The Bodleian First Folio

Reference: rr5v - Tragedies, p. 302

Left Column

The Tragedie of King Lear.

[2260]

Darnell, and all the idle weedes that grow In our sustaining Corne. A Centery send forth; Search euery Acre in the high‐growne field, And bring him to our eye. What can mans wisedome In the restoring his bereaued Sense; he that helpes him,

[2265]

Take all my outward worth. Gent. There is meanes Madam: Our foster Nurse of Nature, is repose, The which he lackes: that to prouoke in him Are many Simples operatiue, whose power

[2270]

Will close the eye of Anguish. Cord. All blest Secrets, All you vnpublish'd Vertues of the earth Spring with my teares; be aydant, and remediate In the Goodmans desires: seeke, seeke for him,

[2275]

Least his vngouern'd rage, dissolue the life That wants the meanes to leade it. Enter Messenger. Mes. Newes Madam, The Brittish Powres are marching hitherward. Cor. 'Tis knowne before. Our preparation stands

[2280]

In expectation of them. O deere Father, It is thy businesse that I go about: Therfore great France My mourning, and importune'd teares hath pittied: No blowne Ambition doth our Armes incite, But loue, deere loue, and our ag'd Fathers Rite:

[2285]

Soone may I heare, and see him. Exeunt.

Scena Quarta. [Act 4, Scene 4] Enter Regan, and Steward. Reg.

But are my Brothers Powres set forth?

Stew.

I Madam.

Reg.

Himselfe in person there?

Stew. Madam with much ado:

[2290]

Your Sister is the better Souldier. Reg.

Lord Edmund spake not with your Lord at home?

Stew.

No Madam.

Reg.

What might import my Sisters Letter to him?

Stew.

I know not, Lady.

Reg.

[2295]

Faith he is poasted hence on serious matter: It was great ignorance, Glousters eyes being out To let him liue. Where he arriues, he moues All hearts against vs: Edmund, I thinke is gone In pitty of his misery, to dispatch

[2300]

His nighted life: Moreouer to descry The strength o'th' Enemy. Stew.

I must needs after him, Madam, with my Letter.

Reg. Our troopes set forth to morrow, stay with vs: The wayes are dangerous. Stew.

[2305]

I may not Madam: My Lady charg'd my dutie in this busines. Reg. Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you transport her purposes by word? Belike, Some things, I know not what. Ile loue thee much

[2310]

Let me vnseale the Letter. Stew.

Madam, I had rather ———

Reg. I know your Lady do's not loue her Husband, I am sure of that: and at her late being heere, She gaue strange Eliads, and most speaking lookes

[2315]

To Noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosome. Stew.

I, Madam?

Image

[full image]

Right Column

Reg. I speake in vnderstanding: Y'are: I know't, Therefore I do aduise you take this note: My Lord is dead: Edmond, and I haue talk'd,

[2320]

And more conuenient is he for my hand Then for your Ladies: You may gather more: If you do finde him, pray you giue him this; And when your Mistris heares thus much from you, I pray desire her call her wisedome to her.

[2325]

So fare you well: If you do chance to heare of that blinde Traitor, Preferment fals on him, that cuts him off. Stew. Would I could meet Madam, I should shew What party I do follow. Reg.

[2330]

Fare thee well.

Exeunt.

Scena Quinta. [Act 4, Scene 5] Enter Gloucester, and Edgar. Glou.

When shall I come to th'top of that same hill?

Edg.

You do climbe vp it now. Look how we labor.

Glou.

Me thinkes the ground is eeuen.

Edg. Horrible steepe.

[2335]

Hearke, do you heare the Sea? Glou.

No truly.

Edg. Why then your other Senses grow imperfect By your eyes anguish. Glou. So may it be indeed.

[2340]

Me thinkes thy voyce is alter'd, and thou speak'st In better phrase, and matter then thou did'st. Edg. Y'are much deceiu'd: In nothing am I chang'd But in my Garments. Glou.

Me thinkes y'are better spoken.

Edg.

[2345]

Come on Sir, Heere's the place: stand still: how fearefull And dizie 'tis, to cast ones eyes so low, The Crowes and Choughes, that wing the midway ayre Shew scarse so grosse as Beetles. Halfe way downe

[2350]

Hangs one that gathers Sampire: dreadfull Trade: Me thinkes he seemes no bigger then his head. The Fishermen, that walk'd vpon the beach Appeare like Mice: and yond tall Anchoring Barke, Diminish'd to her Cocke: her Cocke, a Buoy

[2355]

Almost too small for sight. The murmuring Surge, That on th'vnnumbred idle Pebble chafes Cannot be heard so high. Ile looke no more, Least my braine turne, and the deficient sight Topple downe headlong. Glou.

[2360]

Set me where you stand.

Edg. Giue me your hand: You are now within a foote of th'extreme Verge: For all beneath the Moone would I not leape vpright. Glou. Let go my hand:

[2365]

Heere Friend's another purse: in it, a Iewell Well worth a poore mans taking. Fayries, and Gods Prosper it with thee. Go thou further off, Bid me farewell, and let me heare thee going. Edg.

Now fare ye well, good Sir.

Glou.

[2370]

With all my heart.

Edg. Why I do trifle thus with his dispaire, Is done to cure it. Glou. O you mighty Gods! This world I do renounce, and in your sights Shake

Download the digital text and images of the play

Prev Next

Scena Quinta. [Act 4, Scene 5] Enter Gloucester, and Edgar. Glou.

When shall I come to th'top of that same hill?

Edg.

You do climbe vp it now. Look how we labor.

Glou.

Me thinkes the ground is eeuen.

Edg. Horrible steepe.

[2335]

Hearke, do you heare the Sea? Glou.

No truly.

Edg. Why then your other Senses grow imperfect By your eyes anguish. Glou. So may it be indeed.

[2340]

Me thinkes thy voyce is alter'd, and thou speak'st In better phrase, and matter then thou did'st. Edg. Y'are much deceiu'd: In nothing am I chang'd But in my Garments. Glou.

Me thinkes y'are better spoken.

Edg.

[2345]

Come on Sir, Heere's the place: stand still: how fearefull And dizie 'tis, to cast ones eyes so low, The Crowes and Choughes, that wing the midway ayre Shew scarse so grosse as Beetles. Halfe way downe

[2350]

Hangs one that gathers Sampire: dreadfull Trade: Me thinkes he seemes no bigger then his head. The Fishermen, that walk'd vpon the beach Appeare like Mice: and yond tall Anchoring Barke, Diminish'd to her Cocke: her Cocke, a Buoy

[2355]

Almost too small for sight. The murmuring Surge, That on th'vnnumbred idle Pebble chafes Cannot be heard so high. Ile looke no more, Least my braine turne, and the deficient sight Topple downe headlong. Glou.

[2360]

Set me where you stand.

Edg. Giue me your hand: You are now within a foote of th'extreme Verge: For all beneath the Moone would I not leape vpright. Glou. Let go my hand:

[2365]

Heere Friend's another purse: in it, a Iewell Well worth a poore mans taking. Fayries, and Gods Prosper it with thee. Go thou further off, Bid me farewell, and let me heare thee going. Edg.

Now fare ye well, good Sir.

Glou.

[2370]

With all my heart.

Edg. Why I do trifle thus with his dispaire, Is done to cure it. Glou. O you mighty Gods! This world I do renounce, and in your sights

[2375]

Shake patiently my great affliction off: If I could beare it longer, and not fall To quarrell with your great opposelesse willes, My snuffe, and loathed part of Nature should Burne it selfe out. If Edgar liue, O blesse him:

[2380]

Now Fellow, fare thee well. Edg. Gone Sir, farewell: And yet I know not how conceit may rob The Treasury of life, when life it selfe Yeelds to the Theft. Had he bin where he thought,

[2385]

By this had thought bin past. Aliue, or dead? Hoa, you Sir: Friend, heare you Sir, speake: Thus might he passe indeed: yet he reuiues. What are you Sir? Glou.

Away, and let me dye.

Edg.

[2390]

Had'st thou beene ought But Gozemore, Feathers, Ayre, (So many fathome downe precipitating) Thou'dst shiuer'd like an Egge: but thou do'st breath: Hast heauy substance, bleed'st not, speak'st, art sound,

[2395]

Ten Masts at each, make not the altitude Which thou hast perpendicularly fell, Thy life's a Myracle. Speake yet againe. Glou.

But haue I falne, or no?

Edg. From the dread Somnet of this Chalkie Bourne

[2400]

Looke vp a height, the shrill‐gorg'd Larke so farre Cannot be seene, or heard: Do but looke vp. Glou. Alacke, I haue no eyes: Is wretchednesse depriu'd that benefit To end it selfe by death? 'Twas yet some comfort,

[2405]

When misery could beguile the Tyrants rage, And frustrate his proud will. Edg. Giue me your arme. Vp, so: How is't? Feele you your Legges? You stand. Glou.

Too well, too well.

Edg.

[2410]

This is aboue all strangenesse, Vpon the crowne o'th' Cliffe. What thing was that Which parted from you? Glou.

A poore vnfortunate Beggar.

Edg. As I stood heere below, me thought his eyes

[2415]

Were two full Moones: he had a thousand Noses, Hornes wealk'd, and waued like the enraged Sea: It was some Fiend: Therefore thou happy Father, Thinke that the cleerest Gods, who make them Honors Of mens Impossibilities, haue preserued thee. Glou.

[2420]

I do remember now: henceforth Ile beare Affliction, till it do cry out it selfe Enough, enough, and dye. That thing you speake of, I tooke it for a man: often 'twould say The Fiend, the Fiend, he led me to that place. Edgar.

[2425]

Beare free and patient thoughts. Enter Lear. But who comes heere? The safer sense will ne're accommodate His Master thus. Lear. No, they cannot touch me for crying. I am the

[2430]

King himselfe. Edg.

O thou side‐piercing sight!

Lear.

Nature's aboue Art, in that respect. Ther's your

Presse‐money. That fellow handles his bow, like a Crowkeeper:

draw mee a Cloathiers yard. Looke, looke, a

[2435]

Mouse: peace, peace, this peece of toasted Cheese will

doo't. There's my Gauntlet, Ile proue it on a Gyant.

Bring vp the browne Billes. O well flowne Bird: i'th'

clout, i'th' clout: Hewgh. Giue the word.

Edg.

Sweet Mariorum.

Lear.

[2440]

Passe.

Glou.

I know that voice.

Lear.

Ha! Gonerill with a white beard? They flatter'd

me like a Dogge, and told mee I had the white hayres in

my Beard, ere the blacke ones were there. To say I, and

[2445]

no, to euery thing that I said: I, and no too, was no good

Diuinity. When the raine came to wet me once, and the

winde to make me chatter: when the Thunder would not

peace at my bidding, there I found 'em, there I smelt 'em

out. Go too, they are not men o'their words; they told

[2450]

me, I was euery thing: 'Tis a Lye, I am not Agu‐proofe.

Glou. The tricke of that voyce, I do well remember: Is't not the King? Lear. I, euery inch a King. When I do stare, see how the Subiect quakes.

[2455]

I pardon that mans life. What was thy cause? Adultery? thou shalt not dye: dye for Adultery? No, the Wren goes too't, and the small gilded Fly Do's letcher in my sight. Let Copulation thriue: For Glousters bastard Son was kinder to his Father,

[2460]

Then my Daughters got 'tweene the lawfull sheets. Too't Luxury pell‐mell, for I lacke Souldiers.

Behold yond simpring Dame, whose face betweene her

Forkes presages Snow; that minces Vertue, & do's shake

the head to heare of pleasures name. The Fitchew, nor

[2465]

the soyled Horse goes too't with a more riotous appetite:

Downe from the waste they are Centaures, though

Women all aboue: but to the Girdle do the Gods inherit,

beneath is all the Fiends. There's hell, there's darkenes,

there is the sulphurous pit; burning, scalding, stench,

[2470]

consumption: Fye, fie, fie; pah, pah: Giue me an Ounce

of Ciuet; good Apothecary sweeten my immagination:

There's money for thee.

Glou.

O let me kisse that hand.

Lear. Let me wipe it first,

[2475]

It smelles of Mortality. Glou. O ruin'd peece of Nature, this great world Shall so weare out to naught. Do'st thou know me? Lear.

I remember thine eyes well enough: dost thou

[2480]

squiny at me? No, doe thy worst blinde Cupid, Ile not

loue. Reade thou this challenge, marke but the penning

of it.

Glou.

Were all thy Letters Sunnes, I could not see.

Edg. I would not take this from report,

[2485]

It is, and my heart breakes at it. Lear.

Read.

Glou.

What with the Case of eyes?

Lear.

Oh ho, are you there with me? No eies in your

head, nor no mony in your purse? Your eyes are in a heauy

[2490]

case, your purse in a light, yet you see how this world

goes.

Glou.

I see it feelingly.

Lear.

What, art mad? A man may see how this world

goes, with no eyes. Looke with thine eares: See how

[2495]

yond Iustice railes vpon yond simple theefe. Hearke in

thine eare: Change places, and handy‐dandy, which is

the Iustice, which is the theefe: Thou hast seene a Farmers

dogge barke at a Beggar?

Glou.

I Sir.

Lear.

[2500]

And the Creature run from the Cur: there thou

mightֺst behold the great image of Authoritie, a Dogg's

obey'd in Oﬃce. Thou, Rascall Beadle, hold thy bloody

hand: why dost thou lash that Whore? Strip thy owne

backe, thou hotly lusts to vse her in that kind, for which

[2505]

thou whip'st her. The Vsurer hangs the Cozener. Tho

rough tatter'd cloathes great Vices do appeare: Robes,

and Furr'd gownes hide all. Place sinnes with Gold, and

the strong Lance of Iustice, hurtlesse breakes: Arme it in

ragges, a Pigmies straw do's pierce it. None do's offend,

[2510]

none, I say none, Ile able 'em; take that of me my Friend,

who haue the power to seale th' accusers lips. Get thee

glasse‐eyes, and like a scuruy Politician, seeme to see the

things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now. Pull off my

Bootes: harder, harder, so.

Edg.

[2515]

O matter, and impertinency mixt, Reason in Madnesse. Lear. If thou wilt weepe my Fortunes, take my eyes. I know thee well enough, thy name is Glouster: Thou must be patient; we came crying hither:

[2520]

Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the Ayre We wawle, and cry. I will preach to thee: Marke. Glou.

Alacke, alacke the day.

Lear. When we are borne, we cry that we are come To this great stage of Fooles. This a good blocke:

[2525]

It were a delicate stratagem to shoo A Troope of Horse with Felt: Ile put't in proofe, And when I haue stolne vpon these Son in Lawes, Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill. Enter a Gentleman. Gent. Oh heere he is: lay hand vpon him, Sir.

[2530]

Your most deere Daughter ——— Lear. No rescue? What, a Prisoner? I am euen The Naturall Foole of Fortune. Vse me well, You shall haue ransome. Let me haue Surgeons, I am cut to'th' Braines. Gent.

[2535]

You shall haue any thing.

Lear. No Seconds? All my selfe? Why, this would make a man, a man of Salt To vse his eyes for Garden water‐pots. I wil die brauely, Like a smugge Bridegroome. What? I will be Iouiall:

[2540]

Come, come, I am a King, Masters, know you that? Gent.

You are a Royall one, and we obey you.

Lear. Then there's life in't. Come, and you get it, You shall get it by running: Sa, sa, sa, sa. Exit. Gent. A sight most pittifull in the meanest wretch,

[2545]

Past speaking of in a King. Thou hast a Daughter Who redeemes Nature from the generall curse Which twaine haue brought her to. Edg.

Haile gentle Sir.

Gent.

Sir, speed you: what's your will?

Edg.

[2550]

Do you heare ought (Sir) of a Battell toward.

Gent. Most sure, and vulgar: Euery one heares that, which can distinguish sound. Edg. But by your fauour: How neere's the other Army? Gent.

[2555]

Neere, and on speedy foot: the maine descry Stands on the hourely thought. Edg.

I thanke you Sir, that's all.

Gent. Though that the Queen on special cause is here Her Army is mou'd on. Exit. Edg.

[2560]

I thanke you Sir.

Glou. You euer gentle Gods, take my breath from me, Let not my worser Spirit tempt me againe To dye before you please. Edg.

Well pray you Father.

Glou.

[2565]

Now good sir, what are you?

Edg. A most poore man, made tame to Fortunes blows Who, by the Art of knowne, and feeling sorrowes, Am pregnant to good pitty. Giue me your hand, Ile leade you to some biding. Glou.

[2570]

Heartie thankes: The bountie, and the benizon of Heauen To boot, and boot. Enter Steward. Stew. A proclaim'd prize: most happie That eyelesse head of thine, was first fram'd flesh

[2575]

To raise my fortunes. Thou old, vnhappy Traitor, Breefely thy selfe remember: the Sword is out That must destroy thee. Glou. Now let thy friendly hand Put strength enough too't. Stew.

[2580]

Wherefore, bold Pezant, Dar'st thou support a publish'd Traitor? Hence, Least that th'infection of his fortune take Like hold on thee. Let go his arme. Edg. Chill not let go Zir,

[2585]

Without vurther 'casion. Stew.

Let go Slaue, or thou dy'st.

Edg.

Good Gentleman goe your gate, and let poore

volke passe: and 'chud ha'bin zwaggerd out of my life,

'twould not ha'bin zo long as 'tis, by a vortnight. Nay,

[2590]

come not neere th'old man: keepe out che vor'ye, or Ile

try whither your Costard, or my Ballow be the harder;

chill be plaine with you.

Stew.

Out Dunghill.

Edg.

Chill picke your teeth Zir: come, no matter vor

[2595]

your foynes.

Stew. Slaue thou hast slaine me: Villain, take my purse; If euer thou wilt thriue, bury my bodie, And giue the Letters which thou find'st about me, To Edmund Earle of Glouster: seeke him out

[2600]

Vpon the English party. Oh vntimely death, death. Edg. I know thee well. A seruiceable Villaine, As duteous to the vices of thy Mistris, As badnesse would desire. Glou.

What, is he dead?

Edg.

[2605]

Sit you downe Father: rest you. Let's see these Pockets; the Letters that he speakes of May be my Friends: hee's dead; I am onely sorry He had no other Deathsman. Let vs see: Leaue gentle waxe, and manners: blame vs not

[2610]

To know our enemies mindes, we rip their hearts, Their Papers is more lawfull.

Reads the Letter.

L Et our reciprocall vowes be remembred. You haue manie

opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and

[2615]

place will be fruitfully offer'd. There is nothing done. If hee

returne the Conqueror, then am I the Prisoner, and his bed, my

Gaole, from the loathed warmth whereof, deliuer me, and supply

the place for your Labour.

Your (Wife, so I would say) affectionate Seruant. Gonerill.

Oh indistinguish'd space of Womans will, A plot vpon her vertuous Husbands life, And the exchange my Brother: heere, in the sands Thee Ile rake vp, the poste vnsanctified

[2625]

Of murtherous Letchers: and in the mature time, With this vngracious paper strike the sight Of the death‐practis'd Duke: for him 'tis well, That of thy death, and businesse, I can tell. Glou. The King is mad:

[2630]

How stiffe is my vilde sense That I stand vp, and haue ingenious feeling Of my huge Sorrowes? Better I were distract, So should my thoughts be seuer'd from my greefes, Drum afarre off. And woes, by wrong imaginations loose

[2635]

The knowledge of themselues. Edg. Giue me your hand: Farre off methinkes I heare the beaten Drumme. Come Father, Ile bestow you with a Friend. Exeunt.

Download the digital text of the play

                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="5">
   <head rend="italic center">Scena Quinta.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 4, Scene 5]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Gloucester, and Edgar.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2331">When shall I come to th'top of that same hill?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2332">You do climbe vp it now. Look how we labor.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2333">Me thinkes the ground is eeuen.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2334">Horrible steepe.</l>
      <l n="2335">Hearke, do you heare the Sea?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2336">No truly.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2337">Why then your other Senses grow imperfect</l>
      <l n="2338">By your eyes anguish.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2339">So may it be indeed.</l>
      <l n="2340">Me thinkes thy voyce is alter'd, and thou speak'st</l>
      <l n="2341">In better phrase, and matter then thou did'st.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2342">Y'are much deceiu'd: In nothing am I chang'd</l>
      <l n="2343">But in my Garments.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2344">Me thinkes y'are better spoken.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2345">Come on Sir,</l>
      <l n="2346">Heere's the place: stand still: how fearefull</l>
      <l n="2347">And dizie 'tis, to cast ones eyes so low,</l>
      <l n="2348">The Crowes and Choughes, that wing the midway ayre</l>
      <l n="2349">Shew scarse so grosse as Beetles. Halfe way downe</l>
      <l n="2350">Hangs one that gathers Sampire: dreadfull Trade:</l>
      <l n="2351">Me thinkes he seemes no bigger then his head.</l>
      <l n="2352">The Fishermen, that walk'd vpon the beach</l>
      <l n="2353">Appeare like Mice: and yond tall Anchoring Barke,</l>
      <l n="2354">Diminish'd to her Cocke: her Cocke, a Buoy</l>
      <l n="2355">Almost too small for sight. The murmuring Surge,</l>
      <l n="2356">That on th'vnnumbred idle Pebble chafes</l>
      <l n="2357">Cannot be heard so high. Ile looke no more,</l>
      <l n="2358">Least my braine turne, and the deficient sight</l>
      <l n="2359">Topple downe headlong.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2360">Set me where you stand.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2361">Giue me your hand:</l>
      <l n="2362">You are now within a foote of th'extreme Verge:</l>
      <l n="2363">For all beneath the Moone would I not leape vpright.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2364">Let go my hand:</l>
      <l n="2365">Heere Friend's another purse: in it, a Iewell</l>
      <l n="2366">Well worth a poore mans taking. Fayries, and Gods</l>
      <l n="2367">Prosper it with thee. Go thou further off,</l>
      <l n="2368">Bid me farewell, and let me heare thee going.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2369">Now fare ye well, good Sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2370">With all my heart.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2371">Why I do trifle thus with his dispaire,</l>
      <l n="2372">Is done to cure it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2373">O you mighty Gods!</l>
      <l n="2374">This world I do renounce, and in your sights</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0813-0.jpg" n="303"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="2375">Shake patiently my great affliction off:</l>
      <l n="2376">If I could beare it longer, and not fall</l>
      <l n="2377">To quarrell with your great opposelesse willes,</l>
      <l n="2378">My snuffe, and loathed part of Nature should</l>
      <l n="2379">Burne it selfe out. If<hi rend="italic">Edgar</hi>liue, O blesse him:</l>
      <l n="2380">Now Fellow, fare thee well.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2381">Gone Sir, farewell:</l>
      <l n="2382">And yet I know not how conceit may rob</l>
      <l n="2383">The Treasury of life, when life it selfe</l>
      <l n="2384">Yeelds to the Theft. Had he bin where he thought,</l>
      <l n="2385">By this had thought bin past. Aliue, or dead?</l>
      <l n="2386">Hoa, you Sir: Friend, heare you Sir, speake:</l>
      <l n="2387">Thus might he passe indeed: yet he reuiues.</l>
      <l n="2388">What are you Sir?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2389">Away, and let me dye.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2390">Had'st thou beene ought</l>
      <l n="2391">But Gozemore, Feathers, Ayre,</l>
      <l n="2392">(So many fathome downe precipitating)</l>
      <l n="2393">Thou'dst shiuer'd like an Egge: but thou do'st breath:</l>
      <l n="2394">Hast heauy substance, bleed'st not, speak'st, art sound,</l>
      <l n="2395">Ten Masts at each, make not the altitude</l>
      <l n="2396">Which thou hast perpendicularly fell,</l>
      <l n="2397">Thy life's a Myracle. Speake yet againe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2398">But haue I falne, or no?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2399">From the dread Somnet of this Chalkie Bourne</l>
      <l n="2400">Looke vp a height, the shrill‐gorg'd Larke so farre</l>
      <l n="2401">Cannot be seene, or heard: Do but looke vp.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2402">Alacke, I haue no eyes:</l>
      <l n="2403">Is wretchednesse depriu'd that benefit</l>
      <l n="2404">To end it selfe by death? 'Twas yet some comfort,</l>
      <l n="2405">When misery could beguile the Tyrants rage,</l>
      <l n="2406">And frustrate his proud will.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2407">Giue me your arme.</l>
      <l n="2408">Vp, so: How is't? Feele you your Legges? You stand.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2409">Too well, too well.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2410">This is aboue all strangenesse,</l>
      <l n="2411">Vpon the crowne o'th' Cliffe. What thing was that</l>
      <l n="2412">Which parted from you?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2413">A poore vnfortunate Beggar.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2414">As I stood heere below, me thought his eyes</l>
      <l n="2415">Were two full Moones: he had a thousand Noses,</l>
      <l n="2416">Hornes wealk'd, and waued like the enraged Sea:</l>
      <l n="2417">It was some Fiend: Therefore thou happy Father,</l>
      <l n="2418">Thinke that the cleerest Gods, who make them Honors</l>
      <l n="2419">Of mens Impossibilities, haue preserued thee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2420">I do remember now: henceforth Ile beare</l>
      <l n="2421">Affliction, till it do cry out it selfe</l>
      <l n="2422">Enough, enough, and dye. That thing you speake of,</l>
      <l n="2423">I tooke it for a man: often 'twould say</l>
      <l n="2424">The Fiend, the Fiend, he led me to that place.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edgar.</speaker>
      <l n="2425">Beare free and patient thoughts.</l>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Lear.</stage>
      <l n="2426">But who comes heere?</l>
      <l n="2427">The safer sense will ne're accommodate</l>
      <l n="2428">His Master thus.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2429">No, they cannot touch me for crying. I am the</l>
      <l n="2430">King himselfe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2431">O thou side‐piercing sight!</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="2432">Nature's aboue Art, in that respect. Ther's your
      <lb n="2433"/>Presse‐money. That fellow handles his bow, like a Crowkeeper:
      <lb n="2434"/>draw mee a Cloathiers yard. Looke, looke, a
      <lb n="2435"/>Mouse: peace, peace, this peece of toasted Cheese will
      <lb n="2436"/>doo't. There's my Gauntlet, Ile proue it on a Gyant.
      <lb n="2437"/>Bring vp the browne Billes. O well flowne Bird: i'th'
      <lb n="2438"/>clout, i'th' clout: Hewgh. Giue the word.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2439">Sweet Mariorum.</p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="2440">Passe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2441">I know that voice.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="2442">Ha!<hi rend="italic">Gonerill</hi>with a white beard? They flatter'd
      <lb n="2443"/>me like a Dogge, and told mee I had the white hayres in
      <lb n="2444"/>my Beard, ere the blacke ones were there. To say I, and
      <lb n="2445"/>no, to euery thing that I said: I, and no too, was no good
      <lb n="2446"/>Diuinity. When the raine came to wet me once, and the
      <lb n="2447"/>winde to make me chatter: when the Thunder would not
      <lb n="2448"/>peace at my bidding, there I found 'em, there I smelt 'em
      <lb n="2449"/>out. Go too, they are not men o'their words; they told
      <lb n="2450"/>me, I was euery thing: 'Tis a Lye, I am not Agu‐proofe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2451">The tricke of that voyce, I do well remember:</l>
      <l n="2452">Is't not the King?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2453">I, euery inch a King.</l>
      <l n="2454">When I do stare, see how the Subiect quakes.</l>
      <l n="2455">I pardon that mans life. What was thy cause?</l>
      <l n="2456">Adultery? thou shalt not dye: dye for Adultery?</l>
      <l n="2457">No, the Wren goes too't, and the small gilded Fly</l>
      <l n="2458">Do's letcher in my sight. Let Copulation thriue:</l>
      <l n="2459">For Glousters bastard Son was kinder to his Father,</l>
      <l n="2460">Then my Daughters got 'tweene the lawfull sheets.</l>
      <l n="2461">Too't Luxury pell‐mell, for I lacke Souldiers.</l>
      <p n="2462">Behold yond simpring Dame, whose face betweene her
      <lb n="2463"/>Forkes presages Snow; that minces Vertue, &amp; do's shake
      <lb n="2464"/>the head to heare of pleasures name. The Fitchew, nor
      <lb n="2465"/>the soyled Horse goes too't with a more riotous appetite:
      <lb n="2466"/>Downe from the waste they are Centaures, though
      <lb n="2467"/>Women all aboue: but to the Girdle do the Gods inherit,
      <lb n="2468"/>beneath is all the Fiends. There's hell, there's darkenes,
      <lb n="2469"/>there is the sulphurous pit; burning, scalding, stench,
      <lb n="2470"/>consumption: Fye, fie, fie; pah, pah: Giue me an Ounce
      <lb n="2471"/>of Ciuet; good Apothecary sweeten my immagination:
      <lb n="2472"/>There's money for thee.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2473">O let me kisse that hand.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2474">Let me wipe it first,</l>
      <l n="2475">It smelles of Mortality.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2476">O ruin'd peece of Nature, this great world</l>
      <l n="2477">Shall so weare out to naught.</l>
      <l n="2478">Do'st thou know me?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="2479">I remember thine eyes well enough: dost thou
      <lb n="2480"/>squiny at me? No, doe thy worst blinde Cupid, Ile not
      <lb n="2481"/>loue. Reade thou this challenge, marke but the penning
      <lb n="2482"/>of it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2483">Were all thy Letters Sunnes, I could not see.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2484">I would not take this from report,</l>
      <l n="2485">It is, and my heart breakes at it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="2486">Read.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2487">What with the Case of eyes?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="2488">Oh ho, are you there with me? No eies in your
      <lb n="2489"/>head, nor no mony in your purse? Your eyes are in a heauy
      <lb n="2490"/>case, your purse in a light, yet you see how this world
      <lb n="2491"/>goes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2492">I see it feelingly.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="2493">What, art mad? A man may see how this world
      <lb n="2494"/>goes, with no eyes. Looke with thine eares: See how
      <lb n="2495"/>yond Iustice railes vpon yond simple theefe. Hearke in
      <lb n="2496"/>thine eare: Change places, and handy‐dandy, which is
      <lb n="2497"/>the Iustice, which is the theefe: Thou hast seene a Farmers
      <lb n="2498"/>dogge barke at a Beggar?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2499">I Sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <p n="2500">And the Creature run from the Cur: there thou
      <lb n="2501"/>mightֺst behold the great image of Authoritie, a Dogg's
      <lb n="2502"/>obey'd in Oﬃce. Thou, Rascall Beadle, hold thy bloody
      <lb n="2503"/>hand: why dost thou lash that Whore? Strip thy owne
      <lb n="2504"/>backe, thou hotly lusts to vse her in that kind, for which
      <lb n="2505"/>thou whip'st her. The Vsurer hangs the Cozener. Tho</p>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0814-0.jpg" n="304"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <p n="2506">rough tatter'd cloathes great Vices do appeare: Robes,
      <lb n="2507"/>and Furr'd gownes hide all. Place sinnes with Gold, and
      <lb n="2508"/>the strong Lance of Iustice, hurtlesse breakes: Arme it in
      <lb n="2509"/>ragges, a Pigmies straw do's pierce it. None do's offend,
      <lb n="2510"/>none, I say none, Ile able 'em; take that of me my Friend,
      <lb n="2511"/>who haue the power to seale th' accusers lips. Get thee
      <lb n="2512"/>glasse‐eyes, and like a scuruy Politician, seeme to see the
      <lb n="2513"/>things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now. Pull off my
      <lb n="2514"/>Bootes: harder, harder, so.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2515">O matter, and impertinency mixt,</l>
      <l n="2516">Reason in Madnesse.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2517">If thou wilt weepe my Fortunes, take my eyes.</l>
      <l n="2518">I know thee well enough, thy name is Glouster:</l>
      <l n="2519">Thou must be patient; we came crying hither:</l>
      <l n="2520">Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the Ayre</l>
      <l n="2521">We wawle, and cry. I will preach to thee: Marke.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2522">Alacke, alacke the day.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2523">When we are borne, we cry that we are come</l>
      <l n="2524">To this great stage of Fooles. This a good blocke:</l>
      <l n="2525">It were a delicate stratagem to shoo</l>
      <l n="2526">A Troope of Horse with Felt: Ile put't in proofe,</l>
      <l n="2527">And when I haue stolne vpon these Son in Lawes,</l>
      <l n="2528">Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter a Gentleman.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <l n="2529">Oh heere he is: lay hand vpon him, Sir.</l>
      <l n="2530">Your most deere Daughter ———</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2531">No rescue? What, a Prisoner? I am euen</l>
      <l n="2532">The Naturall Foole of Fortune. Vse me well,</l>
      <l n="2533">You shall haue ransome. Let me haue Surgeons,</l>
      <l n="2534">I am cut to'th' Braines.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <p n="2535">You shall haue any thing.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2536">No Seconds? All my selfe?</l>
      <l n="2537">Why, this would make a man, a man of Salt</l>
      <l n="2538">To vse his eyes for Garden water‐pots. I wil die brauely,</l>
      <l n="2539">Like a smugge Bridegroome. What? I will be Iouiall:</l>
      <l n="2540">Come, come, I am a King, Masters, know you that?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <p n="2541">You are a Royall one, and we obey you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-lea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lear.</speaker>
      <l n="2542">Then there's life in't. Come, and you get it,</l>
      <l n="2543">You shall get it by running: Sa, sa, sa, sa.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <l n="2544">A sight most pittifull in the meanest wretch,</l>
      <l n="2545">Past speaking of in a King. Thou hast a Daughter</l>
      <l n="2546">Who redeemes Nature from the generall curse</l>
      <l n="2547">Which twaine haue brought her to.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2548">Haile gentle Sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <p n="2549">Sir, speed you: what's your will?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2550">Do you heare ought (Sir) of a Battell toward.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <l n="2551">Most sure, and vulgar:</l>
      <l n="2552">Euery one heares that, which can distinguish sound.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2553">But by your fauour:</l>
      <l n="2554">How neere's the other Army?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <l n="2555">Neere, and on speedy foot: the maine descry</l>
      <l n="2556">Stands on the hourely thought.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2557">I thanke you Sir, that's all.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-gen">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent.</speaker>
      <l n="2558">Though that the Queen on special cause is here</l>
      <l n="2559">Her Army is mou'd on.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2560">I thanke you Sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2561">You euer gentle Gods, take my breath from me,</l>
      <l n="2562">Let not my worser Spirit tempt me againe</l>
      <l n="2563">To dye before you please.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2564">Well pray you Father.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2565">Now good sir, what are you?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2566">A most poore man, made tame to Fortunes blows</l>
      <l n="2567">Who, by the Art of knowne, and feeling sorrowes,</l>
      <l n="2568">Am pregnant to good pitty. Giue me your hand,</l>
      <l n="2569">Ile leade you to some biding.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2570">Heartie thankes:</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="2571">The bountie, and the benizon of Heauen</l>
      <l n="2572">To boot, and boot.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Steward.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ste">
      <speaker rend="italic">Stew.</speaker>
      <l n="2573">A proclaim'd prize: most happie</l>
      <l n="2574">That eyelesse head of thine, was first fram'd flesh</l>
      <l n="2575">To raise my fortunes. Thou old, vnhappy Traitor,</l>
      <l n="2576">Breefely thy selfe remember: the Sword is out</l>
      <l n="2577">That must destroy thee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2578">Now let thy friendly hand</l>
      <l n="2579">Put strength enough too't.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ste">
      <speaker rend="italic">Stew.</speaker>
      <l n="2580">Wherefore, bold Pezant,</l>
      <l n="2581">Dar'st thou support a publish'd Traitor? Hence,</l>
      <l n="2582">Least that th'infection of his fortune take</l>
      <l n="2583">Like hold on thee. Let go his arme.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2584">Chill not let go Zir,</l>
      <l n="2585">Without vurther 'casion.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ste">
      <speaker rend="italic">Stew.</speaker>
      <p n="2586">Let go Slaue, or thou dy'st.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2587">Good Gentleman goe your gate, and let poore
      <lb n="2588"/>volke passe: and 'chud ha'bin zwaggerd out of my life,
      <lb n="2589"/>'twould not ha'bin zo long as 'tis, by a vortnight. Nay,
      <lb n="2590"/>come not neere th'old man: keepe out che vor'ye, or Ile
      <lb n="2591"/>try whither your Costard, or my Ballow be the harder;
      <lb n="2592"/>chill be plaine with you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ste">
      <speaker rend="italic">Stew.</speaker>
      <p n="2593">Out Dunghill.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <p n="2594">Chill picke your teeth Zir: come, no matter vor
      <lb n="2595"/>your foynes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-ste">
      <speaker rend="italic">Stew.</speaker>
      <l n="2596">Slaue thou hast slaine me: Villain, take my purse;</l>
      <l n="2597">If euer thou wilt thriue, bury my bodie,</l>
      <l n="2598">And giue the Letters which thou find'st about me,</l>
      <l n="2599">To<hi rend="italic">Edmund</hi>Earle of Glouster: seeke him out</l>
      <l n="2600">Vpon the English party. Oh vntimely death, death.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2601">I know thee well. A seruiceable Villaine,</l>
      <l n="2602">As duteous to the vices of thy Mistris,</l>
      <l n="2603">As badnesse would desire.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <p n="2604">What, is he dead?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2605">Sit you downe Father: rest you.</l>
      <l n="2606">Let's see these Pockets; the Letters that he speakes of</l>
      <l n="2607">May be my Friends: hee's dead; I am onely sorry</l>
      <l n="2608">He had no other Deathsman. Let vs see:</l>
      <l n="2609">Leaue gentle waxe, and manners: blame vs not</l>
      <l n="2610">To know our enemies mindes, we rip their hearts,</l>
      <l n="2611">Their Papers is more lawfull.</l>
      <p rend="center italic" n="2612">Reads the Letter.
      <lb n="2613"/>
         <c rend="decoratedCapital">L</c>Et our reciprocall vowes be remembred. You haue manie
      <lb n="2614"/>opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and
      <lb n="2615"/>place will be fruitfully offer'd. There is nothing done. If hee
      <lb n="2616"/>returne the Conqueror, then am I the Prisoner, and his bed, my
      <lb n="2617"/>Gaole, from the loathed warmth whereof, deliuer me, and supply
      <lb n="2618"/>the place for your Labour.</p>
      <p rend="rightJustified" n="2619">
         <hi rend="italic">Your (Wife, so I would say) affectionate
      <lb n="2620"/>Seruant.</hi>Gonerill.</p>
      <l n="2621">Oh indistinguish'd space of Womans will,</l>
      <l n="2622">A plot vpon her vertuous Husbands life,</l>
      <l n="2623">And the exchange my Brother: heere, in the sands</l>
      <l n="2624">Thee Ile rake vp, the poste vnsanctified</l>
      <l n="2625">Of murtherous Letchers: and in the mature time,</l>
      <l n="2626">With this vngracious paper strike the sight</l>
      <l n="2627">Of the death‐practis'd Duke: for him 'tis well,</l>
      <l n="2628">That of thy death, and businesse, I can tell.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-glo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Glou.</speaker>
      <l n="2629">The King is mad:</l>
      <l n="2630">How stiffe is my vilde sense</l>
      <l n="2631">That I stand vp, and haue ingenious feeling</l>
      <l n="2632">Of my huge Sorrowes? Better I were distract,</l>
      <l n="2633">So should my thoughts be seuer'd from my greefes,</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Drum afarre off.</stage>
      <l n="2634">And woes, by wrong imaginations loose</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0815-0.jpg" n="305"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="2635">The knowledge of themselues.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-lr-edg">
      <speaker rend="italic">Edg.</speaker>
      <l n="2636">Giue me your hand:</l>
      <l n="2637">Farre off methinkes I heare the beaten Drumme.</l>
      <l n="2638">Come Father, Ile bestow you with a Friend.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
</div>

Download the XML

The Bodleian First Folio

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

Text and Image

Reference: rr5v - Tragedies, p. 302