King Lear

Adapted by Nahum Tate

Edited by Jack Lynch,
Rutgers University Newark

The text comes from the first edition of 1681, and is transcribed from a copy in
the Furness Collection at the University of Pennsylvania. This is a diplomatic
transcription, preserving all the irregularities of Tate's text, including
inconsistencies in spelling, punctuation, and lineation. Formatting follows the first
edition as closely as the limitations of HTML will allow.

The lines are numbered in each act. Tate's use of hemistiches is irregular (as is
his meter generally); rather than try to guess which lines are supposed to be
hemistiches and which incomplete lines of verse, I've numbered every line on its
own. Prose lines in the original edition are included in the count, though the
numbers appear only in passages of verse.

I hope to add commentary one of these days, but this will have to do for now.
Meanwhile, send corrections and comments to Jack Lynch.

THE

HISTORY
OF

KING
L E A R.
Acted at the

Duke's Theatre.
 Reviv'd with Alterations.

By N. T A T E.

L O N D O N,
Printed for E. Flesher, and are to be sold by R. Bent-
ley, and M. Magnes in Russel-street near Covent-Garden, 1681.

[The Epistle Dedicatory]

TO
My Esteemed F RIEND

Thomas Boteler, Esq;

Sir,

You have a natural Right to this Piece, since, by your Advice, I attempted the Revival of it with
Alterations. Nothing but the Power of your Perswasion, and my Zeal for all the Remains
ofShakespear, cou'd have wrought me to so bold an Undertaking. I found that the New-modelling of
this Story, wou'd force me sometimes on the difficult Task of making the chiefest Persons speak
something like their Character, on Matter whereof I had no Ground in my Author. Lear's real,
and Edgar's pretended Madness have so much of extravagant Nature (I know not how else to
express it) as cou'd never have started but from our Shakespear's Creating Fancy. The Images and
Language are so odd and surprizing, and yet so agreeable and proper, that whilst we grant that none
but Shakespear cou'd have form'd such Conceptions, yet we are satisfied that they were the only
Things in the World that ought to be said on those Occasions. I found the whole to answer your
Account of it, a Heap of Jewels, unstrung and unpolisht; yet so dazling in their Disorder, that I soon
perceiv'd I had seiz'd a Treasure. 'Twas my good Fortune to light on one Expedient to rectifie what
was wanting in the Regularity and Probability of the Tale, which was to run through the whole
A Love betwixt Edgar and Cordelia, that never chang'd word with each other in the Original. This
renders Cordelia's Indifference and her Father's Passion in the first Scene probable. It likewise
gives Countenance to Edgar's Disguise, making that a generous Design that was before a poor Shift
to save his Life. The Distress of the Story is evidently heightned by it; and it particularly gave
Occasion of a New Scene or Two, of more Success (perhaps) than Merit. This Method necessarily
threw me on making the Tale conclude in a Success to the innocent distrest Persons: Otherwise I
must have incumbred the Stage with dead Bodies, which Conduct makes many Tragedies conclude
with unseasonable Jests. Yet was I Rackt with no small Fears for so bold a Change, till I found it
well receiv'd by my Audience; and if this will not satisfie the Reader, I can produce an Authority that
questionless will. Neither is it of so Trivial an Undertaking to make a Tragedy end happily,
for 'tis more difficult to Save than 'tis to Kill: The Dagger and Cup of Poyson are alwaies
in Readiness; but to bring the Action to the last Extremity, and then by probable Means to
recover All, will require the Art and Judgment of a Writer, and cost him many a Pang in
the Performance. [Marginal note: "Mr. Dryd. Pref. to the Span. Fryar."]

I have one thing more to Apologize for, which is, that I have us'd less Quaintness of Expression even
in the newest Parts of this Play. I confess 'twas Design in me, partly to comply with my Author's Style
to make the Scenes of a Piece, and partly to give it some Resemblance of the Time and Persons here
Represented. This, Sir, I submit wholly to you, who are both a Judge and Master of Style. Nature had
exempted you before you went Abroad from the Morose Saturnine Humour of our Country, and you
brought home the Refinedness of Travel without the Affectation. Many Faults I see in the following
Pages, and question not but you will discover more; yet I will presume so far on your Friendship, as
to make the Whole a Present to you, and Subscribe my self

Your obliged Friend

and humble Servant,

N. Tate.

PROLOGUE.
Since by Mistakes your best Delights are made,
(For ev'n your Wives can please in Masquerade)
'Twere worth our While t' have drawn you in this day
By a new Name to our old honest Play;
But he that did this Evenings Treat prepare
Bluntly resolv'd before-hand to declare
Your Entertainment should be most old Fare.
Yet hopes, since in rich Shakespear's soil it grew,
'Twill relish yet with those whose Tasts are True,
And his Ambition is to please a Few.
If then this Heap of Flow'rs shall chance to wear
Fresh Beauty in the Order they now bear,
Ev'n this Shakespear's Praise; each Rustick knows
'Mongst plenteous Flow'rs a Garland to Compose,
Which strung by his course Hand may fairer Show,
But 'twas a Pow'r: Divine first made 'em Grow.
Why shou'd these Scenes lie hid, in which we find
What may at Once divert and teach the Mind?
Morals were alwaies proper for the Stage,
But are ev'n necessary in this Age.
Poets must take the Churches Teaching Trade,
Since Priests their Province of Intrigue invade;
But We the worst in this Exchange have got,
In vain our Poets Preach, whilst Church-men Plot.

The Persons.
King Lear, Mr. Betterton.
Gloster, Mr. Gillo.
Kent, Mr. Wiltshire.
Edgar, Mr. Smith.
Bastard, Mr. Jo. Williams.
Cornwall, Mr. Norris.
Albany, Mr. Bowman.
Gentleman-Usher, Mr. Jevon.
Gonerill, Mrs. Shadwell.
Regan, Lady Slingsby.
Cordelia, Mrs. Barry.
Guards, Officers, Messengers, Attendants.

K I N G L E A R.

T R A G E D Y.

A C T I.
Enter Bastard solus.

Bast.
Thou Nature art my Goddess, to thy Law
My Services are bound, why am I then
Depriv'd of a Son's Right because I came not
In the dull Road that custom has prescrib'd?
Why Bastard, wherefore Base, when I can boast
A Mind as gen'rous and a Shape as true
As honest Madam's Issue? why are we
Held Base, who in the lusty stealth of Nature
Take fiercer Qualities than what compound
The scanted Births of the stale Marriage-bed? [10]
Well then, legitimate Edgar, to thy right
Of Law I will oppose a Bastard's Cunning.
Our Father's Love is to the Bastard Edmund
As to Legitimate Edgar: with success
I've practis'd yet on both their easie Natures:
Here comes the old Man chaf't with th' Information
Which last I forg'd against my Brother Edgar,
A Tale so plausible, so boldly utter'd
And heightned by such lucky Accidents,
That now the slightest circumstance confirms him, [20]
And Base-born Edmund spight of Law inherits.

Enter Kent and Gloster.

Glost.

Nay, good my Lord, your Charity

O'reshoots it self to plead in his behalf;
You are your self a Father, and may feel
The sting of disobedience from a Son
First-born and best Belov'd: Oh Villain Edgar!

Kent.

Be not too rash, all may be forgery,

And time yet clear the Duty of your Son.

Glost.

Plead with the Seas, and reason down the Winds,

Yet shalt thou ne're convince me, I have seen [30]
His foul Designs through all a Father's fondness:
But be this Light and Thou my Witnesses
That I discard him here from my Possessions,
Divorce him from my Heart, my Blood and Name.

Bast.

It works as I cou'd wish; I'll shew my self.

Glost.

Ha Edmund! welcome Boy; O Kent see here

Inverted Nature, Gloster's Shame and Glory,
This By-born, the wild sally of my Youth,
Pursues me with all filial Offices,
Whilst Edgar, begg'd of Heaven and born in Honour, [40]
Draws plagues on my white head that urge me still
To curse in Age the pleasure of my Youth.
Nay weep not, Edmund, for thy Brother's crimes;
O gen'rous Boy, thou shar'st but half his blood,
Yet lov'st beyond the kindness of a Brother.
But I'll reward thy Vertue. Follow me.
My Lord, you wait the King who comes resolv'd
To quit the Toils of Empire, and divide
His Realms amongst his Daughters, Heaven succeed it,
But much I fear the Change. [50]

Kent.

I grieve to see him

With such wild starts of passion hourly seiz'd,
As renders Majesty beneath it self.

Glost.

Alas! 'tis the Infirmity of his Age,

Yet has his Temper ever been unfixt,
Chol'rick and suddain; hark, They approach.

[Exeunt Gloster and Bast.

Flourish. Enter Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Burgundy, Edgar, Goneril,

Regan, Cordelia, Edgar speaking to Cordelia at Entrance.

Edgar.

Cordelia, royal Fair, turn yet once more,

And e're successfull Burgundy receive
The treasure of thy Beauties from the King,
E're happy Burgundy for ever fold Thee, [60]
Cast back one pitying Look on wretched Edgar.

Cord.

Alas what wou'd the wretched Edgar with

The more Unfortunate Cordelia;
Who in obedience to a Father's will
Flys from her Edgar's Arms to Burgundy's?

Lear.

Attend my Lords of Albany and Cornwall

With Princely Burgundy.

Alb.

We do, my Liege.

Lear.

Give me the Mapp know, Lords, We have divided

In Three our Kingdom, having now resolved [70]
To disengage from Our long Toil of State,
Conferring All upon your younger years;
You, Burgundy, Cornwall and Albany
Long in Our Court have made your amorous sojourn
And now are to be answer'd tell me my Daughters
Which of you Loves Us most, that We may place
Our largest Bounty with the largest Merit.
Gonerill, Our Eldest-born, speak first.

Gon.

Sir, I do love You more than words can utter,

Beyond what can be valu'd, Rich or Rare, [80]
Nor Liberty, nor Sight, Health, Fame, or Beauty
Are half so dear, my Life for you were vile,
As much as Child can love the best of Fathers.

Lear.

Of all these Bounds, ev'n from this Line to this

With shady Forests and wide-skirted Meads,
We make Thee Lady, to thine and Albany's Issue
Be this perpetual What says Our Second Daughter?

Reg.

My Sister, Sir, in part exprest my Love,

For such as Hers, is mine, though more extended;
Sense has no other Joy that I can relish, [90]
I have my All in my dear Lieges Love!
Lear.

Therefore to thee and thine Hereditary

Remain this ample Third of our fair Kingdom.

Cord.

Now comes my Trial, how am I distrest,

[Aside.

That must with cold speech tempt the chol'rick King

Rather to leave me Dowerless, than condemn me
To loath'd Embraces!

Lear.

Speak now Our last, not least in Our dear Love,

So ends my Task of State, Cordelia speak,
What canst Thou say to win a richer Third [100]
Than what thy Sisters gain'd?

Cord.

Now must my Love in words fall short of theirs

As much as it exceeds in Truth Nothing my Lord.

Lear.

Nothing can come of Nothing, speak agen.

Cord.

Unhappy am I that I can't dissemble,

Sir, as I ought, I love your Majesty,
No more nor less.

Lear.

Take heed Cordelia,

Thy Fortunes are at stake, think better on't
And mend thy Speech a little. [110]

Cord.

O my Liege,
You gave me Being, Bred me, dearly Love me,
And I return my duty as I ought,
Obey you, Love you, and most Honour you!
Why have my Sisters Husbands, if they love you All?
Happ'ly when I shall Wed, the Lord whose Hand
Shall take my Plight, will carry half my Love,
For I shall never marry, like my Sisters,
To Love my Father All.

Lear.

And goes thy Heart with this? [120]

'Tis said that I am Chol'rick, judge me Gods,
Is there not cause? now Minion I perceive
The Truth of what has been suggested to Us,
Thy Fondness for the Rebel Son of Gloster,
False to his Father, as Thou art to my Hopes:
And oh take heed, rash Girl, lest We comply
With thy fond wishes, which thou wilt too late
Repent, for know Our nature cannot brook
A Child so young and so Ungentle.

Cord.

So young my Lord and True. [130]

Lear.

Thy Truth then be thy Dow'r,

For by the sacred Sun and solemn Night
I here disclaim all my paternal Care,
And from this minute hold thee as a Stranger
Both to my Blood and Favour.

Kent.

This is Frenzy.
Consider, good my Liege

Lear.

Peace Kent.
Come not between a Dragon and his Rage.
I lov'd her most, and in her tender Trust [140]
Design'd to have bestow'd my Age at Ease!
So be my Grave my Peace as here I give
My Heart from her, and with it all my Wealth:
My Lords of Cornwall and of Albany,
I do invest you jointly with full Right
In this fair Third, Cordelia's forfeit Dow'r.
Mark me, My Lords, observe Our last Resolve,
Our Self attended with an hundred Knights
Will make Aboad with you in monthly Course,
The Name alone of King remain with me, [150]
Yours be the Execution and Revenues,
This is Our final Will, and to confirm it
This Coronet part between you.

Kent.

Royal Lear,
Whom I have ever honour'd as my King,
Lov'd as my Father, as my Master follow'd,
And as my Patron thought on in my Pray'rs

Lear.

Away, the Bow is bent, make from the Shaft.

Kent.

No, let it fall and drench within my Heart,

Be Kent unmannerly when Lear is mad: [160]
Thy youngest Daughter

Lear.

On thy Life no more.

Kent.

What wilt thou doe, old Man?

Lear.

Out of my sight!

Kent.

See better first.

Lear.

Now by the gods

Kent.

Now by the gods, rash King, thou swear'st in vain.

Lear.

Ha Traytour

Kent.

Do, kill thy Physician, Lear,

Strike through my Throat, yet with my latest Breath [170]
I'll Thunder in thine Ear my just Complaint,
And tell Thee to thy Face that Thou dost ill.

Lear.

Hear me rash Man, on thy Allegiance hear me;

Since thou hast striv'n to make Us break our Vow
And prest between our Sentence and our Pow'r,
Which nor our Nature nor our Place can bear,
We banish thee for ever from our Sight
And Kingdom; if when Three days are expir'd
Thy hated Trunk be found in our Dominions
That moment is thy Death; Away. [180]

Kent.

Why fare thee well, King, since thou art resolv'd,

I take thee at thy word, and will not stay
To see thy Fall: the gods protect the Maid
That truly thinks, and has most justly said.
Thus to new Climates my old Truth I bear,
Friendship lives Hence, and Banishment is Here.

[Exit.

Lear.

Now Burgundy, you see her Price is faln,

Yet if the fondness of your Passion still
Affects her as she stands, Dow'rless, and lost
In our Esteem, she's yours, take her or leave her. [190]

Burg.

Pardon me, Royal Lear, I but demand

The Dow'r your Self propos'd, and here I take
Cordelia by the Hand Dutchess of Burgundy.
Lear.

Then leave her Sir, for by a Father's rage

I tell you all her Wealth. Away.

Burg.

Then Sir be pleas'd to charge the breach

Of our Alliance on your own Will
Not my Inconstancy.

[Exeunt. Manent Edgar and Cordelia.

Edg.

Has Heaven then weigh'd the merit of my Love,

Or is't the raving of my sickly Thought? [200]
Cou'd Burgundy forgoe so rich a Prize
And leave her to despairing Edgar's Arms?
Have I thy Hand Cordelia, do I clasp it,
The Hand that was this minute to have join'd
My hated Rivals? do I kneel before thee
And offer at thy feet my panting Heart?
Smile, Princess, and convince me, for as yet
I doubt, and dare not trust the dazling Joy.

Cord.

Some Comfort yet that 'twas no vicious Blot

That has depriv'd me of a Father's Grace, [210]
But meerly want of that that makes me rich
In wanting it, a smooth professing Tongue:
O Sisters, I am loth to call your fault
As it deserves; but use our Father well,
And wrong'd Cordelia never shall repine.

Edg.

O heav'nly Maid that art thy self thy Dow'r,

Richer in Vertue than the Stars in Light,
If Edgar's humble fortunes may be grac't
With thy Acceptance, at thy feet he lays 'em. [220]
Ha my Cordelia! dost thou turn away?
What have I done t'offend Thee?

Cord.
Talk't of Love.

Edg.

Then I've offended oft, Cordelia too

Has oft permitted me so to offend.

Cord.

When, Edgar, I permitted your Addresses,

I was the darling Daughter of a King,
Nor can I now forget my royal Birth,
And live dependent on my Lover's Fortune.
I cannot to so low a fate submit,
And therefore study to forget your Passion, [230]
And trouble me upon this Theam no more.

Edg.

Thus Majesty takes most State in Distress!

How are we tost on Fortune's fickle flood!
The Wave that with surprising kindness brought
The dear Wreck to my Arms, has snatcht it back,
And left me mourning on the barren Shore.

Cord.

This Baseness of th' ignoble Burgundy

[Aside.

Draws just suspicion on the Race of Men,

His Love was Int'rest, so may Edgar's be
And He but with more Complement dissemble; [240]
If so, I shall oblige him by Denying:
But if his Love be fixt, such Constant flame
As warms our Breasts, if such I find his Passion,
My Heart as gratefull to his Truth shall be,
And Cold Cordelia prove as Kind as He.

[Exit.

Enter Bastard hastily.

Bast.
Brother, I've found you in a lucky minute,
Fly and be safe, some Villain has incens'd
Our Father against your Life.

Edg.

Distrest Cordelia! but oh! more Cruel!

Bast.

Hear me Sir, your Life, your Life's in Danger. [250]

Edg.

A Resolve so sudden
And of such black Importance!

Bast.

'Twas not sudden,

Some Villain has of long time laid the Train.

Edg.

And yet perhaps 'twas but pretended Coldness,

To try how far my passion would pursue.

Bast.

He hears me not; wake, wake Sir.

Edg.

Say ye Brother?
No Tears good Edmund, if thou bringst me tidings
To strike me dead, for Charity delay not, [260]
That present will befit so kind a Hand.

Bast.

Your danger Sir comes on so fast

That I want time t'inform you, but retire
Whilst I take care to turn the pressing Stream.
O gods! for Heav'ns sake Sir.

Edg.
Pardon me Sir, a serious Thought
Had seiz'd me, but I think you talkt of danger
And wisht me to Retire; must all our Vows
End thus! Friend I obey you O Cordelia!

[Exit.

Bast.

Ha! ha! fond Man, such credulous Honesty [270]

Lessens the Glory of my Artifice,
His Nature is so far from doing wrongs
That he suspects none: if this Letter speed
And pass for Edgar's, as himself wou'd own
The Counterfeit but for the foul Contents,
Then my designs are perfect here comes Gloster.

[Enter Gloster.

Glost.

Stay Edmund, turn, what paper were you reading?

Bast.

A Trifle Sir.

Glost.

What needed then that terrible dispatch of it

Into your Pocket, come produce it Sir. [280]

Bast.

A Letter from my Brother Sir, I had

Just broke the Seal but knew not the Contents,
Yet fearing they might prove to blame
Endeavour'd to conceal it from your sight.

Glost.

'Tis Edgar's Character.

[Reads.

This Policy of Fathers is intollerable that keeps our Fortunes from us till Age will not
suffer us to enjoy 'em; I am weary of the Tyranny: Come to me that of this I may speak
more: if our Father would sleep till I wak't him, you shou'd enjoy half his Possessions,
and live beloved of your Brother

Edgar.

Slept till I wake him, you shou'd enjoy

Half his possessions Edgar to write this
'Gainst his indulgent Father! Death and Hell!
Fly, Edmund, seek him out, wind me into him [290]
That I may bite the Traytor's heart, and fold
His bleeding Entrals on my vengefull Arm.

Bast.

Perhaps 'twas writ, my Lord, to prove my Vertue.

Glost.

These late Eclipses of the Sun and Moon

Can bode no less; Love cools, and friendship fails,
In Cities mutiny, in Countrys discord,
The bond of Nature crack't 'twixt Son and Father:
Find out the Villain, do it carefully
And it shall lose thee nothing.

[Exit.

Bast.

So, now my project's firm, but to make sure

I'll throw in one proof more and that a bold one; [300]
I'll place old Gloster where he shall o're-hear us
Confer of this design, whilst to his thinking,
Deluded Edgar shall accuse himself.
Be Honesty my Int'rest and I can
Be honest too, and what Saint so Divine
That will successfull Villany decline!

[Exit.

Enter Kent disguis'd.

Kent.

Now banisht Kent, if thou canst pay thy duty

In this disguise where thou dost stand condemn'd,
Thy Master Lear shall find thee full of Labours.
 Enter Lear attended.

Lear.

In there, and tell our Daughter we are here [310]

Now; What art Thou?

Kent.

A Man, Sir.

Lear.

What dost thou profess, or wou'dst with us?

Kent.

I do profess to be no less then I seem, to serve him truly that puts me in Trust,
to love him that's Honest, to converse with him that's wise and speaks little, to
fight when I can't choose; and to eat no Fish.

Lear.

I say, what art Thou?

Kent.

A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the King.

Lear.

Then art thou poor indeed What can'st thou do?

Kent.

I can keep honest Counsel, marr a curious Tale in the telling, deliver a plain
Message bluntly, that which ordinary Men are fit for I am qualify'd in, and the
best of me is Diligence.

Lear.

Follow me, thou shalt serve me.

Enter one of Gonerill's Gentlemen.

Now Sir?
Gent.

Sir

[Exit; Kent runs after him.

Lear.

What says the fellow? Call the Clatpole back.

Att.

My Lord, I know not, but methinks your Highness is entertain'd with slender
Ceremony.

Servant.

He says, my Lord, your Daughter is not well. [330]

Lear.

Why came not the Slave back when I call'd him?

Serv.

My Lord, he answer'd me i'th' surliest manner,

That he wou'd not.

Re-enter Gentleman brought in by Kent.

Lear.

I hope our Daughter did not so instruct him:

Now, who am I Sir?

Gent.

My Ladies Father.

Lear.

My Lord's Knave

[Strikes him.
 [Gonerill at the Entrance.

Gent.

I'll not be struck my Lord.

Kent.

Nor tript neither, thou vile Civet-box.

[Strikes up his heels.

Gon.

By Day and Night this is insufferable, [340]

I will not bear it.

Lear.

Now, Daughter, why that frontlet on?

Speak, do's that Frown become our Presence?

Gon.

Sir, this licentious Insolence of your Servants

Is most unseemly, hourly they break out
In quarrels bred by their unbounded Riots,
I had fair hope by making this known to you
T'have had a quick Redress, but find too late
That you protect and countenance their out-rage;
And therefore, Sir, I take this freedom, which [350]
Necessity makes Discreet.

Lear.

Are you our Daughter?

Gon.

Come, Sir, let me entreat you to make use

Of your discretion, and put off betimes
This Disposition that of late transforms you
From what you rightly are.

Lear.
Do's any here know me? why this is not Lear.
Do's Lear walk thus? speak thus? where are his Eyes?
Who is it that can tell me who I am?

Gon.

Come, Sir, this Admiration's much o'th' savour [360]

Of other your new humours, I beseech you
To understand my purposes aright;
As you are old, you shou'd be staid and wise,
Here do you keep an hundred Knights and Squires,
Men so debaucht and bold that this our Palace
Shews like a riotous Inn, a Tavern, Brothel;
Be then advised by her that else will take
The she beggs, to lessen your Attendance,
Take half a way, and see that the remainder
Be such as may befit your Age, and know [370]
Themselves and you.

Lear.

Darkness and Devils!

Saddle my Horses, call my Train together,
Degenerate Viper, I'll not stay with Thee;
I yet have left a Daughter Serpent, Monster,
Lessen my Train, and call 'em riotous?
All men approv'd of choice and rarest Parts,
That each particular of duty know
How small, Cordelia, was thy Fault? O Lear,
Beat at this Gate that let thy Folly in, [380]
And thy dear Judgment out; Go, go, my People.

[Going off meets Albany entring.

Ingratefull Duke, was this your will?

Alb.

What Sir?

Lear.

Death! fifty of my Followers at a clap!

Alb.

The matter Madam?

Gon.

Never afflict your self to know the Cause,

But give his Dotage way.

Lear.

Blasts upon thee,

Th' untented woundings of a Father's Curse
Pierce ev'ry Sense about Thee; old fond Eyes [390]
Lament this Cause again, I'll pluck ye out
And cast ye with the Waters that ye lose
To temper Clay No, Gorgon, thou shalt find
That I'll resume the Shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever.

Gon.

Mark ye that.

Lear.

Hear Nature!
Dear Goddess hear, and if thou dost intend
To make that Creature fruitfull, change thy purpose;
Pronounce upon her Womb the barren Curse, [400]
That from her blasted Body never spring
A Babe to honour her but if she must bring forth,
Defeat her Joy with some distorted Birth,
Or monstrous Form, the Prodigy o'th' Time,
And so perverse of spirit, that it may Live
Her Torment as 'twas Born, to fret her Cheeks
With constant Tears, and wrinkle her young Brow.
Turn all her Mother's Pains to Shame and Scorn,
That she may curse her Crime too late, and feel
How sharper than a Serpent's Tooth it is [410]
To have a Thankless Child! Away, away.

[Exit cum suis.

Gon.

Presuming thus upon his numerous Train

He thinks to play the Tyrant here, and hold
Our Lives at will.
Alb.

Well, you may bear too far.

[Ex.

End of the First Act.

A C T I I.
S C E N E, Gloster's House.

Enter Bastard.

Bast.

The Duke comes here to night, I'll take advantage

Of his Arrival to compleat my project,
Brother a Word, come forth, 'tis I your Friend,

Enter Edgar.

My Father watches for you, fly this place,

Intelligence is giv'n where you are hid,
Take the advantage of the Night, bethink ye
Have not spoke against the Duke of Cornwall
Something might shew you a favourer of
Duke Albany's Party?

Edg.

Nothing, why ask you? [10]

Bast.

Because he's coming here to Night in haste

And Regan with him heark! the Guards, Away.

Ed.

Let 'em come on, I'll stay and clear my self.

Bast.

Your Innocence at leisure may be heard,

But Gloster's storming Rage as yet is deaf,
And you may perish e're allow'd the hearing.

[Ex. Edgar.

Gloster comes yonder: now to my feign'd scuffle

Yield, come before my Father! Lights here, Lights!
Some Blood drawn on me wou'd beget opinion

[Stabs his Arm.

Of our more fierce Encounter I have seen [20]

Drunkards do more than this in sport.

[Enter Gloster and Servants.

Glost.

Now, Edmund, where's the Traytour?

Bast.

That Name, Sir,

Strikes Horrour through me, but my Brother, Sir,
Stood here i'th' Dark.

Glost.

Thou bleed'st, pursue the Villain

And bring him piece-meal to me.

Bast.

Sir, he's fled.

Glost.

Let him fly far, this Kingdom shall not hide him:
The noble Duke, my Patron, comes to Night, [30]
By his Authority I will proclaim
Rewards for him that brings him to the Stake,
And Death for the Concealer.
Then of my Lands, loyal and natural Boy,
I'll work the means to make thee capable.
 [Exeunt.

Enter Kent (disguis'd still) and Goneril's Gentleman, severally.

Gent.

Good morrow Friend, belong'st thou to this House?

Kent.

Ask them will answer thee.

Gent.

Where may we set our Horses?

Kent.

I'th' Mire.

Gent.

I am in haste, prethee an' thou lov'st me, tell me. [40]

Kent.

I love thee not.

Gent.

Why then I care not for Thee.

Kent.

An' I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold, I'd make thee care for me.

Gent.

What dost thou mean? I know thee not.

Kent.

But, Minion, I know Thee.

Gent.
What dost thou know me for?

Kent.

For a base, proud, beggarly, white-liver'd, Glass-gazing, superserviceable

finical Rogue; one that wou'd be a Pimp in way of good Service, and art
nothing but a composition of Knave, Beggar, Coward, Pandar .

Gent.

What a monstrous Fellow art thou to rail at one that is neither known of thee
nor knows thee?

Kent.

Impudent Slave, not know me, who but two days since tript up thy heels before
the King: draw, Miscreant, or I'll make the Moon shine through thee.

Gent.

What means the Fellow? Why prethee, prethee; I tell thee I have nothing to
do with thee.

Kent.

I know your Rogueship's Office, you come with Letters against the King, taking
my young Lady Vanity's part against her royal Father; draw Rascal.

Gent.

Murther, murther, help Ho!

Kent.

Dost thou scream Peacock, strike Puppet, stand dappar Slave.

Gent.

Help Hea'! Murther, help.

[Exit. Kent after him.

Flourish. Enter Duke of Cornwal, Regan, attended, Gloster, Bastard.

Glost.

All Welcome to your Graces, you do me honour.

Duke.

Gloster w'ave heard with sorrow that your Life

Has been attempted by your impious Son,
But Edmund here has paid you strictest Duty.

Glost.

He did betray his Practice, and receiv'd [70]

The Hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.

Duke.

Is He pursu'd?

Glost.

He is, my Lord.

Reg.

Use our Authority to apprehend

The Traytour and do Justice on his Head;
For you, Edmund, that have so signaliz'd
Your Vertue, you from henceforth shall be ours;
Natures of such firm Trust we much shall need.
A charming Youth and worth my further Thought.

[Aside.

Duke.

Lay comforts, noble Gloster, to your Breast, [80]

As we to ours, This Night be spent in Revels,
We choose you, Gloster, for our Host to Night,
A troublesome expression of our Love.
On, to the Sports before us who are These?

Enter the Gentleman pursu'd by Kent.

Glost.

Now, what's the matter?

Duke.
Keep peace upon your Lives, he dies that strikes.
Whence and what are ye?

Att.

Sir, they are Messengers, the one from your Sister,

The other from the King.

Duke.

Your Difference? speak. [90]

Gent.

I'm scarce in breath, my Lord.

Kent.

No marvel, you have so bestirr'd your Valour.

Nature disclaims the Dastard, a Taylor made him.

Duke.

Speak yet, how grew your Quarrel?

Gent.

Sir this old Ruffian here, whose Life I spar'd

In pity to his Beard

Kent.

Thou Essence Bottle!

In pity to my Beard? Your leave, my Lord,
And I will tread the Muss cat into Mortar.

Duke.

Know'st thou our Presence? [100]

Kent.

Yes, Sir, but Anger has a Privilege.

Duke.

Why art thou angry?

Kent.

That such a Slave as this shou'd wear a Sword

And have no Courage, Office and no Honesty.
Not Frost and Fire hold more Antipathy
Than I and such a Knave.

Glost.

Why dost thou call him Knave?

Kent.

His Countenance likes me not.

Duke.

No more perhaps does Mine, nor His or Hers.

Kent.

Plain-dealing is my Trade, and to be plain, Sir, [110]

I have seen better Faces in my time
Than stands on any Shoulders now before me.

Reg.

This is some Fellow that having once been prais'd,

For Bluntness, since affects a sawcy Rudeness,
But I have known one of these surly Knaves
That in his Plainness harbour'd more Design
Than twenty cringing complementing Minions.

Duke.

What's the offence you gave him?

Gent.

Never any, Sir.

It pleas'd the King his Master lately [120]
To strike me on a slender misconstruction,
Whilst watching his Advantage this old Lurcher
Tript me behind, for which the King extold him;
And, flusht with th' honour of this bold exploit,
Drew on me here agen.
Duke.

Bring forth the Stocks, we'll teach you.

Kent.

Sir I'm too old to learn;

Call not the Stocks for me, I serve the King,
On whose Employment I was sent to you,
You'll shew too small Respect, and too bold Malice [130]
Against the Person of my royal Master,
Stocking his Messenger.

Duke.

Bring forth the Stocks, as I have Life and Honour,

There shall he sit till Noon.

Reg.

Till Noon, my Lord? till Night, and all Night too.

Kent.

Why, Madam, if I were your Father's Dog

You wou'd not use me so.

Reg.

Sir, being his Knave I will.

Glost.

Let me beseech your Graces to forbear him,

His fault is much, and the good King his Master [140]
Will check him for't, but needs must take it ill
To be thus slighted in his Messenger.

Duke.

Wee'l answer that;

Our Sister may receive it worse to have
Her Gentleman assaulted: to our business lead.

[Exit.
Glost.

I am sorry for thee, Friend, 'tis the Duke's pleasure

Whose Disposition will not be controll'd,
But I'll entreat for thee.

Kent.

Pray do not, Sir

I have watcht and travell'd hard, [150]
Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle:
Fare-well t'ye, Sir.

[Ex. Glost.

All weary and o're-watcht,

I feel the drowzy Guest steal on me; take
Advantage heavy Eyes of this kind Slumber,
Not to behold this vile and shamefull Lodging.

[Sleeps.

Enter Edgar.

Edg.

I heard my self proclaim'd,

And by the friendly Hollow of a Tree
Escapt the Hunt, no Port is free, no place
Where Guards and most unusual Vigilance [160]
Do not attend to take me how easie now
'Twere to defeat the malice of my Trale,
And leave my Griefs on my Sword's reeking point;
But Love detains me from Death's peacefull Cell,
Still whispering me Cordelia's in distress;
Unkinde as she is I cannot see her wretched,
But must be neer to wait upon her Fortune.
Who knows but the white minute yet may come
When Edgar may do service to Cordelia,
That charming Hope still ties me to the Oar [170]
Of painfull Life, and makes me too, submit
To th' humblest shifts to keep that Life a foot;
My Face I will besmear and knit my Locks,
The Country gives me proof and president
Of Bedlam Beggars, who with roaring Voices
Strike in their numm'd and mortify'd bare Arms
Pins, Iron-spikes, Thorns, sprigs of Rosemary,
And thus from Sheep-coats Villages and Mills,
Sometimes with Prayers, sometimes with Lunatick Banns
Enforce their Charity, poor Tyrligod, poor Tom [180]
That's something yet, Edgar I am no more.

[Exit

Kent in the Stocks still; Enter Lear attended.

Lear.

'Tis strange that they shou'd so depart from home

And not send back our Messenger.

Kent.

Hail, noble Master.

Lear.

How? mak'st thou this Shame thy Pastime?

What's he that has so much mistook thy Place
To set thee here?

Kent.

It is both He and She, Sir, your Son and Daughter.

Lear.

No.

Kent.

Yes: [190]

Lear.

No I say.

Kent.

I say yea:

Lear.

By Jupiter I swear no.

Kent.

By Juno I swear, I swear I.

Lear.

They durst not do't

They cou'd not, wou'd not do't, 'tis worse then Murder
To doe upon Respect such violent out-rage.
Resolve me with all modest haste which way
Thou mayst deserve, or they impose this usage?

Kent.

My Lord, when at their Home [200]

I did commend your Highness Letters to them,
E'er I was Ris'n, arriv'd another Post
Steer'd in his haste, breathless and panting forth
From Gonerill his Mistress Salutations,
Whose Message being deliver'd, they took Horse,
Commanding me to follow and attend
The leisure of their Answer; which I did,
But meeting that other Messenger
Whose welcome I perceiv'd had poison'd mine,
Being the very Fellow that of late [210]
Had shew'n such rudeness to your Highness, I
Having more Man than Wit about me, Drew,
On which he rais'd the House with Coward cries:
This was the Trespass which your Son and Daughter
Thought worth the shame you see it suffer here.

Lear.

Oh! how this Spleen swells upward to my Heart

And heaves for passage down thou climing Rage
Thy Element's below; where is this Daughter?

Kent.

Within, Sir, at a Masque.

Enter Gloster.

Lear.

Now Gloster? ha! [220]

Deny to speak with me? th'are sick, th'are weary,
They have travell'd hard to Night meer fetches;
Bring me a better Answer.

Glost.

My dear Lord,
You know the fiery Quality of the Duke

Lear.

Vengeance! Death, Plague, Confusion,

Fiery? what Quality why Gloster, Gloster,
I'd speak with the Duke of Cornwal and his Wife.

Glost.

I have inform'd 'em so.

Lear.

Inform'd 'em! dost thou understand me, Man, [230]

I tell thee Gloster

Glost.

I, my good Lord.

Lear.

The King wou'd speak with Cornwal, the dear Father

Would with his Daughter speak, commands her Service.
Are they inform'd of this? my Breath and Blood!
Fiery! the fiery Duke! tell the hot Duke
No, but not yet, may be he is not well:
Infirmity do's still neglect all Office;
I beg his Pardon, and I'll chide my Rashness
That took the indispos'd and sickly Fit [240]
For the sound Man but wherefore sits he there?
Death on my State, this Act convinces me
That this Retiredness of the Duke and her
Is plain Contempt; give me my Servant forth,
Go tell the Duke and's Wife I'd speak with 'em.
Now, instantly, bid 'em come forth and hear me,
Or at their Chamber door I'll beat the Drum
Till it cry sleep to Death

Enter Cornwall and Regan.

Oh! are ye come?

Duke.

Health to the King. [250]

Reg.

I am glad to see your Highness.

Lear.

Regan, I think you are, I know what cause

I have to think so; should'st thou not be glad
I wou'd divorce me from thy Mother's Tomb?
Beloved Regan, thou wilt shake to hear
What I shall utter: Thou coud'st ne'r ha' thought it,
Thy Sister's naught, O Regan, she has ty'd
Ingratitude like a keen Vulture here,

[Kent here set at liberty.

I scarce can speak to thee.

Reg.

I pray you, Sir, take patience; I have hope [260]

That you know less to value her Desert,
Then she to slack her Duty.

Lear.

Ha! how's that?

Reg.

I cannot think my Sister in the least

Would fail in her respects, but if perchance
She has restrain'd the Riots of your Followers
'Tis on such Grounds, and to such wholsome Ends
As clears her from all Blame.

Lear.

My Curses on her.

Reg.
O Sir, you are old [270]
And shou'd content you to be rul'd and led
By some discretion that discerns your State
Better than you yourself, therefore, Sir,
Return to our Sister, and say you have wrong'd her.

Lear.

Ha! ask her Forgiveness?

No, no, 'twas my mistake thou didst not mean so,
Dear Daughter, I confess that I am old;
Age is unnecessary, but thou art good,
And wilt dispense with my Infirmity.

Reg.

Good Sir, no more of these unsightly passions, [280]

Return back to our Sister.

Lear.

Never, Regan,
She has abated me of half of my Train,
Lookt black upon me, stabb'd me with her Tongue;
All the stor'd Vengeances of Heav'n fall
On her Ingratefull Head; strike her young Bones
Ye taking Ayrs with Lameness.

Reg.

O the blest Gods! Thus will you wish on me

When the rash mood

Lear.

No, Regan, Thou shalt never have my Curse, [290]

Thy tender Nature cannot give thee o're
To such Impiety; Thou better know'st
The Offices of Nature, bond of Child-hood,
And dues of Gratitude: Thou bear'st in mind
The half o'th' Kingdom which our love conferr'd
On thee and thine.

Reg.

Good Sir, toth' purpose.

Lear.

Who put my Man i'th' Stocks?

Duke.

What Trumpet's that?

Reg.

I know't, my Sister's, this confirms her Letters. [300]

Sir, is your Lady come?

Enter Gonerill's Gentleman.

Lear.

More Torture still?

This is a Slave whose easie borrow'd pride
Dwells in the fickle Grace of her he follows;
A Fashion-fop that spends the day in Dressing,
And all to bear his Ladie's flatt'ring Message,
That can deliver with a Grace her Lie,
And with as bold a face bring back a greater.
Out Varlet from my sight.

Duke.

What means your Grace? [310]

Lear.

Who stockt my Servant? Regan, I have hope

Thou didst not know it.

Enter Gonerill.

Who comes here! oh Heavens!

If you do love Old men, if your sweet sway
Allow Obedience; if your selves are Old,
Make it your Cause, send down and take my part;
Why, Gorgon, dost thou come to haunt me here?
Art not asham'd to look upon this Beard?
Darkness upon my Eyes they play me false,
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the Hand? [320]
Gon.

Why not by th' Hand, Sir, how have I offended?

All's not Offence that indiscretion finds,
And Dotage terms so.

Lear.

Heart thou art too tough.

Reg.

I pray you, Sir, being old confess you are so,

If till the expiration of your Month
You will return and sojourn with your Sister,
Dismissing half your Train, come then to me,
I am now from Home, and out of that Provision
That shall be needfull for your Entertainment. [330]

Lear.

Return with her and fifty Knights dismist?

No, rather I'll forswear all Roofs, and chuse
To be Companion to the Midnight Wolf,
My naked Head expos'd to th' merciless Air
Then have my smallest wants suppli'd by her.

Gon.

At your choice, Sir.

Lear.

Now I prithee Daughter do not make me mad;

I will not trouble thee, my Child, farewell,
Wee'l meet no more, no more see one another;
Let shame come when it will, I do not call it, [340]
I do not bid the Thunder-bearer strike,
Nor tell Tales of thee to avenging Heav'n;
Mend when thou canst, be better at thy leisure,
I can be patient, I can stay with Regan,
I, and my hundred Knights.

Reg.
Your Pardon, Sir.
I lookt not for you yet, nor am provided
For your fit welcome.

Lear.

Is this well spoken now?

Reg.

My Sister treats you fair; what fifty Followers [350]

Is it not well? what shou'd you need of more?

Gon.

Why might not you, my Lord, receive Attendance

From those whom she calls Servants, or from mine?

Reg.

Why not, my Lord? if then they chance to slack you

We cou'd controll 'em if you come to me,
For now I see the Danger, I entreat you
To bring but Five and Twenty; to no more
Will I give place.

Lear.

Hold now my Temper, stand this bolt unmov'd

And I am Thunder-proof; [360]
The wicked when compar'd with the more wicked
Seem beautifull, and not to be the worst,
Stands in some rank of Praise; now, Gonerill,
Thou art innocent agen, I'll go with thee;
Thy Fifty yet, do's double Five and Twenty,
And thou art twice her Love.

Gon.

Hear me, my Lord,

What need you Five and Twenty, Ten, or Five,
To follow in a House where twice so many
Have a Command t'attend you?

Reg.

What need one?

Lear.

Blood, Fire! hear Leaprosies and bluest Plagues! [370]

Room, room for Hell to belch her Horrors up
And drench the Circes in a stream of Fire;
Heark how th' Infernals eccho to my Rage
Their Whips and Snakes

Reg.

How lewd a thing is Passion!

Gon.

So old and stomachfull.

[Lightning and Thunder.

Lear.

Heav'ns drop your Patience down;

You see me here, ye Gods, a poor old Man [380]
As full of Griefs as Age, wretched in both
I'll bear no more: no, you unnatural Haggs,
I will have such Revenges on you both,
That all the world shall I will do such things
What they are yet I know not, but they shall be
The Terrors of the Earth; you think I'll weep,

[Thunder again.

This Heart shall break into a thousand pieces

Before I'll weep O Gods! I shall go mad.

[Exit.

Duke.

'Tis a wild Night, come out o'th' Storm.

[Exeunt.
End of the Second Act.