man! 50
That bear'st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;[4095]
Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning[4096][4097]
Thine honour from thy suffering; that not know'st[4096][4098][4099]
Fools do those villains pity who are punish'd[4098][4099][4100]
Ere they have done their mischief. Where's thy drum?[4098] 55
France spreads his banners in our noiseless land,[4098][4101]
With plumed helm thy state begins to threat,[4098][4102]
Whiles thou, a moral fool, sit'st still and criest[4098][4103]
'Alack, why does he so?'[4098]

_Alb._ See thyself, devil![4104]
Proper deformity seems not in the fiend[4104][4105] 60
So horrid as in woman.[4104]

_Gon._ O vain fool!

_Alb._ Thou changed and self-cover'd thing, for shame,[4106][4107]
Be-monster not thy feature. Were 't my fitness[4106][4108][4109]
To let these hands obey my blood,[4106][4109][4110]
They are apt enough to dislocate and tear[4106][4109][4111] 65
Thy flesh and bones: howe'er thou art a fiend,[4106][4112]
A woman's shape doth shield thee.[4106]

_Gon_. Marry, your manhood mew.[4106][4113]

_Enter a_ Messenger.

_Alb._ What news?[4114]

_Mess._ O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall's dead,[4115][4116] 70
Slain by his servant, going to put out[4116]
The other eye of Gloucester.[4116]

_Alb._ Gloucester's eyes!

_Mess._ A servant that he bred, thrill'd with remorse,[4117]
Opposed against the act, bending his sword[4118]
To his great master; who thereat enraged[4118][4119] 75
Flew on him and amongst them fell'd him dead,[4120]
But not without that harmful stroke which since[4121][4122]
Hath pluck'd him after.[4122]

_Alb._ This shows you are above,[4123][4124]
You justicers, that these our nether crimes[4123][4124][4125]
So speedily can venge. But, O poor Gloucester![4123] 80
Lost he his other eye?[4123]

_Mess._ Both, both, my lord.[4126]
This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer;[4126]
'Tis from your sister.[4126]

_Gon._ [_Aside_] One way I like this well;[4127]
But being widow, and my Gloucester with her,[4128]
May all the building in my fancy pluck[4129] 85
Upon my hateful life: another way,[4130]
The news is not so tart. I'll read, and answer. [_Exit._[4130][4131]

_Alb._ Where was his son when they did take his eyes?[4132]

_Mess._ Come with my lady hither.

_Alb._ He is not here.[4133]

_Mess._ No, my good lord; I met him back again. 90

_Alb._ Knows he the wickedness?

_Mess._ Ay, my good lord; 'twas he inform'd against him,
And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment[4134]
Might have the freer course.

_Alb._ Gloucester, I live[4135][4136]
To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the king,[4135][4136][4137] 95
And to revenge thine eyes. Come hither, friend:[4135][4136][4138]
Tell me what more thou know'st. [_Exeunt._[4136][4139]

SCENE III. _The French camp near Dover._[4140]

_Enter_ KENT _and a_ Gentleman.

_Kent._ Why the King of France is so suddenly gone[4141]
back know you the reason?[4141][4142]

_Gent._ Something he left imperfect in the state which[4143]
since his coming forth is thought of, which imports to the[4143][4144]
kingdom so much fear and danger that his personal return[4143][4145] 5
was most required and necessary.[4143]

_Kent._ Who hath he left behind him general?[4146]

_Gent._ The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.[4147]

_Kent._ Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration[4148]
of grief?[4148] 10

_Gent._ Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence,[4149]
And now and then an ample tear trill'd down
Her delicate cheek: it seem'd she was a queen[4150]
Over her passion, who most rebel-like[4150][4151]
Sought to be king o'er her.[4150]

_Kent._ O, then it moved her. 15

_Gent._ Not to a rage: patience and sorrow strove[4152]
Who should express her goodliest. You have seen[4153]
Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears[4154]
Were like a better way: those happy smilets[4154][4155]
That play'd on her ripe lip seem'd not to know[4156] 20
What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence
As pearls from diamonds dropp'd. In brief,[4157][4158]
Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved,[4157]
If all could so become it.[4157]

_Kent._ Made she no verbal question?[4159]

_Gent._ Faith, once or twice she heaved the name of 'father'[4160] 25
Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart;
Cried 'Sisters! sisters! Shame of ladies! sisters![4161]
Kent! father! sisters! What, i' the storm? i' the night?[4161][4162]
Let pity not be believed!' There she shook[4163]
The holy water from her heavenly eyes, 30
And clamour moisten'd: then away she started[4164]
To deal with grief alone.

_Kent._ It is the stars,[4165][4166]
The stars above us, govern our conditions;[4166]
Else one self mate and mate could not beget[4167]
Such different issues. You spoke not with her since?[4168] 35

_Gent._ No.

_Kent._ Was this before the king return'd?

_Gent._ No, since.

_Kent._ Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' the town;[4169]
Who sometime in his better tune remembers[4170]
What we are come about, and by no means[4171] 40
Will yield to see his daughter.[4171]

_Gent._ Why, good sir?

_Kent._ A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own unkindness[4172]
That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her[4173]
To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights
To his dog-hearted daughters: these things sting[4174][4175] 45
His mind so venomously that burning shame[4174][4175]
Detains him from Cordelia.[4174][4176]

_Gent._ Alack, poor gentleman!

_Kent._ Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not?[4177]

_Gent._ 'Tis so; they are afoot.[4178]

_Kent._ Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear, 50
And leave you to attend him: some dear cause
Will in concealment wrap me up awhile;
When I am known aright, you shall not grieve
Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you, go[4179]
Along with me. [_Exeunt._[4179][4180] 55

SCENE IV. _The same. A tent._

_Enter, with drum and colours,_ CORDELIA, Doctor, _and_ Soldiers.[4181]

_Cor._ Alack, 'tis he: why, he was met even now
As mad as the vex'd sea; singing aloud;[4182]
Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds,[4183]
With bur-docks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers,[4184]
Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow 5
In our sustaining corn. A century send forth;[4185]
Search every acre in the high-grown field,
And bring him to our eye. [_Exit an Officer._] What can
man's wisdom[4186][4187][4188][4189]
In the restoring his bereaved sense?[4186][4188][4190]
He that helps him take all my outward worth.[4186][4191] 10

_Doct._ There is means, madam:[4192]
Our foster-nurse of nature is repose,
The which he lacks: that to provoke in him,[4193]
Are many simples operative, whose power
Will close the eye of anguish.

_Cor._ All blest secrets,[4194] 15
All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth,[4194]
Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate[4195]
In the good man's distress! Seek, seek for him;[4196]
Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life
That wants the means to lead it.

_Enter a_ Messenger.[4197]

_Mess._ News, madam;[4198] 20
The British powers are marching hitherward.[4198]

_Cor._ 'Tis known before; our preparation stands
In expectation of them. O dear father,
It is thy business that I go about;[4199]
Therefore great France[4199] 25
My mourning and important tears hath pitied.[4200]
No blown ambition doth our arms incite,[4201]
But love, dear love, and our aged father's right:[4202]
Soon may I hear and see him! [_Exeunt._[4203]

SCENE V. _Gloucester's castle._

_Enter_ REGAN _and_ OSWALD.[4204]

_Reg._ But are my brother's powers set forth?[4205]

_Osw._ Ay, madam.[4205]

_Reg._ Himself in person there?[4205][4206]

_Osw._ Madam, with much ado:[4207]
Your sister is the better soldier.[4207][4208]

_Reg._ Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?[4209]

_Osw._ No, madam. 5

_Reg._ What might import my sister's letter to him?[4210]

_Osw._ I know not, lady.

_Reg._ Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.[4211]
It was great ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out,
To let him live: where he arrives he moves 10
All hearts against us: Edmund, I think, is gone,[4212]
In pity of his misery, to dispatch[4213]
His nighted life; moreover, to descry[4213]
The strength o' the enemy.[4213][4214]

_Osw._ I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.[4215] 15

_Reg._ Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us;[4216]
The ways are dangerous.

_Osw._ I may not, madam:[4217]
My lady charged my duty in this business.[4217]

_Reg._ Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you[4218]
Transport her purposes by word? Belike,[4218][4219] 20
Something--I know not what: I'll love thee much,[4220]
Let me unseal the letter.

_Osw._ Madam, I had rather--[4221]

_Reg._ I know your lady does not love her husband;
I am sure of that: and at her late being here[4222]
She gave strange œillades and most speaking looks[4223] 25
To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.[4224]

_Osw._ I, madam?[4225]

_Reg._ I speak in understanding: you are; I know't:[4226]
Therefore I do advise you, take this note:[4227]
My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk'd; 30
And more convenient is he for my hand
Than for your lady's: you may gather more.[4228]
If you do find him, pray you, give him this;[4229]
And when your mistress hears thus much from you,
I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her. 35
So, fare you well.[4230]
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.

_Osw._ Would I could meet him, madam! I should show[4231]
What party I do follow.

_Reg._ Fare thee well. [_Exeunt._[4232] 40

SCENE VI. _Fields near Dover._

_Enter_ GLOUCESTER, _and_ EDGAR _dressed like a peasant_.[4233]

_Glou._ When shall we come to the top of that same hill?[4234]

_Edg._ You do climb up it now: look, how we labour.[4235]

_Glou._ Methinks the ground is even.

_Edg._ Horrible steep.[4236][4237]
Hark, do you hear the sea?[4237][4238]

_Glou._ No, truly.

_Edg._ Why then your other senses grow imperfect 5
By your eyes' anguish.

_Glou._ So may it be indeed:
Methinks thy voice is alter'd, and thou speak'st[4239]
In better phrase and matter than thou didst.[4240]

_Edg._ You're much deceived: in nothing am I changed[4241]
But in my garments.

_Glou._ Methinks you're better spoken.[4242] 10

_Edg._ Come on, sir; here's the place: stand still. How fearful[4243]
And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low![4244]
The crows and choughs that wing the midway air
Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down
Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade![4245] 15
Methinks he seems no bigger than his head:
The fishermen that walk upon the beach[4246]
Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark[4247]
Diminish'd to her cock; her cock, a buoy[4248]
Almost too small for sight: the murmuring surge 20
That on the unnumberd idle pebbles chafes[4249]
Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more,[4250]
Lest my brain turn and the deficient sight
Topple down headlong.

_Glou._ Set me where you stand.

_Edg._ Give me your hand: you are now within a foot[4251][4252] 25
Of the extreme verge: for all beneath the moon[4251][4253]
Would I not leap upright.[4251][4254]

_Glou._ Let go my hand.
Here, friend, 's another purse; in it a jewel
Well worth a poor man's taking: fairies and gods[4255]
Prosper it with thee! Go thou farther off;[4256] 30
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.

_Edg._ Now fare you well good sir.[4257]

_Glou._ With all my heart.

_Edg._ Why I do trifle thus with his despair[4258]
Is done to cure it.[4258]

_Glou._ [_Kneeling_] O you mighty gods![4259]
This world I do renounce, and in your sights 35
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[4260]
Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O bless him![4261] 40
Now, fellow, fare thee well. [_He falls forward._[4262]

_Edg._ Gone, sir: farewell.[4263][4264]
And yet I know not how conceit may rob[4263][4265][4266]
The treasury of life, when life itself[4263][4265][4267]
Yields to the theft: had he been where he thought[4263][4265]
By this had thought been past. Alive or dead?[4263][4265][4268] 45
Ho, you sir! friend! Hear you, sir! speak![4263][4269]
Thus might he pass indeed: yet he revives.[4263][4270]
What are you, sir?[4263]

_Glou._ Away, and let me die.

_Edg._ Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,[4271]
So many fathom down precipitating, 50
Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg: but thou dost breathe;[4272]
Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st; art sound.[4273]
Ten masts at each make not the altitude[4274]
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell:[4275]
Thy life's a miracle. Speak yet again. 55

_Glou._ But have I fall'n, or no?[4276]

_Edg._ From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.[4277]
Look up a-height; the shrill-gorged lark so far[4278]
Cannot be seen or heard: do but look up.[4279]

_Glou._ Alack, I have no eyes. 60
Is wretchedness deprived that benefit,
To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort,[4280]
When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage
And frustrate his proud will.

_Edg._ Give me your arm:[4281]
Up: so. How is't? Feel you your legs? You stand.[4282] 65

_Glou._ Too well, too well.

_Edg._ This is above all strangeness.
Upon the crown o' the cliff, what thing was that[4283]
Which parted from you?

_Glou._ A poor unfortunate beggar.[4284]

_Edg._ As I stood here below, methought his eyes[4285]
Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,[4286] 70
Horns whelk'd and waved like the enridged sea:[4287]
It was some fiend; therefore, thou happy father,
Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours[4288]
Of men's impossibilities, have preserved thee.

_Glou._ I do remember now: henceforth I'll bear 75
Affliction till it do cry out itself
'Enough, enough,' and die. That thing you speak of,[4289]
I took it for a man; often 'twould say[4290]
'The fiend, the fiend:' he led me to that place.[4291]

_Edg._ Bear free and patient thoughts. But who comes
here? 80

_Enter_ LEAR, _fantastically dressed with wild flowers_.[4292]

The safer sense will ne'er accommodate[4293][4294][4295]
His master thus.[4294]

_Lear._ No, they cannot touch me for coining; I am the[4296]
king himself.

_Edg._ O thou side-piercing sight![4297] 85

_Lear._ Nature's above art in that respect. There's your[4298]
press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper:[4299]
draw me a clothier's yard. Look, look, a mouse![4299]
Peace, peace; this piece of toasted cheese will do 't.[4300]
There's my gauntlet; I'll prove it on a giant. Bring up 90
the brown bills. O, well flown, bird! i' the clout, i' the[4301][4302]
clout: hewgh! Give the word.[4302][4303]

_Edg._ Sweet marjoram.

_Lear._ Pass.

_Glou._ I know that voice. 95

_Lear._ Ha! Goneril, with a white beard! They flattered[4304]
me like a dog, and told me I had white hairs in my[4305]
beard ere the black ones were there. To say 'ay' and 'no'
to every thing that I said! 'Ay' and 'no' too was no good[4306]
divinity. When the rain came to wet me once and the wind[4307] 100
to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at
my bidding; there I found 'em, there I smelt 'em out. Go[4308]
to, they are not men o' their words: they told me I was[4309]
every thing; 'tis a lie, I am not ague-proof.[4310]

_Glou._ The trick of that voice I do well remember:[4311] 105
Is't not the king?[4311]

_Lear._ Ay, every inch a king:[4312][4313]
When I do stare, see how the subject quakes.[4312][4314]
I pardon that man's life. What was thy cause?[4312][4315][4316]
Adultery?[4315][4317][4318]
Thou shalt not die: die for adultery! No:[4318][4319] 110
The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly[4318]
Does lecher in my sight.[4318][4320]
Let copulation thrive; for Gloucester's bastard son[4318]
Was kinder to his father than my daughters[4318][4321]
Got 'tween the lawful sheets.[4318][4322] 115
To't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers.[4318]
Behold yond simpering dame,[4323][4324]
Whose face between her forks presages snow,[4323][4325]
That minces virtue and does shake the head[4323][4326]
To hear of pleasure's name;[4323][4327] 120
The fitchew, nor the soiled horse, goes to't[4323][4328]
With a more riotous appetite.[4323][4328][4329]
Down from the waist they are Centaurs,[4323][4330]
Though women all above:[4323]
But to the girdle do the gods inherit,[4323] 125
Beneath is all the fiends';[4331][4332]
There's hell, there's darkness, there's the sulphurous pit,[4331][4333]
Burning, scalding, stench, consumption; fie, fie, fie! pah,[4334]
pah! Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to[4335]
sweeten my imagination: there's money for thee.[4335] 130

_Glou._ O, let me kiss that hand!

_Lear._ Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.[4336]

_Glou._ O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world[4337]
Shall so wear out to nought. Dost thou know me?[4337][4338]

_Lear._ I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou[4339] 135
squiny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; I'll not love.[4340]
Read thou this challenge; mark but the penning on't.[4341]

_Glou._ Were all the letters suns, I could not see one.[4342]

_Edg._ I would not take this from report: it is,[4343]
And my heart breaks at it.[4343] 140

_Lear._ Read.

_Glou._ What, with the case of eyes?[4344]

_Lear._ O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your
head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in a[4345][4346]
heavy case, your purse in a light: yet you see how this[4345][4347] 145
world goes.[4348]

_Glou._ I see it feelingly.

_Lear._ What, art mad? A man may see how this world[4349]
goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears: see how yond[4350][4351]
justice rails upon yond simple thief. Hark, in thine ear:[4351][4352] 150
change places, and, handy-dandy, which is the justice, which[4353][4354]
is the thief? Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a[4353]
beggar?

_Glou._ Ay, sir.[4355]

_Lear._ And the creature run from the cur? There thou 155
mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed[4356]
in office.
Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand![4357]
Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back;[4357][4358]
Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind[4357][4359] 160
For which thou whip'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener.[4357][4360]
Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear;[4361][4362]
Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold,[4361][4363][4364]
And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks;[4361][4364]
Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw does pierce it.[4361][4364][4365] 165
None does offend, none, I say, none; I'll able 'em:[4361][4364][4366]
Take that of me, my friend, who have the power[4361][4364]
To seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes,[4361][4364]
And, like a scurvy politician, seem[4361]
To see the things thou dost not.[4361] 170
Now, now, now, now: pull off my boots: harder, harder:[4367][4368]
so.[4368]

_Edg._ O, matter and impertinency mix'd![4369][4370]
Reason in madness![4369]

_Lear._ If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.[4371][4372] 175
I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester:[4371]
Thou must be patient; we came crying hither:[4371]
Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air,[4371][4373]
We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee: mark.[4371][4374]

_Glou._ Alack, alack the day![4371] 180

_Lear._ When we are born, we cry that we are come[4371]
To this great stage of fools. This 's a good block.[4371][4375]
It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe[4371][4376]
A troop of horse with felt: I'll put 't in proof;[4371][4377]
And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law,[4371][4378] 185
Then, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill![4371]

_Enter a_ Gentleman, _with_ Attendants.[4379]

_Gent._ O, here he is: lay hand upon him. Sir,[4371][4380]
Your most dear daughter--[4371][4381]

_Lear._ No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even[4371][4382]
The natural fool of fortune. Use me well;[4371] 190
You shall have ransom. Let me have a surgeon;[4371][4383]
I am cut to the brains.[4371][4384]

_Gent._ You shall have any thing.[4371]

_Lear._ No seconds? all myself?[4371]
Why, this would make a man a man of salt,[4371][4385]
To use his eyes for garden water-pots,[4371][4386] 195
Ay, and laying autumn's dust.[4371][4387]

_Gent._ Good sir,--[4371][4387]

_Lear._ I will die bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What![4371][4387][4388]
I will be jovial: come, come; I am a king,[4371][4387]
My masters, know you that.[4371][4387] 200

_Gent._ You are a royal one, and we obey you.[4371]

_Lear._ Then there's life in't. Nay, if you get it, you[4371][4389][4390]
shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa.[4371][4389]

[_Exit running; Attendants follow._[4391]

_Gent._ A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,[4371]
Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one daughter,[4371][4392] 205
Who redeems nature from the general curse[4371]
Which twain have brought her to.[4371][4393]

_Edg._ Hail, gentle sir.

_Gent._ Sir, speed you: what's your will?

_Edg._ Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?[4394]

_Gent._ Most sure and vulgar: every one hears that,[4395][4396] 210
Which can distinguish sound.[4395][4397]

_Edg._ But, by your favour,[4398]
How near's the other army?[4398][4399]

_Gent._ Near and on speedy foot; the main descry[4400]
Stands on the hourly thought.

_Edg._ I thank you, sir: that's all.[4401]

_Gent._ Though that the queen on special cause is here, 215
Her army is moved on.

_Edg._ I thank you, sir. [_Exit Gent._[4402]

_Glou._ You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;[4403]
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
To die before you please!

_Edg._ Well pray you, father.[4404]

_Glou._ Now, good sir, what are you? 220

_Edg._ A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows;[4405]
Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,[4406]
Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand,
I'll lead you to some biding.

_Glou._ Hearty thanks:[4407]
The bounty and the benison of heaven[4407][4408] 225
To boot, and boot![4407]

_Enter_ OSWALD.[4409]

_Osw._ A proclaim'd prize! Most happy![4410][4411]
That eyeless head of thine was first framed flesh[4410][4412]
To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor,[4410][4413]
Briefly thyself remember: the sword is out[4410]
That must destroy thee.[4410]

_Glou._ Now let thy friendly hand[4410][4414] 230
Put strength enough to't. [_Edgar interposes._[4410][4415]

_Osw._ Wherefore, bold peasant,[4410]
Darest thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence![4410][4416]
Lest that the infection of his fortune take[4410][4417]
Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.[4410]

_Edg._ Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'casion.[4418] 235

_Osw._ Let go, slave, or thou diest!

_Edg._ Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor volk[4419]
pass. An chud ha' been zwaggered out of my life, 'twould[4420]
not ha' been zo long as 'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not[4421]
near th' old man; keep out, che vor ye, or I'se try whether[4422] 240
your costard or my ballow be the harder: chill be plain[4423]
with you.

_Osw._ Out, dunghill! [_They fight._[4424]

_Edg._ Chill pick your teeth, zir: come; no matter vor[4425]
your foins. [_Oswald falls._[4426] 245

_Osw._ Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse:
If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body;
And give the letters which thou find'st about me[4427]
To Edmund earl of Gloucester; seek him out[4428]
Upon the British party. O, untimely death![4428][4429][4430] 250
Death! [_Dies._[4430][4431]

_Edg._ I know thee well: a serviceable villain,
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress[4432]
As badness would desire.

_Glou._ What, is he dead?

_Edg._ Sit you down, father; rest you.[4433][4434][4435] 255
Let's see these pockets: the letters that he speaks of[4433][4434][4436]
May be my friends. He's dead; I am only sorry[4433][4437][4438]
He had no other deathsman. Let us see:[4433][4437]
Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not:[4433][4439][4440]
To know our enemies' minds, we'ld rip their hearts;[4440][4441] 260
Their papers, is more lawful.[4442]

[_Reads_] 'Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You[4443][4444][4445]
have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want[4444]
not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is[4444]
nothing done, if he return the conqueror: then am I[4444][4446] 265
the prisoner, and his bed my gaol; from the loathed[4444][4447]
warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your[4444][4448]
labour.

'Your--wife, so I would say--affectionate servant,[4449]
'GONERIL.' 270
O undistinguish'd space of woman's will![4450]
A plot upon her virtuous husband's life;
And the exchange my brother! Here, in the sands,[4451]
Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified[4452]
Of murderous lechers; and in the mature time[4453] 275
With this ungracious paper strike the sight
Of the death-practised duke: for him 'tis well[4454]
That of thy death and business I can tell.[4455]

_Glou._ The king is mad: how stiff is my vile sense,[4456]
That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling 280
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract:
So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs,[4457]
And woes by wrong imaginations lose[4458]
The knowledge of themselves. [_Drum afar off._[4459]

_Edg._ Give me your hand:[284, 285]
Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum:[4460] 285
Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. [_Exeunt._[4461]

SCENE VII. _A tent in the French camp._ LEAR _on a bed asleep, soft music playing_; Gentleman, _and others attending_.

_Enter_ CORDELIA, KENT, _and_ Doctor.[4462]

_Cor._ O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work,[4463]
To match thy goodness? My life will be too short,[4463][4464]
And every measure fail me.[4463]

_Kent._ To be acknowledged, madam, is o'erpaid.[4465]
All my reports go with the modest truth, 5
Nor more nor clipp'd, but so.

_Cor._ Be better suited:[4466]
These weeds are memories of those worser hours:[4466]
I prithee, put them off.[4466]

_Kent._ Pardon me, dear madam;[4467]
Yet to be known shortens my made intent:[4468]
My boon I make it, that you know me not 10
Till time and I think meet.

_Cor._ Then be't so, my good lord. [_To the Doctor_]
How does the king?[4469]

_Doct._ Madam, sleeps still.[4470][4471]

_Cor._ O you kind gods,[4472][4473]
Cure this great breach in his abused nature![4473] 15
The untuned and jarring senses, O, wind up[4474]
Of this child-changed father!

_Doct._ So please your majesty[4470][4475][4476]
That we may wake the king: he hath slept long.[4476][4477]

_Cor._ Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed
I' the sway of your own will. Is he array'd?[4478] 20

_Gent._ Ay, madam; in the heaviness of his sleep[4479]
We put fresh garments on him.

_Doct._ Be by, good madam, when we do awake him;[4480]
I doubt not of his temperance.[4481]

_Cor._ Very well.[4482]

_Doct._ Please you, draw near. Louder the music there![4482] 25

_Cor._ O my dear father! Restoration hang[4483][4484]
Thy medicine on my lips, and let this kiss[4483][4485]
Repair those violent harms that my two sisters[4483]
Have in thy reverence made![4483]

_Kent._ Kind and dear princess![4486]

_Cor._ Had you not been their father, these white flakes[4487] 30
Had challenged pity of them. Was this a face[4488]
To be opposed against the warring winds?[4489]
To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?[4490][4491]
In the most terrible and nimble stroke[4490]
Of quick, cross lightning? to watch--poor perdu!--[4490][4492] 35
With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog,[4490][4493][4494][4495]
Though he had bit me, should have stood that night[4494]
Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father,[4494]
To hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn,
In short and musty straw? Alack, alack![4496] 40
'Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once[4497]
Had not concluded all. He wakes; speak to him.[4498]

_Doct._ Madam, do you; 'tis fittest.[4499]

_Cor._ How does my royal lord? How fares your majesty?[4500]

_Lear._ You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave:[4501] 45
Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears
Do scald like molten lead.

_Cor._ Sir, do you know me?[4502]

_Lear._ You are a spirit, I know: when did you die?[4503]

_Cor._ Still, still, far wide! 50

_Doct._ He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile.[4504]

_Lear._ Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight?[4504]
I am mightily abused. I should e'en die with pity,[4505]
To see another thus. I know not what to say.[4506]
I will not swear these are my hands: let's see; 55
I feel this pin prick. Would I were assured[4507]
Of my condition![4507]

_Cor._ O, look upon me, sir,[4508][4509]
And hold your hands in benediction o'er me.[4508][4510]
No, sir, you must not kneel.[4508]

_Lear._ Pray, do not mock me:[4511]
I am a very foolish fond old man, 60
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;[4512]
And, to deal plainly,[4513]
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.[4514]
Methinks I should know you and know this man;
Yet I am doubtful; for I am mainly ignorant[4515] 65
What place this is, and all the skill I have
Remembers not these garments, nor I know not[4516]
Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me;[4517]
For, as I am a man, I think this lady
To be my child Cordelia.

_Cor._ And so I am, I am.[4518] 70

_Lear._ Be your tears wet? yes, faith. I pray, weep not:[4519]
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:[4520]
You have some cause, they have not.[4521]

_Cor._ No cause, no cause. 75

_Lear._ Am I in France?

_Kent._ In your own kingdom, sir.

_Lear._ Do not abuse me.[4522]

_Doct._ Be comforted, good madam: the great rage,[4523]
You see, is kill'd in him: and yet it is danger[4523][4524][4525][4526]
To make him even o'er the time he has lost.[4523][4525][4527] 80
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more[4523][4528]
Till further settling.[4523]

_Cor._ Will't please your highness walk?[4529]

_Lear._ You must bear with me. Pray you now, forget[4530]
and forgive: I am old and foolish.[4530] 85

[_Exeunt all but Kent and Gentleman._[4531]

_Gent._ Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall[4532][4533][4534]
was so slain?[4532][4533]

_Kent._ Most certain, sir.[4532][4533]

_Gent._ Who is conductor of his people?[4532][4533]

_Kent._ As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.[4532][4533][4535] 90

_Gent._ They say Edgar, his banished son, is with the[4532][4533]
Earl of Kent in Germany.[4532][4533][4536]

_Kent._ Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about;[4532][4536][4537]
the powers of the kingdom approach apace.[4532][4536][4537]

_Gent._ The arbitrement is like to be bloody. Fare
you[4532][4536][4537][4538] 95
well, sir. [_Exit._[4532][4536][4537][4539]

_Kent._ My point and period will be throughly wrought,[4532]
Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. [_Exit._[4532][4540]

FOOTNOTES:

[3996] The heath.] Capell. An open Country. Rowe.

[3997] _Yet_] _Yes,_ Collier (Collier MS.)

_and known_] _unknown_ Collier, ed. 2 (Johnson conj.)

[3998] _flatter'd. To be worst,_] Pope. _flattered to be worst,_ Qq. _flatter'd, to be worst:_ Ff. _flatter'd to be worse._ Tyrwhitt conj.

[3999] _and_] om. Pope.

_dejected_] _deject_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[4000] _esperance_] Ff. _experience_ Qq.

[4001] _laughter._] Ff. _laughter,_ Qq.

[4002] _Welcome ... blasts._] Omitted in Qq.

[4003] _thy_] _my_ Rowe.

_But ... here?_] Ff. _Who's here,_ Qq.

[4004] _But ... world!_] Divided as in Capell. Two lines, the first ending _led?_ in Ff. One line in Qq.

[4005] Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man.] Qq, after _age_, line 12. Transferred by Pope to follow _blasts_, line 9. Enter Glouster, and an Oldman. F₁ F₂, after _blasts_. Enter Gloster led by an old man. F₃ F₄, after _blasts_.

[4006] _poorly led?_] F₃ F₄. _poorely led?_ F₁ F₂. _poorely led,_ Q₁ Q₃. _poorlie, leed,_ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). _parti, eyd_, Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).

[4007] _hate,_] _wait_ Theobald. _bate_ Sewel conj.

[4008] _Life would not_] _Life would ill_ or _Loath should we_ or _Life would not but reluctant_ Hanmer conj. MS. See note (XVII).

[4009] _O, my ..._] Prose in Qq. Two lines, the first ending _your tenant,_ in Ff. Three lines, ending _lord, ... father's tenant ... years,_ in Johnson.

[4010] _these fourscore years._] _this fourescore--_ Q₁ Q₃. _this forescore--_ Q₂.

[4011] _Alack, sir,_] Qq. om. Ff.

[4012] _Our means secure_] F₃ F₄. _Our meanes secure_ Qq F₁ F₂. _Our mean secures_ Pope. _Our means ensnare_ Theobald conj. (withdrawn). _Meanness secures_ Hanmer. _Our means seduce_ or _Our maims secure_ Johnson conj. _Our means recuse_ Brae conj. _Our wants secure_ Collier (Collier MS.) _Our meanness succours_ Hunter conj. _Our needs secure_ Singer (ed. 2). _Our means secures_ Arrowsmith conj. _Our harms secure_ Jervis conj.

[4013] _Ah_] Qq. _Oh_ Ff.

[4014] _Who's_] _whose_ Q₂.

[4015] [Aside] Johnson.

[4016] _I am at the_] Qq F₁ F₃ F₄. _I am at_ F₂. _I'm at the_ Pope.

[4017] _I am_] _I'm_ Pope.

_e'er_] Rowe. _ere_ Qq Ff.

[4018] _So long_] _As long_ Qq.

[4019] _He_] _A_ Q₂.

[4020] _I' the_] _In the_ Qq.

[4021] _Was ... since._] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_I have_] _I've_ Pope.

[4022] _to wanton_] F₁ F₂. _to th' wanton_ F₃ F₄. _are to'th wanton_ Q₁ Q₃. _are toth' wanton_ Q₂.

[4023] _kill_] _bit_ Q₁ Q₃. _bitt_ Q₂. _bite_ Anon. MS. See note (V). _hit_ Delius conj.

[4024] _How ... master!_] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.

[4025] _this_] _their_ F₂.

[4026] _that must play fool to_] F₁. _that must play the foole to_ Qq. _that must play to foole_ F₂. _that must play the fool to_ F₃ F₄. _Must play the fool to_ Pope.

[4027] _Angering itself_] _Anguishing't self_ Hanmer. _Ang'ishing it self_ Warburton.

[4028] _Then ... gone_] Qq. (_gon_ Q₂). _Get thee away_ Ff.

[4029] _hence_] _here_ Qq.

[4030] _toward_] Q₂ Ff. _to_ Q₁ Q₃.

[4031] _this_] _his_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[4032] _Who_] Qq. _Which_ Ff. _Whom_ Pope.

[4033] _'Tis ... blind._] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_times'_] Capell. _times_ Qq Ff. _time's_ Rowe.

[4034] _thee_] om. Pope.

[4035] _'parel_] _'parrel_ Rowe. _parrell_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃. _parrel_ F₄.

[4036] [Exit.] Ff. om. Qq.

[4037] _Sirrah,_] _Sirrah, you_ Hanmer. _Sirrah, thou_ Keightley.

_fellow,--_] Capell. _fellow._ Qq Ff.

[4038] _daub it_] _dance it_ Qq. _dally_ Hanmer.

_further_] _farther_ Qq.

[4039] _And yet I must._] Omitted in Qq.

_And ... bleed._] One line in Capell. Two in Ff.

[4040] _Both ... fiend!_] Prose in Ff. Three lines in Qq.

[4041] _scared_] _scard_ Qq. _scarr'd_ F₁ F₂. _scar'd_ F₃ F₄.

[4042] _thee, good man's son,_] _the good man_ Qq. _thee, good man,_ Pope.

[4043] _Five ... master!_] As prose by Pope. Five lines in Qq. Omitted in Ff.

[4044] _at once_] _in once_ Capell (corrected in Errata).

_of lust, as Obidicut;_] Omitted by Pope. _as Obidicut, of lust;_ S. Walker conj.

_Hobbididence_] Qq. _Hobbididen_ Pope. _Hobbididdance_ Capell.

[4045] _dumbness_] _darkness_ Capell (corrected in Errata).

_Modo_] _Mohu_ Pope.

_Flibbertigibbet_] Pope. _Stiberdigebit_ Qq. and _Flibbertigibbet_ Theobald.

[4046] _mopping and mowing;_] Theobald. _Mobing, and Mohing_ Q₁ Q₃. _Mobing, & Mohing_ Q₂ (_Mohing_ in italics in all). _moping, and Mowing_ Pope (_Mowing_ in italics).

[4047] _So ... master!_] Omitted by Pope.

[4048] _heavens'_] _heaven's_ Hanmer.

_plagues_] _plagues._ Q₂.

[4049] _Have ... Makes thee_] As in Ff. One line in Qq.

[4050] _and_] _and the_ Rowe.

_lust-dieted_] _lust-dieting_ Capell.

[4051] _slaves_] Ff. _stands_ Qq. _braves_ Hanmer (Warburton). _staves_ Jackson conj. _slights_ Anon. conj.

[4052] _doth_] Q₁ Q₃. _does_ Q₂. _do's_ Ff.

[4053] _undo_] F₃ F₄. _undoo_ F₁. _undoe_ F₂. _under_ Qq.

[4054] _fearfully_] _firmely_ Q₁ Q₂. _firmly_ Q₃.

_in_] _on_ Rowe.

[4055] _With ... need._] As in Ff. The first line ends _me,_ in Qq.

[4056] _I shall_] _shall I_ Q₁ Q₃.

_leading_] _lending_ F₃ F₄.

[4057] _Give ... thee._] As in Ff. One line in Qq.

[4058] [Exeunt.] Ff. om. Qq.

[4059] Before....] The Duke of Albany's Palace. Rowe. Before Albany's Palace. Capell. A Courtyard of the Duke of Albany's Palace. Eccles conj.

Enter....] Enter Gonorill and Bastard. Qq. Enter Gonerill, Bastard, and Steward. Ff. Enter Goneril, and Edmund; Steward meeting them. Capell.

[4060] Enter Oswald] Enter Steward. Theobald. Enter Steward. Qq (after _master?_).

[4061] _Madam ... offensive._] Arranged as in Ff. Prose in Qq.

[4062] _most ... dislike_] _hee should most desire_ Qq. _hee should most dislike_ Anon. MS. See note (V).

[4063] [To Edm.] Hanmer.

_shall you_] _thou shalt_ Jennens.

[4064] _terror_] Ff. _terrer_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _curre_ Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃.

[4065] _Our ... Edmund, to_] _that our wishes On th' way may prove effects, back, to_ Hanmer.

[4066] _Edmund_] _Edgar_ Q₂.

[4067] _arms_] _armes_ Qq. _names_ Ff.

[4068] _ere ... hear_] _you ere long shall hear_ Pope.

[4069] _venture_] Q₂ Ff. _venter_ Q₁ Q₃.

[4070] _command_] Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2) Ff. _coward_ Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃.

_this; spare_] Ff. _this, spare_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _this spare_ Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃.

[Giving a favour.] Johnson. Gives him a ring. Hanmer. om. Qq Ff.

[4071] _fare thee well_] Ff. _faryewell_ Q₁ Q₃. _far you well_ Q₂.

[4072] _My ... man!_] One line in Keightley.

[4073] [Exit Edmund.] Exit Bastard. Rowe. Exit. Ff (after _death_). om. Qq.

[4074] _O, ... man!_] Omitted in Qq, which read _My ... due_ as one line.

_O,_] om. Seymour conj. In a separate line, S. Walker conj., ending lines 26-28 with Steevens (1793). _But O,_ transposing lines 26, 27. Anon. conj.

_difference_] _strange difference_ Pope.

[4075] The lines end _thee ... fool_ in Steevens (1793).

[4076] _a_] Ff Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). om. Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃.

[4077] _My fool ... body._] F₃ F₄. _My foole usurpes my body._ F₁ F₂. _My foote ... head._ Q₁. _My foote ... body._ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). _A foole ... bed._ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _My foot ... head._ Q₃. _My fool ... bed._ Malone.

[Exit.] Exit Steward. Qq om. Ff.

Enter Albany.] Ff. Enter the Duke of Albeney. Q₁ Q₃. om. Q₂.

[4078] _whistle_] _whistling_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).

[4079] _O ... wind_] As in Ff. One line in Qq.

[4080] _rude_] om. Q₁ Q₃.

[4081] _I fear ... deep._] Omitted in Ff.

[4082] _its_] Q₃. _it_ Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). _ith_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).

[4083] _border'd_] Pope. _bordered_ Qq. _order'd_ Bailey conj.

[4084] _sliver_] _shiver_ Pope. _silver_ Jennens (a misprint).

[4085] _material_] _maternal_ Theobald.

[4086] _the text is_] _tis_ Pope.

[4087] _Filths ... done?_] Omitted by Pope.

[4088] _Whose ... lick_,] Omitted by Pope.

_reverence ... bear_] _reverend head the rugged bear_ Capell.

_even_] Q₂. om. Q₁ Q₃.

[4089] _benefited_] _benifited_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _beneflicted_ Q₁ Q₃. _beniflicted_ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1).

After this Warburton conjectures that there is an omission of a line or two.

[4090] _Send ... come,_] Arranged as in Malone. One line in Qq.

[4091] _these vile_] Jennens. _this vild_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _the vilde_ Q₁ Q₃. _the vild_ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1).

[4092] _It will come,_] Omitted by Pope. _'Twill come,_ Jennens, reading _'Twill ... prey on_ as one line. _'Twill come,_ in a separate line, Steevens (1793).

[4093] _Humanity ... deep._] Arranged as in Pope. One line in Qq.

[4094] _Humanity_] Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _Humanly_ Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃. _that humanity_ Keightley, reading _It ... deep_ as two lines, the first ending _perforce._

[4095] _bear'st_] Ff. _bearest_ Qq.

[4096] _Who ... honour_] Arranged as in Ff. One line in Qq.

[4097] _not_] _now_ Grant White.

_eye discerning_] Rowe. _eye-discerning_ Ff. _eie deserving_ Q₁. _eye deserving_ Q₂ Q₃.

[4098] _that ... so?_] Arranged as by Theobald. The first three lines end _pity ... mischiefe, ... noiselesse,_ in Q₁ Q₃. They end _pitty ... mischiefe, ... land,_ in Q₂. Omitted in Ff.

[4099] _know'st Fools do_] _know'st, Fools do_ Theobald, _know'st fooles, do_ Q₁. _know'st fools, do_ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃. _know'st, fools do_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).

[4100] _those_] Q₂. _these_ Q₁ Q₃.

[4101] _noiseless_] _noystles_ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). _noyseles_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).

[4102] _plumed_] _a plumed_ Q₃.

_thy state begins to threat_] Staunton (Eccles conj.) _thy state begins thereat_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _thy slaier begins threats_ Q₁ Q₃. _thy slayer begin threats_ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). _thy slayer begins his threats_ Theobald. _the slayer begins his threats_ Hanmer.

[4103] _Whiles_] Q₁ Q₃. _Whil's_ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). _Whil'st_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).

_moral_] _mortall_ Q₃.

_sit'st ... criest_] _sit'st ... cry'st_ Theobald, _sits ... cries_ Qq.

[4104] _See ... woman._] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.

[4105] _deformity_] _deformiry_ Q₁ Q₃.

_seems_] _shewes_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).

[4106] _Thou ... mew_] Omitted in Ff.

[4107] _changed_] Q₂. _chang'd_ Q₁ Q₃.

_self-cover'd_] _self-converted_ Theobald. _self-convict_ Becket conj. _self-govern'd_ Collier conj. _self-discover'd_ Cartwright conj.

[4108] _Were't_] _Were it_ Capell.

[4109] Keightley ends the lines _feature ... blood ... tear,_ reading _Were it._

[4110] _To_] _As man to_ Anon. conj.

_hands_] _hands of mine_ Anon. conj.

_blood_] _boiling blood_ Theobald. _blood's behest_ Anon. conj.

[4111] _They are_] _They're_ Theobald.

_dislocate_] Q₃. _dislecate_ Q₁ Q₂. _dissecate_ Anon. MS. See note (V).

[4112] _howe'er_] Theobald, _how ere_ Qq.

[4113] _manhood mew._] Edd. _manhood mew--_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _man-hood now--_ Q₁ Q₃. _manhood now--_ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). _manhood now!--_ Theobald.

Enter a Messenger.] Ff, after _foole,_ line 61. Enter a Gentleman. Q₁ Q₃. Enter a Gentleman (after _news?_) Q₂.

[4114] Alb. _What news?_] Omitted in Ff.

[4115] Mess.] Mes. Ff. Gent. Qq.

[4116] _O ... Gloucester._] Arranged as in Ff. Prose in Qq.

[4117] _thrill'd_] Ff. _thrald_ Qq.

[4118] _against ... his sword To_] _the act, bending aside the sword Of_ Eccles conj.

[4119] _thereat enraged_] _threat-enrag'd_ F₁.

[4120] _fell'd him_] _fell he_ Capell conj.

[4121] _not_] _now_ Warburton (a misprint).

[4122] _which ... after._] As in Q₂ Ff. One line in Q₁ Q₃.

[4123] _This ... eye?_] Arranged as in Ff. Three lines, ending _Iustisers_ (or _Iustices_) _... venge ... eye?_ in Qq.

[4124] _above, You justicers_] Steevens, 1778 (Capell conj.) _above you Iustisers_ Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). _above your Iustices_ Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃. _above You Justices_ Ff.

[4125] _nether_] _neather_ Q₁ F₁ Q₃.

[4126] _Both ... sister._] As in Ff. Two lines in Qq the first ending _speedy_ in Q₁ Q₃, and _answer_ in Q₂.

[4127] [Aside] Johnson.

[4128] _being_] _she being_ Keightley.

[4129] _in_] Ff. _on_ Qq. _of_ Capell conj.

[4130] _Upon ... tart_] Ff. _Upon ... tooke,_ Qq (in one line).

[4131] [Exit.] Qq. om. Ff.

[4132] _Where ... eyes?_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4133] _He is_] _He's_ Pope.

[4134] _on purpose_] Qq F₁ F₂. _of purpose_ F₃ F₄.

_their_] _there_ Q₂.

[4135] _Gloucester ... eyes._] Marked as 'Aside' by Johnson.

[4136] _Gloucester ... know'st._] Arranged as in Ff. Three lines in Qq, the first two ending _love ... eyes;_ in Q₁ Q₃, and _king, ... friend,_ in Q₂.

[4137] _show'dst_] _shew'dst_ F₁ F₃ F₄. _shewdst_ F₂. _shewedst_ Qq.

[4138] _thine_] Ff. _thy_ Qq.

[4139] _know'st_] F₁ F₃ F₄. _knowst_ F₂. _knowest_ Qq.

[Exeunt.] Ff. Exit. Qq.

[4140] SCENE III.] Pope. The whole of this Scene is omitted in Ff and Rowe. SCENE IV. Eccles, who here inserts SCENE V.

The French....] Steevens. French Camp under Dover. Capell. om. Pope. Dover. Theobald.

[4141] _Why ... back_] _The King of France so suddenly gone back!_ Pope.

_Why ... reason?_] Prose in Q₂. Two lines, the first ending _backe,_ in Q₁ Q₃.

[4142] _the_] Q₁ Q₃. _no_ Q₂.

[4143] _Something ... necessary_] As in Qq. Four lines, ending _state, ... which ... danger, ... necessary._ in Pope.

[4144] _to_] om. Pope.

[4145] _personal_] om. Pope.

[4146] _Who_] _Whom_ Warburton.

[4147] _Marshal_] _Mareschal_ Pope.

_La Far_] Qq. _le Far_ Pope. _le Fer_ Capell.

[4148] _Did ... of grief?_] _Well; say, sir, did ... of her grief?_ Capell, reading as two lines of verse. _But tell me, did ... of grief?_ Seymour conj.

[4149] _Ay, sir;_] _I, sir,_ Theobald. _I say_ Qq.

_them ... them_] _'em ... 'em_ Pope.

[4150] _Her ... her._] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending _passion,_ in Qq.

[4151] _Over_] _over_ Q₂. _ore_ Q₁ Q₃.

_who_] _which_ Pope.

[4152] _Not to a rage_] _Not to rage_ Q₃. _But not to rage_ Pope.

_strove_] Pope. _streme_ Qq.

[4153] _Who_] _Which_ Pope.

[4154] _her ... way:_] Omitted by Pope.

[4155] _like_] _linked_ Jackson conj.

_a better way:_] _a better way,_ Q₁ Q₃. _a better way_ Q₂. _a wetter May._ Theobald (Warburton). _an April day._ Heath conj. _a better day._ Steevens. _a better May:_ Malone. _a chequer'd day._ Dodd conj. _the better day._ Becket conj. _like; a better way._ Singer (Boaden conj.) _a bitter May._ Lloyd conj. _'em;--a better way._ Keightley.

_happy_] _happiest_ Pope (ed. 2).

_smilets_] _smiles_ Pope.

[4156] _seem'd_] Pope, _seeme_ Qq.

[4157] _As pearls ... it._] As in Qq. Capell, reading _In brief, sir,_ ends the lines at _sorrow ... all ... it._ Steevens (1778), omitting _sir,_ follows Capell's arrangement.

[4158] _dropp'd_] _dropping_ Steevens conj.

[4159] _question_] _quests_ Hanmer. _quest_ Warburton.

[4160] _Faith,_] om. Pope, ending line 24 at _twice._ _Yes,_ Theobald.

[4161] _Shame ... father! sisters!_] Omitted by Pope.

[4162] In Q₁ Q₃ _Kent_ is printed in italics with full stop.

_Kent!... What_] Ken. _Father Sisters_ Gen. _What_ Capell.

_storm? i' the night_] _storme ith night_ Qq. _storm of night_ Pope.

[4163] _pity not be believed_] _pitty not be beleev'd_ Q₁ Q₃. _pitie not be beleeft_ Q₂. _pity ne'er believe it_ Pope. _it not be believed_ Capell. _pity not believe it_ Jennens.

_There_] Then Pope.

[4164] _And clamour moisten'd:_] Capell. _And clamour moistened her,_ Qq. _And, clamour-motion'd,_ Theobald. _And clamour motion'd her._ Becket conj. _And, clamour-moisten'd,_ Grant White. _And clamour-moistened:_ S. Walker conj. _And clamour softend:_ Cartwright conj. _And choler masterd her:_ Anon. conj.

_And ... started_] _And then retired_ Pope, reading _And ... alone_ as one line.

[4165] _It is the stars,_] Omitted by Pope.

[4166] _It ... conditions:_] Arranged as by Theobald. One line in Qq.

[4167] _self mate_] _self-mate_ Pope. _and mate_] Q₁ Q₃. _and make_ Q₂.

[4168] _You spoke not_] _Spoke you_ Pope.

_since?_] Q₁ Q₃. _since._ Q₂.

[4169] _Well, sir_] om. Pope.

_Lear's i' the_] _Lear's ith_ Qq. _Lears in_ Pope. _Lear is i the_ Capell. _Lear is in_ Hanmer.

[4170] _sometime_] Q₁ Q₃. _some time_ Q₂. _sometimes_ Pope.

_tune_] _lune_ Becket conj.

[4171] _What ... daughter._] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Qq.

[4172] _so elbows him: his own_] _so so bows him, his_ Pope. _so bows him: his own_ Capell. _so awes him, his own_ Seymour conj. _soul-bows him: his own_ Jackson conj. _so embows his own_ Badham conj. _sole bars him: his own_ Bailey conj.

[4173] _from his_] _from her_ Johnson (1771).

[4174] _To ... Cordelia_] Arranged as by Johnson. Two lines, the first ending _minde,_ in Qq.

[4175] _sting His mind_] _sting him_ Pope, ending the lines _him ... him ... Cordelia._

[4176] _from_] _From his_ Pope.

[4177] _not?_] Q₁ Q₃. _not._ Q₂.

[4178] _so;_] _so,_ Pope. _so_ Qq. _said_ Warburton. _so deliver'd me:_ Seymour conj.

_afoot_] Q₃. _afoote_ Q₁. _a foote_ Q₂.

[4179] _Lending ... me._] Arranged as by Steevens (1778). One line in Qq. Two lines, the first ending _acquaintance,_ in Delius.

_I ... Along_] _Pray along_ Pope, reading _Lending ... with me_ as one line. _Pray you, along_ Capell, reading as one line.

[4180] [Exeunt.] Pope. Exit. Qq.

[4181] SCENE IV.] Pope. Scena Tertia. Ff. SCENE V. Eccles.

The same. A tent.] Capell. A Camp. Rowe. A tent in the Camp at Dover. Steevens (1773).

Enter....] Enter ... Cordelia, Gentlemen, and Souldiours. Ff. Enter Cordelia, Doctor, and others. Qq. Enter Cordelia, Physician, and Soldiers. Pope.

[4182] _mad as_] _made_ F₃ F₄.

_vex'd_] _vext_ Ff. _vent_ Qq.

[4183] _fumiter_] _fumiterr_ Theobald, _femiter_ Qq. _Femitar_ Ff. _fumitory_ Hanmer.

_furrow-weeds_] _farrow weeds_ Boucher conj.

[4184] _bur-docks_] Hanmer. _hor-docks_ Qq. _Hardokes_ F₁ F₂. _Hardocks_ F₃ F₄. _harlocks_ Steevens, 1778 (Farmer conj.) _charlocks_ Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LVI. 214). _hoar-docks_ Collier, _hediokes_ Nicholson conj.

_nettles_] _nettle_ Johnson.

[4185] _sustaining corn._] _sustaining, Corne,_ Q₁ Q₃. _sustayning, corne,_ Q₂.

_A ... forth;_] _Send forth a cent'ry:_ Pope.

_century_] Q₁ Q₃ F₃ F₄. _centurie_ Q₂. _centery_ F₁ F₂. _sen'try_ Johnson.

_send_] Ff. _is sent_ Qq.