The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: ss1v - Tragedies, p. 306

Left Column


The Tragedie of King Lear. You know the goodnesse I intend vpon you: Tell me but truly, but then speake the truth,
[2745]
Do you not loue my Sister?
Bast.

In honour'd Loue.

Reg. But haue you neuer found my Brothers way, To the fore‐fended place? Bast.

No by mine honour, Madam.

Reg.
[2750]
I neuer shall endure her, deere my Lord Be not familiar with her.
Bast.

Feare not, she and the Duke her husband.

Enter with Drum and Colours, Albany, Gonerill, Soldiers. Alb. Our very louing Sister, well be‐met: Sir, this I heard, the King is come to his Daughter
[2755]
With others, whom the rigour of our State Forc'd to cry out.
Regan.

Why is this reasond?

Gone. Combine together 'gainst the Enemie: For these domesticke and particular broiles,
[2760]
Are not the question here.
Alb. Let's then determine with th'ancient of warre On our proceeding. Reg.

Sister you'le go with vs?

Gon.

No.

Reg.
[2765]

'Tis most conuenient, pray go with vs.

Gon.

Oh ho, I know the Riddle, I will goe.

Exeunt both the Armies. Enter Edgar. Edg. If ere your Grace had speech with man so poore, Heare me one word. Alb.

Ile ouertake you, speake.

Edg.
[2770]
Before you fight the Battaile, ope this Letter: If you haue victory, et the Trumpet sound For him that brought it: wretched though I seeme, I can produce a Champion, that will proue What is auouched there. If you miscarry,
[2775]
Your businesse of the world hath so an end, And machination ceases. Fortune loues you.
Alb.

Stay till I haue read the Letter.

Edg. I was forbid it: When time shall serue, let but the Herald cry,
[2780]
And Ile appeare againe.
Exit. Alb.

Why farethee well, I will o're‐looke thy paper.

Enter Edmund. Bast. The Enemy's in view, draw vp your powers, Heere is the guesse of their true strength and Forces, By dilligent discouerie, but your hast
[2785]
Is now vrg'd on you.
Alb.

We will greet the time.

Exit. Bast. To both these Sisters haue I sworne my loue: Each iealous of the other, as the stung Are of the Adder. Which of them shall I take?
[2790]
Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enioy'd If both remaine aliue: To take the Widdow, Exasperates, makes mad her Sister Gonerill, And hardly shall I carry out my side, Her husband being aliue. Now then, wee'l vse
[2795]
His countenance for the Battaile, which being done, Let her who would be rid of him, deuise His speedy taking off. As for the mercie Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia, The Battaile done, and they within our power,

Right Column


[2800]
Shall neuer see his pardon: for my state, Stands on me to defend, not to debate.
Exit.
Scena Secunda. [Act 5, Scene 2] Alarum within. Enter with Drumme and Colours, Lear, Cordelia, and Souldiers, ouer the Stage, and Exeunt. Enter Edgar, and Gloster. Edg. Heere Father, take the shadow of this Tree For your good hoast: pray that the right may thriue: If euer I returne to you againe,
[2805]
Ile bring you comfort.
Glo.

Grace go with you Sir.

Exit. Alarum and Retreat within. Enter Edgar. Edgar. Away old man, giue me thy hand, away: King Lear hath lost, he and his Daughter tane, Giue me thy hand: Come on. Glo.
[2810]

No further Sir, a man may rot euen heere.

Edg. What in ill thoughts againe? Men must endure Their going hence, euen as their comming hither, Ripenesse is all come on. Glo.
[2815]

And that's true too.

Exeunt.
[Act 5, Scene 3] Scena Tertia. Enter in conquest with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Lear, and Cordelia, as prisoners, Souldiers, Captaine. Bast. Some Officers take them away: good guard, Vntill their greater pleasures first be knowne That are to censure them. Cor. We are not the first,
[2820]
Who with best meaning haue incur'd the worst: For thee oppressed King I am cast downe, My selfe could else out‐frowne false Fortunes frowne. Shall we not see these Daughters, and these Sisters?
Lear. No, no, no, no: come let's away to prison,
[2825]
We two alone will sing like Birds i'th' Cage: When thou dost aske me blessing, Ile kneele downe And aske of thee forgiuenesse: So wee'l liue, And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh At gilded Butterflies: and heere (poore Rogues)
[2830]
Talke of Court newes, and wee'l talke with them too, Who looses, and who wins; who's in, who's out; And take vpon's the mystery of things, As if we were Gods spies: And wee'l weare out In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones,
[2835]
That ebbe and flow by th'Moone.
Bast.

Take them away.

Lear. Vpon such sacrifices my Cordelia, The Gods themselues throw Incense. Haue I caught thee?
[2840]
He that parts vs, shall bring a Brand from Heauen, And fire vs hence, like Foxes: wipe thine eyes, The good yeares shall deuoure them, flesh and fell, Ere

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[Act 5, Scene 3] Scena Tertia. Enter in conquest with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Lear, and Cordelia, as prisoners, Souldiers, Captaine. Bast. Some Officers take them away: good guard, Vntill their greater pleasures first be knowne That are to censure them. Cor. We are not the first,
[2820]
Who with best meaning haue incur'd the worst: For thee oppressed King I am cast downe, My selfe could else out‐frowne false Fortunes frowne. Shall we not see these Daughters, and these Sisters?
Lear. No, no, no, no: come let's away to prison,
[2825]
We two alone will sing like Birds i'th' Cage: When thou dost aske me blessing, Ile kneele downe And aske of thee forgiuenesse: So wee'l liue, And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh At gilded Butterflies: and heere (poore Rogues)
[2830]
Talke of Court newes, and wee'l talke with them too, Who looses, and who wins; who's in, who's out; And take vpon's the mystery of things, As if we were Gods spies: And wee'l weare out In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones,
[2835]
That ebbe and flow by th'Moone.
Bast.

Take them away.

Lear. Vpon such sacrifices my Cordelia, The Gods themselues throw Incense. Haue I caught thee?
[2840]
He that parts vs, shall bring a Brand from Heauen, And fire vs hence, like Foxes: wipe thine eyes, The good yeares shall deuoure them, flesh and fell, Ere they shall make vs weepe? Weele see e'm staru'd first: come.
Exit. Bast.
[2845]
Come hither Captaine, hearke. Take thou this note, go follow them to prison, One step I haue aduanc'd thee, if thou do'st As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way To Noble Fortunes: know thou this, that men
[2850]
Are as the time is; to be tender minded Do's not become a Sword, thy great imployment Will not beare question: either say thou'lt do't, Or thriue by other meanes.
Capt.

Ile do't my Lord.

Bast.
[2855]
About it, and write happy, when th'hast done, Marke I say instantly, and carry it so As I haue set it downe.
Exit Captaine. Flourish. Enter Albany, Gonerill, Regan, Soldiers. Alb. Sir, you haue shew'd to day your valiant straine And Fortune led you well: you haue the Captiues
[2860]
Who were the opposites of this dayes strife: I do require them of you so to vse them, As we shall find their merites, and our safety May equally determine.
Bast. Sir, I thought it fit,
[2865]
To send the old and miserable King to some retention, Whose age had Charmes in it, whose Title more, To plucke the common bosome on his side, And turne our imprest Launces in our eies Which do command them. With him I sent the Queen:
[2870]
My reason all the same, and they are ready To morrow, or at further space, t'appeare Where you shall hold your Session.
Alb. Sir, by your patience, I hold you but a subiect of this Warre,
[2875]
Not as a Brother.
Reg. That's as we list to grace him. Methinkes our pleasure might haue bin demanded Ere you had spoke so farre. He led our Powers, Bore the Commission of my place and person,
[2880]
The which immediacie may well stand vp, And call it selfe your Brother.
Gon. Not so hot: In his owne grace he doth exalt himselfe, More then in your addition. Reg.
[2885]
In my rights, By me inuested, he compeeres the best.
Alb.

That were the most, if he should husband you.

Reg.

Iesters do oft proue Prophets.

Gon. Hola, hola,
[2890]
That eye that told you so, look'd but a squint.
Rega. Lady I am not well, else I should answere From a full flowing stomack. Generall, Take thou my Souldiers, prisoners, patrimony, Dispose of them, of me, the walls is thine:
[2895]
Witnesse the world, that I create thee here My Lord, and Master.
Gon.

Meane you to enioy him?

Alb.

The let alone lies not in your good will.

Bast.

Nor in thine Lord.

Alb.
[2900]

Halfe‐blooded fellow, yes.

Reg.

Let the Drum strike, and proue my title thine.

Alb. Stay yet, heare reason: Edmund, I arrest thee On capitall Treason; and in thy arrest, This guilded Serpent: for your claime faire Sisters,
[2905]
I bare it in the interest of my wife, 'Tis she is sub‐contracted to this Lord, And I her husband contradict your Banes. If you will marry, make your loues to me, My Lady is bespoke.
Gon.
[2910]

An enterlude.

Alb. Thou art armed Gloster, Let the Trumpet sound: If none appeare to proue vpon thy person, Thy heynous, manifest, and many Treasons,
[2915]
There is my pledge: Ile make it on thy heart Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing lesse. Then I haue heere proclaim'd thee.
Reg.

Sicke, O sicke.

Gon.

If not, Ile nere trust medicine.

Bast.
[2920]
There's my exchange, what in the world hes That names me Traitor, villain‐like he lies, Call by the Trumpet: he that dares approach; On him, on you, who not, I will maintaine My truth and honor firmely.
Enter a Herald. Alb.
[2925]
A Herald, ho. Trust to thy single vertue, for thy Souldiers All leuied in my name, haue in my name Tooke their discharge.
Regan.

My sicknesse growes vpon me.

Alb.
[2930]
She is not well, conuey her to my Tent. Come hither Herald, let the Trumpet sound, And read out this.
A Trumpet sounds.

Herald reads.

I f any man of qualitie or degree, within the lists of the Ar­my,

will maintaine vpon Edmund, supposed Earle of Gloster,

that he is a manifold Traitor, let him appeare by the third

sound of the Trumpet: he is bold in his defence. 1 Trumpet.

Her. Againe. 2 Trumpet.

Her. Againe. 3 Trumpet.

Trumpet answers within. Enter Edgar armed. Alb. Aske him his purposes, why he appears Vpon this Call o'th' Trumpet. Her.
[2935]
What are you? Your name, your quality, and why you answer This present Summons?
Edg. Know my name is lost By Treasons tooth: bare‐gnawne, and Canker‐bit,
[2940]
Yet am I Noble as the Aduersary I come to cope.
Alb.

Which is that Aduersary?

Edg.

What's he that speakes for Edmund Earle of Glo­

(ster?

Bast.
[2945]

Himselfe, what saist thou to him?

Edg. Draw thy Sword, That if my speech offend a Noble heart, Thy arme may do thee Iustice, heere is mine: Behold it is my priuiledge,
[2950]
The priuiledge of mine Honours, My oath, and my profession. I protest, Maugre thy strength, place, youth, and eminence, Despise thy victor‐Sword, and fire new Fortune, Thy valor, and thy heart, thou art a Traitor:
[2955]
False to thy Gods, thy Brother, and thy Father, Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious Prince, And from th' extremest vpward of thy head, To the discent and dust below thy foote, A most Toad‐spotted Traitor. Say thou no,
[2960]
This Sword, this arme, and my best spirits are bent To proue vpon thy heart, where to I speake, Thou lyest.
Bast. In wisedome I should aske thy name, But since thy out‐side lookes so faire and Warlike,
[2965]
And that thy tongue (some say) of breeding breathes, What safe, and nicely I might well delay, By rule of Knight‐hood, I disdaine and spurne: Backe do I tosse these Treasons to thy head, With the hell‐hated Lye, ore‐whelme thy heart,
[2970]
Which for they yet glance by, and scarcely bruise, This Sword of mine shall giue them instant way, Where they shall rest for euer. Trumpets speake.
Alb.

Saue him, saue him.

Alarums. Fights. Gon. This is practise Gloster,
[2975]
By th'law of Warre, thou wast not bound to answer An vnknowne opposite: thou art not vanquish'd, But cozend, and beguild.
Alb. Shut your mouth Dame, Or with this paper shall I stop it: hold Sir,
[2980]
Thou worse then any name, reade thine owne euill: No tearing Lady, I perceiue you know it.
Gon. Say if I do, the Lawes are mine not thine, Who can araigne me for't? Exit. Alb.

Most monstrous! O, know'st thou this paper?

Bast.
[2985]

Aske me not what I know.

Alb.

Go after her, she's desperate, gouerne her.

Bast. What you haue charg'd me with, That haue I done, And more, much more, the time will bring it out.
[2990]
'Tis past, and so am I: But what art thou That hast this Fortune on me? If thou'rt Noble, I do forgiue thee.
Edg. Let's exchange charity: I am no lesse in blood then thou art Edmond,
[2995]
If more, the more th'hast wrong'd me. My name is Edgar and thy Fathers Sonne, The Gods are iust, and of our pleasant vices Make instruments to plague vs: The darke and vitious place where thee he got,
[3000]
Cost him his eyes.
Bast. Th'hast spoken right, 'tis true, The Wheele is come full circle, I am heere. Alb. Me thought thy very gate did prophesie A Royall Noblenesse: I must embrace thee,
[3005]
Let sorrow split my heart, if euer I Did hate thee, or thy Father.
Edg.

Worthy Prince I know't.

Alb. Where haue you hid your selfe? How haue you knowne the miseries of your Father? Edg.
[3010]
By nursing them my Lord. List a breefe tale, And when 'tis told, O that my heart would burst. The bloody proclamation to escape That follow'd me so neere, (O our liues sweetnesse, That we the paine of death would hourely dye,
[3015]
Rather then die at once) taught me to shift Into a mad‐mans rags, t'assume a semblance That very Dogges disdain'd: and in this habit Met I my Father with his bleeding Rings, Their precious Stones new lost: became his guide,
[3020]
Led him, begg'd for him, sau'd him from dispaire. Neuer (O fault) reueal'd my selfe vnto him, Vntill some halfe houre past when I was arm'd, Not sure, though hoping of this good successe, I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last
[3025]
Told him our pilgrimage. But his flaw'd heart (Alacke too weake the conflict to support) Twixt two extremes of passion, ioy and greefe, Burst smilingly.
Bast. This speech of yours hath mou'd me,
[3030]
And shall perchance do good, but speake you on, You looke as you had something more to say.
Alb. If there be more, more wofull, hold it in, For I am almost ready to dissolue, Hearing of this. Enter a Gentleman. Gen.
[3035]

Helpe, helpe: O helpe.

Edg.

What kinde of helpe?

Alb.

Speake man.

Edg.

What meanes this bloody Knife?

Gen.

'Tis hot, it smoakes, it came euen from the heart

[3040]

of ——— O she's dead.

Alb.

Who dead? Speake man.

Gen. Your Lady Sir, your Lady; and her Sister By her is poyson'd: she confesses it. Bast. I was contracted to them both, all three
[3045]
Now marry in an instant.
Edg.

Here comes Kent.

Enter Kent. Alb. Produce the bodies, be they aliue or dead; Gonerill and Regans bodies brought out . This iudgement of the Heauens that makes vs tremble.
[3050]
Touches vs not with pitty: O, is this he? The time will not allow the complement Which very manners vrges.
Kent. I am come To bid my King and Master aye good night.
[3055]
Is he not here?
Alb. Great thing of vs forgot, Speake Edmund, where's the King? and where's Cordelia? Seest thou this obiect Kent? Kent.

Alacke, why thus?

Bast.
[3060]
Yet Edmund was belou'd: The one the other poison'd for my sake, And after slew herself.
Alb.

Euen so: couer their faces.

Bast. I pant for life: some good I meane to do
[3065]
Despight of mine owne Nature. Quickly send, (Be briefe in it) to'th' Castle, for my Writ Is on the life of Lear, and on Cordelia: Nay, send in time.
Alb.

Run, run, O run.

Edg.
[3070]
To who my Lord? Who ha's the Office? Send thy token of repreeue.
Bast. Well thought on, take my Sword, Giue it the Captaine. Edg.

Hast thee for thy life.

Bast.
[3075]
He hath Commission from thy Wife and me, To hang Cordelia in the prison, and To lay the blame vpon her owne dispaire, That she for‐did her selfe.
Alb.

The Gods defend her, beare him hence awhile.

Enter Lear with Cordelia in his armes. Lear.
[3080]
Howle, howle, howle: O you are men of stones, Had I your tongues and eyes, Il'd vse them so, That Heauens vault should crack: she's gone for euer. I know when one is dead, and when one liues, She's dead as earth: Lend me a Looking‐glasse,
[3085]
If that her breath will mist or staine the stone, Why then she liues.
Kent.

Is this the promis'd end?

Edg.

Or image of that horror.

Alb.

Fall and cease.

Lear.
[3090]
This feather stirs, she liues: if it be so, It is a chance which do's redeeme all sorrowes That euer I haue felt.
Kent.

O my good Master.

Lear.

Prythee away.

Edg.
[3095]

'Tis Noble Kent your Friend.

Lear. A plague vpon you Murderors, Traitors all, I might haue sau'd her, now she's gone for euer: Cordelia, Cordelia, stay a little. Ha: What is't thou saist? Her voice was euer soft,
[3100]
Gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman. I kill'd the Slaue that was a hanging thee.
Gent.

'Tis true (my Lords) he did.

Lear. Did I not fellow? I haue seene the day, with my good biting Faulchion
[3105]
I would haue made him skip: I am old now, And these same crosses spoile me. Who are you? Mine eyes are not o'th' best, Ile tell you straight.
Kent. If Fortune brag of two, she lou'd and hated, One of them we behold. Lear.
[3110]

This is a dull sight, are you not Kent?

Kent. The same: your Seruant Kent, Where is your Seruant Caius? Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that, He'le strike and quickly too, he's dead and rotten. Kent.
[3115]

No my good Lord, I am the very man.

Lear.

Ile see that straight.

Kent. That from your first of difference and decay, Haue follow'd your sad steps. Lear.

You are welcome hither.

Kent.
[3120]
Nor no man else: All's cheerlesse, darke, and deadly, Your eldest Daughters haue fore‐done themselues, And desperately are dead
Lear.

I so I thinke.

Alb.
[3125]
He knowes not what he saies, and vaine is it That we present vs to him.
Enter a Messenger. Edg.

Very bootlesse.

Mess.

Edmund is dead my Lord.

Alb. That's but a trifle heere:
[3130]
You Lords and Noble Friends, know our intent, What comfort to this great decay may come, Shall be appli'd. For vs we will resigne, During the life of this old Maiesty To him our absolute power, you to your rights,
[3135]
With boote, and such addition as your Honours Haue more then merited. All Friends shall Taste the wages of their vertue, and all Foes The cup of their deseruings: O see, see.
Lear. And my poore Foole is hang'd: no, no, no life?
[3140]
Why should a Dog, a Horse, a Rat haue life, And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more, Neuer, neuer, neuer, neuer, neuer. Pray you vndo this Button. Thanke you Sir, Do you see this? Looke on her? Looke her lips,
[3145]
Looke there, looke there. He dis.
Edg.

He faints, my Lord, my Lord.

Kent.

Breake heart, I prythee breake.

Edg.

Looke vp my Lord.

Kent. Vex not his ghost, O let him passe, he hates him,
[3150]
That would vpon the wracke of this tough world Stretch him out longer.
Edg.

He is gon indeed.

Kent. The wonder is, he hath endur'd so long, He but vsurpt his life. Alb.
[3155]
Beare them from hence, our present businesse Is generall woe: Friends of my soule, you twaine, Rule in this Realme, and the gor'd state sustaine.
Kent. I haue a iourney Sir, shortly to go, My Master calls me, I must not say no. Edg.
[3160]
The waight of this sad time we must obey, Speake what we feele, not what we ought to say: The oldest hath borne most, we that are yong, Shall neuer see so much, nor liue so long.
Exeunt with a dead March. FINIS.
 

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<div type="scene" n="3">
   <head type="supplied">[Act 5, Scene 3]</head>
   <head rend="italic center">Scena Tertia.</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter in conquest with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Lear,
      <lb/>and Cordelia, as prisoners, Souldiers, Captaine.</stage>
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      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="2816">Some Officers take them away: good guard,</l>
      <l n="2817">Vntill their greater pleasures first be knowne</l>
      <l n="2818">That are to censure them.</l>
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      <speaker rend="italic">Cor.</speaker>
      <l n="2819">We are not the first,</l>
      <l n="2820">Who with best meaning haue incur'd the worst:</l>
      <l n="2821">For thee oppressed King I am cast downe,</l>
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      <l n="2823">Shall we not see these Daughters, and these Sisters?</l>
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      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2824">No, no, no, no: come let's away to prison,</l>
      <l n="2825">We two alone will sing like Birds i'th' Cage:</l>
      <l n="2826">When thou dost aske me blessing, Ile kneele downe</l>
      <l n="2827">And aske of thee forgiuenesse: So wee'l liue,</l>
      <l n="2828">And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh</l>
      <l n="2829">At gilded Butterflies: and heere (poore Rogues)</l>
      <l n="2830">Talke of Court newes, and wee'l talke with them too,</l>
      <l n="2831">Who looses, and who wins; who's in, who's out;</l>
      <l n="2832">And take vpon's the mystery of things,</l>
      <l n="2833">As if we were Gods spies: And wee'l weare out</l>
      <l n="2834">In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones,</l>
      <l n="2835">That ebbe and flow by th'Moone.</l>
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   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <p n="2836">Take them away.</p>
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      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2837">Vpon such sacrifices my<hi rend="italic">Cordelia</hi>,</l>
      <l n="2838">The Gods themselues throw Incense.</l>
      <l n="2839">Haue I caught thee?</l>
      <l n="2840">He that parts vs, shall bring a Brand from Heauen,</l>
      <l n="2841">And fire vs hence, like Foxes: wipe thine eyes,</l>
      <l n="2842">The good yeares shall deuoure them, flesh and fell,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0817-0.jpg" n="307"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="2843">Ere they shall make vs weepe?</l>
      <l n="2844">Weele see e'm staru'd first: come.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="2845">Come hither Captaine, hearke.</l>
      <l n="2846">Take thou this note, go follow them to prison,</l>
      <l n="2847">One step I haue aduanc'd thee, if thou do'st</l>
      <l n="2848">As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way</l>
      <l n="2849">To Noble Fortunes: know thou this, that men</l>
      <l n="2850">Are as the time is; to be tender minded</l>
      <l n="2851">Do's not become a Sword, thy great imployment</l>
      <l n="2852">Will not beare question: either say thou'lt do't,</l>
      <l n="2853">Or thriue by other meanes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-cap">
      <speaker rend="italic">Capt.</speaker>
      <p n="2854">Ile do't my Lord.</p>
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   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="2855">About it, and write happy, when th'hast done,</l>
      <l n="2856">Marke I say instantly, and carry it so</l>
      <l n="2857">As I haue set it downe.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Captaine.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="business">Flourish.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Albany, Gonerill, Regan, Soldiers.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="2858">Sir, you haue shew'd to day your valiant straine</l>
      <l n="2859">And Fortune led you well: you haue the Captiues</l>
      <l n="2860">Who were the opposites of this dayes strife:</l>
      <l n="2861">I do require them of you so to vse them,</l>
      <l n="2862">As we shall find their merites, and our safety</l>
      <l n="2863">May equally determine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="2864">Sir, I thought it fit,</l>
      <l n="2865">To send the old and miserable King to some retention,</l>
      <l n="2866">Whose age had Charmes in it, whose Title more,</l>
      <l n="2867">To plucke the common bosome on his side,</l>
      <l n="2868">And turne our imprest Launces in our eies</l>
      <l n="2869">Which do command them. With him I sent the Queen:</l>
      <l n="2870">My reason all the same, and they are ready</l>
      <l n="2871">To morrow, or at further space, t'appeare</l>
      <l n="2872">Where you shall hold your Session.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="2873">Sir, by your patience,</l>
      <l n="2874">I hold you but a subiect of this Warre,</l>
      <l n="2875">Not as a Brother.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-reg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Reg.</speaker>
      <l n="2876">That's as we list to grace him.</l>
      <l n="2877">Methinkes our pleasure might haue bin demanded</l>
      <l n="2878">Ere you had spoke so farre. He led our Powers,</l>
      <l n="2879">Bore the Commission of my place and person,</l>
      <l n="2880">The which immediacie may well stand vp,</l>
      <l n="2881">And call it selfe your Brother.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gon">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gon.</speaker>
      <l n="2882">Not so hot:</l>
      <l n="2883">In his owne grace he doth exalt himselfe,</l>
      <l n="2884">More then in your addition.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-reg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Reg.</speaker>
      <l n="2885">In my rights,</l>
      <l n="2886">By me inuested, he compeeres the best.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="2887">That were the most, if he should husband you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-reg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Reg.</speaker>
      <p n="2888">Iesters do oft proue Prophets.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gon">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gon.</speaker>
      <l n="2889">Hola, hola,</l>
      <l n="2890">That eye that told you so, look'd but a squint.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-reg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rega.</speaker>
      <l n="2891">Lady I am not well, else I should answere</l>
      <l n="2892">From a full flowing stomack. Generall,</l>
      <l n="2893">Take thou my Souldiers, prisoners, patrimony,</l>
      <l n="2894">Dispose of them, of me, the walls is thine:</l>
      <l n="2895">Witnesse the world, that I create thee here</l>
      <l n="2896">My Lord, and Master.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gon">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gon.</speaker>
      <p n="2897">Meane you to enioy him?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="2898">The let alone lies not in your good will.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <p n="2899">Nor in thine Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="2900">Halfe‐blooded fellow, yes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-reg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Reg.</speaker>
      <p n="2901">Let the Drum strike, and proue my title thine.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="2902">Stay yet, heare reason:<hi rend="italic">Edmund</hi>, I arrest thee</l>
      <l n="2903">On capitall Treason; and in thy arrest,</l>
      <l n="2904">This guilded Serpent: for your claime faire Sisters,</l>
      <l n="2905">I bare it in the interest of my wife,</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="2906">'Tis she is sub‐contracted to this Lord,</l>
      <l n="2907">And I her husband contradict your Banes.</l>
      <l n="2908">If you will marry, make your loues to me,</l>
      <l n="2909">My Lady is bespoke.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gon">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gon.</speaker>
      <p n="2910">An enterlude.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="2911">Thou art armed<hi rend="italic">Gloster</hi>,</l>
      <l n="2912">Let the Trumpet sound:</l>
      <l n="2913">If none appeare to proue vpon thy person,</l>
      <l n="2914">Thy heynous, manifest, and many Treasons,</l>
      <l n="2915">There is my pledge: Ile make it on thy heart</l>
      <l n="2916">Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing lesse.</l>
      <l n="2917">Then I haue heere proclaim'd thee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-reg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Reg.</speaker>
      <p n="2918">Sicke, O sicke.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gon">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gon.</speaker>
      <p n="2919">If not, Ile nere trust medicine.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="2920">There's my exchange, what in the world hes</l>
      <l n="2921">That names me Traitor, villain‐like he lies,</l>
      <l n="2922">Call by the Trumpet: he that dares approach;</l>
      <l n="2923">On him, on you, who not, I will maintaine</l>
      <l n="2924">My truth and honor firmely.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter a Herald.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="2925">A Herald, ho.</l>
      <l n="2926">Trust to thy single vertue, for thy Souldiers</l>
      <l n="2927">All leuied in my name, haue in my name</l>
      <l n="2928">Tooke their discharge.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-reg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Regan.</speaker>
      <p n="2929">My sicknesse growes vpon me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="2930">She is not well, conuey her to my Tent.</l>
      <l n="2931">Come hither Herald, let the Trumpet sound,</l>
      <l n="2932">And read out this.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">A Trumpet sounds.</stage>
   <p rend="center italic">Herald reads.
      <lb/>
      <c rend="decoratedCapital">I</c>f any man of qualitie or degree, within the lists of the Ar­my,
      <lb/>will maintaine vpon Edmund, supposed Earle of Gloster,
      <lb/>that he is a manifold Traitor, let him appeare by the third
      <lb/>sound of the Trumpet: he is bold in his defence. 1<hi rend="italic">Trumpet</hi>.</p>
   <p rend="center">
      <hi rend="italic">Her.</hi>Againe. 2<hi rend="italic">Trumpet</hi>.</p>
   <p rend="center">
      <hi rend="italic">Her.</hi>Againe. 3<hi rend="italic">Trumpet</hi>.</p>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Trumpet answers within.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Edgar armed.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="2933">Aske him his purposes, why he appears</l>
      <l n="2934">Vpon this Call o'th' Trumpet.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="2935">What are you?</l>
      <l n="2936">Your name, your quality, and why you answer</l>
      <l n="2937">This present Summons?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2938">Know my name is lost</l>
      <l n="2939">By Treasons tooth: bare‐gnawne, and Canker‐bit,</l>
      <l n="2940">Yet am I Noble as the Aduersary</l>
      <l n="2941">I come to cope.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="2942">Which is that Aduersary?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2943">What's he that speakes for<hi rend="italic">Edmund</hi>Earle of Glo­
      <lb rend="turnunder" n="2944"/>
         <pc rend="turnunder">(</pc>ster?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <p n="2945">Himselfe, what saist thou to him?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2946">Draw thy Sword,</l>
      <l n="2947">That if my speech offend a Noble heart,</l>
      <l n="2948">Thy arme may do thee Iustice, heere is mine:</l>
      <l n="2949">Behold it is my priuiledge,</l>
      <l n="2950">The priuiledge of mine Honours,</l>
      <l n="2951">My oath, and my profession. I protest,</l>
      <l n="2952">Maugre thy strength, place, youth, and eminence,</l>
      <l n="2953">Despise thy victor‐Sword, and fire new Fortune,</l>
      <l n="2954">Thy valor, and thy heart, thou art a Traitor:</l>
      <l n="2955">False to thy Gods, thy Brother, and thy Father,</l>
      <l n="2956">Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious Prince,</l>
      <l n="2957">And from th' extremest vpward of thy head,</l>
      <l n="2958">To the discent and dust below thy foote,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0818-0.jpg" n="38"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="2959">A most Toad‐spotted Traitor. Say thou no,</l>
      <l n="2960">This Sword, this arme, and my best spirits are bent</l>
      <l n="2961">To proue vpon thy heart, where to I speake,</l>
      <l n="2962">Thou lyest.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="2963">In wisedome I should aske thy name,</l>
      <l n="2964">But since thy out‐side lookes so faire and Warlike,</l>
      <l n="2965">And that thy tongue (some say) of breeding breathes,</l>
      <l n="2966">What safe, and nicely I might well delay,</l>
      <l n="2967">By rule of Knight‐hood, I disdaine and spurne:</l>
      <l n="2968">Backe do I tosse these Treasons to thy head,</l>
      <l n="2969">With the hell‐hated Lye, ore‐whelme thy heart,</l>
      <l n="2970">Which for they yet glance by, and scarcely bruise,</l>
      <l n="2971">This Sword of mine shall giue them instant way,</l>
      <l n="2972">Where they shall rest for euer. Trumpets speake.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="2973">Saue him, saue him.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Alarums. Fights.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gon">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gon.</speaker>
      <l n="2974">This is practise<hi rend="italic">Gloster</hi>,</l>
      <l n="2975">By th'law of Warre, thou wast not bound to answer</l>
      <l n="2976">An vnknowne opposite: thou art not vanquish'd,</l>
      <l n="2977">But cozend, and beguild.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="2978">Shut your mouth Dame,</l>
      <l n="2979">Or with this paper shall I stop it: hold Sir,</l>
      <l n="2980">Thou worse then any name, reade thine owne euill:</l>
      <l n="2981">No tearing Lady, I perceiue you know it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gon">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gon.</speaker>
      <l n="2982">Say if I do, the Lawes are mine not thine,</l>
      <l n="2983">Who can araigne me for't?</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="2984">Most monstrous! O, know'st thou this paper?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <p n="2985">Aske me not what I know.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="2986">Go after her, she's desperate, gouerne her.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="2987">What you haue charg'd me with,</l>
      <l n="2988">That haue I done,</l>
      <l n="2989">And more, much more, the time will bring it out.</l>
      <l n="2990">'Tis past, and so am I: But what art thou</l>
      <l n="2991">That hast this Fortune on me? If thou'rt Noble,</l>
      <l n="2992">I do forgiue thee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2993">Let's exchange charity:</l>
      <l n="2994">I am no lesse in blood then thou art<hi rend="italic">Edmond</hi>,</l>
      <l n="2995">If more, the more th'hast wrong'd me.</l>
      <l n="2996">My name is<hi rend="italic">Edgar</hi>and thy Fathers Sonne,</l>
      <l n="2997">The Gods are iust, and of our pleasant vices</l>
      <l n="2998">Make instruments to plague vs:</l>
      <l n="2999">The darke and vitious place where thee he got,</l>
      <l n="3000">Cost him his eyes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="3001">Th'hast spoken right, 'tis true,</l>
      <l n="3002">The Wheele is come full circle, I am heere.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="3003">Me thought thy very gate did prophesie</l>
      <l n="3004">A Royall Noblenesse: I must embrace thee,</l>
      <l n="3005">Let sorrow split my heart, if euer I</l>
      <l n="3006">Did hate thee, or thy Father.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3007">Worthy Prince I know't.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="3008">Where haue you hid your selfe?</l>
      <l n="3009">How haue you knowne the miseries of your Father?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="3010">By nursing them my Lord. List a breefe tale,</l>
      <l n="3011">And when 'tis told, O that my heart would burst.</l>
      <l n="3012">The bloody proclamation to escape</l>
      <l n="3013">That follow'd me so neere, (O our liues sweetnesse,</l>
      <l n="3014">That we the paine of death would hourely dye,</l>
      <l n="3015">Rather then die at once) taught me to shift</l>
      <l n="3016">Into a mad‐mans rags, t'assume a semblance</l>
      <l n="3017">That very Dogges disdain'd: and in this habit</l>
      <l n="3018">Met I my Father with his bleeding Rings,</l>
      <l n="3019">Their precious Stones new lost: became his guide,</l>
      <l n="3020">Led him, begg'd for him, sau'd him from dispaire.</l>
      <l n="3021">Neuer (O fault) reueal'd my selfe vnto him,</l>
      <l n="3022">Vntill some halfe houre past when I was arm'd,</l>
      <l n="3023">Not sure, though hoping of this good successe,</l>
      <l n="3024">I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="3025">Told him our pilgrimage. But his flaw'd heart</l>
      <l n="3026">(Alacke too weake the conflict to support)</l>
      <l n="3027">Twixt two extremes of passion, ioy and greefe,</l>
      <l n="3028">Burst smilingly.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="3029">This speech of yours hath mou'd me,</l>
      <l n="3030">And shall perchance do good, but speake you on,</l>
      <l n="3031">You looke as you had something more to say.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="3032">If there be more, more wofull, hold it in,</l>
      <l n="3033">For I am almost ready to dissolue,</l>
      <l n="3034">Hearing of this.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter a Gentleman.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gen.</speaker>
      <p n="3035">Helpe, helpe: O helpe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3036">What kinde of helpe?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="3037">Speake man.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3038">What meanes this bloody Knife?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gen.</speaker>
      <p n="3039">'Tis hot, it smoakes, it came euen from the heart
      <lb n="3040"/>of ——— O she's dead.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="3041">Who dead? Speake man.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gen.</speaker>
      <l n="3042">Your Lady Sir, your Lady; and her Sister</l>
      <l n="3043">By her is poyson'd: she confesses it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="3044">I was contracted to them both, all three</l>
      <l n="3045">Now marry in an instant.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3046">Here comes<hi rend="italic">Kent</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Kent.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="3047">Produce the bodies, be they aliue or dead;</l>
      <l n="3048">
         <hi rend="italic">Gonerill and Regans bodies brought out</hi>.</l>
      <l n="3049">This iudgement of the Heauens that makes vs tremble.</l>
      <l n="3050">Touches vs not with pitty: O, is this he?</l>
      <l n="3051">The time will not allow the complement</l>
      <l n="3052">Which very manners vrges.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <l n="3053">I am come</l>
      <l n="3054">To bid my King and Master aye good night.</l>
      <l n="3055">Is he not here?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="3056">Great thing of vs forgot,</l>
      <l n="3057">Speake<hi rend="italic">Edmund</hi>, where's the King? and where's<hi rend="italic">Cordelia</hi>?</l>
      <l n="3058">Seest thou this obiect<hi rend="italic">Kent</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <p n="3059">Alacke, why thus?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="3060">Yet<hi rend="italic">Edmund</hi>was belou'd:</l>
      <l n="3061">The one the other poison'd for my sake,</l>
      <l n="3062">And after slew herself.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="3063">Euen so: couer their faces.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="3064">I pant for life: some good I meane to do</l>
      <l n="3065">Despight of mine owne Nature. Quickly send,</l>
      <l n="3066">(Be briefe in it) to'th' Castle, for my Writ</l>
      <l n="3067">Is on the life of<hi rend="italic">Lear</hi>, and on<hi rend="italic">Cordelia</hi>:</l>
      <l n="3068">Nay, send in time.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="3069">Run, run, O run.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="3070">To who my Lord? Who ha's the Office?</l>
      <l n="3071">Send thy token of repreeue.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="3072">Well thought on, take my Sword,</l>
      <l n="3073">Giue it the Captaine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3074">Hast thee for thy life.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bast.</speaker>
      <l n="3075">He hath Commission from thy Wife and me,</l>
      <l n="3076">To hang<hi rend="italic">Cordelia</hi>in the prison, and</l>
      <l n="3077">To lay the blame vpon her owne dispaire,</l>
      <l n="3078">That she for‐did her selfe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="3079">The Gods defend her, beare him hence awhile.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Lear with Cordelia in his armes.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="3080">Howle, howle, howle: O you are men of stones,</l>
      <l n="3081">Had I your tongues and eyes, Il'd vse them so,</l>
      <l n="3082">That Heauens vault should crack: she's gone for euer.</l>
      <l n="3083">I know when one is dead, and when one liues,</l>
      <l n="3084">She's dead as earth: Lend me a Looking‐glasse,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0819-0.jpg" n="309"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="3085">If that her breath will mist or staine the stone,</l>
      <l n="3086">Why then she liues.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <p n="3087">Is this the promis'd end?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3088">Or image of that horror.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <p n="3089">Fall and cease.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="3090">This feather stirs, she liues: if it be so,</l>
      <l n="3091">It is a chance which do's redeeme all sorrowes</l>
      <l n="3092">That euer I haue felt.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <p n="3093">O my good Master.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="3094">Prythee away.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3095">'Tis Noble<hi rend="italic">Kent</hi>your Friend.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="3096">A plague vpon you Murderors, Traitors all,</l>
      <l n="3097">I might haue sau'd her, now she's gone for euer:</l>
      <l n="3098">
         <hi rend="italic">Cordelia, Cordelia</hi>, stay a little. Ha:</l>
      <l n="3099">What is't thou saist? Her voice was euer soft,</l>
      <l n="3100">Gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman.</l>
      <l n="3101">I kill'd the Slaue that was a hanging thee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <p n="3102">'Tis true (my Lords) he did.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="3103">Did I not fellow?</l>
      <l n="3104">I haue seene the day, with my good biting Faulchion</l>
      <l n="3105">I would haue made him skip: I am old now,</l>
      <l n="3106">And these same crosses spoile me. Who are you?</l>
      <l n="3107">Mine eyes are not o'th' best, Ile tell you straight.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <l n="3108">If Fortune brag of two, she lou'd and hated,</l>
      <l n="3109">One of them we behold.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="3110">This is a dull sight, are you not<hi rend="italic">Kent</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <l n="3111">The same: your Seruant<hi rend="italic">Kent</hi>,</l>
      <l n="3112">Where is your Seruant<hi rend="italic">Caius</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="3113">He's a good fellow, I can tell you that,</l>
      <l n="3114">He'le strike and quickly too, he's dead and rotten.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <p n="3115">No my good Lord, I am the very man.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="3116">Ile see that straight.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <l n="3117">That from your first of difference and decay,</l>
      <l n="3118">Haue follow'd your sad steps.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="3119">You are welcome hither.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <l n="3120">Nor no man else:</l>
      <l n="3121">All's cheerlesse, darke, and deadly,</l>
      <l n="3122">Your eldest Daughters haue fore‐done themselues,</l>
      <l n="3123">And desperately are dead</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="3124">I so I thinke.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="3125">He knowes not what he saies, and vaine is it</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="3126">That we present vs to him.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter a Messenger.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3127">Very bootlesse.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="3128">
         <hi rend="italic">Edmund</hi>is dead my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="3129">That's but a trifle heere:</l>
      <l n="3130">You Lords and Noble Friends, know our intent,</l>
      <l n="3131">What comfort to this great decay may come,</l>
      <l n="3132">Shall be appli'd. For vs we will resigne,</l>
      <l n="3133">During the life of this old Maiesty</l>
      <l n="3134">To him our absolute power, you to your rights,</l>
      <l n="3135">With boote, and such addition as your Honours</l>
      <l n="3136">Haue more then merited. All Friends shall</l>
      <l n="3137">Taste the wages of their vertue, and all Foes</l>
      <l n="3138">The cup of their deseruings: O see, see.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="3139">And my poore Foole is hang'd: no, no, no life?</l>
      <l n="3140">Why should a Dog, a Horse, a Rat haue life,</l>
      <l n="3141">And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,</l>
      <l n="3142">Neuer, neuer, neuer, neuer, neuer.</l>
      <l n="3143">Pray you vndo this Button. Thanke you Sir,</l>
      <l n="3144">Do you see this? Looke on her? Looke her lips,</l>
      <l n="3145">Looke there, looke there.<hi rend="italic">He dis</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3146">He faints, my Lord, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <p n="3147">Breake heart, I prythee breake.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3148">Looke vp my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <l n="3149">Vex not his ghost, O let him passe, he hates him,</l>
      <l n="3150">That would vpon the wracke of this tough world</l>
      <l n="3151">Stretch him out longer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="3152">He is gon indeed.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <l n="3153">The wonder is, he hath endur'd so long,</l>
      <l n="3154">He but vsurpt his life.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-alb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Alb.</speaker>
      <l n="3155">Beare them from hence, our present businesse</l>
      <l n="3156">Is generall woe: Friends of my soule, you twaine,</l>
      <l n="3157">Rule in this Realme, and the gor'd state sustaine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ken">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kent.</speaker>
      <l n="3158">I haue a iourney Sir, shortly to go,</l>
      <l n="3159">My Master calls me, I must not say no.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="3160">The waight of this sad time we must obey,</l>
      <l n="3161">Speake what we feele, not what we ought to say:</l>
      <l n="3162">The oldest hath borne most, we that are yong,</l>
      <l n="3163">Shall neuer see so much, nor liue so long.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt with a dead March.</stage>
   <trailer>FINIS.</trailer>
</div>

                                
                            

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