Part IV, The Early Modern Literary Period, also known as the English Renaissance
39
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ACT 4
Scene 1
Enter Edgar in disguise.
EDGAR
Yet better thus, and known to be contemned,
Than still contemned and flattered. To be worst,
The lowest and most dejected thing of Fortune,
Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear.
The lamentable change is from the best; 5
The worst returns to laughter. Welcome, then,
Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace.
The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst
Owes nothing to thy blasts. But who comes here?
Enter Gloucester and an old man.
My father, poorly led? World, world, O world, 10
But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,
Life would not yield to age.
Edgar comes on stage in disguise as Poor Tom.
I would rather know I’m condemned than be flattered by people and still condemned anyway. The person, like myself, who has reached rock bottom in their luck (Fortune) can hope for improvement. It’s worse to be doing well because then you are afraid of bad luck bringing you down. If you already have fallen low and something changes for the better, you will laugh and be happy. Once fortune has caused someone to have bad luck, the person owes no one anything. Who is coming?
Gloucester comes in with an Old Man.
My father being led by an old man? Oh world, if it weren’t for all the changes you cause to us, we would never be able to accept old age.
OLD MAN
O my good lord, I have been your tenant
And your father’s tenant these fourscore years.
I have been your tenant and your father’s tenant for 48 years.
GLOUCESTER
Away, get thee away. Good friend, begone. 15
Thy comforts can do me no good at all;
Thee they may hurt.
Get away friend. Your comfort won’t do me any good, and it may end up hurting you instead.
OLD MAN You cannot see your way.
You can’t see your way.
GLOUCESTER
I have no way and therefore want no eyes.
I stumbled when I saw. Full oft ’tis seen 20
Our means secure us, and our mere defects
Prove our commodities. O dear son Edgar,
The food of thy abusèd father’s wrath,
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,
I’d say I had eyes again. 25
I don’t need eyes because I don’t have a way. When I could see, I stumbled (that is, messed up). It’s often seen that the things we have make us overconfident, and the things we are missing are assets to us. Oh, my dear son Edgar, who had previously fed my anger, I wish I could live to have you near enough to touch; if I could touch you, it would be as though I had eyes again.
OLD MAN How now? Who’s there?
What? Who’s there?
EDGAR, aside
O gods, who is ’t can say “I am at the worst”?
I am worse than e’er I was.
Oh gods, can anyone say they are at their worst? I am worse now that I ever was.
OLD MAN ’Tis poor mad Tom.
It’s poor mad Tom.
EDGAR, aside
And worse I may be yet. The worst is not 30
So long as we can say “This is the worst.”
I could still be worse off. As long as we can say, “This is the worst,” then things are not really the worst they can be.
OLD MAN
Fellow, where goest?
Where are you going, fellow (Poor Tom)?
GLOUCESTER Is it a beggar-man?
Is he a beggar?
OLD MAN Madman and beggar too.
A madman and beggar too.
GLOUCESTER
He has some reason, else he could not beg. 35
I’ th’ last night’s storm, I such a fellow saw,
Which made me think a man a worm. My son
Came then into my mind, and yet my mind
Was then scarce friends with him. I have heard
more since. 40
As flies to wanton boys are we to th’ gods;
They kill us for their sport.
He isn’t completely mad and still has some of his mind (reason) left, or he wouldn’t be able to beg. Last night in the storm, I saw a fellow like this who made me think mankind is no better than a worm. He made me think of my son, yet last night, I was still an enemy to my son. I have received more news since then. To the gods, we are like the flies little boys swat and kill. The gods kill us for sport.
EDGAR, aside How should this be?
Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,
Ang’ring itself and others.—Bless thee, master. 45
aside
How can this be?
This is a bad circumstance for me to have to pretend to be a fool when my father is in sorrow. This will make me and others angry.
Bless you, master.
GLOUCESTER
Is that the naked fellow?
Is that the naked man?
OLD MAN Ay, my lord.
Yes, my lord.
GLOUCESTER
Then, prithee, get thee away. If for my sake
Thou wilt o’ertake us hence a mile or twain
I’ th’ way toward Dover, do it for ancient love, 50
And bring some covering for this naked soul,
Which I’ll entreat to lead me.
Please go then. For the sake of me, will you catch up with me a mile or two on the way to Dover? Please do it out of respect for our long relationship, and bring some clothing for this naked man whom I’ll ask to lead me.
OLD MAN Alack, sir, he is mad.
Alas, this naked man is mad.
GLOUCESTER
’Tis the time’s plague when madmen lead the blind.
Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure. 55
Above the rest, begone.
For madmen to lead the blind is normal for these times when the world is diseased. Do as I ask you, or instead, do what brings you pleasure. Above all, go.
OLD MAN
I’ll bring him the best ’parel that I have,
Come on ’t what will. He exits.
I’ll bring him the best clothing I have.
Come what may.
He exits.
GLOUCESTER Sirrah, naked fellow—
Sir, naked fellow —
EDGAR
Poor Tom’s a-cold. Aside. I cannot daub it further. 60
Poor Tom’s cold.
Aside to himself: I cannot keep up this act much longer.
GLOUCESTER Come hither, fellow.
Come here, fellow.
EDGAR, aside
And yet I must.—Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed.
Aside to himself.
Yet I have to.
Bless your sweet eyes, they bleed.
GLOUCESTER Know’st thou the way to Dover?
Do you know the way to Dover?
EDGAR Both stile and gate, horseway and footpath.
Poor Tom hath been scared out of his good wits. 65
Bless thee, good man’s son, from the foul fiend.
Five fiends have been in Poor Tom at once: of lust,
as Obidicut; Hobbididance, prince of dumbness;
Mahu, of stealing; Modo, of murder; Flibbertigibbet,
of mopping and mowing, who since possesses 70
chambermaids and waiting women. So, bless
thee, master.
Both the stile (like a turnstile that allows people through a fence but does not allow animals) and the gate, the horse path and foot path, I know the way. I’ve been scared out of my wits. Bless you and keep you safe from the devil. I’ve had five demons in me at once: Obidicut, demon of lust, Hobbididance, prince of dumbness, Mahu demon of stealing, Modo of murder, Flibbertigibbet of making mocking faces who possesses maids and servant women. So bless you, master.
GLOUCESTER, giving him money
Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens’
plagues
Have humbled to all strokes. That I am wretched 75
Makes thee the happier. Heavens, deal so still:
Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man,
That slaves your ordinance, that will not see
Because he does not feel, feel your power quickly.
So distribution should undo excess 80
And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?
Gloucester gives him money.
Here take this money, you who has been humbled by the heavens’ curses. The fact that I have fallen so low in life makes you seem better off by comparison. Gods and the heavens, make men who are gluttonous, who feed luxuriously, who make heavens’ laws their slaves, and who don’t feel for anyone else or see their suffering, feel your power fast. Then, justice will do away with excess, and each man will have just enough. Do you know Dover?
EDGAR Ay, master.
Yes, master.
GLOUCESTER
There is a cliff, whose high and bending head
Looks fearfully in the confinèd deep.
Bring me but to the very brim of it, 85
And I’ll repair the misery thou dost bear
With something rich about me. From that place
I shall no leading need.
There is a high cliff that bends over deep water. Bring me to its edge, and I’ll fix the misery you’re enduring myself. I won’t need to be led away from there.
EDGAR Give me thy arm.
Poor Tom shall lead thee. 90
They exit.
Give me your arm. I’ll lead you.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Goneril and Edmund, the Bastard.
GONERIL
Welcome, my lord. I marvel our mild husband
Not met us on the way.
Goneril and Edmund come in.
Welcome, Edmund. I am surprised my husband, the Duke of Albany, hasn’t met us on the way already.
Enter Oswald, the Steward.
Now, where’s your master?
Oswald enters. Where’s your master, the Duke of Albany?
OSWALD
Madam, within, but never man so changed.
I told him of the army that was landed; 5
He smiled at it. I told him you were coming;
His answer was “The worse.” Of Gloucester’s
treachery
And of the loyal service of his son
When I informed him, then he called me “sot” 10
And told me I had turned the wrong side out.
What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;
What like, offensive.
He’s within the other room, but he’s changed a lot. I told him that the French army was here, and he smiled. I told him you were coming, and he answered, “The worse.” He called me a drunk when I told him about Gloucester’s betrayal and about Edmund’s service to us, and he said I was on the wrong side. What he should dislike he finds pleasant, and what he should like, he finds offensive.
GONERIL, to Edmund Then shall you go no further.
It is the cowish terror of his spirit, 15
That dares not undertake. He’ll not feel wrongs
Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way
May prove effects. Back, Edmund, to my brother.
Hasten his musters and conduct his powers.
I must change names at home and give the distaff 20
Into my husband’s hands. This trusty servant
Shall pass between us. Ere long you are like to
hear—
If you dare venture in your own behalf—
A mistress’s command. Wear this; spare speech. 25
She gives him a favor.
Decline your head. She kisses him. This kiss, if it
durst speak,
Would stretch thy spirits up into the air.
Conceive, and fare thee well.
Edmund, don’t go any further then. It is Albany’s fear that makes him a coward. He doesn’t feel the wrongs done to us that would make him have to respond with troops and take vengeance. Go back to my brother-in-law, Cornwall, and get his troops ready and lead them. I have to go home and assume the manly duties of leading the troops, and I will pass my domestic duties (such as the distaff, which represents weaving, a job women did) to my husband, Albany. This servant shall communicate between us. Before long, you will hear my command (Goneril refers to herself as a mistress because of the double meaning of being Edmund’s mistress because she’s taking romantic interest in him). Wear this (she gives him a favor to wear on his clothes). You don’t need to talk. Lower your head (she kisses him). If this kiss could speak, it would raise your spirits (with a double sexual meaning referring to his genitals as well). Understand my meaning (conceive also means having sex to conceive a child), and good luck.
EDMUND
Yours in the ranks of death. He exits. 30
I’m all yours even if I die for it.
GONERIL My most dear
Gloucester!
O, the difference of man and man!
To thee a woman’s services are due;
My fool usurps my body. 35
My most dear, Edmund (the new Earl of Gloucester). Oh how different two men can be! Edmund, you deserve my services (sexual and otherwise). My husband is not fit to possess my body.
OSWALD Madam, here comes my lord. He exits.
Enter Albany.
Madam, here comes Albany.
Albany enters.
GONERIL
I have been worth the whistle.
I am worth the attention of men (referring to the proverb, “it is a poor dog that is not worth your whistle”).
ALBANY O Goneril,
You are not worth the dust which the rude wind
Blows in your face. I fear your disposition. 40
That nature which contemns its origin
Cannot be bordered certain in itself.
She that herself will sliver and disbranch
From her material sap perforce must wither
And come to deadly use. 45
Oh Goneril, you are not worth the dust the wind blows in your face. I am afraid of your disposition because people who turn against their origins (like she turns against her father) can’t be restrained. Anyone like you who will separate from her family tree and sliver away from the sap that sustains her, breaking the branches of the family tree, will wither away and be used in a deadly way (similar to firewood by burning up destructively).
GONERIL No more. The text is foolish.
Stop talking. What you’re saying is foolish.
ALBANY
Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile.
Filths savor but themselves. What have you done?
Tigers, not daughters, what have you performed?
A father, and a gracious agèd man, 50
Whose reverence even the head-lugged bear would
lick,
Most barbarous, most degenerate, have you
madded.
Could my good brother suffer you to do it? 55
A man, a prince, by him so benefited!
If that the heavens do not their visible spirits
Send quickly down to tame these vile offenses,
It will come:
Humanity must perforce prey on itself, 60
Like monsters of the deep.
Wisdom and goodness seem vile to evil people like you. Evil filthy people only appreciate filth and evil. What have you done? You’re tigers, not daughers. What have you done? You’ve driven mad a father and a gracious old man who even a bear would respect instead of harm. You’re like barbarians and degenerates! Will my brother-in-law, Cornwall, put up with what you’re doing to King Lear, after how the king has benefited him? If the heavens don’t stop this, human beings are going to prey on themselves and destroy themselves like sea monsters.
GONERIL Milk-livered man,
That bear’st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;
Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning
Thine honor from thy suffering; that not know’st 65
Fools do those villains pity who are punished
Ere they have done their mischief. Where’s thy
drum?
France spreads his banners in our noiseless land,
With plumèd helm thy state begins to threat, 70
Whilst thou, a moral fool, sits still and cries
“Alack, why does he so?”
You’re a white-livered cowardly man. Your cheeks are made for someone to hit and your head to have wrong information in it. Your eyes cannot see correctly to judge the difference between honor and suffering. Only fools are so tenderhearted as to worry about punishing troublemakers like Lear and Gloucester. Where’s your drum for battle? France is spreading its banners in our land without any opposition and threatening our state with their troops with feathered helmets, while you, a fool sit here and cry , why is France doing this?
ALBANY See thyself, devil!
Proper deformity shows not in the fiend
So horrid as in woman. 75
Look to yourself, you devil. This kind of deformity and evil appears even worse in a woman than it does in the devil.
GONERIL O vain fool!
You’re nothing but a vain fool.
ALBANY
Thou changèd and self-covered thing, for shame
Bemonster not thy feature. Were ’t my fitness
To let these hands obey my blood,
They are apt enough to dislocate and tear 80
Thy flesh and bones. Howe’er thou art a fiend,
A woman’s shape doth shield thee.
You transformed and concealed thing, out of shame do not make yourself into more of a monster. If I were the kind of person to let my hands take action according to how angry I am, they would tear off your flesh and break your bones. You’re a fiend covered in a woman’s shape.
GONERIL Marry, your manhood, mew—
Enter a Messenger.
Your manhood is lacking,
A messenger comes in
ALBANY What news?
What news is there?
MESSENGER
O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall’s dead, 85
Slain by his servant, going to put out
The other eye of Gloucester.
Oh my lord, the Duke of Cornwall is dead, killed by his own servant for going to put out Gloucester’s second eye.
ALBANY Gloucester’s eyes?
What about Gloucester’s eyes now?
MESSENGER
A servant that he bred, thrilled with remorse,
Opposed against the act, bending his sword 90
To his great master, who, thereat enraged,
Flew on him and amongst them felled him dead,
But not without that harmful stroke which since
Hath plucked him after.
A servant that he always had in his house, was moved by remorse for Gloucester, and opposed against plucking out his eyes, so he pulled his sword on his master, Cornwall. Cornwall was enraged and killed him, but not before the servant struck him, and that stroke later killed him.
ALBANY This shows you are above, 95
You justicers, that these our nether crimes
So speedily can venge. But, O poor Gloucester,
Lost he his other eye?
This shows that the gods can avenge crimes quickly. But did Gloucester lose both eyes?
MESSENGER Both, both, my lord.—
This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer. 100
Giving her a paper.
’Tis from your sister.
Yes, both, my lord.
To Goneril: This letter needs a fast answer. It’s from your sister, Regan.
GONERIL, aside One way I like this well.
But being widow and my Gloucester with her
May all the building in my fancy pluck
Upon my hateful life. Another way 105
The news is not so tart.—I’ll read, and answer.
She exits.
In an aside: In one sense, I like this that Cornwall is dead because he’s a rival to the throne. But since my sister is now a widow and with Edmund in her house, this is not good news for me, since I want to be with Edmund and be Queen with him, so maybe this will make me hate my life. On the other hand, the news isn’t so bad. I’ll read this letter and answer it.
ALBANY
Where was his son when they did take his eyes?
Where was Gloucester’s son, Edmund, when they plucked out his eyes?
MESSENGER
Come with my lady hither.
Edmund came here with my lady, Regan.
ALBANY He is not here.
Edmund isn’t here.
MESSENGER
No, my good lord. I met him back again. 110
No, my good lord. I met him on the way back again.
ALBANY Knows he the wickedness?
Does he know the wickedness that happened to his father?
MESSENGER
Ay, my good lord. ’Twas he informed against him
And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment
Might have the freer course.
Yes, my good lord. Edmund is the one who informed on Gloucester and left Regan’s house on purpose so that the punishment would be able to be done more freely.
ALBANY Gloucester, I live 115
To thank thee for the love thou show’d’st the King,
And to revenge thine eyes.—Come hither, friend.
Tell me what more thou know’st.
They exit.
I will live to thank Gloucester for the love he showed King Lear and to take revenge for his eyes. Come here friend, and tell me more of what you know.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Kent in disguise and a Gentleman.
KENT Why the King of France is so suddenly gone
back know you no reason?
Why did the King of France go back home so suddenly? Do you know the reason?
GENTLEMAN Something he left imperfect in the state,
which since his coming forth is thought of, which
imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger 5
that his personal return was most required and
necessary.
He left something unfinished at home, and since his coming here, it’s been thought of, and it brings so much fear and danger to France that his return home was required and necessary.
KENT Who hath he left behind him general?
Who did he leave behind as general?
GENTLEMAN The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.
The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.
KENT Did your letters pierce the Queen to any demonstration 10
of grief?
Did the letters you delivered cause the Queen any grief that you observed?
GENTLEMAN
Ay, sir, she took them, read them in my
presence,
And now and then an ample tear trilled down
Her delicate cheek. It seemed she was a queen 15
Over her passion, who, most rebel-like,
Fought to be king o’er her.
Yes, she took the letters, read them in my presence, and now and then, a large tear rolled down her delicate cheek. It seemed she was able to control her emotions, though they fought to be in control over her.
KENT O, then it moved her.
Oh, then it emotionally moved her.
GENTLEMAN
Not to a rage. Patience and sorrow strove
Who should express her goodliest. You have seen 20
Sunshine and rain at once; her smiles and tears
Were like a better way. Those happy smilets
That played on her ripe lip seemed not to know
What guests were in her eyes, which parted thence
As pearls from diamonds dropped. In brief, 25
Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved
If all could so become it.
Not to a rage, but she was torn between sorrow and patience for her father. You have seen sunshine and rain at the same time. Her smiles and her tears were similar to that as she expressed them both at once. Those happy smiles on her lips seemed not to know she also had tears in her eyes that fell like pearls from her eyes, which were like diamonds. Sadness would be like a rare and precious thing we all would love if it were so becoming on all of us (in other words, if we looked so good being sad).
KENT Made she no verbal question?
Did she ask you any questions?
GENTLEMAN
Faith, once or twice she heaved the name of
“father” 30
Pantingly forth, as if it pressed her heart;
Cried “Sisters, sisters, shame of ladies, sisters!
Kent, father, sisters! What, i’ th’ storm, i’ th’ night?
Let pity not be believed!” There she shook
The holy water from her heavenly eyes, 35
And clamor moistened. Then away she started,
To deal with grief alone.
Once or twice, she said “father” under her breath as if expressing her heartfelt feelings, and she cried “sisters, sisters, shame on these sisters, Kent, father, sisters! What in the storm and in the night? This is unbelievable.” There she shook tears (compared to holy water) from her eyes (like heaven). Then she left to deal with her grief alone.
KENT It is the stars.
The stars above us govern our conditions,
Else one self mate and make could not beget 40
Such different issues. You spoke not with her
since?
It’s the stars above us that cause our characteristics or else one person and his mate could not have such different daughters (as Cordelia, Goneril, and Regan). Have you spoke to Cordelia since then?
GENTLEMAN No.
No.
KENT
Was this before the King returned?
Was this before the King of France returned home?
GENTLEMAN No, since. 45
No, after he did.
KENT
Well, sir, the poor distressèd Lear’s i’ th’ town,
Who sometime in his better tune remembers
What we are come about, and by no means
Will yield to see his daughter.
Well, sir, poor distressed Lear is in France, and sometimes when his mind is functioning better, he remembers why we are here, and he will not give in to see his daughter.
GENTLEMAN Why, good sir? 50
Why good sir?
KENT
A sovereign shame so elbows him—his own
unkindness,
That stripped her from his benediction, turned her
To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights
To his dog-hearted daughters—these things sting 55
His mind so venomously that burning shame
Detains him from Cordelia.
He’s ashamed of his own unkindness to her that took away his blessing from her and sent her away to a foreign country, and he’s ashamed he gave her property rights to his other two daughters who have the hearts of dogs. These things bother his mind so much that he does not go see Cordelia.
GENTLEMAN Alack, poor gentleman!
Poor Lear!
KENT
Of Albany’s and Cornwall’s powers you heard not?
Have you heard about Albany’s and Cornwall’s troops?
GENTLEMAN ’Tis so. They are afoot. 60
Yes, they are marching.
KENT
Well, sir, I’ll bring you to our master Lear
And leave you to attend him. Some dear cause
Will in concealment wrap me up awhile.
When I am known aright, you shall not grieve
Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you, go 65
Along with me.
They exit.
Well, sir, I’ll bring you to our master, Lear and leave you to stay with him. I have a cause I’m working on that I’ll keep to myself for a while longer, and when I make it known, you will not be upset that you got to know me. Please go along with me.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter with Drum and Colors, Cordelia, Doctor,
Gentlemen, and Soldiers.
CORDELIA
Alack, ’tis he! Why, he was met even now
As mad as the vexed sea, singing aloud,
Crowned with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds,
With hardocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckooflowers,
Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow 5
In our sustaining corn. A century send forth.
Search every acre in the high-grown field
And bring him to our eye. Soldiers exit.
What can man’s wisdom
In the restoring his bereavèd sense? 10
He that helps him take all my outward worth.
Alas, it’s him (Lear). Just now, someone saw him as mad as a sea in a storm, singing aloud, and crowned with a bunch of weeds pulled from the corn field. Send forth someone to search for him in every acre in the field and bring him to me. What can man’s wisdom do to restore his mind and senses? Anyone that helps him can have all my money.
DOCTOR There is means, madam.
Our foster nurse of nature is repose,
The which he lacks. That to provoke in him
Are many simples operative, whose power 15
Will close the eye of anguish.
There is a way to help him. Rest is like nature’s nurse, and he’s lacking rest. If he is led to rest, its power will take away his anguish.
CORDELIA All blest secrets,
All you unpublished virtues of the earth,
Spring with my tears. Be aidant and remediate
In the good man’s distress. Seek, seek for him, 20
Lest his ungoverned rage dissolve the life
That wants the means to lead it.
Enter Messenger.
All the secrets of the Earth spring to the light along with my tears. Help fix this good man’s distress. Look out for him to stop his uncontrollable rage take his life with it.
MESSENGER News, madam.
The British powers are marching hitherward.
Here’s some news: the British troops are on the way here.
CORDELIA
’Tis known before. Our preparation stands 25
In expectation of them.—O dear father,
It is thy business that I go about.
Therefore great France
My mourning and importuned tears hath pitied.
No blown ambition doth our arms incite, 30
But love, dear love, and our aged father’s right.
Soon may I hear and see him.
They exit.
It’s already known. We’ve prepared for them. Oh dear Father, I go about your business (this has a double meaning that she’s helping her father Lear with his business, but she is also helping God the Father because morality is on her side). So I’m not fighting because of ambition but because of pity I have for my father, love for him, and to restore his rights. I hope soon I will hear and see him.
They exit.
Scene 5
Enter Regan and Oswald, the Steward.
Setting: Gloucester’s house
REGAN
But are my brother’s powers set forth?
But are my brother-in-law’s troops marching? (Albany’s troops)
OSWALD Ay, madam.
Yes, madam.
REGAN Himself in person there?
Is he in person there?
OSWALD Madam, with much ado.
Your sister is the better soldier. 5
Madam, your sister, Goneril, is the better soldier.
REGAN
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
Didn’t Lord Edmund speak with your lord Albany at home?
OSWALD No, madam.
No, madam.
REGAN
What might import my sister’s letter to him?
Of what importance might my sister’s letter be to Edmund?
OSWALD I know not, lady.
I don’t know lady.
REGAN
Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter. 10
It was great ignorance, Gloucester’s eyes being out,
To let him live. Where he arrives he moves
All hearts against us. Edmund, I think, is gone,
In pity of his misery, to dispatch
His nighted life; moreover to descry 15
The strength o’ th’ enemy.
Edmund has hurried here on a serious matter. It was ignorant to let Gloucester live with his eyes being put out because whereever he shows up, people pity him and are against us. Edmund is gone I think to kill blind Gloucester and to figure out the enemy’s strength.
OSWALD
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
I need to go after him with my letter.
REGAN
Our troops set forth tomorrow. Stay with us.
The ways are dangerous.
Our troops leave tomorrow. Stay with us. The roads are dangerous.
OSWALD I may not, madam. 20
My lady charged my duty in this business.
I can’t madam. My lady, Goneril, told me to take care of this business.
REGAN
Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
Transport her purposes by word? Belike,
Some things—I know not what. I’ll love thee much—
Let me unseal the letter. 25
Why would she write to Edmund? Can’t you share her purposes verbally? It may be something, but I don’t know what it is. Let me open the letter.
OSWALD Madam, I had rather—
Madam, I’d rather —
REGAN
I know your lady does not love her husband;
I am sure of that; and at her late being here,
She gave strange eliads and most speaking looks
To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom. 30
I know your lady, Goneril, does not love her husband, Albany. I’m sure of that; and when she was here before, she gave strange loving looks to Edmund. I know you know her secrets, and she confides in you.
OSWALD I, madam?
Me, madam?
REGAN
I speak in understanding. Y’ are; I know ’t.
Therefore I do advise you take this note:
My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talked,
And more convenient is he for my hand 35
Than for your lady’s. You may gather more.
If you do find him, pray you, give him this,
And when your mistress hears thus much from you,
I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her.
So, fare you well. 40
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
I know and understand you are, so I advise you to hear this information. My husband Cornwall is dead. Edmund and I have talked, and he would rather take my hand in marriage than Goneril’s. If you find Edmund, give him this information (or maybe another letter from Regan, although later only the letter from Goneril is found on Edmund); when your mistress Goneril hears this information from you, tell her to be wise. So good luck and farewell. If you happen to hear of the blind traitor Gloucester, remember that anyone who kills him will be rewarded.
OSWALD
Would I could meet him, madam. I should show
What party I do follow.
If I could only meet him, you would know whose side I am on.
REGAN Fare thee well. 45
They exit.
Farewell.
They exit.
Scene 6
Enter Gloucester and Edgar dressed as a peasant.
GLOUCESTER
When shall I come to th’ top of that same hill?
When will I get to the top of the hill?
EDGAR
You do climb up it now. Look how we labor.
You’re climbing it now. Look how hard we are laboring to climb.
GLOUCESTER
Methinks the ground is even.
I think the ground is even though.
EDGAR Horrible steep.
Hark, do you hear the sea? 5
It’s horribly steep. Listen, do you hear the sea?
GLOUCESTER No, truly.
No, I truly don’t.
EDGAR
Why then, your other senses grow imperfect
By your eyes’ anguish.
Well, then, your other senses are growing imperfect because of your eyes.
GLOUCESTER So may it be indeed.
Methinks thy voice is altered and thou speak’st 10
In better phrase and matter than thou didst.
So it may be indeed. I think your voice is different, and you speak with better phrasing than you did before.
EDGAR
You’re much deceived; in nothing am I changed
But in my garments.
You’re wrong. I’ve changed in nothing but in my clothes.
GLOUCESTER Methinks you’re better spoken.
I think you’re better spoken.
EDGAR
Come on, sir. Here’s the place. Stand still. How 15
fearful
And dizzy ’tis to cast one’s eyes so low!
The crows and choughs that wing the midway air
Show scarce so gross as beetles. Halfway down
Hangs one that gathers samphire—dreadful trade; 20
Methinks he seems no bigger than his head.
The fishermen that walk upon the beach
Appear like mice, and yond tall anchoring bark
Diminished to her cock, her cock a buoy
Almost too small for sight. The murmuring surge 25
That on th’ unnumbered idle pebble chafes
Cannot be heard so high. I’ll look no more
Lest my brain turn and the deficient sight
Topple down headlong.
Come here; here’s the place, sir. Stand still. How frightening and dizzying it is to look down! From way up here, the crows and other birds look as small as beetles. Hal fway down, a crow is gathering herbs, and I think he seems no bigger than his head. The fishermen walking on the beach look the size of mice, and the tall ship docked over there looks the size of the dock, and the dock can barely be seen. We cannot hear the surf from up this high. I won’t look anymore because my failing sight might cause me to fall down.
GLOUCESTER Set me where you stand. 30
Put me where you’re standing.
EDGAR
Give me your hand. You are now within a foot
Of th’ extreme verge. For all beneath the moon
Would I not leap upright.
Give me your hand. You are now within a foot of the edge. I wouldn’t jump up for anything.
GLOUCESTER Let go my hand.
Here, friend, ’s another purse; in it a jewel 35
Well worth a poor man’s taking. Fairies and gods
Prosper it with thee. He gives Edgar a purse.
Go thou further off.
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
Let go of my hand. Here’s another purse with a jewel in it, friend, and it’s worth taking for a poor man. I hope the fairies and gods help you prosper with it. Go further away. Bid me farewell, and let me hear you going.
EDGAR, walking away
Now fare you well, good sir. 40
Now farewell good sir.
GLOUCESTER With all my heart.
With all my heart
EDGAR, aside
Why I do trifle thus with his despair
Is done to cure it.
Aside to himself:
What I’m doing with his despair right now is done to cure it.
GLOUCESTER O you mighty gods! He kneels.
This world I do renounce, and in your sights 45
Shake patiently my great affliction off.
If I could bear it longer, and not fall
To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,
My snuff and loathèd part of nature should
Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!— 50
Now, fellow, fare thee well. He falls.
Oh, mighty gods!
He kneels down.
I give up this world, and in the sight of you gods, I shake off my affliction. If I could tolerate the world longer, I would wait for my life to burn out like a candle. If Edgar lives, Oh bless im. Now, fellow, farewell.
EDGAR Gone, sir. Farewell.—
And yet I know not how conceit may rob
The treasury of life, when life itself
Yields to the theft. Had he been where he thought, 55
By this had thought been past. Alive or dead?—
Ho you, sir! Friend, hear you. Sir, speak.—
Thus might he pass indeed. Yet he revives.—
What are you, sir?
He’s gone, sir. Farewell. And yet I don’t know how imagination can rob life when life allows the theft. If he had been where he thought he was (at the top of a cliff), by now, he would be no longer able to think (because he would be dead). Are you alive or dead? Oh, you sir! Friend, can you hear? Sir, speak. He might indeed die. Yet he is reviving. How are you sir?
GLOUCESTER Away, and let me die. 60
Go away, and let me die.
EDGAR
Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,
So many fathom down precipitating,
Thou ’dst shivered like an egg; but thou dost
breathe,
Hast heavy substance, bleed’st not, speak’st, art 65
sound.
Ten masts at each make not the altitude
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell.
Thy life’s a miracle. Speak yet again.
If you had been anything but cobwebs or feathers or air, falling from so high would have made you crack like an egg. But you’re still breathing, and you’re speaking, and not bleeding. You’re sound. Even ten ship masts on top of each other are not as high of altitude as that which you’ve fallen perpendicular to the ground. Your life is a miracle. Speak again.
GLOUCESTER But have I fall’n or no? 70
But have I fallen or not?
EDGAR
From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.
Look up a-height. The shrill-gorged lark so far
Cannot be seen or heard. Do but look up.
From the dreadful summit of this cliff. Look up at the height. The shrill-singing lark cannot be seen or heard here. Just look up.
GLOUCESTER Alack, I have no eyes.
Is wretchedness deprived that benefit 75
To end itself by death? ’Twas yet some comfort
When misery could beguile the tyrant’s rage
And frustrate his proud will.
Alas, I can’t see. Is misery not even able to end itself by death? There was still some comfort when misery could fool the tyrant’s rage and get in the way of his desires.
EDGAR Give me your arm.
He raises Gloucester.
Up. So, how is ’t? Feel you your legs? You stand. 80
Give me your arm.
He raises Gloucester.
Get up. So how is it? Do you feel your legs. You’re standing.
GLOUCESTER
Too well, too well.
I’m standing too well.
EDGAR This is above all strangeness.
Upon the crown o’ th’ cliff, what thing was that
Which parted from you?
This is so strange. At the top of the cliff, who was that poor thing who left you?
GLOUCESTER A poor unfortunate beggar. 85
A poor unfortunate beggar.
EDGAR
As I stood here below, methought his eyes
Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,
Horns whelked and waved like the enragèd sea.
It was some fiend. Therefore, thou happy father,
Think that the clearest gods, who make them 90
honors
Of men’s impossibilities, have preserved thee.
From down here, he looked monstrous. His eyes seemed as big as moons, he had a thousand noses, and his horns were twisted like the wild sea. It must have been some demon. So, lucky man, think that the benevolent gods have kept you safe because they turn impossibilities into miracles.
GLOUCESTER
I do remember now. Henceforth I’ll bear
Affliction till it do cry out itself
“Enough, enough!” and die. That thing you speak of, 95
I took it for a man. Often ’twould say
“The fiend, the fiend!” He led me to that place.
I remember now. From now on, I’ll endure suffering until it cries out ‘Enough!’ and ends. That creature, I mistook it for a man. It kept saying ‘The fiend, the fiend!’ and led me to that place.
EDGAR
Bear free and patient thoughts.
Think freely and patiently.
Enter Lear.
King Lear enters.
But who comes here?
The safer sense will ne’er accommodate 100
His master thus.
But who’s this approaching? A person in his right senses would never dress himself in this fashion.
LEAR No, they cannot touch me for coining. I am the
King himself.
No, no one can prosecute me for making coins. I’m the King himself. (Kings have the power to mint coins).
EDGAR O, thou side-piercing sight!
Oh, the sight of you pierces my sides. (This is an allusion to Christ being pierced on the cross but also just states that Edgar is heartbroken to see Lear’s condition).
LEAR Nature’s above art in that respect. There’s your 105
press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a
crowkeeper. Draw me a clothier’s yard. Look, look,
a mouse! Peace, peace! This piece of toasted cheese
will do ’t. There’s my gauntlet; I’ll prove it on a
giant. Bring up the brown bills. O, well flown, bird! 110
I’ th’ clout, i’ th’ clout! Hewgh! Give the word.
Nature is more powerful than any skill. Here’s your money for enlisting as my soldier (Lear is speaking to an imaginary soldier in his imaginary army). That guy handles his weapon as poorly as a scarecrow. Here, measure out a yard. Look, a mouse! Calm down, this piece of cheese will do it. Here’s my challenge to fight a giant. Prepare the weapons. Oh, good shot, bird! Right on target! Ha! Give the signal.
EDGAR Sweet marjoram.
Marjoram is an herb used to cure madness back then, so Edgar is wishing he had it.
LEAR Pass.
I’ll pass on that.
GLOUCESTER I know that voice.
I know that voice.
LEAR Ha! Goneril with a white beard? They flattered 115
me like a dog and told me I had the white hairs in
my beard ere the black ones were there. To say “ay”
and “no” to everything that I said “ay” and “no” to
was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me
once and the wind to make me chatter, when the 120
thunder would not peace at my bidding, there I
found ’em, there I smelt ’em out. Go to. They are
not men o’ their words; they told me I was everything.
’Tis a lie. I am not ague-proof.
Ha! Is that Goneril with a white beard? They flattered me and told me I had the white hairs in my beard before the black ones were there (meaning he had wisdom before he grew old, so before his time). To say yes and no to everything I said yes and no to was not good theology (because the Bible in Matthew 5:37 and 2 Cor 1:18 says let your yea be yea and your nay, nay). When the rain came to wet me and the wind to freeze me and make my teeth chatter, that’s when I found people out. Go. They are not men of their words. They told me I was everything, but that’s a lie. I am not immune to sickness.
GLOUCESTER
The trick of that voice I do well remember. 125
Is ’t not the King?
The sound of that voice I remember well. Isn’t it the king?
LEAR Ay, every inch a king.
When I do stare, see how the subject quakes.
I pardon that man’s life. What was thy cause?
Adultery? Thou shalt not die. Die for adultery? No. 130
The wren goes to ’t, and the small gilded fly does
lecher in my sight. Let copulation thrive, for
Gloucester’s bastard son was kinder to his father
than my daughters got ’tween the lawful sheets. To
’t, luxury, pell-mell, for I lack soldiers. Behold yond 135
simp’ring dame, whose face between her forks
presages snow, that minces virtue and does shake
the head to hear of pleasure’s name. The fitchew
nor the soiled horse goes to ’t with a more riotous
appetite. Down from the waist they are centaurs, 140
though women all above. But to the girdle do the
gods inherit; beneath is all the fiend’s. There’s hell,
there’s darkness, there is the sulphurous pit; burning,
scalding, stench, consumption! Fie, fie, fie, pah,
pah! Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary; 145
sweeten my imagination. There’s money for thee.
Yes, every inch, I’m a king. When I stare at one of my subjects, look how they shake. I pardon this man’s life. What did you do? Committed adultery? You won’t die for that. The wren and the shiny little fly engage in it openly, and no one bats an eye. Let sex thrive because Gloucester’s illegitimate son, Edmund, was kinder to his father than were my two daughters who were legitimate.
Go on, give in to your desires without restraint—I need soldiers anyway (who will be produced when people have sex). Look at that woman there whose cold-looking face above her two breasts makes it appear she’ll be sexually frigid because she pretends to be virtuous and shakes her head to hear sexual pleasure even named, but not even the horse wandering in the pasture nor the polecat have a greater sexual appetite than she does. From the waist down, women are centaurs, even though they look like women from the waist up. (A centaur is a mythical creature with the head, trunk, and arms of a man, but the body and legs of a horse). From the waist up , the body of women belongs to the gods. Below the waist, it’s all demonic, a sulphurous, burning, stench-filled, consuming pit of fire. Ugh, disgusting! Here, take some money and buy some perfume to clear my mind of these foul thoughts.
GLOUCESTER O, let me kiss that hand!
Oh, let me kiss that hand!
LEAR Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.
Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.
GLOUCESTER
O ruined piece of nature! This great world
Shall so wear out to naught. Dost thou know me? 150
Oh, you ruined person! This great world will wear out to nothing. Do you know me?
LEAR I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou
squinny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid, I’ll
not love. Read thou this challenge. Mark but the
penning of it.
GLOUCESTER
Were all thy letters suns, I could not see. 155
Even if your letters were as bright as suns, I couldn’t see them.
EDGAR, aside
I would not take this from report. It is,
And my heart breaks at it.
aside: I can hardly believe this is happening; it is, and it breaks my heart.
LEAR Read.
Read.
GLOUCESTER What, with the case of eyes?
What? Do I read with just the casing of eyes?
LEAR O ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your 160
head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in
a heavy case, your purse in a light, yet you see how
this world goes.
Oh, you’re playing along? You have no eyes and no money? Your eyes are in a heavy case (your head), and your purse is light, yet, you see how the world operates.
GLOUCESTER I see it feelingly.
I see it deeply.
LEAR What, art mad? A man may see how this world 165
goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears. See how
yond justice rails upon yond simple thief. Hark in
thine ear. Change places and, handy-dandy, which
is the justice, which is the thief? Thou hast seen a
farmer’s dog bark at a beggar? 170
Are you crazy? A man can see how this world goes even with no eyes. Use your ears. Notice how that judge loudly scolds the simple thief. Listen carefully. Swap their roles, and tell me, who’s the real thief, and who’s the judge? Have you ever seen a farmer’s dog bark at a beggar?
GLOUCESTER Ay, sir.
Yes, sir.
LEAR And the creature run from the cur? There thou
might’st behold the great image of authority: a
dog’s obeyed in office.
Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand! 175
Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thy own back.
Thou hotly lusts to use her in that kind
For which thou whipp’st her. The usurer hangs the
cozener.
Through tattered clothes small vices do appear. 180
Robes and furred gowns hide all. Plate sin with
gold,
And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks.
Arm it in rags, a pygmy’s straw does pierce it.
None does offend, none, I say, none; I’ll able ’em. 185
Take that of me, my friend, who have the power
To seal th’ accuser’s lips. Get thee glass eyes,
And like a scurvy politician
Seem to see the things thou dost not. Now, now,
now, now. 190
Pull off my boots. Harder, harder. So.
And the beggar runs away from the dog? That shows you the true nature of authority: even a dog is obeyed when it’s in charge. You lowly officer, stop your violence! Why are you beating that whore? You are just as eager to commit the acts you punish her for. The usurer who lends money at exorbitant interest rates punishes the cheat by hanging him. Through the tattered clothes of poor people, it is easy to see vices and crimes. Rich clothing hides everything. (In other words, poor people are punished for crimes that the rich are able to hide). If you cover up sin with gold, then the sword of justice breaks without hurting anyone. If sin is covered in poor people’s rags, then even a piece of straw can pierce it. No one is truly guilty, I declare; they all have excuses. Take this from me, a friend with the power to silence those who accuse you. Get yourself glasses that don’t work, and pretend like a crooked politician to see what you choose not to. Now, pull off my boots. Harder!
EDGAR, aside
O, matter and impertinency mixed,
Reason in madness!
aside: Oh, there’s such confusion here, a mix of sense and nonsense!
LEAR
If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.
I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester. 195
Thou must be patient. We came crying hither;
Thou know’st the first time that we smell the air
We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee. Mark.
If you’re going to cry for me, use my eyes to do it. I know you well enough; your name is Gloucester. You need to be patient. We all come into the world crying; when we first smell the air, we wail and cry. I’ll preach this to you. Remember it.
GLOUCESTER Alack, alack the day!
This is a terrible day!
LEAR
When we are born, we cry that we are come 200
To this great stage of fools.—This’ a good block.
It were a delicate stratagem to shoe
A troop of horse with felt. I’ll put ’t in proof,
And when I have stol’n upon these son-in-laws,
Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill! 205
Enter a Gentleman and Attendants.
We cry at birth because we’ve arrived on this huge stage of fools. This is a solid block—could be used to muffle the sound of horse hooves, a clever trick. I’ll test it when I sneak up on my sons-in-law, then it’ll be time to kill!
(A Gentleman and Attendants enter.)
GENTLEMAN, noticing Lear
O, here he is. To an Attendant. Lay hand upon
him.—Sir,
Your most dear daughter—
Oh, here is Lear. Lay hands on him. Sir, your most dear daughter –
LEAR
No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even
The natural fool of Fortune. Use me well. 210
You shall have ransom. Let me have surgeons;
I am cut to th’ brains.
No one to save me? What, am I a prisoner now? I’m just Fortune’s fool; treat me well. You’ll pay a ransom. I need a doctor; my brain feels injured.
GENTLEMAN You shall have anything.
You can have anything.
LEAR No seconds? All myself?
Why, this would make a man a man of salt, 215
To use his eyes for garden waterpots,
Ay, and laying autumn’s dust.
I will die bravely like a smug bridegroom. What?
I will be jovial. Come, come, I am a king,
Masters, know you that? 220
No help? Just me alone?
This will turn a man into salt, using his tears to water plants and settle dust.
I’ll face death bravely, like a groom on his wedding night. (this is a reference to having sex, with orgasm as a little death because men ejaculate semen).
I’m cheerful! Know this—I am a king!
GENTLEMAN
You are a royal one, and we obey you.
You are royal, and we obey you.
LEAR Then there’s life in ’t. Come, an you get it, you
shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa.
The King exits running pursued by Attendants.
Then there’s still hope. Come and get me by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa ( a hunting cry).
GENTLEMAN
A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,
Past speaking of in a king. Thou hast a daughter 225
Who redeems nature from the general curse
Which twain have brought her to.
It’s incredibly sad to see anyone in such a state, let alone a king. You have a daughter who has shown such goodness that she redeems the flaws brought into the world by others.
EDGAR Hail, gentle sir.
Hail, gentle sir.
GENTLEMAN Sir, speed you. What’s your will?
Sir, what do you need?
EDGAR
Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward? 230
Have you heard anything about a battle?
GENTLEMAN
Most sure and vulgar. Everyone hears that,
Which can distinguish sound.
Yes, most surely. Anyone who can hear has heard that.
EDGAR But, by your favor,
How near’s the other army?
How close is the other army?
GENTLEMAN
Near and on speedy foot. The main descry 235
Stands on the hourly thought.
Close and moving fast. They’ll be here any hour now.
EDGAR I thank you, sir. That’s all.
Thank you. That’s all.
GENTLEMAN
Though that the Queen on special cause is here,
Her army is moved on.
The Queen is here on a special mission, but her army has moved on.
EDGAR I thank you, sir. 240
Gentleman exits.
Thank you, sir.
The Gentleman exits.
GLOUCESTER
You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
To die before you please.
Oh, kind gods, let me not be tempted to end my life before it’s my time to go.
EDGAR Well pray you, father.
I hope you’re well, father.
GLOUCESTER Now, good sir, what are you? 245
Who are you?
EDGAR
A most poor man, made tame to Fortune’s blows,
Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,
Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand;
I’ll lead you to some biding.
He takes Gloucester’s hand.
I’m just a poor man who’s been beaten down by life’s hardships, but I’ve learned to empathize deeply with others. Give me your hand; I’ll lead you to safety.
(Edgar takes Gloucester’s hand.)
GLOUCESTER Hearty thanks. 250
The bounty and the benison of heaven
To boot, and boot.
Thank you very much. May the blessings of heaven continue to help us.
(Oswald, the Steward, enters with his sword drawn.)
Enter Oswald, the Steward.
OSWALD, drawing his sword
A proclaimed prize! Most happy!
That eyeless head of thine was first framed flesh
To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor, 255
Briefly thyself remember; the sword is out
That must destroy thee.
I’ve finally caught you! This is a great day! Your blindness was supposed to lift me up. Remember who you are, old traitor; I’m here to end you.
GLOUCESTER Now let thy friendly hand
Put strength enough to ’t.
Edgar steps between Gloucester and Oswald.
Help me stand firm then.
(Edgar steps between Gloucester and Oswald.)
OSWALD Wherefore, bold peasant, 260
Dar’st thou support a published traitor? Hence,
Lest that th’ infection of his fortune take
Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.
Why do you help a known traitor? Stay away, or his bad luck might rub off on you. Let him go!
EDGAR Chill not let go, zir, without vurther ’casion.
Why do you help a known traitor? Stay away, or his bad luck might rub off on you. Let him go!
OSWALD Let go, slave, or thou diest! 265
Let go, or I’ll kill you!
EDGAR Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor
volk pass. An ’chud ha’ bin zwaggered out of my
life, ’twould not ha’ bin zo long as ’tis by a vortnight.
Nay, come not near th’ old man. Keep out,
che vor’ ye, or Ise try whether your costard or my 270
ballow be the harder. Chill be plain with you.
Please move along and let us pass. If I were to lose my life over such nonsense, it wouldn’t have lasted this long. Stay away from the old man, or you’ll see which is harder—your head or my staff. I’m being honest with you.
OSWALD Out, dunghill.
Get out of here, you heap of dung.
EDGAR Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come, no matter vor
your foins. They fight.
I’ll knock your teeth out, just try me. Come on, do your worst.
(They fight. Oswald falls.)
OSWALD, falling
Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse. 275
If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body,
And give the letters which thou find’st about me
To Edmund, Earl of Gloucester. Seek him out
Upon the English party. O, untimely death! Death!
He dies.
You’ve killed me. Villain, take my purse. If you want to succeed, bury my body and take the letters you find on me to Edmund, Earl of Gloucester. Find him with the English forces. Oh, I’m dying too soon!
(He dies.)
EDGAR
I know thee well, a serviceable villain, 280
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
As badness would desire.
I knew you well, a villain loyal to your mistress’s worst desires.
GLOUCESTER What, is he dead?
Is he dead?
EDGAR Sit you down, father; rest you.
Let’s see these pockets. The letters that he speaks of 285
May be my friends. He’s dead; I am only sorry
He had no other deathsman. Let us see.
He opens a letter.
Leave, gentle wax, and, manners, blame us not.
To know our enemies’ minds, we rip their hearts.
Their papers is more lawful. Reads the letter. 290
Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You have
many opportunities to cut him off. If your will want
not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is
nothing done if he return the conqueror. Then am I
the prisoner, and his bed my jail, from the loathed 295
warmth whereof deliver me and supply the place for
your labor.
Your (wife, so I would say) affectionate servant,
and, for you, her own for venture, Goneril.
O indistinguished space of woman’s will! 300
A plot upon her virtuous husband’s life,
And the exchange my brother.—Here, in the sands
Thee I’ll rake up, the post unsanctified
Of murderous lechers; and in the mature time
With this ungracious paper strike the sight 305
Of the death-practiced duke. For him ’tis well
That of thy death and business I can tell.
Sit down, father; rest. Let’s see what he has in his pockets. The letters he mentioned might help us. He’s dead. I just wish someone else had been the one to kill him instead of me.
(He opens a letter.)
Don’t blame us for breaking the seal; we need to understand our enemies’ plans by reading their papers.
(Reads the letter.)
“Remember our agreement. You have many chances to get rid of him. If you’re willing, the right time and place will come. If he returns victorious, nothing is achieved. Then I’m trapped, and his bed feels like a prison. Rescue me from this detestable warmth and take over your duties. From your loving servant (and wife, I might say), Goneril.”
What a twisted plot! A wife planning against her husband’s life, hoping to replace him with her lover. I’ll bury this villain here in the sand, an unholy spot fitting for his crimes. When the time is right, I’ll use this damning letter to expose the duke.
GLOUCESTER
The King is mad. How stiff is my vile sense
That I stand up and have ingenious feeling
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract. 310
So should my thoughts be severed from my griefs,
And woes, by wrong imaginations, lose
The knowledge of themselves. Drum afar off.
The King has lost his mind. I can’t believe I’m still standing, feeling this deep sorrow. I might as well be mad; it would spare me from these agonizing thoughts.
EDGAR Give me your hand.
Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum. 315
Come, father, I’ll bestow you with a friend.
They exit.
The King has lost his mind. I can’t believe I’m still standing, feeling this deep sorrow. I might as well be mad; it would spare me from these agonizing thoughts.
Scene 7
Enter Cordelia, Kent in disguise, Doctor, and
Gentleman.
CORDELIA
O, thou good Kent, how shall I live and work
To match thy goodness? My life will be too short,
And every measure fail me.
Oh Kent, you are so good. How can I ever live up to your example? I’ll never have enough time to match your kindness.
KENT
To be acknowledged, madam, is o’erpaid.
All my reports go with the modest truth, 5
Nor more, nor clipped, but so.
Just being recognized by you is more than enough for me. My reports are always modest and true, nothing more or less.
CORDELIA Be better suited.
These weeds are memories of those worser hours.
I prithee put them off.
You should dress better. These clothes are reminders of worse times. Please change them.
KENT Pardon, dear madam. 10
Yet to be known shortens my made intent.
My boon I make it that you know me not
Till time and I think meet.
I apologize, madam. But being unrecognized helps me stay focused on my goals. Let me remain unknown until the right time.
CORDELIA
Then be ’t so, my good lord.—How does the King?
Alright, if you think that’s best. How is the King doing?
DOCTOR Madam, sleeps still. 15
He’s still asleep.
CORDELIA O, you kind gods,
Cure this great breach in his abusèd nature!
Th’ untuned and jarring senses, O, wind up,
Of this child-changèd father!
Oh kind gods, heal his broken mind and restore his senses!
DOCTOR So please your Majesty 20
That we may wake the King? He hath slept
long.
Would you like us to wake him? He has been sleeping for quite some time.
CORDELIA
Be governed by your knowledge, and proceed
I’ th’ sway of your own will. Is he arrayed?
Use your best judgment to handle this. Is he dressed yet?
Enter Lear in a chair carried by Servants.
GENTLEMAN
Ay, madam. In the heaviness of sleep, 25
We put fresh garments on him.
Yes, madam. We changed his clothes while he was still sleeping deeply.
DOCTOR
Be by, good madam, when we do awake him.
I doubt not of his temperance.
Make sure you’re here when we wake him. I trust he’ll be calm.
CORDELIA Very well.
Okay
Music.
DOCTOR
Please you, draw near.—Louder the music there. 30
Come closer. Make the music louder.
CORDELIA, kissing Lear
O, my dear father, restoration hang
Thy medicine on my lips, and let this kiss
Repair those violent harms that my two sisters
Have in thy reverence made.
Dear father, may this kiss help heal the damage my sisters have caused you.
KENT Kind and dear princess. 35
You’re a kind and dear princess.
CORDELIA
Had you not been their father, these white flakes
Did challenge pity of them. Was this a face
To be opposed against the jarring winds?
To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder,
In the most terrible and nimble stroke 40
Of quick cross-lightning? To watch, poor perdu,
With this thin helm? Mine enemy’s dog,
Though he had bit me, should have stood that night
Against my fire. And wast thou fain, poor father,
To hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn 45
In short and musty straw? Alack, alack,
’Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once
Had not concluded all.—He wakes. Speak to him.
If you weren’t their father, your white hair would even make them pity you if you were a stranger to them. How could you face the harsh weather and dangers alone? You shouldn’t have had to hide among animals and thieves in dirty straw. It’s amazing you survived with your sanity. He’s waking up—talk to him.
DOCTOR Madam, do you; ’tis fittest.
Madam, you should speak to him. It’s most appropriate.
CORDELIA
How does my royal lord? How fares your Majesty? 50
How are you, my king? How are you feeling?
LEAR
You do me wrong to take me out o’ th’ grave.
Thou art a soul in bliss, but I am bound
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears
Do scald like molten lead.
It’s wrong to bring me back from the dead. You must be a blessed soul, but I am tortured, feeling as though my tears are molten lead.
CORDELIA Sir, do you know me? 55
Do you know me?
LEAR
You are a spirit, I know. Where did you die?
You seem like a spirit. When did you die?.
CORDELIA Still, still, far wide.
He’s still far from the mark and wandering.
DOCTOR
He’s scarce awake. Let him alone awhile.
He’s hardly awake. Leave him alone a while.
LEAR
Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight?
I am mightily abused; I should e’en die with pity 60
To see another thus. I know not what to say.
I will not swear these are my hands. Let’s see.
I feel this pinprick. Would I were assured
Of my condition!
Where was I? What is this place? It’s so bright here. I’d die of sadness if I saw someone else suffering like this. I can’t believe these are my hands. I feel this pinprick. I wish I could understand what’s happening to me.
CORDELIA O, look upon me, sir, 65
And hold your hand in benediction o’er me.
No, sir, you must not kneel.
Oh look at me sir and hold your hand in blessing over me.
No, sir, you must not kneel.
LEAR Pray do not mock:
I am a very foolish fond old man,
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less, 70
And to deal plainly,
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.
Methinks I should know you and know this man,
Yet I am doubtful, for I am mainly ignorant
What place this is, and all the skill I have 75
Remembers not these garments; nor I know not
Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me,
For, as I am a man, I think this lady
To be my child Cordelia.
Don’t make fun of me: I am just a foolish old man, well past eighty, and frankly, I don’t think I’m in my right mind. I feel like I should know you and this man, but I’m confused. I can’t remember where I was last night or these clothes I’m wearing. Please don’t laugh at me. As far as I know, I think you might be my daughter Cordelia.
CORDELIA, weeping And so I am; I am. 80
And so I am. I am.
LEAR
Be your tears wet? Yes, faith. I pray, weep not.
If you have poison for me, I will drink it.
I know you do not love me, for your sisters
Have, as I do remember, done me wrong.
You have some cause; they have not. 85
Are your tears real? Please don’t cry. If you have poison for me, I’ll drink it. I know you don’t love me because your sisters, as I recall, have done me wrong. You have some cause or reason not to love me. They do not.
CORDELIA No cause, no
cause.
I have no cause, no cause.
LEAR Am I in France?
Am I in France?
KENT In your own kingdom, sir.
In your own kingdom, sir.
LEAR Do not abuse me. 90
Don’t deceive me.
DOCTOR
Be comforted, good madam. The great rage,
You see, is killed in him, and yet it is danger
To make him even o’er the time he has lost.
Desire him to go in. Trouble him no more
Till further settling. 95
Try to stay calm, madam. His anger is gone, but revisiting lost memories could upset him. Let’s not push him too hard until he’s more settled.
CORDELIA Will ’t please your Highness walk?
Would you like to walk now, sir?
LEAR You must bear with me.
Pray you now, forget, and forgive. I am old and
foolish. They exit. Kent and Gentleman remain.
You’ll have to be patient with me. Please forgive and forget; I’m old and foolish.
(They exit, leaving Kent and the Gentleman.)
GENTLEMAN Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall 100
was so slain?
Is it true the Duke of Cornwall was killed?
KENT Most certain, sir.
Yes, sir.
GENTLEMAN Who is conductor of his people?
Who leads his troops?
KENT As ’tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.
It’s said the bastard son of Gloucester, Edmund.
GENTLEMAN They say Edgar, his banished son, is with 105
the Earl of Kent in Germany.
They say, Edgar, Gloucester’s banished son, is with the Earl of Kent in Germany.
KENT Report is changeable. ’Tis time to look about.
The powers of the kingdom approach apace.
Reports change. It’s time to look out. The troops are approaching fast.
GENTLEMAN The arbitrament is like to be bloody. Fare
you well, sir. He exits. 110
It’s likely to be a bloody battle.
KENT
My point and period will be throughly wrought,
Or well, or ill, as this day’s battle’s fought.
He exits.
Whatever happens today in battle will definitely conclude my mission, for better or worse.
(He exits.)