The Tragedy of King Lear - character extract · 2013-11-10 · The Tragedy of King Lear King Lear complete text King Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester . 1.1.34

The Tragedy of King Lear

King Lear complete text

King Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester. 1.1.34

King Lear. Meantime we shall express our darker purpose. 1.1.36

Give me the map there. Know that we have divided 1.1.37

In three our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent 1.1.38

To shake all cares and business from our age; 1.1.39

Conferring them on younger strengths, while we 1.1.40

Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall, 1.1.41

And you, our no less loving son of Albany, 1.1.42

We have this hour a constant will to publish 1.1.43

Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife 1.1.44

May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy, 1.1.45

Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love, 1.1.46

Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, 1.1.47

And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters,-- 1.1.48

Since now we will divest us both of rule, 1.1.49

Interest of territory, cares of state,-- 1.1.50

Which of you shall we say doth love us most? 1.1.51

That we our largest bounty may extend 1.1.52

Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril, 1.1.53

Our eldest-born, speak first. 1.1.54

KIng Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, 1.1.64

With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd, 1.1.65

With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads, 1.1.66

We make thee lady: to thine and Albany's issue 1.1.67

Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter, 1.1.68

Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak. 1.1.69

King Lear. To thee and thine hereditary ever 1.1.82

Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom; 1.1.83

No less in space, validity, and pleasure, 1.1.84

Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy, 1.1.85

Although the last, not least; to whose young love 1.1.86

The vines of France and milk of Burgundy 1.1.87

Strive to be interess'd; what can you say to draw 1.1.88

A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak. 1.1.89

King Lear. Nothing! 1.1.91

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The Tragedy of King Lear - character extract

King Lear. Nothing will come of nothing: speak again. 1.1.93

King Lear. How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little, 1.1.97

Lest it may mar your fortunes. 1.1.98

King Lear. But goes thy heart with this? 1.1.109

King Lear. So young, and so untender? 1.1.111

King Lear. Let it be so; thy truth, then, be thy dower: 1.1.113

For, by the sacred radiance of the sun, 1.1.114

The mysteries of Hecate, and the night; 1.1.115

By all the operation of the orbs 1.1.116

From whom we do exist, and cease to be; 1.1.117

Here I disclaim all my paternal care, 1.1.118

Propinquity and property of blood, 1.1.119

And as a stranger to my heart and me 1.1.120

Hold thee, from this, for ever. The barbarous Scythian, 1.1.121

Or he that makes his generation messes 1.1.122

To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom 1.1.123

Be as well neighbour'd, pitied, and relieved, 1.1.124

As thou my sometime daughter. 1.1.125

King Lear. Peace, Kent! 1.1.127

Come not between the dragon and his wrath. 1.1.128

I loved her most, and thought to set my rest 1.1.129

On her kind nursery. Hence, and avoid my sight! 1.1.130

So be my grave my peace, as here I give 1.1.131

Her father's heart from her! Call France; who stirs? 1.1.132

Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany, 1.1.133

With my two daughters' dowers digest this third: 1.1.134

Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her. 1.1.135

I do invest you jointly with my power, 1.1.136

Pre-eminence, and all the large effects 1.1.137

That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course, 1.1.138

With reservation of an hundred knights, 1.1.139

By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode 1.1.140

Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain 1.1.141

The name, and all the additions to a king; 1.1.142

The sway, revenue, execution of the rest, 1.1.143

Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm, 1.1.144

This coronet part betwixt you. 1.1.145

Giving the crown King Lear. The bow is bent and drawn, make from the shaft. 1.1.150



King Lear. Kent, on thy life, no more. 1.1.162

King Lear. Out of my sight! 1.1.166

King Lear. Now, by Apollo,-- 1.1.169

King Lear. O, vassal! miscreant! [Lays his hand on his sword] 1.1.172

King Lear. Hear me, recreant! 1.1.179

On thine allegiance, hear me! 1.1.180

Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow, 1.1.181

Which we durst never yet, and with strain'd pride 1.1.182

To come between our sentence and our power, 1.1.183

Which nor our nature nor our place can bear, 1.1.184

Our potency made good, take thy reward. 1.1.185

Five days we do allot thee, for provision 1.1.186

To shield thee from diseases of the world; 1.1.187

And on the sixth to turn thy hated back 1.1.188

Upon our kingdom: if, on the tenth day following, 1.1.189

Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions, 1.1.190

The moment is thy death. Away! by Jupiter, 1.1.191

This shall not be revoked. 1.1.192

King Lear. My lord of Burgundy. 1.1.202

We first address towards you, who with this king 1.1.203

Hath rivall'd for our daughter: what, in the least, 1.1.204

Will you require in present dower with her, 1.1.205

Or cease your quest of love? 1.1.206

King Lear. Right noble Burgundy, 1.1.210

When she was dear to us, we did hold her so; 1.1.211

But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands: 1.1.212

If aught within that little seeming substance, 1.1.213

Or all of it, with our displeasure pieced, 1.1.214

And nothing more, may fitly like your grace, 1.1.215

She's there, and she is yours. 1.1.216

King Lear. Will you, with those infirmities she owes, 1.1.218

Unfriended, new-adopted to our hate, 1.1.219

Dower'd with our curse, and stranger'd with our oath, 1.1.220

Take her, or leave her? 1.1.221

King Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me, 1.1.224

I tell you all her wealth. 1.1.225

To KING OF FRANCE



For you, great king, 1.1.226

I would not from your love make such a stray, 1.1.227

To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you 1.1.228

To avert your liking a more worthier way 1.1.229

Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed 1.1.230

Almost to acknowledge hers. 1.1.231

King Lear. Better thou 1.1.254

Hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better. 1.1.255

King Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm. 1.1.267

King Lear. Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we 1.1.285

Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see 1.1.286

That face of hers again. Therefore be gone 1.1.287

Without our grace, our love, our benison. 1.1.288

Come, noble Burgundy. 1.1.289

Flourish. Exeunt all but KING OF FRANCE, GONERIL,

REGAN, and CORDELIA King Lear. Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready. 1.4.8

Exit an Attendant How now! what art thou? 1.4.9

King Lear. What dost thou profess? what wouldst thou with us? 1.4.11

King Lear. What art thou? 1.4.17

King Lear. If thou be as poor for a subject as he is for a 1.4.19

king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou? 1.4.20

King Lear. Who wouldst thou serve? 1.4.22

King Lear. Dost thou know me, fellow? 1.4.24

King Lear. What's that? 1.4.27

King Lear. What services canst thou do? 1.4.29

King Lear. How old art thou? 1.4.34



King Lear. Follow me; thou shalt serve me: if I like thee no 1.4.38

worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. 1.4.39

Dinner, ho, dinner! Where's my knave? my fool? 1.4.40

Go you, and call my fool hither. 1.4.41

Exit an Attendant

Enter OSWALD You, you, sirrah, where's my daughter? 1.4.42

King Lear. What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back. 1.4.44

Exit a Knight Where's my fool, ho? I think the world's asleep. 1.4.45

Re-enter Knight How now! where's that mongrel? 1.4.46

King Lear. Why came not the slave back to me when I called him. 1.4.48

King Lear. He would not! 1.4.51

King Lear. Ha! sayest thou so? 1.4.58

King Lear. Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception: I 1.4.62

have perceived a most faint neglect of late; which I 1.4.63

have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity 1.4.64

than as a very pretence and purpose of unkindness: 1.4.65

I will look further into't. But where's my fool? I 1.4.66

have not seen him this two days. 1.4.67

King Lear. No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you, and 1.4.70

tell my daughter I would speak with her. 1.4.71

Exit an Attendant Go you, call hither my fool. 1.4.72

Exit an Attendant

Re-enter OSWALD O, you sir, you, come you hither, sir: who am I, 1.4.73

sir? 1.4.74

King Lear. 'My lady's father'! my lord's knave: your 1.4.76

whoreson dog! you slave! you cur! 1.4.77

King Lear. Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal? 1.4.79

Striking him King Lear. I thank thee, fellow; thou servest me, and I'll 1.4.82

1.4.83



love thee. King Lear. Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee: there's 1.4.88

earnest of thy service. 1.4.89

Giving KENT money

Enter Fool King Lear. How now, my pretty knave! how dost thou? 1.4.91

King Lear. Why, my boy? 1.4.101

King Lear. Take heed, sirrah; the whip. 1.4.104

King Lear. A pestilent gall to me! 1.4.107

King Lear. Do. 1.4.109

King Lear. Why, no, boy; nothing can be made out of nothing. 1.4.125

King Lear. A bitter fool! 1.4.128

King Lear. No, lad; teach me. 1.4.131

King Lear. Dost thou call me fool, boy? 1.4.140

King Lear. What two crowns shall they be? 1.4.149

King Lear. When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah? 1.4.162

King Lear. An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipped. 1.4.172

King Lear. How now, daughter! what makes that frontlet on? 1.4.181

Methinks you are too much of late i' the frown. 1.4.182

King Lear Are you our daughter? 1.4.210

King Lear. Doth any here know me? This is not Lear: 1.4.218



Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes? 1.4.219

Either his notion weakens, his discernings 1.4.220

Are lethargied--Ha! waking? 'tis not so. 1.4.221

Who is it that can tell me who I am? 1.4.222

King Lear. I would learn that; for, by the 1.4.224

marks of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason, 1.4.225

I should be false persuaded I had daughters. 1.4.226

King Lear. Your name, fair gentlewoman? 1.4.228

King Lear. Darkness and devils! 1.4.245

Saddle my horses; call my train together: 1.4.246

Degenerate bastard! I'll not trouble thee. 1.4.247

Yet have I left a daughter. 1.4.248

King Lear. Woe, that too late repents,-- 1.4.251

To ALBANY O, sir, are you come? 1.4.252

Is it your will? Speak, sir. Prepare my horses. 1.4.253

Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend, 1.4.254

More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child 1.4.255

Than the sea-monster! 1.4.256

King Lear. [To GONERIL] Detested kite! thou liest. 1.4.258

My train are men of choice and rarest parts, 1.4.259

That all particulars of duty know, 1.4.260

And in the most exact regard support 1.4.261

The worships of their name. O most small fault, 1.4.262

How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show! 1.4.263

That, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature 1.4.264

From the fix'd place; drew from heart all love, 1.4.265

And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear! 1.4.266

Beat at this gate, that let thy folly in, 1.4.267

Striking his head And thy dear judgment out! Go, go, my people. 1.4.268

King Lear. It may be so, my lord. 1.4.271

Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear! 1.4.272

Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend 1.4.273

To make this creature fruitful! 1.4.274

Into her womb convey sterility! 1.4.275

Dry up in her the organs of increase; 1.4.276

And from her derogate body never spring 1.4.277

A babe to honour her! If she must teem, 1.4.278

Create her child of spleen; that it may live, 1.4.279

And be a thwart disnatured torment to her! 1.4.280



Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth; 1.4.281

With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks; 1.4.282

Turn all her mother's pains and benefits 1.4.283

To laughter and contempt; that she may feel 1.4.284

How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is 1.4.285

To have a thankless child! Away, away! 1.4.286

Exit King Lear. What, fifty of my followers at a clap! 1.4.291

Within a fortnight! 1.4.292

King Lear. I'll tell thee: 1.4.294

To GONERIL Life and death! I am ashamed 1.4.295

That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus; 1.4.296

That these hot tears, which break from me perforce, 1.4.297

Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee! 1.4.298

The untented woundings of a father's curse 1.4.299

Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes, 1.4.300

Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out, 1.4.301

And cast you, with the waters that you lose, 1.4.302

To temper clay. Yea, it is come to this? 1.4.303

Let is be so: yet have I left a daughter, 1.4.304

Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable: 1.4.305

When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails 1.4.306

She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find 1.4.307

That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think 1.4.308

I have cast off for ever: thou shalt, 1.4.309

I warrant thee. 1.4.310

Exeunt KING LEAR, KENT, and Attendants King Lear. Go you before to Gloucester with these letters. 1.5.1

Acquaint my daughter no further with any thing you 1.5.2

know than comes from her demand out of the letter. 1.5.3

If your diligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore you. 1.5.4

King Lear. Ay, boy. 1.5.9

King Lear. Ha, ha, ha! 1.5.12

King Lear. Why, what canst thou tell, my boy? 1.5.16

King Lear. No. 1.5.20

King Lear. I did her wrong-- 1.5.23




King Lear. Why? 1.5.27

King Lear. I will forget my nature. So kind a father! Be my 1.5.30

horses ready? 1.5.31

King Lear. Because they are not eight? 1.5.34

King Lear. To take 't again perforce! Monster ingratitude! 1.5.36

King Lear. How's that? 1.5.39

King Lear. O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven 1.5.42

Keep me in temper: I would not be mad! 1.5.43

Enter Gentleman How now! are the horses ready? 1.5.44

King Lear. Come, boy. 1.5.46

King Lear. 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home, 2.4.1

And not send back my messenger. 2.4.2

King Lear. Ha! 2.4.7

Makest thou this shame thy pastime? 2.4.8

King Lear. What's he that hath so much thy place mistook 2.4.15

To set thee here? 2.4.16


King Lear. No, I say. 2.4.21

King Lear. No, no, they would not. 2.4.23

King Lear. By Jupiter, I swear, no. 2.4.25



King Lear. They durst not do 't; 2.4.27

They could not, would not do 't; 'tis worse than murder, 2.4.28

To do upon respect such violent outrage: 2.4.29

Resolve me, with all modest haste, which way 2.4.30

Thou mightst deserve, or they impose, this usage, 2.4.31

Coming from us. 2.4.32

King Lear. O, how this mother swells up toward my heart! 2.4.61

Hysterica passio, down, thou climbing sorrow, 2.4.62

Thy element's below! Where is this daughter? 2.4.63

King Lear. Follow me not; 2.4.65

Stay here. 2.4.66

Exit King Lear. Deny to speak with me? They are sick? they are weary? 2.4.93

They have travell'd all the night? Mere fetches; 2.4.94

The images of revolt and flying off. 2.4.95

Fetch me a better answer. 2.4.96

King Lear. Vengeance! plague! death! confusion! 2.4.101

Fiery? what quality? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester, 2.4.102

I'ld speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife. 2.4.103

King Lear. Inform'd them! Dost thou understand me, man? 2.4.105

King Lear. The king would speak with Cornwall; the dear father 2.4.107

Would with his daughter speak, commands her service: 2.4.108

Are they inform'd of this? My breath and blood! 2.4.109

Fiery? the fiery duke? Tell the hot duke that-- 2.4.110

No, but not yet: may be he is not well: 2.4.111

Infirmity doth still neglect all office 2.4.112

Whereto our health is bound; we are not ourselves 2.4.113

When nature, being oppress'd, commands the mind 2.4.114

To suffer with the body: I'll forbear; 2.4.115

And am fall'n out with my more headier will, 2.4.116

To take the indisposed and sickly fit 2.4.117

For the sound man. Death on my state! wherefore 2.4.118

Looking on KENT Should he sit here? This act persuades me 2.4.119

That this remotion of the duke and her 2.4.120

Is practise only. Give me my servant forth. 2.4.121

Go tell the duke and 's wife I'ld speak with them, 2.4.122

Now, presently: bid them come forth and hear me, 2.4.123

Or at their chamber-door I'll beat the drum 2.4.124

Till it cry sleep to death. 2.4.125



King Lear. O me, my heart, my rising heart! but, down! 2.4.127

King Lear. Good morrow to you both. 2.4.133

King Lear. Regan, I think you are; I know what reason 2.4.136

I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad, 2.4.137

I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb, 2.4.138

Sepulchring an adultress. 2.4.139

To KENT O, are you free? 2.4.140

Some other time for that. Beloved Regan, 2.4.141

Thy sister's naught: O Regan, she hath tied 2.4.142

Sharp-tooth'd unkindness, like a vulture, here: 2.4.143

Points to his heart I can scarce speak to thee; thou'lt not believe 2.4.144

With how depraved a quality--O Regan! 2.4.145

King Lear. Say, how is that? 2.4.149

King Lear. My curses on her! 2.4.155

King Lear. Ask her forgiveness? 2.4.163

Do you but mark how this becomes the house: 2.4.164

'Dear daughter, I confess that I am old; 2.4.165

Kneeling Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg 2.4.166

That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.' 2.4.167

King Lear. [Rising] Never, Regan: 2.4.170

She hath abated me of half my train; 2.4.171

Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue, 2.4.172

Most serpent-like, upon the very heart: 2.4.173

All the stored vengeances of heaven fall 2.4.174

On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones, 2.4.175

You taking airs, with lameness! 2.4.176

King Lear. You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames 2.4.178

Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty, 2.4.179

You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the powerful sun, 2.4.180

To fall and blast her pride! 2.4.181

King Lear. No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse: 2.4.184

Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give 2.4.185



Thee o'er to harshness: her eyes are fierce; but thine 2.4.186

Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee 2.4.187

To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train, 2.4.188

To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes, 2.4.189

And in conclusion to oppose the bolt 2.4.190

Against my coming in: thou better know'st 2.4.191

The offices of nature, bond of childhood, 2.4.192

Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude; 2.4.193

Thy half o' the kingdom hast thou not forgot, 2.4.194

Wherein I thee endow'd. 2.4.195

King Lear. Who put my man i' the stocks? 2.4.197

Tucket within King Lear. This is a slave, whose easy-borrow'd pride 2.4.202

Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows. 2.4.203

Out, varlet, from my sight! 2.4.204

King Lear. Who stock'd my servant? Regan, I have good hope 2.4.206

Thou didst not know on't. Who comes here? O heavens, 2.4.207

Enter GONERIL If you do love old men, if your sweet sway 2.4.208

Allow obedience, if yourselves are old, 2.4.209

Make it your cause; send down, and take my part! 2.4.210

To GONERIL Art not ashamed to look upon this beard? 2.4.211

O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand? 2.4.212

King Lear. O sides, you are too tough; 2.4.216

Will you yet hold? How came my man i' the stocks? 2.4.217

King Lear. You! did you? 2.4.220

King Lear. Return to her, and fifty men dismiss'd? 2.4.227

No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose 2.4.228

To wage against the enmity o' the air; 2.4.229

To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,-- 2.4.230

Necessity's sharp pinch! Return with her? 2.4.231

Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took 2.4.232

Our youngest born, I could as well be brought 2.4.233

To knee his throne, and, squire-like; pension beg 2.4.234

To keep base life afoot. Return with her? 2.4.235

Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter 2.4.236

To this detested groom. 2.4.237

Pointing at OSWALD



King Lear. I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad: 2.4.239

I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell: 2.4.240

We'll no more meet, no more see one another: 2.4.241

But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter; 2.4.242

Or rather a disease that's in my flesh, 2.4.243

Which I must needs call mine: thou art a boil, 2.4.244

A plague-sore, an embossed carbuncle, 2.4.245

In my corrupted blood. But I'll not chide thee; 2.4.246

Let shame come when it will, I do not call it: 2.4.247

I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot, 2.4.248

Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove: 2.4.249

Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure: 2.4.250

I can be patient; I can stay with Regan, 2.4.251

I and my hundred knights. 2.4.252

King Lear. Is this well spoken? 2.4.259

King Lear. I gave you all-- 2.4.273

King Lear. Made you my guardians, my depositaries; 2.4.275

But kept a reservation to be follow'd 2.4.276

With such a number. What, must I come to you 2.4.277

With five and twenty, Regan? said you so? 2.4.278

King Lear. Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd, 2.4.280

When others are more wicked: not being the worst 2.4.281

Stands in some rank of praise. 2.4.282

To GONERIL I'll go with thee: 2.4.283

Thy fifty yet doth double five and twenty, 2.4.284

And thou art twice her love. 2.4.285

King Lear. O, reason not the need: our basest beggars 2.4.291

Are in the poorest thing superfluous: 2.4.292

Allow not nature more than nature needs, 2.4.293

Man's life's as cheap as beast's: thou art a lady; 2.4.294

If only to go warm were gorgeous, 2.4.295

Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st, 2.4.296

Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need,-- 2.4.297

You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need! 2.4.298

You see me here, you gods, a poor old man, 2.4.299

As full of grief as age; wretched in both! 2.4.300

If it be you that stir these daughters' hearts 2.4.301

Against their father, fool me not so much 2.4.302

To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger, 2.4.303

And let not women's weapons, water-drops, 2.4.304

Stain my man's cheeks! No, you unnatural hags, 2.4.305

I will have such revenges on you both, 2.4.306



That all the world shall--I will do such things,-- 2.4.307

What they are, yet I know not: but they shall be 2.4.308

The terrors of the earth. You think I'll weep 2.4.309

No, I'll not weep: 2.4.310

I have full cause of weeping; but this heart 2.4.311

Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws, 2.4.312

Or ere I'll weep. O fool, I shall go mad! 2.4.313

Exeunt KING LEAR, GLOUCESTER, KENT, and Fool

Storm and tempest King Lear. Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow! 3.2.1

You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout 3.2.2

Till you have drench'd our steeples, drown'd the cocks! 3.2.3

You sulphurous and thought-executing fires, 3.2.4

Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts, 3.2.5

Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder, 3.2.6

Smite flat the thick rotundity o' the world! 3.2.7

Crack nature's moulds, an germens spill at once, 3.2.8

That make ingrateful man! 3.2.9

King Lear. Rumble thy bellyful! Spit, fire! spout, rain! 3.2.14

Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire, are my daughters: 3.2.15

I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness; 3.2.16

I never gave you kingdom, call'd you children, 3.2.17

You owe me no subscription: then let fall 3.2.18

Your horrible pleasure: here I stand, your slave, 3.2.19

A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man: 3.2.20

But yet I call you servile ministers, 3.2.21

That have with two pernicious daughters join'd 3.2.22

Your high engender'd battles 'gainst a head 3.2.23

So old and white as this. O! O! 'tis foul! 3.2.24

King Lear. No, I will be the pattern of all patience; 3.2.37

I will say nothing. 3.2.38

Enter KENT King Lear. Let the great gods, 3.2.50

That keep this dreadful pother o'er our heads, 3.2.51

Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wretch, 3.2.52

That hast within thee undivulged crimes, 3.2.53

Unwhipp'd of justice: hide thee, thou bloody hand; 3.2.54

Thou perjured, and thou simular man of virtue 3.2.55

That art incestuous: caitiff, to pieces shake, 3.2.56

That under covert and convenient seeming 3.2.57

Hast practised on man's life: close pent-up guilts, 3.2.58

Rive your concealing continents, and cry 3.2.59

These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man 3.2.60

More sinn'd against than sinning. 3.2.61



King Lear. My wits begin to turn. 3.2.70

Come on, my boy: how dost, my boy? art cold? 3.2.71

I am cold myself. Where is this straw, my fellow? 3.2.72

The art of our necessities is strange, 3.2.73

That can make vile things precious. Come, 3.2.74

your hovel. 3.2.75

Poor fool and knave, I have one part in my heart 3.2.76

That's sorry yet for thee. 3.2.77

King Lear. True, my good boy. Come, bring us to this hovel. 3.2.83

Exeunt KING LEAR and KENT King Lear. Let me alone. 3.4.4

King Lear. Wilt break my heart? 3.4.6

King Lear. Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm 3.4.8

Invades us to the skin: so 'tis to thee; 3.4.9

But where the greater malady is fix'd, 3.4.10

The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'ldst shun a bear; 3.4.11

But if thy flight lay toward the raging sea, 3.4.12

Thou'ldst meet the bear i' the mouth. When the 3.4.13

mind's free, 3.4.14

The body's delicate: the tempest in my mind 3.4.15

Doth from my senses take all feeling else 3.4.16

Save what beats there. Filial ingratitude! 3.4.17

Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand 3.4.18

For lifting food to't? But I will punish home: 3.4.19

No, I will weep no more. In such a night 3.4.20

To shut me out! Pour on; I will endure. 3.4.21

In such a night as this! O Regan, Goneril! 3.4.22

Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all,-- 3.4.23

O, that way madness lies; let me shun that; 3.4.24

No more of that. 3.4.25

King Lear. Prithee, go in thyself: seek thine own ease: 3.4.27

This tempest will not give me leave to ponder 3.4.28

On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in. 3.4.29

To the Fool In, boy; go first. You houseless poverty,-- 3.4.30

Nay, get thee in. I'll pray, and then I'll sleep. 3.4.31

Fool goes in Poor naked wretches, whereso'er you are, 3.4.32

That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm, 3.4.33

How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides, 3.4.34

Your loop'd and window'd raggedness, defend you 3.4.35

From seasons such as these? O, I have ta'en 3.4.36



Too little care of this! Take physic, pomp; 3.4.37

Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel, 3.4.38

That thou mayst shake the superflux to them, 3.4.39

And show the heavens more just. 3.4.40

King Lear. Hast thou given all to thy two daughters? 3.4.51

And art thou come to this? 3.4.52

King Lear. What, have his daughters brought him to this pass? 3.4.65

Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give them all? 3.4.66

King Lear. Now, all the plagues that in the pendulous air 3.4.68

Hang fated o'er men's faults light on thy daughters! 3.4.69

King Lear. Death, traitor! nothing could have subdued nature 3.4.71

To such a lowness but his unkind daughters. 3.4.72

Is it the fashion, that discarded fathers 3.4.73

Should have thus little mercy on their flesh? 3.4.74

Judicious punishment! 'twas this flesh begot 3.4.75

Those pelican daughters. 3.4.76

King Lear. What hast thou been? 3.4.84

King Lear. Why, thou wert better in thy grave than to answer 3.4.102

with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies. 3.4.103

Is man no more than this? Consider him well. Thou 3.4.104

owest the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep 3.4.105

no wool, the cat no perfume. Ha! here's three on 3.4.106

's are sophisticated! Thou art the thing itself: 3.4.107

unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor bare, 3.4.108

forked animal as thou art. Off, off, you lendings! 3.4.109

come unbutton here. 3.4.110

Tearing off his clothes King Lear. What's he? 3.4.126

King Lear. First let me talk with this philosopher. 3.4.153

What is the cause of thunder? 3.4.154

King Lear. I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban. 3.4.156

What is your study? 3.4.157

King Lear. Let me ask you one word in private. 3.4.159



King Lear. O, cry your mercy, sir. 3.4.172

Noble philosopher, your company. 3.4.173

King Lear. Come let's in all. 3.4.176

King Lear. With him; 3.4.178

I will keep still with my philosopher. 3.4.179

King Lear. Come, good Athenian. 3.4.183

King Lear. A king, a king! 3.6.11

King Lear. To have a thousand with red burning spits 3.6.15

Come hissing in upon 'em,-- 3.6.16

King Lear. It shall be done; I will arraign them straight. 3.6.20

To EDGAR Come, sit thou here, most learned justicer; 3.6.21

To the Fool Thou, sapient sir, sit here. Now, you she foxes! 3.6.22

King Lear. I'll see their trial first. Bring in the evidence. 3.6.35

To EDGAR Thou robed man of justice, take thy place; 3.6.36

To the Fool And thou, his yoke-fellow of equity, 3.6.37

Bench by his side: 3.6.38

To KENT you are o' the commission, 3.6.39

Sit you too. 3.6.40

King Lear. Arraign her first; 'tis Goneril. I here take my 3.6.47

oath before this honourable assembly, she kicked the 3.6.48

poor king her father. 3.6.49

King Lear. She cannot deny it. 3.6.51

King Lear. And here's another, whose warp'd looks proclaim 3.6.53

What store her heart is made on. Stop her there! 3.6.54

Arms, arms, sword, fire! Corruption in the place! 3.6.55

False justicer, why hast thou let her 'scape? 3.6.56



King Lear. The little dogs and all, Tray, Blanch, and 3.6.62

Sweet-heart, see, they bark at me. 3.6.63

King Lear. Then let them anatomize Regan; see what breeds 3.6.75

about her heart. Is there any cause in nature that 3.6.76

makes these hard hearts? 3.6.77

To EDGAR You, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred; only I 3.6.78

do not like the fashion of your garments: you will 3.6.79

say they are Persian attire: but let them be changed. 3.6.80

King Lear. Make no noise, make no noise; draw the curtains: 3.6.82

so, so, so. We'll go to supper i' he morning. So, so, so. 3.6.83

King Lear. No, they cannot touch me for coining; I am the 4.6.96

king himself. 4.6.97

King Lear. Nature's above art in that respect. There's your 4.6.99

press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a 4.6.100

crow-keeper: draw me a clothier's yard. Look, 4.6.101

look, a mouse! Peace, peace; this piece of toasted 4.6.102

cheese will do 't. There's my gauntlet; I'll prove 4.6.103

it on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O, well 4.6.104

flown, bird! i' the clout, i' the clout: hewgh! 4.6.105

Give the word. 4.6.106

King Lear. Pass. 4.6.108

King Lear. Ha! Goneril, with a white beard! They flattered 4.6.110

me like a dog; and told me I had white hairs in my 4.6.111

beard ere the black ones were there. To say 'ay' 4.6.112

and 'no' to every thing that I said!--'Ay' and 'no' 4.6.113

too was no good divinity. When the rain came to 4.6.114

wet me once, and the wind to make me chatter; when 4.6.115

the thunder would not peace at my bidding; there I 4.6.116

found 'em, there I smelt 'em out. Go to, they are 4.6.117

not men o' their words: they told me I was every 4.6.118

thing; 'tis a lie, I am not ague-proof. 4.6.119

King Lear. Ay, every inch a king: 4.6.122

When I do stare, see how the subject quakes. 4.6.123

I pardon that man's life. What was thy cause? Adultery? 4.6.124

Thou shalt not die: die for adultery! No: 4.6.125

The wren goes to 't, and the small gilded fly 4.6.126



Does lecher in my sight. 4.6.127

Let copulation thrive; for Gloucester's bastard son 4.6.128

Was kinder to his father than my daughters 4.6.129

Got 'tween the lawful sheets. 4.6.130

To 't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers. 4.6.131

Behold yond simpering dame, 4.6.132

Whose face between her forks presages snow; 4.6.133

That minces virtue, and does shake the head 4.6.134

To hear of pleasure's name; 4.6.135

The fitchew, nor the soiled horse, goes to 't 4.6.136

With a more riotous appetite. 4.6.137

Down from the waist they are Centaurs, 4.6.138

Though women all above: 4.6.139

But to the girdle do the gods inherit, 4.6.140

Beneath is all the fiends'; 4.6.141

There's hell, there's darkness, there's the 4.6.142

sulphurous pit, 4.6.143

Burning, scalding, stench, consumption; fie, 4.6.144

fie, fie! pah, pah! Give me an ounce of civet, 4.6.145

good apothecary, to sweeten my imagination: 4.6.146

there's money for thee. 4.6.147

King Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality. 4.6.149

King Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny 4.6.152

at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid! I'll not 4.6.153

love. Read thou this challenge; mark but the 4.6.154

penning of it. 4.6.155

King Lear. Read. 4.6.159

King Lear. O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your 4.6.161

head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in 4.6.162

a heavy case, your purse in a light; yet you see how 4.6.163

this world goes. 4.6.164

King Lear. What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes 4.6.166

with no eyes. Look with thine ears: see how yond 4.6.167

justice rails upon yond simple thief. Hark, in 4.6.168

thine ear: change places; and, handy-dandy, which 4.6.169

is the justice, which is the thief? Thou hast seen 4.6.170

a farmer's dog bark at a beggar? 4.6.171

King Lear. And the creature run from the cur? There thou 4.6.173

mightst behold the great image of authority: a 4.6.174

dog's obeyed in office. 4.6.175

Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand! 4.6.176



Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back; 4.6.177

Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind 4.6.178

For which thou whipp'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener. 4.6.179

Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear; 4.6.180

Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold, 4.6.181

And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks: 4.6.182

Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw does pierce it. 4.6.183

None does offend, none, I say, none; I'll able 'em: 4.6.184

Take that of me, my friend, who have the power 4.6.185

To seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes; 4.6.186

And like a scurvy politician, seem 4.6.187

To see the things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now: 4.6.188

Pull off my boots: harder, harder: so. 4.6.189

King Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes. 4.6.191

I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester: 4.6.192

Thou must be patient; we came crying hither: 4.6.193

Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air, 4.6.194

We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee: mark. 4.6.195

King Lear. When we are born, we cry that we are come 4.6.197

To this great stage of fools: this a good block; 4.6.198

It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe 4.6.199

A troop of horse with felt: I'll put 't in proof; 4.6.200

And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law, 4.6.201

Then, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill! 4.6.202

Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants King Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even 4.6.205

The natural fool of fortune. Use me well; 4.6.206

You shall have ransom. Let me have surgeons; 4.6.207

I am cut to the brains. 4.6.208

King Lear. No seconds? all myself? 4.6.210

Why, this would make a man a man of salt, 4.6.211

To use his eyes for garden water-pots, 4.6.212

Ay, and laying autumn's dust. 4.6.213

King Lear. I will die bravely, like a bridegroom. What! 4.6.215

I will be jovial: come, come; I am a king, 4.6.216

My masters, know you that. 4.6.217

King Lear. Then there's life in't. Nay, if you get it, you 4.6.219

shall get it with running. Sa, sa, sa, sa. 4.6.220

Exit running; Attendants follow



King Lear. You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave: 4.7.52

Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound 4.7.53

Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears 4.7.54

Do scald like moulten lead. 4.7.55

King Lear. You are a spirit, I know: when did you die? 4.7.57

King Lear. Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight? 4.7.60

I am mightily abused. I should e'en die with pity, 4.7.61

To see another thus. I know not what to say. 4.7.62

I will not swear these are my hands: let's see; 4.7.63

I feel this pin prick. Would I were assured 4.7.64

Of my condition! 4.7.65

King Lear. Pray, do not mock me: 4.7.69

I am a very foolish fond old man, 4.7.70

Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less; 4.7.71

And, to deal plainly, 4.7.72

I fear I am not in my perfect mind. 4.7.73

Methinks I should know you, and know this man; 4.7.74

Yet I am doubtful for I am mainly ignorant 4.7.75

What place this is; and all the skill I have 4.7.76

Remembers not these garments; nor I know not 4.7.77

Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me; 4.7.78

For, as I am a man, I think this lady 4.7.79

To be my child Cordelia. 4.7.80

King Lear. Be your tears wet? yes, 'faith. I pray, weep not: 4.7.82

If you have poison for me, I will drink it. 4.7.83

I know you do not love me; for your sisters 4.7.84

Have, as I do remember, done me wrong: 4.7.85

You have some cause, they have not. 4.7.86

King Lear. Am I in France? 4.7.88

King Lear. Do not abuse me. 4.7.90

King Lear. You must bear with me: 4.7.97

Pray you now, forget and forgive: I am old and foolish. 4.7.98

Exeunt all but KENT and Gentleman King Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison: 5.3.9

We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage: 5.3.10

When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down, 5.3.11

And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live, 5.3.12



And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh 5.3.13

At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues 5.3.14

Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too, 5.3.15

Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out; 5.3.16

And take upon's the mystery of things, 5.3.17

As if we were God's spies: and we'll wear out, 5.3.18

In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones, 5.3.19

That ebb and flow by the moon. 5.3.20

King Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia, 5.3.22

The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee? 5.3.23

He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven, 5.3.24

And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes; 5.3.25

The good-years shall devour them, flesh and fell, 5.3.26

Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see 'em starve 5.3.27

first. Come. 5.3.28

Exeunt KING LEAR and CORDELIA, guarded King Lear. Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones: 5.3.302

Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so 5.3.303

That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever! 5.3.304

I know when one is dead, and when one lives; 5.3.305

She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass; 5.3.306

If that her breath will mist or stain the stone, 5.3.307

Why, then she lives. 5.3.308

King Lear. This feather stirs; she lives! if it be so, 5.3.312

It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows 5.3.313

That ever I have felt. 5.3.314

King Lear. Prithee, away. 5.3.316

King Lear. A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all! 5.3.318

I might have saved her; now she's gone for ever! 5.3.319

Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha! 5.3.320

What is't thou say'st? Her voice was ever soft, 5.3.321

Gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman. 5.3.322

I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee. 5.3.323

King Lear. Did I not, fellow? 5.3.325

I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion 5.3.326

I would have made them skip: I am old now, 5.3.327

And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you? 5.3.328

Mine eyes are not o' the best: I'll tell you straight. 5.3.329

King Lear. This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent? 5.3.332



King Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that; 5.3.335

He'll strike, and quickly too: he's dead and rotten. 5.3.336

King Lear. I'll see that straight. 5.3.338

King Lear. You are welcome hither. 5.3.341

King Lear. Ay, so I think. 5.3.345

King Lear. And my poor fool is hang'd! No, no, no life! 5.3.361

Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, 5.3.362

And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more, 5.3.363

Never, never, never, never, never! 5.3.364

Pray you, undo this button: thank you, sir. 5.3.365

Do you see this? Look on her, look, her lips, 5.3.366

Look there, look there! 5.3.367

Dies


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The Tragedy of King Lear - character extract · 2013-11-10 · The Tragedy of King Lear King Lear complete text King Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester . 1.1.34