Act I, Scene 1
King Lear’s Palace.
Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmund. [Kent and Gloucester converse. Edmund stands back.]
Earl of Kent. I thought the King had more affected the Duke of Albany than
Cornwall.
Earl of Gloucester. It did always seem so to us; but now, in the division of the
kingdom, it appears not which of the Dukes he values most, for 5
equalities are so weigh'd that curiosity in neither can make
choice of either's moiety.
Earl of Kent. Is not this your son, my lord?
Earl of Gloucester. His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge. I have so often
blush'd to acknowledge him that now I am braz'd to't. 10Earl of Kent. I cannot conceive you.
Earl of Gloucester. Sir, this young fellow's mother could; whereupon she grew
round-womb'd, and had indeed, sir, a son for her cradle ere she
had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a fault?
Earl of Kent. I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it being so 15
proper.
Earl of Gloucester. But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year elder than
this, who yet is no dearer in my account. Though this knave came
something saucily into the world before he was sent for, yet was
his mother fair, there was good sport at his making, and the 20
whoreson must be acknowledged.- Do you know this noble gentleman,
Edmund?
Edmund. [comes forward] No, my lord.
Earl of Gloucester. My Lord of Kent. Remember him hereafter as my honourable
friend. 25Edmund. My services to your lordship.
Earl of Kent. I must love you, and sue to know you better.
Edmund. Sir, I shall study deserving.
Earl of Gloucester. He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again.
[Sound a sennet.] 30
The King is coming.
Enter one bearing a coronet; then Lear; then the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall; next, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, with Followers.
Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.
Earl of Gloucester. I shall, my liege.
Exeunt [Gloucester and Edmund].
Lear. Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.
Give me the map there. Know we have divided
In three our kingdom; and 'tis our fast intent
To shake all cares and business from our age,
Conferring them on younger strengths while we 40
Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,
And you, our no less loving son of Albany,
We have this hour a constant will to publish
Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife
May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy, 45
Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,
And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters
(Since now we will divest us both of rule,
Interest of territory, cares of state), 50
Which of you shall we say doth love us most?
That we our largest bounty may extend
Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,
Our eldest-born, speak first.
Goneril. Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter; 55
Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty;
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;
As much as child e'er lov'd, or father found;
A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable. 60
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.
Cordelia. [aside] What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent.
Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,
With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd,
With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads, 65
We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issue
Be this perpetual.- What says our second daughter,
Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.
Regan. Sir, I am made
Of the selfsame metal that my sister is, 70
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart
I find she names my very deed of love;
Only she comes too short, that I profess
Myself an enemy to all other joys
Which the most precious square of sense possesses, 75
And find I am alone felicitate
In your dear Highness' love.
Cordelia. [aside] Then poor Cordelia!
And yet not so; since I am sure my love's
More richer than my tongue. 80Lear. To thee and thine hereditary ever
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,
No less in space, validity, and pleasure
Than that conferr'd on Goneril.- Now, our joy,
Although the last, not least; to whose young love 85
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy
Strive to be interest; what can you say to draw
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.
Cordelia. Nothing, my lord.
Lear. Nothing? 90Cordelia. Nothing.
Lear. Nothing can come of nothing. Speak again.
Cordelia. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty
According to my bond; no more nor less. 95Lear. How, how, Cordelia? Mend your speech a little,
Lest it may mar your fortunes.
Cordelia. Good my lord,
You have begot me, bred me, lov'd me; I
Return those duties back as are right fit, 100
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry
Half my love with him, half my care and duty. 105
Sure I shall never marry like my sisters,
To love my father all.
Lear. But goes thy heart with this?
Cordelia. Ay, good my lord.
Lear. So young, and so untender? 110Cordelia. So young, my lord, and true.
Lear. Let it be so! thy truth then be thy dower!
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,
The mysteries of Hecate and the night;
By all the operation of the orbs 115
From whom we do exist and cease to be;
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood,
And as a stranger to my heart and me
Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian, 120
Or he that makes his generation messes
To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom
Be as well neighbour'd, pitied, and reliev'd,
As thou my sometime daughter.
Earl of Kent. Good my liege- 125Lear. Peace, Kent!
Come not between the dragon and his wrath.
I lov'd her most, and thought to set my rest
On her kind nursery.- Hence and avoid my sight!-
So be my grave my peace as here I give 130
Her father's heart from her! Call France! Who stirs?
Call Burgundy! Cornwall and Albany,
With my two daughters' dowers digest this third;
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.
I do invest you jointly in my power, 135
Preeminence, and all the large effects
That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,
With reservation of an hundred knights,
By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode
Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain 140
The name, and all th' additions to a king. The sway,
Revenue, execution of the rest,
Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm,
This coronet part betwixt you.
Earl of Kent. Royal Lear, 145
Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,
Lov'd as my father, as my master follow'd,
As my great patron thought on in my prayers-
Lear. The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft.
Earl of Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade 150
The region of my heart! Be Kent unmannerly
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?
Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound
When majesty falls to folly. Reverse thy doom; 155
And in thy best consideration check
This hideous rashness. Answer my life my judgment,
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least,
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound
Reverbs no hollowness. 160Lear. Kent, on thy life, no more!
Earl of Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn
To wage against thine enemies; nor fear to lose it,
Thy safety being the motive.
Lear. Out of my sight! 165Earl of Kent. See better, Lear, and let me still remain
The true blank of thine eye.
Lear. Now by Apollo-
Earl of Kent. Now by Apollo, King,
Thou swear'st thy gods in vain. 170Lear. O vassal! miscreant! [Lays his hand on his sword.]
Duke of Albany. [with Cornwall] Dear sir, forbear!
Earl of Kent. Do!
Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow
Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy gift, 175
Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,
I'll tell thee thou dost evil.
Lear. Hear me, recreant!
On thine allegiance, hear me!
Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow- 180
Which we durst never yet- and with strain'd pride
To come between our sentence and our power,-
Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,-
Our potency made good, take thy reward.
Five days we do allot thee for provision 185
To shield thee from diseases of the world,
And on the sixth to turn thy hated back
Upon our kingdom. If, on the tenth day following,
Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions,
The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter, 190
This shall not be revok'd.
Earl of Kent. Fare thee well, King. Since thus thou wilt appear,
Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.
[To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,
That justly think'st and hast most rightly said! 195
[To Regan and Goneril] And your large speeches may your deeds
approve,
That good effects may spring from words of love.
Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu;
He'll shape his old course in a country new. Exit. 200Flourish. Enter Gloucester, with France and Burgundy; Attendants.
Earl of Gloucester. Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.
Lear. My Lord of Burgundy,
We first address toward you, who with this king
Hath rivall'd for our daughter. What in the least 205
Will you require in present dower with her,
Or cease your quest of love?
Duke of Burgundy. Most royal Majesty,
I crave no more than hath your Highness offer'd,
Nor will you tender less. 210Lear. Right noble Burgundy,
When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;
But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands.
If aught within that little seeming substance,
Or all of it, with our displeasure piec'd, 215
And nothing more, may fitly like your Grace,
She's there, and she is yours.
Duke of Burgundy. I know no answer.
Lear. Will you, with those infirmities she owes,
Unfriended, new adopted to our hate, 220
Dow'r'd with our curse, and stranger'd with our oath,
Take her, or leave her?
Duke of Burgundy. Pardon me, royal sir.
Election makes not up on such conditions.
Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the pow'r that made me, 225
I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great King,
I would not from your love make such a stray
To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you
T' avert your liking a more worthier way
Than on a wretch whom nature is asham'd 230
Almost t' acknowledge hers.
King of France. This is most strange,
That she that even but now was your best object,
The argument of your praise, balm of your age,
Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time 235
Commit a thing so monstrous to dismantle
So many folds of favour. Sure her offence
Must be of such unnatural degree
That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection
Fall'n into taint; which to believe of her 240
Must be a faith that reason without miracle
Should never plant in me.
Cordelia. I yet beseech your Majesty,
If for I want that glib and oily art
To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend, 245
I'll do't before I speak- that you make known
It is no vicious blot, murther, or foulness,
No unchaste action or dishonoured step,
That hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour;
But even for want of that for which I am richer- 250
A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue
As I am glad I have not, though not to have it
Hath lost me in your liking.
Lear. Better thou
Hadst not been born than not t' have pleas'd me better. 255King of France. Is it but this- a tardiness in nature
Which often leaves the history unspoke
That it intends to do? My Lord of Burgundy,
What say you to the lady? Love's not love
When it is mingled with regards that stands 260
Aloof from th' entire point. Will you have her?
She is herself a dowry.
Duke of Burgundy. Royal Lear,
Give but that portion which yourself propos'd,
And here I take Cordelia by the hand, 265
Duchess of Burgundy.
Lear. Nothing! I have sworn; I am firm.
Duke of Burgundy. I am sorry then you have so lost a father
That you must lose a husband.
Cordelia. Peace be with Burgundy! 270
Since that respects of fortune are his love,
I shall not be his wife.
King of France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor;
Most choice, forsaken; and most lov'd, despis'd!
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon. 275
Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.
Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect
My love should kindle to inflam'd respect.
Thy dow'rless daughter, King, thrown to my chance,
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France. 280
Not all the dukes in wat'rish Burgundy
Can buy this unpriz'd precious maid of me.
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind.
Thou losest here, a better where to find.
Lear. Thou hast her, France; let her be thine; for we 285
Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see
That face of hers again. Therefore be gone
Without our grace, our love, our benison.
Come, noble Burgundy.
Flourish. Exeunt Lear, Burgundy, [Cornwall, Albany, Gloucester, and Attendants].
King of France. Bid farewell to your sisters.
Cordelia. The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes
Cordelia leaves you. I know you what you are;
And, like a sister, am most loath to call
Your faults as they are nam'd. Use well our father. 295
To your professed bosoms I commit him;
But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,
I would prefer him to a better place!
So farewell to you both.
Goneril. Prescribe not us our duties. 300Regan. Let your study
Be to content your lord, who hath receiv'd you
At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted,
And well are worth the want that you have wanted.
Cordelia. Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides. 305
Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.
Well may you prosper!
King of France. Come, my fair Cordelia.
Exeunt France and Cordelia.
Goneril. Sister, it is not little I have to say of what most nearly 310
appertains to us both. I think our father will hence to-night.
Regan. That's most certain, and with you; next month with us.
Goneril. You see how full of changes his age is. The observation we
have made of it hath not been little. He always lov'd our
sister most, and with what poor judgment he hath now cast her 315
off appears too grossly.
Regan. 'Tis the infirmity of his age; yet he hath ever but slenderly
known himself.
Goneril. The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then
must we look to receive from his age, not alone the 320
imperfections of long-ingraffed condition, but therewithal
the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric years bring with
them.
Regan. Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this
of Kent's banishment. 325Goneril. There is further compliment of leave-taking between France and
him. Pray you let's hit together. If our father carry authority
with such dispositions as he bears, this last surrender of his
will but offend us.
Regan. We shall further think on't. 330Goneril. We must do something, and i' th' heat.
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act I, Scene 2
The Earl of Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter [Edmund the] Bastard solus, [with a letter].
Edmund. Thou, Nature, art my goddess; to thy law
My services are bound. Wherefore should I 335
Stand in the plague of custom, and permit
The curiosity of nations to deprive me,
For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines
Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?
When my dimensions are as well compact, 340
My mind as generous, and my shape as true,
As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us
With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?
Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take
More composition and fierce quality 345
Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,
Go to th' creating a whole tribe of fops
Got 'tween asleep and wake? Well then,
Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land.
Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund 350
As to th' legitimate. Fine word- 'legitimate'!
Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed,
And my invention thrive, Edmund the base
Shall top th' legitimate. I grow; I prosper.
Now, gods, stand up for bastards! 355Enter Gloucester.
Earl of Gloucester. Kent banish'd thus? and France in choler parted?
And the King gone to-night? subscrib'd his pow'r?
Confin'd to exhibition? All this done
Upon the gad? Edmund, how now? What news? 360Edmund. So please your lordship, none.
[Puts up the letter.]
Earl of Gloucester. Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?
Edmund. I know no news, my lord.
Earl of Gloucester. What paper were you reading? 365Edmund. Nothing, my lord.
Earl of Gloucester. No? What needed then that terrible dispatch of it into your
pocket? The quality of nothing hath not such need to hide
itself. Let's see. Come, if it be nothing, I shall not need
spectacles. 370Edmund. I beseech you, sir, pardon me. It is a letter from my brother
that I have not all o'er-read; and for so much as I have
perus'd, I find it not fit for your o'erlooking.
Earl of Gloucester. Give me the letter, sir.
Edmund. I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The contents, as 375
in part I understand them, are to blame.
Earl of Gloucester. Let's see, let's see!
Edmund. I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote this but as
an essay or taste of my virtue.
Earl of Gloucester. [reads] 'This policy and reverence of age makes the world 380
bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes from us
till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find an idle
and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny, who sways,
not as it hath power, but as it is suffer'd. Come to me, that
of this I may speak more. If our father would sleep till I 385
wak'd him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live
the beloved of your brother,
'EDGAR.'
Hum! Conspiracy? 'Sleep till I wak'd him, you should enjoy half
his revenue.' My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? a heart 390
and brain to breed it in? When came this to you? Who brought it?
Edmund. It was not brought me, my lord: there's the cunning of it. I
found it thrown in at the casement of my closet.
Earl of Gloucester. You know the character to be your brother's?
Edmund. If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear it were his; 395
but in respect of that, I would fain think it were not.
Earl of Gloucester. It is his.
Edmund. It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is not in the
contents.
Earl of Gloucester. Hath he never before sounded you in this business? 400Edmund. Never, my lord. But I have heard him oft maintain it to be fit
that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declining, the father
should be as ward to the son, and the son manage his revenue.
Earl of Gloucester. O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter! Abhorred
villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain! worse than 405
brutish! Go, sirrah, seek him. I'll apprehend him. Abominable
villain! Where is he?
Edmund. I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please you to suspend
your indignation against my brother till you can derive from him
better testimony of his intent, you should run a certain course; 410
where, if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his
purpose, it would make a great gap in your own honour and shake
in pieces the heart of his obedience. I dare pawn down my life
for him that he hath writ this to feel my affection to your
honour, and to no other pretence of danger. 415Earl of Gloucester. Think you so?
Edmund. If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you shall
hear us confer of this and by an auricular assurance have your
satisfaction, and that without any further delay than this very
evening. 420Earl of Gloucester. He cannot be such a monster.
Edmund. Nor is not, sure.
Earl of Gloucester. To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves him.
Heaven and earth! Edmund, seek him out; wind me into him, I pray
you; frame the business after your own wisdom. I would unstate 425
myself to be in a due resolution.
Edmund. I will seek him, sir, presently; convey the business as I
shall find means, and acquaint you withal.
Earl of Gloucester. These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to
us. Though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet 430
nature finds itself scourg'd by the sequent effects. Love cools,
friendship falls off, brothers divide. In cities, mutinies; in
countries, discord; in palaces, treason; and the bond crack'd
'twixt son and father. This villain of mine comes under the
prediction; there's son against father: the King falls from bias 435
of nature; there's father against child. We have seen the best
of our time. Machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all
ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our graves. Find out
this villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it
carefully. And the noble and true-hearted Kent banish'd! his 440
offence, honesty! 'Tis strange. Exit.
Edmund. This is the excellent foppery of the world, that, when we are
sick in fortune, often the surfeit of our own behaviour, we make
guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars; as if
we were villains on necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion; 445
knaves, thieves, and treachers by spherical pre-dominance;
drunkards, liars, and adulterers by an enforc'd obedience of
planetary influence; and all that we are evil in, by a divine
thrusting on. An admirable evasion of whore-master man, to lay
his goatish disposition to the charge of a star! My father 450
compounded with my mother under the Dragon's Tail, and my
nativity was under Ursa Major, so that it follows I am rough and
lecherous. Fut! I should have been that I am, had the
maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing.
Edgar- 455
[Enter Edgar.]
and pat! he comes, like the catastrophe of the old comedy. My
cue is villainous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom o' Bedlam.
O, these eclipses do portend these divisions! Fa, sol, la, mi.
Edgar. How now, brother Edmund? What serious contemplation are you 460
in?
Edmund. I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other day,
what should follow these eclipses.
Edgar. Do you busy yourself with that?
Edmund. I promise you, the effects he writes of succeed unhappily: as 465
of unnaturalness between the child and the parent; death,
dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities; divisions in state,
menaces and maledictions against king and nobles; needless
diffidences, banishment of friends, dissipation of cohorts,
nuptial breaches, and I know not what. 470Edgar. How long have you been a sectary astronomical?
Edmund. Come, come! When saw you my father last?
Edgar. The night gone by.
Edmund. Spake you with him?
Edgar. Ay, two hours together. 475Edmund. Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure in him by
word or countenance
Edgar. None at all.
Edmund. Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended him; and at my
entreaty forbear his presence until some little time hath 480
qualified the heat of his displeasure, which at this instant so
rageth in him that with the mischief of your person it would
scarcely allay.
Edgar. Some villain hath done me wrong.
Edmund. That's my fear. I pray you have a continent forbearance till 485
the speed of his rage goes slower; and, as I say, retire with me
to my lodging, from whence I will fitly bring you to hear my
lord speak. Pray ye, go! There's my key. If you do stir abroad,
go arm'd.
Edgar. Arm'd, brother? 490Edmund. Brother, I advise you to the best. Go arm'd. I am no honest man
if there be any good meaning toward you. I have told you what I
have seen and heard; but faintly, nothing like the image and
horror of it. Pray you, away!
Edgar. Shall I hear from you anon? 495Edmund. I do serve you in this business.
[Exit Edgar.]
A credulous father! and a brother noble,
Whose nature is so far from doing harms
That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty 500
My practices ride easy! I see the business.
Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit;
All with me's meet that I can fashion fit. Exit.
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previous scene Act I, Scene 3
The Duke of Albany’s Palace.
next scene
Enter Goneril and [her] Steward [Oswald].
Goneril. Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool? 505Oswald. Ay, madam.
Goneril. By day and night, he wrongs me! Every hour
He flashes into one gross crime or other
That sets us all at odds. I'll not endure it.
His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us 510
On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,
I will not speak with him. Say I am sick.
If you come slack of former services,
You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.
[Horns within.]
Oswald. He's coming, madam; I hear him.
Goneril. Put on what weary negligence you please,
You and your fellows. I'd have it come to question.
If he distaste it, let him to our sister,
Whose mind and mine I know in that are one, 520
Not to be overrul'd. Idle old man,
That still would manage those authorities
That he hath given away! Now, by my life,
Old fools are babes again, and must be us'd
With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abus'd. 525
Remember what I have said.
Oswald. Very well, madam.
Goneril. And let his knights have colder looks among you.
What grows of it, no matter. Advise your fellows so.
I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall, 530
That I may speak. I'll write straight to my sister
To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner.
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act I, Scene 4
The Duke of Albany’s Palace.
next scene
Enter Kent, [disguised].
Earl of Kent. If but as well I other accents borrow, 535
That can my speech defuse, my good intent
May carry through itself to that full issue
For which I raz'd my likeness. Now, banish'd Kent,
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,
So may it come, thy master, whom thou lov'st, 540
Shall find thee full of labours.
Horns within. Enter Lear, [Knights,] and Attendants.
Lear. Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready. [Exit
an Attendant.] How now? What art thou?
Earl of Kent. A man, sir. 545Lear. What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
Earl of Kent. I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve him truly
that will put me in trust, to love him that is honest, to
converse with him that is wise and says little, to fear
judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish. 550Lear. What art thou?
Earl of Kent. A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the King.
Lear. If thou be'st as poor for a subject as he's for a king, thou
art poor enough. What wouldst thou?
Earl of Kent. Service. 555Lear. Who wouldst thou serve?
Earl of Kent. You.
Lear. Dost thou know me, fellow?
Earl of Kent. No, sir; but you have that in your countenance which I would
fain call master. 560Lear. What's that?
Earl of Kent. Authority.
Lear. What services canst thou do?
Earl of Kent. I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a curious tale in
telling it and deliver a plain message bluntly. That which 565
ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me
is diligence.
Lear. How old art thou?
Earl of Kent. Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to
dote on her for anything. I have years on my back forty-eight. 570Lear. Follow me; thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after
dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner, ho, dinner!
Where's my knave? my fool? Go you and call my fool hither.
[Exit an attendant.]
[Enter [Oswald the] Steward.] 575
You, you, sirrah, where's my daughter?
Oswald. So please you- Exit.
Lear. What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.
[Exit a Knight.] Where's my fool, ho? I think the world's
asleep. 580
[Enter Knight]
How now? Where's that mongrel?
Knight. He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.
Lear. Why came not the slave back to me when I call'd him?
Knight. Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner, he would not. 585Lear. He would not?
Knight. My lord, I know not what the matter is; but to my judgment
your Highness is not entertain'd with that ceremonious affection
as you were wont. There's a great abatement of kindness appears
as well in the general dependants as in the Duke himself also 590
and your daughter.
Lear. Ha! say'st thou so?
Knight. I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken; for
my duty cannot be silent when I think your Highness wrong'd.
Lear. Thou but rememb'rest me of mine own conception. I have 595
perceived a most faint neglect of late, which I have rather
blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence
and purpose of unkindness. I will look further into't. But
where's my fool? I have not seen him this two days.
Knight. Since my young lady's going into France, sir, the fool 600
hath much pined away.
Lear. No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you and tell my
daughter I would speak with her. [Exit Knight.] Go you, call
hither my fool.
[Exit an Attendant.] 605
[Enter [Oswald the] Steward.]
O, you, sir, you! Come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
Oswald. My lady's father.
Lear. 'My lady's father'? My lord's knave! You whoreson dog! you
slave! you cur! 610Oswald. I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon.
Lear. Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
[Strikes him.]
Oswald. I'll not be strucken, my lord.
Earl of Kent. Nor tripp'd neither, you base football player? 615[Trips up his heels.
Lear. I thank thee, fellow. Thou serv'st me, and I'll love thee.
Earl of Kent. Come, sir, arise, away! I'll teach you differences. Away,
away! If you will measure your lubber's length again, tarry; but
away! Go to! Have you wisdom? So. 620[Pushes him out.]
Lear. Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee. There's earnest of thy
service. [Gives money.]
Enter Fool.
Fool. Let me hire him too. Here's my coxcomb. 625[Offers Kent his cap.]
Lear. How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?
Fool. Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
Earl of Kent. Why, fool?
Fool. Why? For taking one's part that's out of favour. Nay, an thou 630
canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch cold shortly.
There, take my coxcomb! Why, this fellow hath banish'd two on's
daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will. If
thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.- How now,
nuncle? Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters! 635Lear. Why, my boy?
Fool. If I gave them all my living, I'ld keep my coxcombs myself.
There's mine! beg another of thy daughters.
Lear. Take heed, sirrah- the whip.
Fool. Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipp'd out, when 640
Lady the brach may stand by th' fire and stink.
Lear. A pestilent gall to me!
Fool. Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.
Lear. Do.
Fool. Mark it, nuncle. 645
Have more than thou showest,
Speak less than thou knowest,
Lend less than thou owest,
Ride more than thou goest,
Learn more than thou trowest, 650
Set less than thou throwest;
Leave thy drink and thy whore,
And keep in-a-door,
And thou shalt have more
Than two tens to a score. 655Earl of Kent. This is nothing, fool.
Fool. Then 'tis like the breath of an unfeed lawyer- you gave me
nothing for't. Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?
Lear. Why, no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.
Fool. [to Kent] Prithee tell him, so much the rent of his land 660
comes to. He will not believe a fool.
Lear. A bitter fool!
Fool. Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter
fool and a sweet fool?
Lear. No, lad; teach me. 665Fool. That lord that counsell'd thee
To give away thy land,
Come place him here by me-
Do thou for him stand.
The sweet and bitter fool 670
Will presently appear;
The one in motley here,
The other found out there.
Lear. Dost thou call me fool, boy?
Fool. All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast 675
born with.
Earl of Kent. This is not altogether fool, my lord.
Fool. No, faith; lords and great men will not let me. If I had a
monopoly out, they would have part on't. And ladies too, they
will not let me have all the fool to myself; they'll be 680
snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I'll give thee two
crowns.
Lear. What two crowns shall they be?
Fool. Why, after I have cut the egg i' th' middle and eat up the
meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i' 685
th' middle and gav'st away both parts, thou bor'st thine ass on
thy back o'er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown
when thou gav'st thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in
this, let him be whipp'd that first finds it so.
[Sings] Fools had ne'er less grace in a year, 690
For wise men are grown foppish;
They know not how their wits to wear,
Their manners are so apish.
Lear. When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?
Fool. I have us'd it, nuncle, ever since thou mad'st thy daughters 695
thy mother; for when thou gav'st them the rod, and put'st down
thine own breeches,
[Sings] Then they for sudden joy did weep,
And I for sorrow sung,
That such a king should play bo-peep 700
And go the fools among.
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to
lie. I would fain learn to lie.
Lear. An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipp'd.
Fool. I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. They'll have me 705
whipp'd for speaking true; thou'lt have me whipp'd for lying;
and sometimes I am whipp'd for holding my peace. I had rather be
any kind o' thing than a fool! And yet I would not be thee,
nuncle. Thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides and left nothing
i' th' middle. Here comes one o' the parings. 710Enter Goneril.
Lear. How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on? Methinks you
are too much o' late i' th' frown.
Fool. Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for
her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better 715
than thou art now: I am a fool, thou art nothing.
[To Goneril] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue. So your face
bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum!
He that keeps nor crust nor crum,
Weary of all, shall want some.- 720
[Points at Lear] That's a sheal'd peascod.
Goneril. Not only, sir, this your all-licens'd fool,
But other of your insolent retinue
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth
In rank and not-to-be-endured riots. Sir, 725
I had thought, by making this well known unto you,
To have found a safe redress, but now grow fearful,
By what yourself, too, late have spoke and done,
That you protect this course, and put it on
By your allowance; which if you should, the fault 730
Would not scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,
Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,
Might in their working do you that offence
Which else were shame, that then necessity
Must call discreet proceeding. 735Fool. For you know, nuncle,
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long
That it had it head bit off by it young.
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling.
Lear. Are you our daughter? 740Goneril. Come, sir,
I would you would make use of that good wisdom
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away
These dispositions that of late transform you
From what you rightly are. 745Fool. May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug, I love thee!
Lear. Doth any here know me? This is not Lear.
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens, his discernings 750
Are lethargied- Ha! waking? 'Tis not so!
Who is it that can tell me who I am?
Fool. Lear's shadow.
Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty,
Knowledge, and reason, I should be false persuaded 755
I had daughters.
Fool. Which they will make an obedient father.
Lear. Your name, fair gentlewoman?
Goneril. This admiration, sir, is much o' th' savour
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you 760
To understand my purposes aright.
As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;
Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd, and bold
That this our court, infected with their manners, 765
Shows like a riotous inn. Epicurism and lust
Make it more like a tavern or a brothel
Than a grac'd palace. The shame itself doth speak
For instant remedy. Be then desir'd
By her that else will take the thing she begs 770
A little to disquantity your train,
And the remainder that shall still depend
To be such men as may besort your age,
Which know themselves, and you.
Lear. Darkness and devils! 775
Saddle my horses! Call my train together!
Degenerate bastard, I'll not trouble thee;
Yet have I left a daughter.
Goneril. You strike my people, and your disorder'd rabble
Make servants of their betters. 780Enter Albany.
Lear. Woe that too late repents!- O, sir, are you come?
Is it your will? Speak, sir!- Prepare my horses.
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child 785
Than the sea-monster!
Duke of Albany. Pray, sir, be patient.
Lear. [to Goneril] Detested kite, thou liest!
My train are men of choice and rarest parts,
That all particulars of duty know 790
And in the most exact regard support
The worships of their name.- O most small fault,
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!
Which, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature
From the fix'd place; drew from my heart all love 795
And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear!
Beat at this gate that let thy folly in [Strikes his head.]
And thy dear judgment out! Go, go, my people.
Duke of Albany. My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant
Of what hath mov'd you. 800Lear. It may be so, my lord.
Hear, Nature, hear! dear goddess, hear!
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend
To make this creature fruitful.
Into her womb convey sterility; 805
Dry up in her the organs of increase;
And from her derogate body never spring
A babe to honour her! If she must teem,
Create her child of spleen, that it may live
And be a thwart disnatur'd torment to her. 810
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth,
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks,
Turn all her mother's pains and benefits
To laughter and contempt, that she may feel
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is 815
To have a thankless child! Away, away! Exit.
Duke of Albany. Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?
Goneril. Never afflict yourself to know the cause;
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it. 820Enter Lear.
Lear. What, fifty of my followers at a clap?
Within a fortnight?
Duke of Albany. What's the matter, sir?
Lear. I'll tell thee. [To Goneril] Life and death! I am asham'd 825
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;
That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,
Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee!
Th' untented woundings of a father's curse
Pierce every sense about thee!- Old fond eyes, 830
Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out,
And cast you, with the waters that you lose,
To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this?
Let it be so. Yet have I left a daughter,
Who I am sure is kind and comfortable. 835
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find
That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever; thou shalt, I warrant thee.
Exeunt [Lear, Kent, and Attendants].
Goneril. Do you mark that, my lord?
Duke of Albany. I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you—
Goneril. Pray you, content.- What, Oswald, ho!
[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master! 845Fool. Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry! Take the fool with thee.
A fox when one has caught her,
And such a daughter,
Should sure to the slaughter,
If my cap would buy a halter. 850
So the fool follows after. Exit.
Goneril. This man hath had good counsel! A hundred knights?
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep
At point a hundred knights; yes, that on every dream,
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike, 855
He may enguard his dotage with their pow'rs
And hold our lives in mercy.- Oswald, I say!
Duke of Albany. Well, you may fear too far.
Goneril. Safer than trust too far.
Let me still take away the harms I fear, 860
Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart.
What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister.
If she sustain him and his hundred knights,
When I have show'd th' unfitness- [Enter [Oswald the] Steward.]
How now, Oswald? 865
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?
Oswald. Yes, madam.
Goneril. Take you some company, and away to horse!
Inform her full of my particular fear,
And thereto add such reasons of your own 870
As may compact it more. Get you gone,
And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald.] No, no, my lord!
This milky gentleness and course of yours,
Though I condemn it not, yet, under pardon,
You are much more at task for want of wisdom 875
Than prais'd for harmful mildness.
Duke of Albany. How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.
Goneril. Nay then-
Duke of Albany. Well, well; th' event. Exeunt. 880 RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act I, Scene 5
Court before the Duke of Albany’s Palace. Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.
next scene
Lear. Go you before to Gloucester with these letters. Acquaint my
daughter no further with anything you know than comes from her
demand out of the letter. If your diligence be not speedy, I
shall be there afore you.
Earl of Kent. I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter. Exit. 885Fool. If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in danger of
kibes?
Lear. Ay, boy.
Fool. Then I prithee be merry. Thy wit shall ne'er go slip-shod.
Lear. Ha, ha, ha! 890Fool. Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly; for though
she's as like this as a crab's like an apple, yet I can tell
what I can tell.
Lear. What canst tell, boy?
Fool. She'll taste as like this as a crab does to a crab. Thou 895
canst tell why one's nose stands i' th' middle on's face?
Lear. No.
Fool. Why, to keep one's eyes of either side's nose, that what a
man cannot smell out, 'a may spy into.
Lear. I did her wrong. 900Fool. Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?
Lear. No.
Fool. Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house.
Lear. Why?
Fool. Why, to put's head in; not to give it away to his daughters, 905
and leave his horns without a case.
Lear. I will forget my nature. So kind a father!- Be my horses
ready?
Fool. Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why the seven stars
are no moe than seven is a pretty reason. 910Lear. Because they are not eight?
Fool. Yes indeed. Thou wouldst make a good fool.
Lear. To tak't again perforce! Monster ingratitude!
Fool. If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten for being
old before thy time. 915Lear. How's that?
Fool. Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise.
Lear. O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven!
Keep me in temper; I would not be mad! [Enter a Gentleman.]
How now? Are the horses ready? 920Gentleman. Ready, my lord.
Lear. Come, boy.
Fool. She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure,
Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter
Exeunt.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act II, Scene 1
A court within the Castle of the Earl of Gloucester.
next scene
Enter [Edmund the] Bastard and Curan, meeting.
Edmund. Save thee, Curan.
Curan. And you, sir. I have been with your father, and given him
notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his Duchess will be
here with him this night. 930Edmund. How comes that?
Curan. Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news abroad- I mean the
whisper'd ones, for they are yet but ear-kissing arguments?
Edmund. Not I. Pray you, what are they?
Curan. Have you heard of no likely wars toward 'twixt the two Dukes 935
of Cornwall and Albany?
Edmund. Not a word.
Curan. You may do, then, in time. Fare you well, sir. Exit.
Edmund. The Duke be here to-night? The better! best!
This weaves itself perforce into my business. 940
My father hath set guard to take my brother;
And I have one thing, of a queasy question,
Which I must act. Briefness and fortune, work!
Brother, a word! Descend! Brother, I say!
[Enter Edgar.] 945
My father watches. O sir, fly this place!
Intelligence is given where you are hid.
You have now the good advantage of the night.
Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall?
He's coming hither; now, i' th' night, i' th' haste, 950
And Regan with him. Have you nothing said
Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?
Advise yourself.
Edgar. I am sure on't, not a word.
Edmund. I hear my father coming. Pardon me! 955
In cunning I must draw my sword upon you.
Draw, seem to defend yourself; now quit you well.-
Yield! Come before my father. Light, ho, here!
Fly, brother.- Torches, torches!- So farewell.
[Exit Edgar.] 960
Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion
Of my more fierce endeavour. [Stabs his arm.] I have seen
drunkards
Do more than this in sport.- Father, father!-
Stop, stop! No help? 965Enter Gloucester, and Servants with torches.
Earl of Gloucester. Now, Edmund, where's the villain?
Edmund. Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,
Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon
To stand 's auspicious mistress. 970Earl of Gloucester. But where is he?
Edmund. Look, sir, I bleed.
Earl of Gloucester. Where is the villain, Edmund?
Edmund. Fled this way, sir. When by no means he could-
Earl of Gloucester. Pursue him, ho! Go after. [Exeunt some Servants]. 975
By no means what?
Edmund. Persuade me to the murther of your lordship;
But that I told him the revenging gods
'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend;
Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond 980
The child was bound to th' father- sir, in fine,
Seeing how loathly opposite I stood
To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion
With his prepared sword he charges home
My unprovided body, lanch'd mine arm; 985
But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits,
Bold in the quarrel's right, rous'd to th' encounter,
Or whether gasted by the noise I made,
Full suddenly he fled.
Earl of Gloucester. Let him fly far. 990
Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;
And found- dispatch. The noble Duke my master,
My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night.
By his authority I will proclaim it
That he which find, him shall deserve our thanks, 995
Bringing the murderous caitiff to the stake;
He that conceals him, death.
Edmund. When I dissuaded him from his intent
And found him pight to do it, with curst speech
I threaten'd to discover him. He replied, 1000
'Thou unpossessing bastard, dost thou think,
If I would stand against thee, would the reposal
Of any trust, virtue, or worth in thee
Make thy words faith'd? No. What I should deny
(As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce 1005
My very character), I'ld turn it all
To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice;
And thou must make a dullard of the world,
If they not thought the profits of my death
Were very pregnant and potential spurs 1010
To make thee seek it.'
Earl of Gloucester. Strong and fast'ned villain!
Would he deny his letter? I never got him.
[Tucket within.]
Hark, the Duke's trumpets! I know not why he comes. 1015
All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not scape;
The Duke must grant me that. Besides, his picture
I will send far and near, that all the kingdom
May have due note of him, and of my land,
Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means 1020
To make thee capable.
Enter Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants.
Duke of Cornwall. How now, my noble friend? Since I came hither
(Which I can call but now) I have heard strange news.
Regan. If it be true, all vengeance comes too short 1025
Which can pursue th' offender. How dost, my lord?
Earl of Gloucester. O madam, my old heart is crack'd, it's crack'd!
Regan. What, did my father's godson seek your life?
He whom my father nam'd? Your Edgar?
Earl of Gloucester. O lady, lady, shame would have it hid! 1030Regan. Was he not companion with the riotous knights
That tend upon my father?
Earl of Gloucester. I know not, madam. 'Tis too bad, too bad!
Edmund. Yes, madam, he was of that consort.
Regan. No marvel then though he were ill affected. 1035
'Tis they have put him on the old man's death,
To have th' expense and waste of his revenues.
I have this present evening from my sister
Been well inform'd of them, and with such cautions
That, if they come to sojourn at my house, 1040
I'll not be there.
Duke of Cornwall. Nor I, assure thee, Regan.
Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father
A childlike office.
Edmund. 'Twas my duty, sir. 1045Earl of Gloucester. He did bewray his practice, and receiv'd
This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.
Duke of Cornwall. Is he pursued?
Earl of Gloucester. Ay, my good lord.
Duke of Cornwall. If he be taken, he shall never more 1050
Be fear'd of doing harm. Make your own purpose,
How in my strength you please. For you, Edmund,
Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant
So much commend itself, you shall be ours.
Natures of such deep trust we shall much need; 1055
You we first seize on.
Edmund. I shall serve you, sir,
Truly, however else.
Earl of Gloucester. For him I thank your Grace.
Duke of Cornwall. You know not why we came to visit you- 1060Regan. Thus out of season, threading dark-ey'd night.
Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise,
Wherein we must have use of your advice.
Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,
Of differences, which I best thought it fit 1065
To answer from our home. The several messengers
From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend,
Lay comforts to your bosom, and bestow
Your needful counsel to our business,
Which craves the instant use. 1070Earl of Gloucester. I serve you, madam.
Your Graces are right welcome.
Exeunt. Flourish.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act II, Scene 2
Before Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Kent and [Oswald the] Steward, severally.
Oswald. Good dawning to thee, friend. Art of this house? 1075Earl of Kent. Ay.
Oswald. Where may we set our horses?
Earl of Kent. I' th' mire.
Oswald. Prithee, if thou lov'st me, tell me.
Earl of Kent. I love thee not. 1080Oswald. Why then, I care not for thee.
Earl of Kent. If I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold, I would make thee care for
me.
Oswald. Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.
Earl of Kent. Fellow, I know thee. 1085Oswald. What dost thou know me for?
Earl of Kent. A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud,
shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy,
worsted-stocking knave; a lily-liver'd, action-taking, whoreson,
glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical rogue; 1090
one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd in way of
good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave,
beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch;
one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deny the
least syllable of thy addition. 1095Oswald. Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one
that's neither known of thee nor knows thee!
Earl of Kent. What a brazen-fac'd varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me!
Is it two days ago since I beat thee and tripp'd up thy heels
before the King? [Draws his sword.] Draw, you rogue! for, though 1100
it be night, yet the moon shines. I'll make a sop o' th'
moonshine o' you. Draw, you whoreson cullionly barbermonger!
draw!
Oswald. Away! I have nothing to do with thee.
Earl of Kent. Draw, you rascal! You come with letters against the King, and 1105
take Vanity the puppet's part against the royalty of her father.
Draw, you rogue, or I'll so carbonado your shanks! Draw, you
rascal! Come your ways!
Oswald. Help, ho! murther! help!
Earl of Kent. Strike, you slave! Stand, rogue! Stand, you neat slave! 1110
Strike! [Beats him.]
Oswald. Help, ho! murther! murther!
Enter Edmund, with his rapier drawn, Gloucester, Cornwall, Regan, Servants.
Edmund. How now? What's the matter? Parts [them].
Earl of Kent. With you, goodman boy, an you please! Come, I'll flesh ye! 1115
Come on, young master!
Earl of Gloucester. Weapons? arms? What's the matter here?
Duke of Cornwall. Keep peace, upon your lives!
He dies that strikes again. What is the matter?
Regan. The messengers from our sister and the King 1120Duke of Cornwall. What is your difference? Speak.
Oswald. I am scarce in breath, my lord.
Earl of Kent. No marvel, you have so bestirr'd your valour. You cowardly
rascal, nature disclaims in thee; a tailor made thee.
Duke of Cornwall. Thou art a strange fellow. A tailor make a man? 1125Earl of Kent. Ay, a tailor, sir. A stonecutter or a painter could not have
made him so ill, though he had been but two hours at the trade.
Duke of Cornwall. Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?
Oswald. This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spar'd
At suit of his grey beard- 1130Earl of Kent. Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter! My lord, if
you'll give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into
mortar and daub the walls of a jakes with him. 'Spare my grey
beard,' you wagtail?
Duke of Cornwall. Peace, sirrah! 1135
You beastly knave, know you no reverence?
Earl of Kent. Yes, sir, but anger hath a privilege.
Duke of Cornwall. Why art thou angry?
Earl of Kent. That such a slave as this should wear a sword,
Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these, 1140
Like rats, oft bite the holy cords atwain
Which are too intrinse t' unloose; smooth every passion
That in the natures of their lords rebel,
Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods;
Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks 1145
With every gale and vary of their masters,
Knowing naught (like dogs) but following.
A plague upon your epileptic visage!
Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?
Goose, an I had you upon Sarum Plain, 1150
I'ld drive ye cackling home to Camelot.
Duke of Cornwall. What, art thou mad, old fellow?
Earl of Gloucester. How fell you out? Say that.
Earl of Kent. No contraries hold more antipathy
Than I and such a knave. 1155Duke of Cornwall. Why dost thou call him knave? What is his fault?
Earl of Kent. His countenance likes me not.
Duke of Cornwall. No more perchance does mine, or his, or hers.
Earl of Kent. Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain.
I have seen better faces in my time 1160
Than stands on any shoulder that I see
Before me at this instant.
Duke of Cornwall. This is some fellow
Who, having been prais'd for bluntness, doth affect
A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb 1165
Quite from his nature. He cannot flatter, he!
An honest mind and plain- he must speak truth!
An they will take it, so; if not, he's plain.
These kind of knaves I know which in this plainness
Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends 1170
Than twenty silly-ducking observants
That stretch their duties nicely.
Earl of Kent. Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity,
Under th' allowance of your great aspect,
Whose influence, like the wreath of radiant fire 1175
On flickering Phoebus' front-
Duke of Cornwall. What mean'st by this?
Earl of Kent. To go out of my dialect, which you discommend so much. I
know, sir, I am no flatterer. He that beguil'd you in a plain
accent was a plain knave, which, for my part, I will not be, 1180
though I should win your displeasure to entreat me to't.
Duke of Cornwall. What was th' offence you gave him?
Oswald. I never gave him any.
It pleas'd the King his master very late
To strike at me, upon his misconstruction; 1185
When he, conjunct, and flattering his displeasure,
Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd
And put upon him such a deal of man
That worthied him, got praises of the King
For him attempting who was self-subdu'd; 1190
And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit,
Drew on me here again.
Earl of Kent. None of these rogues and cowards
But Ajax is their fool.
Duke of Cornwall. Fetch forth the stocks! 1195
You stubborn ancient knave, you reverent braggart,
We'll teach you-
Earl of Kent. Sir, I am too old to learn.
Call not your stocks for me. I serve the King;
On whose employment I was sent to you. 1200
You shall do small respect, show too bold malice
Against the grace and person of my master,
Stocking his messenger.
Duke of Cornwall. Fetch forth the stocks! As I have life and honour,
There shall he sit till noon. 1205Regan. Till noon? Till night, my lord, and all night too!
Earl of Kent. Why, madam, if I were your father's dog,
You should not use me so.
Regan. Sir, being his knave, I will.
Duke of Cornwall. This is a fellow of the selfsame colour 1210
Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks!
Stocks brought out.
Earl of Gloucester. Let me beseech your Grace not to do so.
His fault is much, and the good King his master
Will check him for't. Your purpos'd low correction 1215
Is such as basest and contemn'dest wretches
For pilf'rings and most common trespasses
Are punish'd with. The King must take it ill
That he, so slightly valued in his messenger,
Should have him thus restrain'd. 1220Duke of Cornwall. I'll answer that.
Regan. My sister may receive it much more worse,
To have her gentleman abus'd, assaulted,
For following her affairs. Put in his legs.-
[Kent is put in the stocks.] 1225
Come, my good lord, away.
Exeunt [all but Gloucester and Kent].
Earl of Gloucester. I am sorry for thee, friend. 'Tis the Duke's pleasure,
Whose disposition, all the world well knows,
Will not be rubb'd nor stopp'd. I'll entreat for thee. 1230Earl of Kent. Pray do not, sir. I have watch'd and travell'd hard.
Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle.
A good man's fortune may grow out at heels.
Give you good morrow!
Earl of Gloucester. The Duke 's to blame in this; 'twill be ill taken. Exit. 1235Earl of Kent. Good King, that must approve the common saw,
Thou out of heaven's benediction com'st
To the warm sun!
Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,
That by thy comfortable beams I may 1240
Peruse this letter. Nothing almost sees miracles
But misery. I know 'tis from Cordelia,
Who hath most fortunately been inform'd
Of my obscured course- and [reads] 'shall find time
From this enormous state, seeking to give 1245
Losses their remedies'- All weary and o'erwatch'd,
Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold
This shameful lodging.
Fortune, good night; smile once more, turn thy wheel.
Sleeps.
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previous scene Act II, Scene 3
The open country.
next scene
Enter Edgar.
Edgar. I heard myself proclaim'd,
And by the happy hollow of a tree
Escap'd the hunt. No port is free, no place
That guard and most unusual vigilance 1255
Does not attend my taking. Whiles I may scape,
I will preserve myself; and am bethought
To take the basest and most poorest shape
That ever penury, in contempt of man,
Brought near to beast. My face I'll grime with filth, 1260
Blanket my loins, elf all my hair in knots,
And with presented nakedness outface
The winds and persecutions of the sky.
The country gives me proof and precedent
Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices, 1265
Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms
Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;
And with this horrible object, from low farms,
Poor pelting villages, sheepcotes, and mills,
Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers, 1270
Enforce their charity. 'Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!'
That's something yet! Edgar I nothing am. Exit.
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previous scene Act II, Scene 4
Before Gloucester’s Castle; Kent in the stocks.
next scene
Enter Lear, Fool, and Gentleman.
Lear. 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,
And not send back my messenger. 1275Gentleman. As I learn'd,
The night before there was no purpose in them
Of this remove.
Earl of Kent. Hail to thee, noble master!
Lear. Ha! 1280
Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?
Earl of Kent. No, my lord.
Fool. Ha, ha! look! he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the
head, dogs and bears by th' neck, monkeys by th' loins, and men
by th' legs. When a man's over-lusty at legs, then he wears 1285
wooden nether-stocks.
Lear. What's he that hath so much thy place mistook
To set thee here?
Earl of Kent. It is both he and she-
Your son and daughter. 1290Lear. No.
Earl of Kent. Yes.
Lear. No, I say.
Earl of Kent. I say yea.
Lear. No, no, they would not! 1295Earl of Kent. Yes, they have.
Lear. By Jupiter, I swear no!
Earl of Kent. By Juno, I swear ay!
Lear. They durst not do't;
They would not, could not do't. 'Tis worse than murther 1300
To do upon respect such violent outrage.
Resolve me with all modest haste which way
Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,
Coming from us.
Earl of Kent. My lord, when at their home 1305
I did commend your Highness' letters to them,
Ere I was risen from the place that show'd
My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,
Stew'd in his haste, half breathless, panting forth
From Goneril his mistress salutations; 1310
Deliver'd letters, spite of intermission,
Which presently they read; on whose contents,
They summon'd up their meiny, straight took horse,
Commanded me to follow and attend
The leisure of their answer, gave me cold looks, 1315
And meeting here the other messenger,
Whose welcome I perceiv'd had poison'd mine-
Being the very fellow which of late
Display'd so saucily against your Highness-
Having more man than wit about me, drew. 1320
He rais'd the house with loud and coward cries.
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth
The shame which here it suffers.
Fool. Winter's not gone yet, if the wild geese fly that way.
Fathers that wear rags 1325
Do make their children blind;
But fathers that bear bags
Shall see their children kind.
Fortune, that arrant whore,
Ne'er turns the key to th' poor. 1330
But for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours for thy
daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
Lear. O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!
Hysterica passio! Down, thou climbing sorrow!
Thy element's below! Where is this daughter? 1335Earl of Kent. With the Earl, sir, here within.
Lear. Follow me not;
Stay here. Exit.
Gentleman. Made you no more offence but what you speak of?
Earl of Kent. None. 1340
How chance the King comes with so small a number?
Fool. An thou hadst been set i' th' stocks for that question,
thou'dst well deserv'd it.
Earl of Kent. Why, fool?
Fool. We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee there's no 1345
labouring i' th' winter. All that follow their noses are led by
their eyes but blind men, and there's not a nose among twenty
but can smell him that's stinking. Let go thy hold when a great
wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following
it; but the great one that goes upward, let him draw thee after. 1350
When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine again. I
would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it.
That sir which serves and seeks for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins to rain 1355
And leave thee in the storm.
But I will tarry; the fool will stay,
And let the wise man fly.
The knave turns fool that runs away;
The fool no knave, perdy. 1360Earl of Kent. Where learn'd you this, fool?
Fool. Not i' th' stocks, fool.
Enter Lear and Gloucester
Lear. Deny to speak with me? They are sick? they are weary?
They have travell'd all the night? Mere fetches- 1365
The images of revolt and flying off!
Fetch me a better answer.
Earl of Gloucester. My dear lord,
You know the fiery quality of the Duke,
How unremovable and fix'd he is 1370
In his own course.
Lear. Vengeance! plague! death! confusion!
Fiery? What quality? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,
I'ld speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.
Earl of Gloucester. Well, my good lord, I have inform'd them so. 1375Lear. Inform'd them? Dost thou understand me, man?
Earl of Gloucester. Ay, my good lord.
Lear. The King would speak with Cornwall; the dear father
Would with his daughter speak, commands her service.
Are they inform'd of this? My breath and blood! 1380
Fiery? the fiery Duke? Tell the hot Duke that-
No, but not yet! May be he is not well.
Infirmity doth still neglect all office
Whereto our health is bound. We are not ourselves
When nature, being oppress'd, commands the mind 1385
To suffer with the body. I'll forbear;
And am fallen out with my more headier will,
To take the indispos'd and sickly fit
For the sound man.- Death on my state! Wherefore
Should he sit here? This act persuades me 1390
That this remotion of the Duke and her
Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.
Go tell the Duke and 's wife I'ld speak with them-
Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,
Or at their chamber door I'll beat the drum 1395
Till it cry sleep to death.
Earl of Gloucester. I would have all well betwixt you. Exit.
Lear. O me, my heart, my rising heart! But down!
Fool. Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she
put 'em i' th' paste alive. She knapp'd 'em o' th' coxcombs with 1400
a stick and cried 'Down, wantons, down!' 'Twas her brother that,
in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.
Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, Servants.
Lear. Good morrow to you both.
Duke of Cornwall. Hail to your Grace! 1405Kent here set at liberty.
Regan. I am glad to see your Highness.
Lear. Regan, I think you are; I know what reason
I have to think so. If thou shouldst not be glad,
I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb, 1410
Sepulchring an adultress. [To Kent] O, are you free?
Some other time for that.- Beloved Regan,
Thy sister's naught. O Regan, she hath tied
Sharp-tooth'd unkindness, like a vulture, here!
[Lays his hand on his heart.] 1415
I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe
With how deprav'd a quality- O Regan!
Regan. I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope
You less know how to value her desert
Than she to scant her duty. 1420Lear. Say, how is that?
Regan. I cannot think my sister in the least
Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance
She have restrain'd the riots of your followers,
'Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end, 1425
As clears her from all blame.
Lear. My curses on her!
Regan. O, sir, you are old!
Nature in you stands on the very verge
Of her confine. You should be rul'd, and led 1430
By some discretion that discerns your state
Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you
That to our sister you do make return;
Say you have wrong'd her, sir.
Lear. Ask her forgiveness? 1435
Do you but mark how this becomes the house:
'Dear daughter, I confess that I am old. [Kneels.]
Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg
That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.'
Regan. Good sir, no more! These are unsightly tricks. 1440
Return you to my sister.
Lear. [rises] Never, Regan!
She hath abated me of half my train;
Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue,
Most serpent-like, upon the very heart. 1445
All the stor'd vengeances of heaven fall
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,
You taking airs, with lameness!
Duke of Cornwall. Fie, sir, fie!
Lear. You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames 1450
Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,
You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the pow'rful sun,
To fall and blast her pride!
Regan. O the blest gods! so will you wish on me
When the rash mood is on. 1455Lear. No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.
Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give
Thee o'er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce; but thine
Do comfort, and not burn. 'Tis not in thee
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train, 1460
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,
And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt
Against my coming in. Thou better know'st
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude. 1465
Thy half o' th' kingdom hast thou not forgot,
Wherein I thee endow'd.
Regan. Good sir, to th' purpose.
Tucket within.
Lear. Who put my man i' th' stocks? 1470Duke of Cornwall. What trumpet's that?
Regan. I know't- my sister's. This approves her letter,
That she would soon be here.
[Enter [Oswald the] Steward.]
Is your lady come? 1475Lear. This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride
Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.
Out, varlet, from my sight!
Duke of Cornwall. What means your Grace?
Enter Goneril.
Lear. Who stock'd my servant? Regan, I have good hope
Thou didst not know on't.- Who comes here? O heavens!
If you do love old men, if your sweet sway
Allow obedience- if yourselves are old,
Make it your cause! Send down, and take my part! 1485
[To Goneril] Art not asham'd to look upon this beard?-
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?
Goneril. Why not by th' hand, sir? How have I offended?
All's not offence that indiscretion finds
And dotage terms so. 1490Lear. O sides, you are too tough!
Will you yet hold? How came my man i' th' stocks?
Duke of Cornwall. I set him there, sir; but his own disorders
Deserv'd much less advancement.
Lear. You? Did you? 1495Regan. I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.
If, till the expiration of your month,
You will return and sojourn with my sister,
Dismissing half your train, come then to me.
I am now from home, and out of that provision 1500
Which shall be needful for your entertainment.
Lear. Return to her, and fifty men dismiss'd?
No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To wage against the enmity o' th' air,
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl- 1505
Necessity's sharp pinch! Return with her?
Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took
Our youngest born, I could as well be brought
To knee his throne, and, squire-like, pension beg
To keep base life afoot. Return with her? 1510
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
To this detested groom. [Points at Oswald.]
Goneril. At your choice, sir.
Lear. I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.
I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell. 1515
We'll no more meet, no more see one another.
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;
Or rather a disease that's in my flesh,
Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,
A plague sore, an embossed carbuncle 1520
In my corrupted blood. But I'll not chide thee.
Let shame come when it will, I do not call it.
I do not bid the Thunder-bearer shoot
Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove.
Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure; 1525
I can be patient, I can stay with Regan,
I and my hundred knights.
Regan. Not altogether so.
I look'd not for you yet, nor am provided
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister; 1530
For those that mingle reason with your passion
Must be content to think you old, and so-
But she knows what she does.
Lear. Is this well spoken?
Regan. I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers? 1535
Is it not well? What should you need of more?
Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger
Speak 'gainst so great a number? How in one house
Should many people, under two commands,
Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible. 1540Goneril. Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
From those that she calls servants, or from mine?
Regan. Why not, my lord? If then they chanc'd to slack ye,
We could control them. If you will come to me
(For now I spy a danger), I entreat you 1545
To bring but five-and-twenty. To no more
Will I give place or notice.
Lear. I gave you all-
Regan. And in good time you gave it!
Lear. Made you my guardians, my depositaries; 1550
But kept a reservation to be followed
With such a number. What, must I come to you
With five-and-twenty, Regan? Said you so?
Regan. And speak't again my lord. No more with me.
Lear. Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd 1555
When others are more wicked; not being the worst
Stands in some rank of praise. [To Goneril] I'll go with thee.
Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty,
And thou art twice her love.
Goneril. Hear, me, my lord. 1560
What need you five-and-twenty, ten, or five,
To follow in a house where twice so many
Have a command to tend you?
Regan. What need one?
Lear. O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars 1565
Are in the poorest thing superfluous.
Allow not nature more than nature needs,
Man's life is cheap as beast's. Thou art a lady:
If only to go warm were gorgeous,
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st 1570
Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need-
You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need!
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,
As full of grief as age; wretched in both.
If it be you that stirs these daughters' hearts 1575
Against their father, fool me not so much
To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger,
And let not women's weapons, water drops,
Stain my man's cheeks! No, you unnatural hags!
I will have such revenges on you both 1580
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.
No, I'll not weep.
I have full cause of weeping, but this heart 1585
Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws
Or ere I'll weep. O fool, I shall go mad!
Exeunt Lear, Gloucester, Kent, and Fool. Storm and tempest.
Duke of Cornwall. Let us withdraw; 'twill be a storm.
Regan. This house is little; the old man and 's people 1590
Cannot be well bestow'd.
Goneril. 'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest
And must needs taste his folly.
Regan. For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,
But not one follower. 1595Goneril. So am I purpos'd.
Where is my Lord of Gloucester?
Duke of Cornwall. Followed the old man forth.
[Enter Gloucester.]
He is return'd. 1600Earl of Gloucester. The King is in high rage.
Duke of Cornwall. Whither is he going?
Earl of Gloucester. He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
Duke of Cornwall. 'Tis best to give him way; he leads himself.
Goneril. My lord, entreat him by no means to stay. 1605Earl of Gloucester. Alack, the night comes on, and the bleak winds
Do sorely ruffle. For many miles about
There's scarce a bush.
Regan. O, sir, to wilful men
The injuries that they themselves procure 1610
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors.
He is attended with a desperate train,
And what they may incense him to, being apt
To have his ear abus'd, wisdom bids fear.
Duke of Cornwall. Shut up your doors, my lord: 'tis a wild night. 1615
My Regan counsels well. Come out o' th' storm. [Exeunt.]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 1
A heath. Storm still.
next scene
Enter Kent and a Gentleman at several doors.
Earl of Kent. Who's there, besides foul weather?
Gentleman. One minded like the weather, most unquietly.
Earl of Kent. I know you. Where's the King? 1620Gentleman. Contending with the fretful elements;
Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea,
Or swell the curled waters 'bove the main,
That things might change or cease; tears his white hair,
Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage, 1625
Catch in their fury and make nothing of;
Strives in his little world of man to outscorn
The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.
This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,
The lion and the belly-pinched wolf 1630
Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,
And bids what will take all.
Earl of Kent. But who is with him?
Gentleman. None but the fool, who labours to outjest
His heart-struck injuries. 1635Earl of Kent. Sir, I do know you,
And dare upon the warrant of my note
Commend a dear thing to you. There is division
(Although as yet the face of it be cover'd
With mutual cunning) 'twixt Albany and Cornwall; 1640
Who have (as who have not, that their great stars
Thron'd and set high?) servants, who seem no less,
Which are to France the spies and speculations
Intelligent of our state. What hath been seen,
Either in snuffs and packings of the Dukes, 1645
Or the hard rein which both of them have borne
Against the old kind King, or something deeper,
Whereof, perchance, these are but furnishings-
But, true it is, from France there comes a power
Into this scattered kingdom, who already, 1650
Wise in our negligence, have secret feet
In some of our best ports and are at point
To show their open banner. Now to you:
If on my credit you dare build so far
To make your speed to Dover, you shall find 1655
Some that will thank you, making just report
Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow
The King hath cause to plain.
I am a gentleman of blood and breeding,
And from some knowledge and assurance offer 1660
This office to you.
Gentleman. I will talk further with you.
Earl of Kent. No, do not.
For confirmation that I am much more
Than my out-wall, open this purse and take 1665
What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia
(As fear not but you shall), show her this ring,
And she will tell you who your fellow is
That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm!
I will go seek the King. 1670Gentleman. Give me your hand. Have you no more to say?
Earl of Kent. Few words, but, to effect, more than all yet:
That, when we have found the King (in which your pain
That way, I'll this), he that first lights on him
Holla the other. 1675Exeunt [severally].
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previous scene Act III, Scene 2
Another part of the heath. Storm still.
next scene
Enter Lear and Fool.
Lear. Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!
You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout
Till you have drench'd our steeples, drown'd the cocks! 1680
You sulph'rous and thought-executing fires,
Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts,
Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder,
Strike flat the thick rotundity o' th' world,
Crack Nature's moulds, all germains spill at once, 1685
That makes ingrateful man!
Fool. O nuncle, court holy water in a dry house is better than this
rain water out o' door. Good nuncle, in, and ask thy daughters
blessing! Here's a night pities nether wise men nor fools.
Lear. Rumble thy bellyful! Spit, fire! spout, rain! 1690
Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire are my daughters.
I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness.
I never gave you kingdom, call'd you children,
You owe me no subscription. Then let fall
Your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your slave, 1695
A poor, infirm, weak, and despis'd old man.
But yet I call you servile ministers,
That will with two pernicious daughters join
Your high-engender'd battles 'gainst a head
So old and white as this! O! O! 'tis foul! 1700Fool. He that has a house to put 's head in has a good head-piece.
The codpiece that will house
Before the head has any,
The head and he shall louse:
So beggars marry many. 1705
The man that makes his toe
What he his heart should make
Shall of a corn cry woe,
And turn his sleep to wake.
For there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in a 1710
glass.
Enter Kent.
Lear. No, I will be the pattern of all patience;
I will say nothing.
Earl of Kent. Who's there? 1715Fool. Marry, here's grace and a codpiece; that's a wise man and a
fool.
Earl of Kent. Alas, sir, are you here? Things that love night
Love not such nights as these. The wrathful skies
Gallow the very wanderers of the dark 1720
And make them keep their caves. Since I was man,
Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder,
Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never
Remember to have heard. Man's nature cannot carry
Th' affliction nor the fear. 1725Lear. Let the great gods,
That keep this dreadful pudder o'er our heads,
Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wretch,
That hast within thee undivulged crimes
Unwhipp'd of justice. Hide thee, thou bloody hand; 1730
Thou perjur'd, and thou simular man of virtue
That art incestuous. Caitiff, in pieces shake
That under covert and convenient seeming
Hast practis'd on man's life. Close pent-up guilts,
Rive your concealing continents, and cry 1735
These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man
More sinn'd against than sinning.
Earl of Kent. Alack, bareheaded?
Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel;
Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest. 1740
Repose you there, whilst I to this hard house
(More harder than the stones whereof 'tis rais'd,
Which even but now, demanding after you,
Denied me to come in) return, and force
Their scanted courtesy. 1745Lear. My wits begin to turn.
Come on, my boy. How dost, my boy? Art cold?
I am cold myself. Where is this straw, my fellow?
The art of our necessities is strange,
That can make vile things precious. Come, your hovel. 1750
Poor fool and knave, I have one part in my heart
That's sorry yet for thee.
Fool. [sings]
He that has and a little tiny wit-
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain- 1755
Must make content with his fortunes fit,
For the rain it raineth every day.
Lear. True, my good boy. Come, bring us to this hovel.
Exeunt [Lear and Kent].
Fool. This is a brave night to cool a courtesan. I'll speak a 1760
prophecy ere I go:
When priests are more in word than matter;
When brewers mar their malt with water;
When nobles are their tailors' tutors,
No heretics burn'd, but wenches' suitors; 1765
When every case in law is right,
No squire in debt nor no poor knight;
When slanders do not live in tongues,
Nor cutpurses come not to throngs;
When usurers tell their gold i' th' field, 1770
And bawds and whores do churches build:
Then shall the realm of Albion
Come to great confusion.
Then comes the time, who lives to see't,
That going shall be us'd with feet. 1775
This prophecy Merlin shall make, for I live before his time. Exit.
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previous scene Act III, Scene 3
Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Gloucester and Edmund.
Earl of Gloucester. Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural dealing! When
I desir'd their leave that I might pity him, they took from me
the use of mine own house, charg'd me on pain of perpetual 1780
displeasure neither to speak of him, entreat for him, nor any
way sustain him.
Edmund. Most savage and unnatural!
Earl of Gloucester. Go to; say you nothing. There is division betwixt the Dukes,
and a worse matter than that. I have received a letter this 1785
night- 'tis dangerous to be spoken- I have lock'd the letter in
my closet. These injuries the King now bears will be revenged
home; there's part of a power already footed; we must incline to
the King. I will seek him and privily relieve him. Go you and
maintain talk with the Duke, that my charity be not of him 1790
perceived. If he ask for me, I am ill and gone to bed. Though I
die for't, as no less is threat'ned me, the King my old master
must be relieved. There is some strange thing toward, Edmund.
Pray you be careful. Exit.
Edmund. This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the Duke 1795
Instantly know, and of that letter too.
This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me
That which my father loses- no less than all.
The younger rises when the old doth fall. Exit.
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previous scene Act III, Scene 4
The heath. Before a hovel. Storm still.
next scene
Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.
Earl of Kent. Here is the place, my lord. Good my lord, enter.
The tyranny of the open night 's too rough
For nature to endure.
Lear. Let me alone.
Earl of Kent. Good my lord, enter here. 1805Lear. Wilt break my heart?
Earl of Kent. I had rather break mine own. Good my lord, enter.
Lear. Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm
Invades us to the skin. So 'tis to thee;
But where the greater malady is fix'd, 1810
The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'dst shun a bear;
But if thy flight lay toward the raging sea,
Thou'dst meet the bear i' th' mouth. When the mind's free,
The body's delicate. The tempest in my mind
Doth from my senses take all feeling else 1815
Save what beats there. Filial ingratitude!
Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand
For lifting food to't? But I will punish home!
No, I will weep no more. In such a night
To shut me out! Pour on; I will endure. 1820
In such a night as this! O Regan, Goneril!
Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all!
O, that way madness lies; let me shun that!
No more of that.
Earl of Kent. Good my lord, enter here. 1825Lear. Prithee go in thyself; seek thine own ease.
This tempest will not give me leave to ponder
On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in.
[To the Fool] In, boy; go first.- You houseless poverty-
Nay, get thee in. I'll pray, and then I'll sleep. [Exit Fool] 1830
Poor naked wretches, wheresoe'er you are,
That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm,
How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,
Your loop'd and window'd raggedness, defend you
From seasons such as these? O, I have ta'en 1835
Too little care of this! Take physic, pomp;
Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel,
That thou mayst shake the superflux to them
And show the heavens more just.
Edgar. [within] Fathom and half, fathom and half! Poor Tom! 1840Enter Fool [from the hovel].
Fool. Come not in here, nuncle, here's a spirit. Help me, help me!
Earl of Kent. Give me thy hand. Who's there?
Fool. A spirit, a spirit! He says his name's poor Tom.
Earl of Kent. What art thou that dost grumble there i' th' straw? 1845
Come forth.
Enter Edgar [disguised as a madman].
Edgar. Away! the foul fiend follows me! Through the sharp hawthorn
blows the cold wind. Humh! go to thy cold bed, and warm thee.
Lear. Hast thou given all to thy two daughters, and art thou come 1850
to this?
Edgar. Who gives anything to poor Tom? whom the foul fiend hath led
through fire and through flame, through ford and whirlpool, o'er
bog and quagmire; that hath laid knives under his pillow and
halters in his pew, set ratsbane by his porridge, made him proud 1855
of heart, to ride on a bay trotting horse over four-inch'd
bridges, to course his own shadow for a traitor. Bless thy five
wits! Tom 's acold. O, do de, do de, do de. Bless thee from
whirlwinds, star-blasting, and taking! Do poor Tom some charity,
whom the foul fiend vexes. There could I have him now- and there- 1860
and there again- and there!
Storm still.
Lear. What, have his daughters brought him to this pass?
Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give 'em all?
Fool. Nay, he reserv'd a blanket, else we had been all sham'd. 1865Lear. Now all the plagues that in the pendulous air
Hang fated o'er men's faults light on thy daughters!
Earl of Kent. He hath no daughters, sir.
Lear. Death, traitor! nothing could have subdu'd nature
To such a lowness but his unkind daughters. 1870
Is it the fashion that discarded fathers
Should have thus little mercy on their flesh?
Judicious punishment! 'Twas this flesh begot
Those pelican daughters.
Edgar. Pillicock sat on Pillicock's Hill. 'Allow, 'allow, loo, loo! 1875Fool. This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen.
Edgar. Take heed o' th' foul fiend; obey thy parents: keep thy word
justly; swear not; commit not with man's sworn spouse; set not
thy sweet heart on proud array. Tom 's acold.
Lear. What hast thou been? 1880Edgar. A servingman, proud in heart and mind; that curl'd my hair,
wore gloves in my cap; serv'd the lust of my mistress' heart and
did the act of darkness with her; swore as many oaths as I spake
words, and broke them in the sweet face of heaven; one that
slept in the contriving of lust, and wak'd to do it. Wine lov'd 1885
I deeply, dice dearly; and in woman out-paramour'd the Turk.
False of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand; hog in sloth, fox
in stealth, wolf in greediness, dog in madness, lion in prey.
Let not the creaking of shoes nor the rustling of silks betray
thy poor heart to woman. Keep thy foot out of brothel, thy hand 1890
out of placket, thy pen from lender's book, and defy the foul
fiend. Still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind; says
suum, mun, hey, no, nonny. Dolphin my boy, my boy, sessa! let
him trot by.
Storm still.
Lear. Why, thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy
uncover'd body this extremity of the skies. Is man no more than
this? Consider him well. Thou ow'st the worm no silk, the beast
no hide, the sheep no wool, the cat no perfume. Ha! Here's three
on's are sophisticated! Thou art the thing itself; 1900
unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked
animal as thou art. Off, off, you lendings! Come, unbutton
here.
[Tears at his clothes.]
Fool. Prithee, nuncle, be contented! 'Tis a naughty night to swim 1905
in. Now a little fire in a wild field were like an old lecher's
heart- a small spark, all the rest on's body cold. Look, here
comes a walking fire.
Enter Gloucester with a torch.
Edgar. This is the foul fiend Flibbertigibbet. He begins at curfew, 1910
and walks till the first cock. He gives the web and the pin,
squints the eye, and makes the harelip; mildews the white wheat,
and hurts the poor creature of earth.
Saint Withold footed thrice the 'old;
He met the nightmare, and her nine fold; 1915
Bid her alight
And her troth plight,
And aroint thee, witch, aroint thee!
Earl of Kent. How fares your Grace?
Lear. What's he? 1920Earl of Kent. Who's there? What is't you seek?
Earl of Gloucester. What are you there? Your names?
Edgar. Poor Tom, that eats the swimming frog, the toad, the todpole,
the wall-newt and the water; that in the fury of his heart, when
the foul fiend rages, eats cow-dung for sallets, swallows the 1925
old rat and the ditch-dog, drinks the green mantle of the
standing pool; who is whipp'd from tithing to tithing, and
stock-punish'd and imprison'd; who hath had three suits to his
back, six shirts to his body, horse to ride, and weapons to
wear; 1930
But mice and rats, and such small deer,
Have been Tom's food for seven long year.
Beware my follower. Peace, Smulkin! peace, thou fiend!
Earl of Gloucester. What, hath your Grace no better company?
Edgar. The prince of darkness is a gentleman! 1935
Modo he's call'd, and Mahu.
Earl of Gloucester. Our flesh and blood is grown so vile, my lord,
That it doth hate what gets it.
Edgar. Poor Tom 's acold.
Earl of Gloucester. Go in with me. My duty cannot suffer 1940
T' obey in all your daughters' hard commands.
Though their injunction be to bar my doors
And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you,
Yet have I ventur'd to come seek you out
And bring you where both fire and food is ready. 1945Lear. First let me talk with this philosopher.
What is the cause of thunder?
Earl of Kent. Good my lord, take his offer; go into th' house.
Lear. I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban.
What is your study? 1950Edgar. How to prevent the fiend and to kill vermin.
Lear. Let me ask you one word in private.
Earl of Kent. Importune him once more to go, my lord.
His wits begin t' unsettle.
Earl of Gloucester. Canst thou blame him? [Storm still.] 1955
His daughters seek his death. Ah, that good Kent!
He said it would be thus- poor banish'd man!
Thou say'st the King grows mad: I'll tell thee, friend,
I am almost mad myself. I had a son,
Now outlaw'd from my blood. He sought my life 1960
But lately, very late. I lov'd him, friend-
No father his son dearer. True to tell thee,
The grief hath craz'd my wits. What a night 's this!
I do beseech your Grace-
Lear. O, cry you mercy, sir. 1965
Noble philosopher, your company.
Edgar. Tom's acold.
Earl of Gloucester. In, fellow, there, into th' hovel; keep thee warm.
Lear. Come, let's in all.
Earl of Kent. This way, my lord. 1970Lear. With him!
I will keep still with my philosopher.
Earl of Kent. Good my lord, soothe him; let him take the fellow.
Earl of Gloucester. Take him you on.
Earl of Kent. Sirrah, come on; go along with us. 1975Lear. Come, good Athenian.
Earl of Gloucester. No words, no words! hush.
Edgar. Child Rowland to the dark tower came;
His word was still
Fie, foh, and fum! 1980
I smell the blood of a British man.
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act III, Scene 5
Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Cornwall and Edmund.
Duke of Cornwall. I will have my revenge ere I depart his house.
Edmund. How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature thus gives way to 1985
loyalty, something fears me to think of.
Duke of Cornwall. I now perceive it was not altogether your brother's evil
disposition made him seek his death; but a provoking merit, set
awork by a reproveable badness in himself.
Edmund. How malicious is my fortune that I must repent to be just! 1990
This is the letter he spoke of, which approves him an
intelligent party to the advantages of France. O heavens! that
this treason were not- or not I the detector!
Duke of Cornwall. Go with me to the Duchess.
Edmund. If the matter of this paper be certain, you have mighty 1995
business in hand.
Duke of Cornwall. True or false, it hath made thee Earl of Gloucester.
Seek out where thy father is, that he may be ready for our
apprehension.
Edmund. [aside] If I find him comforting the King, it will stuff his 2000
suspicion more fully.- I will persever in my course of loyalty,
though the conflict be sore between that and my blood.
Duke of Cornwall. I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find a dearer
father in my love.
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act III, Scene 6
A farmhouse near Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Gloucester, Lear, Kent, Fool, and Edgar.
Earl of Gloucester. Here is better than the open air; take it thankfully. I will
piece out the comfort with what addition I can. I will not be
long from you.
Earl of Kent. All the power of his wits have given way to his impatience. 2010
The gods reward your kindness!
Exit [Gloucester].
Edgar. Frateretto calls me, and tells me Nero is an angler in the
lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and beware the foul fiend.
Fool. Prithee, nuncle, tell me whether a madman be a gentleman or a 2015
yeoman.
Lear. A king, a king!
Fool. No, he's a yeoman that has a gentleman to his son; for he's a
mad yeoman that sees his son a gentleman before him.
Lear. To have a thousand with red burning spits 2020
Come hizzing in upon 'em-
Edgar. The foul fiend bites my back.
Fool. He's mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, a horse's
health, a boy's love, or a whore's oath.
Lear. It shall be done; I will arraign them straight. 2025
[To Edgar] Come, sit thou here, most learned justicer.
[To the Fool] Thou, sapient sir, sit here. Now, you she-foxes!
Edgar. Look, where he stands and glares! Want'st thou eyes at trial,
madam?
Come o'er the bourn, Bessy, to me. 2030Fool. Her boat hath a leak,
And she must not speak
Why she dares not come over to thee.
Edgar. The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of a nightingale.
Hoppedance cries in Tom's belly for two white herring. Croak 2035
not, black angel; I have no food for thee.
Earl of Kent. How do you, sir? Stand you not so amaz'd.
Will you lie down and rest upon the cushions?
Lear. I'll see their trial first. Bring in their evidence.
[To Edgar] Thou, robed man of justice, take thy place. 2040
[To the Fool] And thou, his yokefellow of equity,
Bench by his side. [To Kent] You are o' th' commission,
Sit you too.
Edgar. Let us deal justly.
Sleepest or wakest thou, jolly shepherd? 2045
Thy sheep be in the corn;
And for one blast of thy minikin mouth
Thy sheep shall take no harm.
Purr! the cat is gray.
Lear. Arraign her first. 'Tis Goneril. I here take my oath before 2050
this honourable assembly, she kicked the poor King her father.
Fool. Come hither, mistress. Is your name Goneril?
Lear. She cannot deny it.
Fool. Cry you mercy, I took you for a joint-stool.
Lear. And here's another, whose warp'd looks proclaim 2055
What store her heart is made on. Stop her there!
Arms, arms! sword! fire! Corruption in the place!
False justicer, why hast thou let her scape?
Edgar. Bless thy five wits!
Earl of Kent. O pity! Sir, where is the patience now 2060
That you so oft have boasted to retain?
Edgar. [aside] My tears begin to take his part so much
They'll mar my counterfeiting.
Lear. The little dogs and all,
Tray, Blanch, and Sweetheart, see, they bark at me. 2065Edgar. Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt, you curs!
Be thy mouth or black or white,
Tooth that poisons if it bite;
Mastiff, greyhound, mongrel grim,
Hound or spaniel, brach or lym, 2070
Bobtail tyke or trundle-tail-
Tom will make them weep and wail;
For, with throwing thus my head,
Dogs leap the hatch, and all are fled.
Do de, de, de. Sessa! Come, march to wakes and fairs and market 2075
towns. Poor Tom, thy horn is dry.
Lear. Then let them anatomize Regan. See what breeds about her
heart. Is there any cause in nature that makes these hard
hearts? [To Edgar] You, sir- I entertain you for one of my
hundred; only I do not like the fashion of your garments. You'll 2080
say they are Persian attire; but let them be chang'd.
Earl of Kent. Now, good my lord, lie here and rest awhile.
Lear. Make no noise, make no noise; draw the curtains.
So, so, so. We'll go to supper i' th' morning. So, so, so.
Fool. And I'll go to bed at noon. 2085Enter Gloucester.
Earl of Gloucester. Come hither, friend. Where is the King my master?
Earl of Kent. Here, sir; but trouble him not; his wits are gone.
Earl of Gloucester. Good friend, I prithee take him in thy arms.
I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him. 2090
There is a litter ready; lay him in't
And drive towards Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet
Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master.
If thou shouldst dally half an hour, his life,
With thine, and all that offer to defend him, 2095
Stand in assured loss. Take up, take up!
And follow me, that will to some provision
Give thee quick conduct.
Earl of Kent. Oppressed nature sleeps.
This rest might yet have balm'd thy broken senses, 2100
Which, if convenience will not allow,
Stand in hard cure. [To the Fool] Come, help to bear thy master.
Thou must not stay behind.
Earl of Gloucester. Come, come, away!
Exeunt [all but Edgar].
Edgar. When we our betters see bearing our woes,
We scarcely think our miseries our foes.
Who alone suffers suffers most i' th' mind,
Leaving free things and happy shows behind;
But then the mind much sufferance doth o'erskip 2110
When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship.
How light and portable my pain seems now,
When that which makes me bend makes the King bow,
He childed as I fathered! Tom, away!
Mark the high noises, and thyself bewray 2115
When false opinion, whose wrong thought defiles thee,
In thy just proof repeals and reconciles thee.
What will hap more to-night, safe scape the King!
Lurk, lurk. [Exit.]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 7
Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Cornwall, Regan, Goneril, [Edmund the] Bastard, and Servants.
Duke of Cornwall. [to Goneril] Post speedily to my lord your husband, show him
this letter. The army of France is landed.- Seek out the traitor
Gloucester.
[Exeunt some of the Servants.]
Regan. Hang him instantly. 2125Goneril. Pluck out his eyes.
Duke of Cornwall. Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep you our sister
company. The revenges we are bound to take upon your traitorous
father are not fit for your beholding. Advise the Duke where you
are going, to a most festinate preparation. We are bound to the 2130
like. Our posts shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us.
Farewell, dear sister; farewell, my Lord of Gloucester. [Enter Oswald the Steward.]
How now? Where's the King?
Oswald. My Lord of Gloucester hath convey'd him hence.
Some five or six and thirty of his knights, 2135
Hot questrists after him, met him at gate;
Who, with some other of the lord's dependants,
Are gone with him towards Dover, where they boast
To have well-armed friends.
Duke of Cornwall. Get horses for your mistress. 2140Goneril. Farewell, sweet lord, and sister.
Duke of Cornwall. Edmund, farewell. [Exeunt Goneril, Edmund, and Oswald.]
Go seek the traitor Gloucester,
Pinion him like a thief, bring him before us. [Exeunt other Servants.]
Though well we may not pass upon his life 2145
Without the form of justice, yet our power
Shall do a court'sy to our wrath, which men
May blame, but not control. [Enter Gloucester, brought in by two or three.]
Who's there? the traitor?
Regan. Ingrateful fox! 'tis he. 2150Duke of Cornwall. Bind fast his corky arms.
Earl of Gloucester. What mean, your Graces? Good my friends, consider
You are my guests. Do me no foul play, friends.
Duke of Cornwall. Bind him, I say.
[Servants bind him.]
Regan. Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!
Earl of Gloucester. Unmerciful lady as you are, I am none.
Duke of Cornwall. To this chair bind him. Villain, thou shalt find-
[Regan plucks his beard.]
Earl of Gloucester. By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done 2160
To pluck me by the beard.
Regan. So white, and such a traitor!
Earl of Gloucester. Naughty lady,
These hairs which thou dost ravish from my chin
Will quicken, and accuse thee. I am your host. 2165
With robber's hands my hospitable favours
You should not ruffle thus. What will you do?
Duke of Cornwall. Come, sir, what letters had you late from France?
Regan. Be simple-answer'd, for we know the truth.
Duke of Cornwall. And what confederacy have you with the traitors 2170
Late footed in the kingdom?
Regan. To whose hands have you sent the lunatic King?
Speak.
Earl of Gloucester. I have a letter guessingly set down,
Which came from one that's of a neutral heart, 2175
And not from one oppos'd.
Duke of Cornwall. Cunning.
Regan. And false.
Duke of Cornwall. Where hast thou sent the King?
Earl of Gloucester. To Dover. 2180Regan. Wherefore to Dover? Wast thou not charg'd at peril-
Duke of Cornwall. Wherefore to Dover? Let him first answer that.
Earl of Gloucester. I am tied to th' stake, and I must stand the course.
Regan. Wherefore to Dover, sir?
Earl of Gloucester. Because I would not see thy cruel nails 2185
Pluck out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister
In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs.
The sea, with such a storm as his bare head
In hell-black night endur'd, would have buoy'd up
And quench'd the steeled fires. 2190
Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain.
If wolves had at thy gate howl'd that stern time,
Thou shouldst have said, 'Good porter, turn the key.'
All cruels else subscrib'd. But I shall see
The winged vengeance overtake such children. 2195Duke of Cornwall. See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.
Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot.
Earl of Gloucester. He that will think to live till he be old,
Give me some help!- O cruel! O ye gods!
Regan. One side will mock another. Th' other too! 2200Duke of Cornwall. If you see vengeance-
Servant 1. Hold your hand, my lord!
I have serv'd you ever since I was a child;
But better service have I never done you
Than now to bid you hold. 2205Regan. How now, you dog?
Servant 1. If you did wear a beard upon your chin,
I'ld shake it on this quarrel.
Regan. What do you mean?
Duke of Cornwall. My villain! Draw and fight. 2210Servant 1. Nay, then, come on, and take the chance of anger.
Regan. Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus?
She takes a sword and runs at him behind.
Servant 1. O, I am slain! My lord, you have one eye left
To see some mischief on him. O! He dies. 2215Duke of Cornwall. Lest it see more, prevent it. Out, vile jelly!
Where is thy lustre now?
Earl of Gloucester. All dark and comfortless! Where's my son Edmund?
Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature
To quit this horrid act. 2220Regan. Out, treacherous villain!
Thou call'st on him that hates thee. It was he
That made the overture of thy treasons to us;
Who is too good to pity thee.
Earl of Gloucester. O my follies! Then Edgar was abus'd. 2225
Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him!
Regan. Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell
His way to Dover. [Exit one with Gloucester.]
How is't, my lord? How look you?
Duke of Cornwall. I have receiv'd a hurt. Follow me, lady. 2230
Turn out that eyeless villain. Throw this slave
Upon the dunghill. Regan, I bleed apace.
Untimely comes this hurt. Give me your arm.
Exit [Cornwall, led by Regan].
Servant 2. I'll never care what wickedness I do, 2235
If this man come to good.
Servant 3. If she live long,
And in the end meet the old course of death,
Women will all turn monsters.
Servant 2. Let's follow the old Earl, and get the bedlam 2240
To lead him where he would. His roguish madness
Allows itself to anything.
Servant 3. Go thou. I'll fetch some flax and whites of eggs
To apply to his bleeding face. Now heaven help him!
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 1
The heath.
next scene
Enter Edgar.
Edgar. Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd,
Than still contemn'd and flatter'd. To be worst,
The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune,
Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear. 2250
The lamentable change is from the best;
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. 2255
[Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man.]
But who comes here?
My father, poorly led? World, world, O world!
But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,
Life would not yield to age. 2260Old Man. O my good lord,
I have been your tenant, and your father's tenant,
These fourscore years.
Earl of Gloucester. Away, get thee away! Good friend, be gone.
Thy comforts can do me no good at all; 2265
Thee they may hurt.
Old Man. You cannot see your way.
Earl of Gloucester. I have no way, and therefore want no eyes;
I stumbled when I saw. Full oft 'tis seen
Our means secure us, and our mere defects 2270
Prove our commodities. Ah dear son Edgar,
The food of thy abused father's wrath!
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,
I'ld say I had eyes again!
Old Man. How now? Who's there? 2275Edgar. [aside] O gods! Who is't can say 'I am at the worst'?
I am worse than e'er I was.
Old Man. 'Tis poor mad Tom.
Edgar. [aside] And worse I may be yet. The worst is not
So long as we can say 'This is the worst.' 2280Old Man. Fellow, where goest?
Earl of Gloucester. Is it a beggarman?
Old Man. Madman and beggar too.
Earl of Gloucester. He has some reason, else he could not beg.
I' th' last night's storm I such a fellow saw, 2285
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.
As flies to wanton boys are we to th' gods.
They kill us for their sport. 2290Edgar. [aside] How should this be?
Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,
Ang'ring itself and others.- Bless thee, master!
Earl of Gloucester. Is that the naked fellow?
Old Man. Ay, my lord. 2295Earl of Gloucester. Then prithee get thee gone. If for my sake
Thou wilt o'ertake us hence a mile or twain
I' th' way toward Dover, do it for ancient love;
And bring some covering for this naked soul,
Who I'll entreat to lead me. 2300Old Man. Alack, sir, he is mad!
Earl of Gloucester. 'Tis the time's plague when madmen lead the blind.
Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure.
Above the rest, be gone.
Old Man. I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have, 2305
Come on't what will. Exit.
Earl of Gloucester. Sirrah naked fellow-
Edgar. Poor Tom's acold. [Aside] I cannot daub it further.
Earl of Gloucester. Come hither, fellow.
Edgar. [aside] And yet I must.- Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed. 2310Earl of Gloucester. Know'st thou the way to Dover?
Edgar. Both stile and gate, horseway and footpath. Poor Tom hath been
scar'd out of his good wits. Bless thee, good man's son, from
the foul fiend! Five fiends have been in poor Tom at once: of
lust, as Obidicut; Hobbididence, prince of dumbness; Mahu, of 2315
stealing; Modo, of murder; Flibbertigibbet, of mopping and
mowing, who since possesses chambermaids and waiting women. So,
bless thee, master!
Earl of Gloucester. Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues
Have humbled to all strokes. That I am wretched 2320
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 pow'r quickly;
So distribution should undo excess, 2325
And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?
Edgar. Ay, master.
Earl of Gloucester. There is a cliff, whose high and bending head
Looks fearfully in the confined deep.
Bring me but to the very brim of it, 2330
And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear
With something rich about me. From that place
I shall no leading need.
Edgar. Give me thy arm.
Poor Tom shall lead thee. 2335Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 2
Before the Duke of Albany’s Palace.
next scene
Enter Goneril and [Edmund the] Bastard.
Goneril. Welcome, my lord. I marvel our mild husband
Not met us on the way. [Enter Oswald the Steward.]
Now, where's your master? 2340Oswald. Madam, within, but never man so chang'd.
I told him of the army that was landed:
He smil'd 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 2345
When I inform'd him, then he call'd me sot
And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out.
What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;
What like, offensive.
Goneril. [to Edmund] Then shall you go no further. 2350
It is the cowish terror of his spirit,
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 pow'rs. 2355
I must change arms at home and give the distaff
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. [Gives a favour.] 2360
Spare speech.
Decline your head. This kiss, if it durst speak,
Would stretch thy spirits up into the air.
Conceive, and fare thee well.
Edmund. Yours in the ranks of death! Exit. 2365Goneril. My most dear Gloucester!
O, the difference of man and man!
To thee a woman's services are due;
My fool usurps my body.
Oswald. Madam, here comes my lord. Exit. 2370Enter Albany.
Goneril. I have been worth the whistle.
Duke of Albany. O Goneril,
You are not worth the dust which the rude wind
Blows in your face! I fear your disposition. 2375
That nature which contemns it 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. 2380Goneril. No more! The text is foolish.
Duke of Albany. Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile;
Filths savour but themselves. What have you done?
Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd?
A father, and a gracious aged man, 2385
Whose reverence even the head-lugg'd bear would lick,
Most barbarous, most degenerate, have you madded.
Could my good brother suffer you to do it?
A man, a prince, by him so benefited!
If that the heavens do not their visible spirits 2390
Send quickly down to tame these vile offences,
It will come,
Humanity must perforce prey on itself,
Like monsters of the deep.
Goneril. Milk-liver'd man! 2395
That bear'st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;
Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning
Thine honour from thy suffering; that not know'st
Fools do those villains pity who are punish'd
Ere they have done their mischief. Where's thy drum? 2400
France spreads his banners in our noiseless land,
With plumed helm thy state begins to threat,
Whiles thou, a moral fool, sit'st still, and criest
'Alack, why does he so?'
Duke of Albany. See thyself, devil! 2405
Proper deformity seems not in the fiend
So horrid as in woman.
Goneril. O vain fool!
Duke of Albany. Thou changed and self-cover'd thing, for shame!
Bemonster not thy feature! Were't my fitness 2410
To let these hands obey my blood,
They are apt enough to dislocate and tear
Thy flesh and bones. Howe'er thou art a fiend,
A woman's shape doth shield thee.
Goneril. Marry, your manhood mew! 2415Enter a Gentleman.
Duke of Albany. What news?
Gentleman. O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall 's dead,
Slain by his servant, going to put out
The other eye of Gloucester. 2420Duke of Albany. Gloucester's eyes?
Gentleman. A servant that he bred, thrill'd with remorse,
Oppos'd against the act, bending his sword
To his great master; who, thereat enrag'd,
Flew on him, and amongst them fell'd him dead; 2425
But not without that harmful stroke which since
Hath pluck'd him after.
Duke of Albany. This shows you are above,
You justicers, that these our nether crimes
So speedily can venge! But O poor Gloucester! 2430
Lose he his other eye?
Gentleman. Both, both, my lord.
This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer.
'Tis from your sister.
Goneril. [aside] One way I like this well; 2435
But being widow, and my Gloucester with her,
May all the building in my fancy pluck
Upon my hateful life. Another way
The news is not so tart.- I'll read, and answer. Exit.
Duke of Albany. Where was his son when they did take his eyes? 2440Gentleman. Come with my lady hither.
Duke of Albany. He is not here.
Gentleman. No, my good lord; I met him back again.
Duke of Albany. Knows he the wickedness?
Gentleman. Ay, my good lord. 'Twas he inform'd against him, 2445
And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment
Might have the freer course.
Duke of Albany. Gloucester, I live
To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the King,
And to revenge thine eyes. Come hither, friend. 2450
Tell me what more thou know'st.
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 3
The French camp near Dover.
next scene
Enter Kent and a Gentleman.
Earl of Kent. Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you the
reason? 2455Gentleman. 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 that his personal return was most required and
necessary.
Earl of Kent. Who hath he left behind him general? 2460Gentleman. The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.
Earl of Kent. Did your letters pierce the Queen to any demonstration of
grief?
Gentleman. Ay, sir. She took them, read them in my presence,
And now and then an ample tear trill'd down 2465
Her delicate cheek. It seem'd she was a queen
Over her passion, who, most rebel-like,
Sought to be king o'er her.
Earl of Kent. O, then it mov'd her?
Gentleman. Not to a rage. Patience and sorrow strove 2470
Who should express her goodliest. You have seen
Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears
Were like, a better way. Those happy smilets
That play'd on her ripe lip seem'd not to know
What guests were in her eyes, which parted thence 2475
As pearls from diamonds dropp'd. In brief,
Sorrow would be a rarity most belov'd,
If all could so become it.
Earl of Kent. Made she no verbal question?
Gentleman. Faith, once or twice she heav'd the name of father 2480
Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart;
Cried 'Sisters, sisters! Shame of ladies! Sisters!
Kent! father! sisters! What, i' th' storm? i' th' night?
Let pity not be believ'd!' There she shook
The holy water from her heavenly eyes, 2485
And clamour moisten'd. Then away she started
To deal with grief alone.
Earl of Kent. It is the stars,
The stars above us, govern our conditions;
Else one self mate and mate could not beget 2490
Such different issues. You spoke not with her since?
Gentleman. No.
Earl of Kent. Was this before the King return'd?
Gentleman. No, since.
Earl of Kent. Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' th' town; 2495
Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers
What we are come about, and by no means
Will yield to see his daughter.
Gentleman. Why, good sir?
Earl of Kent. A sovereign shame so elbows him; his own unkindness, 2500
That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her
To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights
To his dog-hearted daughters- these things sting
His mind so venomously that burning shame
Detains him from Cordelia. 2505Gentleman. Alack, poor gentleman!
Earl of Kent. Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not?
Gentleman. 'Tis so; they are afoot.
Earl of Kent. Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear
And leave you to attend him. Some dear cause 2510
Will in concealment wrap me up awhile.
When I am known aright, you shall not grieve
Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you go
Along with me. Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 4
The French camp.
next scene
Enter, with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Doctor, and Soldiers.
Cordelia. Alack, 'tis he! Why, he was met even now
As mad as the vex'd sea, singing aloud,
Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow weeds,
With harlocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo flow'rs,
Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow 2520
In our sustaining corn. A century send forth.
Search every acre in the high-grown field
And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer.] What can man's
wisdom
In the restoring his bereaved sense? 2525
He that helps him take all my outward worth.
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 2530
Will close the eye of anguish.
Cordelia. All blest secrets,
All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth,
Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate
In the good man's distress! Seek, seek for him! 2535
Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life
That wants the means to lead it.
Enter Messenger.
Messenger. News, madam.
The British pow'rs are marching hitherward. 2540Cordelia. 'Tis known before. Our preparation stands
In expectation of them. O dear father,
It is thy business that I go about.
Therefore great France
My mourning and important tears hath pitied. 2545
No blown ambition doth our arms incite,
But love, dear love, and our ag'd father's right.
Soon may I hear and see him!
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 5
Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Regan and [Oswald the] Steward.
Regan. But are my brother's pow'rs set forth?
Oswald. Ay, madam.
Regan. Himself in person there?
Oswald. Madam, with much ado.
Your sister is the better soldier. 2555Regan. Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
Oswald. No, madam.
Regan. What might import my sister's letter to him?
Oswald. I know not, lady.
Regan. Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter. 2560
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 2565
The strength o' th' enemy.
Oswald. I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
Regan. Our troops set forth to-morrow. Stay with us.
The ways are dangerous.
Oswald. I may not, madam. 2570
My lady charg'd my duty in this business.
Regan. Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
Transport her purposes by word? Belike,
Something- I know not what- I'll love thee much-
Let me unseal the letter. 2575Oswald. Madam, I had 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 eyeliads and most speaking looks
To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom. 2580Oswald. I, 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 talk'd,
And more convenient is he for my hand 2585
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 farewell. 2590
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
Oswald. Would I could meet him, madam! I should show
What party I do follow.
Regan. Fare thee well. Exeunt. 2595 RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act IV, Scene 6
The country near Dover.
next scene
Enter Gloucester, and Edgar [like a Peasant].
Earl of Gloucester. When shall I come to th' top of that same hill?
Edgar. You do climb up it now. Look how we labour.
Earl of Gloucester. Methinks the ground is even.
Edgar. Horrible steep. 2600
Hark, do you hear the sea?
Earl of Gloucester. No, truly.
Edgar. Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect
By your eyes' anguish.
Earl of Gloucester. So may it be indeed. 2605
Methinks thy voice is alter'd, and thou speak'st
In better phrase and matter than thou didst.
Edgar. Y'are much deceiv'd. In nothing am I chang'd
But in my garments.
Earl of Gloucester. Methinks y'are better spoken. 2610Edgar. Come on, sir; here's the place. Stand still. How 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 sampire- dreadful trade! 2615
Methinks he seems no bigger than his head.
The fishermen that walk upon the beach
Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark,
Diminish'd to her cock; her cock, a buoy
Almost too small for sight. The murmuring surge 2620
That on th' unnumb'red idle pebble chafes
Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more,
Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight
Topple down headlong.
Earl of Gloucester. Set me where you stand. 2625Edgar. Give me your hand. You are now within a foot
Of th' extreme verge. For all beneath the moon
Would I not leap upright.
Earl of Gloucester. Let go my hand.
Here, friend, is another purse; in it a jewel 2630
Well worth a poor man's taking. Fairies and gods
Prosper it with thee! Go thou further off;
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
Edgar. Now fare ye well, good sir.
Earl of Gloucester. With all my heart. 2635Edgar. [aside]. Why I do trifle thus with his despair
Is done to cure it.
Earl of Gloucester. O you mighty gods! He kneels.
This world I do renounce, and, in your sights,
Shake patiently my great affliction off. 2640
If I could bear it longer and not fall
To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,
My snuff and loathed part of nature should
Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!
Now, fellow, fare thee well. 2645
He falls [forward and swoons].
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, 2650
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?
Earl of Gloucester. Away, and let me die. 2655Edgar. Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,
So many fadom down precipitating,
Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg; but thou dost breathe;
Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st; art sound.
Ten masts at each make not the altitude 2660
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell.
Thy life is a miracle. Speak yet again.
Earl of Gloucester. But have I fall'n, or no?
Edgar. From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.
Look up a-height. The shrill-gorg'd lark so far 2665
Cannot be seen or heard. Do but look up.
Earl of Gloucester. Alack, I have no eyes!
Is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit
To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort
When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage 2670
And frustrate his proud will.
Edgar. Give me your arm.
Up- so. How is't? Feel you your legs? You stand.
Earl of Gloucester. Too well, too well.
Edgar. This is above all strangeness. 2675
Upon the crown o' th' cliff what thing was that
Which parted from you?
Earl of Gloucester. A poor unfortunate beggar.
Edgar. As I stood here below, methought his eyes
Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,Horns whelk'd and wav'd like the enridged sea. 2680
It was some fiend. Therefore, thou happy father,
Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours
Of men's impossibility, have preserv'd thee.
Earl of Gloucester. I do remember now. Henceforth I'll bear
Affliction till it do cry out itself 2685
'Enough, enough,' and die. That thing you speak of,
I took it for a man. Often 'twould say
'The fiend, the fiend'- he led me to that place.
Edgar. Bear free and patient thoughts.
Enter Lear, mad, [fantastically dressed with weeds]. 2690
But who comes here?
The safer sense will ne'er accommodate
His master thus.
Lear. No, they cannot touch me for coming;
I am the King himself. 2695Edgar. O thou side-piercing sight!
Lear. Nature 's above art in that respect. There's your press
money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper. 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 2700
on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O, well flown, bird! i'
th' clout, i' th' clout! Hewgh! Give the word.
Edgar. Sweet marjoram.
Lear. Pass.
Earl of Gloucester. I know that voice. 2705Lear. Ha! Goneril with a white beard? They flatter'd me like a dog,
and told me I had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones
were there. To say 'ay' and 'no' to everything I said! 'Ay' and
'no' too was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me
once, and the wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would 2710
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.
Earl of Gloucester. The trick of that voice I do well remember.
Is't not the King? 2715Lear. 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. 2720
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. 2725
To't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers.
Behold yond simp'ring dame,
Whose face between her forks presageth snow,
That minces virtue, and does shake the head
To hear of pleasure's name. 2730
The fitchew nor the soiled horse goes to't
With a more riotous appetite.
Down from the waist they are Centaurs,
Though women all above.
But to the girdle do the gods inherit, 2735
Beneath is all the fiend's.
There's hell, there's darkness, there's the sulphurous pit;
burning, scalding, stench, consumption. Fie, fie, fie! pah, pah!
Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my
imagination. There's money for thee. 2740Earl of Gloucester. O, let me kiss that hand!
Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.
Earl of Gloucester. O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world
Shall so wear out to naught. Dost thou know me?
Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me? 2745
No, do thy worst, blind Cupid! I'll not love. Read thou this
challenge; mark but the penning of it.
Earl of Gloucester. Were all the letters suns, I could not see one.
Edgar. [aside] I would not take this from report. It is,
And my heart breaks at it. 2750Lear. Read.
Earl of Gloucester. What, with the case of eyes?
Lear. O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your 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. 2755Earl of Gloucester. I see it feelingly.
Lear. What, art mad? A man may see how the world 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 2760
farmer's dog bark at a beggar?
Earl of Gloucester. Ay, sir.
Lear. And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold
the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office.
Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand! 2765
Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back.
Thou hotly lusts to use her in that kind
For which thou whip'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener.
Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear;
Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold, 2770
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.
Take that of me, my friend, who have the power
To seal th' accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes 2775
And, like a scurvy politician, seem
To see the things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now!
Pull off my boots. Harder, harder! So.
Edgar. O, matter and impertinency mix'd!
Reason, in madness! 2780Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.
I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester.
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. 2785Earl of Gloucester. Alack, alack the day!
Lear. When we are born, we cry that we are come
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, 2790
And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law,
Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!
Enter a Gentleman [with Attendants].
Gentleman. O, here he is! Lay hand upon him.- Sir,
Your most dear daughter- 2795Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even
The natural fool of fortune. Use me well;
You shall have ransom. Let me have a surgeon;
I am cut to th' brains.
Gentleman. You shall have anything. 2800Lear. No seconds? All myself?
Why, this would make a man a man of salt,
To use his eyes for garden waterpots,
Ay, and laying autumn's dust.
Gentleman. Good sir- 2805Lear. I will die bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What!
I will be jovial. Come, come, I am a king;
My masters, know you that?
Gentleman. You are a royal one, and we obey you.
Lear. Then there's life in't. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it 2810
by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa!
Exit running. [Attendants follow.]
Gentleman. A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,
Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one daughter
Who redeems nature from the general curse 2815
Which twain have brought her to.
Edgar. Hail, gentle sir.
Gentleman. Sir, speed you. What's your will?
Edgar. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?
Gentleman. Most sure and vulgar. Every one hears that 2820
Which can distinguish sound.
Edgar. But, by your favour,
How near's the other army?
Gentleman. Near and on speedy foot. The main descry
Stands on the hourly thought. 2825Edgar. I thank you sir. That's all.
Gentleman. Though that the Queen on special cause is here,
Her army is mov'd on.
Edgar. I thank you, sir
Exit [Gentleman].
Earl of Gloucester. You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
To die before you please!
Edgar. Well pray you, father.
Earl of Gloucester. Now, good sir, what are you? 2835Edgar. 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.
Earl of Gloucester. Hearty thanks. 2840
The bounty and the benison of heaven
To boot, and boot!
Enter [Oswald the] Steward.
Oswald. A proclaim'd prize! Most happy!
That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh 2845
To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor,
Briefly thyself remember. The sword is out
That must destroy thee.
Earl of Gloucester. Now let thy friendly hand
Put strength enough to't. 2850[Edgar interposes.]
Oswald. Wherefore, bold peasant,
Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence!
Lest that th' infection of his fortune take
Like hold on thee. Let go his arm. 2855Edgar. Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'cagion.
Oswald. Let go, slave, or thou diest!
Edgar. Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor voke pass. An chud
ha' bin zwagger'd out of my life, 'twould not ha' bin zo long as
'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near th' old man. Keep out, 2860
che vore ye, or Ise try whether your costard or my ballow be the
harder. Chill be plain with you.
Oswald. Out, dunghill!
They fight.
Edgar. Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come! No matter vor your foins. 2865[Oswald falls.]
Oswald. Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse.
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 2870
Upon the British party. O, untimely death! Death!
He dies.
Edgar. I know thee well. A serviceable villain,
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
As badness would desire. 2875Earl of Gloucester. What, is he dead?
Edgar. Sit you down, father; rest you.
Let's see his pockets; these letters that he speaks of
May be my friends. He's dead. I am only sorry
He had no other deathsman. Let us see. 2880
Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not.
To know our enemies' minds, we'ld rip their hearts;
Their papers, is more lawful. Reads the letter.
'Let our reciprocal vows be rememb'red. You have many
opportunities to cut him off. If your will want not, time and 2885
place will be fruitfully offer'd. There is nothing done, if he
return the conqueror. Then am I the prisoner, and his bed my
jail; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the
place for your labour.
'Your (wife, so I would say) affectionate servant, 'Goneril.' 2890
O indistinguish'd space of woman's will!
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 murtherous lechers; and in the mature time 2895
With this ungracious paper strike the sight
Of the death-practis'd Duke, For him 'tis well
That of thy death and business I can tell.
Earl of Gloucester. The King is mad. How stiff is my vile sense,
That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling 2900
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract.
So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs,
And woes by wrong imaginations lose
The knowledge of themselves.
A drum afar off.
Edgar. Give me your hand.
Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum.
Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. Exeunt.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act IV, Scene 7
A tent in the French camp.
next scene
Enter Cordelia, Kent, Doctor, and Gentleman.
Cordelia. O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work 2910
To match thy goodness? My life will be too short
And every measure fail me.
Earl of Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'erpaid.
All my reports go with the modest truth;
Nor more nor clipp'd, but so. 2915Cordelia. Be better suited.
These weeds are memories of those worser hours.
I prithee put them off.
Earl of Kent. Pardon, dear madam.
Yet to be known shortens my made intent. 2920
My boon I make it that you know me not
Till time and I think meet.
Cordelia. Then be't so, my good lord. [To the Doctor] How, does the King?
Doctor. Madam, sleeps still.
Cordelia. O you kind gods, 2925
Cure this great breach in his abused nature!
Th' untun'd and jarring senses, O, wind up
Of this child-changed father!
Doctor. So please your Majesty
That we may wake the King? He hath slept long. 2930Cordelia. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed
I' th' sway of your own will. Is he array'd?
Enter Lear in a chair carried by Servants.
Gentleman. Ay, madam. In the heaviness of sleep
We put fresh garments on him. 2935Doctor. Be by, good madam, when we do awake him.
I doubt not of his temperance.
Cordelia. Very well.
Music.
Doctor. Please you draw near. Louder the music there! 2940Cordelia. 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!
Earl of Kent. Kind and dear princess! 2945Cordelia. Had you not been their father, these white flakes
Had challeng'd pity of them. Was this a face
To be oppos'd against the warring winds?
To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?
In the most terrible and nimble stroke 2950
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, 2955
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.
Doctor. Madam, do you; 'tis fittest.
Cordelia. How does my royal lord? How fares your Majesty? 2960Lear. 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.
Cordelia. Sir, do you know me? 2965Lear. You are a spirit, I know. When did you die?
Cordelia. Still, still, far wide!
Doctor. He's scarce awake. Let him alone awhile.
Lear. Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight,
I am mightily abus'd. I should e'en die with pity, 2970
To see another thus. I know not what to say.
I will not swear these are my hands. Let's see.
I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur'd
Of my condition!
Cordelia. O, look upon me, sir, 2975
And hold your hands in benediction o'er me.
No, sir, you must not kneel.
Lear. Pray, do not mock me.
I am a very foolish fond old man,
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less; 2980
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 2985
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.
Cordelia. And so I am! I am! 2990Lear. 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. 2995Cordelia. No cause, no cause.
Lear. Am I in France?
Earl of Kent. In your own kingdom, sir.
Lear. Do not abuse me.
Doctor. Be comforted, good madam. The great rage 3000
You see is kill'd 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.
Cordelia. Will't please your Highness walk? 3005Lear. You must bear with me.
Pray you now, forget and forgive. I am old and foolish.
Exeunt. Manent Kent and Gentleman.
Gentleman. Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain?
Earl of Kent. Most certain, sir. 3010Gentleman. Who is conductor of his people?
Earl of Kent. As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.
Gentleman. They say Edgar, his banish'd son, is with the Earl of Kent
in Germany.
Earl of Kent. Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the powers of 3015
the kingdom approach apace.
Gentleman. The arbitrement is like to be bloody.
Fare you well, sir. [Exit.]
Earl of Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought,
Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. Exit. 3020 RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 1
The British camp near Dover.
next scene
Enter, with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Regan, Gentleman, and Soldiers.
Edmund. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,
Or whether since he is advis'd by aught
To change the course. He's full of alteration
And self-reproving. Bring his constant pleasure. 3025[Exit an Officer.]
Regan. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
Edmund. Tis to be doubted, madam.
Regan. Now, sweet lord,
You know the goodness I intend upon you. 3030
Tell me- but truly- but then speak the truth-
Do you not love my sister?
Edmund. In honour'd love.
Regan. But have you never found my brother's way
To the forfended place? 3035Edmund. That thought abuses you.
Regan. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.
Edmund. No, by mine honour, madam.
Regan. I never shall endure her. Dear my lord, 3040
Be not familiar with her.
Edmund. Fear me not.
She and the Duke her husband!
Enter, with Drum and Colours, Albany, Goneril, Soldiers.
Goneril. [aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister 3045
Should loosen him and me.
Duke of Albany. Our very loving sister, well bemet.
Sir, this I hear: the King is come to his daughter,
With others whom the rigour of our state
Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest, 3050
I never yet was valiant. For this business,
It toucheth us as France invades our land,
Not bolds the King, with others whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
Edmund. Sir, you speak nobly. 3055Regan. Why is this reason'd?
Goneril. Combine together 'gainst the enemy;
For these domestic and particular broils
Are not the question here.
Duke of Albany. Let's then determine 3060
With th' ancient of war on our proceeding.
Edmund. I shall attend you presently at your tent.
Regan. Sister, you'll go with us?
Goneril. No.
Regan. 'Tis most convenient. Pray you go with us. 3065Goneril. [aside] O, ho, I know the riddle.- I will go.
[As they are going out,] enter Edgar [disguised].
Edgar. If e'er your Grace had speech with man so poor,
Hear me one word.
Duke of Albany. I'll overtake you.- Speak. 3070Exeunt [all but Albany and Edgar].
Edgar. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it. Wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion that will prove 3075
What is avouched there. If you miscarry,
Your business of the world hath so an end,
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!
Duke of Albany. Stay till I have read the letter.
Edgar. I was forbid it. 3080
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.
Duke of Albany. Why, fare thee well. I will o'erlook thy paper.
Exit [Edgar].
Enter Edmund.
Edmund. The enemy 's in view; draw up your powers.
Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
By diligent discovery; but your haste
Is now urg'd on you.
Duke of Albany. We will greet the time. Exit. 3090Edmund. To both these sisters have I sworn my love;
Each jealous of the other, as the stung
Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?
Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,
If both remain alive. To take the widow 3095
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
And hardly shall I carry out my side,
Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use
His countenance for the battle, which being done,
Let her who would be rid of him devise 3100
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia-
The battle done, and they within our power,
Shall never see his pardon; for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate. Exit. 3105 RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 2
A field between the two camps. Alarum within.
next scene
Enter, with Drum and Colours, the Powers of France over the stage, Cordelia with her Father in her hand, and exeunt. Enter Edgar and Gloucester.
Edgar. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree
For your good host. Pray that the right may thrive.
If ever I return to you again,
I'll bring you comfort. 3110Earl of Gloucester. Grace go with you, sir!
Exit [Edgar].
Alarum and retreat within. Enter Edgar,
Edgar. Away, old man! give me thy hand! away!
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en. 3115
Give me thy hand! come on!
Earl of Gloucester. No further, sir. A man may rot even here.
Edgar. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure
Their going hence, even as their coming hither;
Ripeness is all. Come on. 3120Earl of Gloucester. And that's true too. Exeunt.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 3
The British camp, near Dover.
Enter, in conquest, with Drum and Colours, Edmund; Lear and Cordelia as prisoners; Soldiers, Captain.
Edmund. Some officers take them away. Good guard
Until their greater pleasures first be known
That are to censure them. 3125Cordelia. We are not the first
Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst.
For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;
Myself could else outfrown false Fortune's frown.
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters? 3130Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison.
We two alone will sing like birds i' th' cage.
When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down
And ask of thee forgiveness. So we'll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh 3135
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too-
Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out-
And take upon 's the mystery of things,
As if we were God's spies; and we'll wear out, 3140
In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones
That ebb and flow by th' moon.
Edmund. Take them away.
Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee? 3145
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes.
The goodyears shall devour 'em, flesh and fell,
Ere they shall make us weep! We'll see 'em starv'd first.
Come. Exeunt [Lear and Cordelia, guarded]. 3150Edmund. Come hither, Captain; hark.
Take thou this note [gives a paper]. Go follow them to prison.
One step I have advanc'd thee. If thou dost
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way
To noble fortunes. Know thou this, that men 3155
Are as the time is. To be tender-minded
Does not become a sword. Thy great employment
Will not bear question. Either say thou'lt do't,
Or thrive by other means.
Captain. I'll do't, my lord. 3160Edmund. About it! and write happy when th' hast done.
Mark- I say, instantly; and carry it so
As I have set it down.
Captain. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;
If it be man's work, I'll do't. Exit. 3165Flourish. Enter Albany, Goneril, Regan, Soldiers.
Duke of Albany. Sir, you have show'd to-day your valiant strain,
And fortune led you well. You have the captives
Who were the opposites of this day's strife.
We do require them of you, so to use them 3170
As we shall find their merits and our safety
May equally determine.
Edmund. Sir, I thought it fit
To send the old and miserable King
To some retention and appointed guard; 3175
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,
To pluck the common bosom on his side
And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the Queen,
My reason all the same; and they are ready 3180
To-morrow, or at further space, t' appear
Where you shall hold your session. At this time
We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are curs'd
By those that feel their sharpness. 3185
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place.
Duke of Albany. Sir, by your patience,
I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother. 3190Regan. That's as we list to grace him.
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person,
The which immediacy may well stand up 3195
And call itself your brother.
Goneril. Not so hot!
In his own grace he doth exalt himself
More than in your addition.
Regan. In my rights 3200
By me invested, he compeers the best.
Goneril. That were the most if he should husband you.
Regan. Jesters do oft prove prophets.
Goneril. Holla, holla!
That eye that told you so look'd but asquint. 3205Regan. Lady, I am not well; else I should answer
From a full-flowing stomach. General,
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;
Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine.
Witness the world that I create thee here 3210
My lord and master.
Goneril. Mean you to enjoy him?
Duke of Albany. The let-alone lies not in your good will.
Edmund. Nor in thine, lord.
Duke of Albany. Half-blooded fellow, yes. 3215Regan. [to Edmund] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.
Duke of Albany. Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee
On capital treason; and, in thine attaint,
This gilded serpent [points to Goneril]. For your claim, fair
sister, 3220
I bar it in the interest of my wife.
'Tis she is subcontracted to this lord,
And I, her husband, contradict your banes.
If you will marry, make your loves to me;
My lady is bespoke. 3225Goneril. An interlude!
Duke of Albany. Thou art arm'd, Gloucester. Let the trumpet sound.
If none appear to prove upon thy person
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge [throws down a glove]! I'll prove it on thy 3230
heart,
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less
Than I have here proclaim'd thee.
Regan. Sick, O, sick!
Goneril. [aside] If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine. 3235Edmund. There's my exchange [throws down a glove]. What in the world
he is
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies.
Call by thy trumpet. He that dares approach,
On him, on you, who not? I will maintain 3240
My truth and honour firmly.
Duke of Albany. A herald, ho!
Edmund. A herald, ho, a herald!
Duke of Albany. Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name 3245
Took their discharge.
Regan. My sickness grows upon me.
Duke of Albany. She is not well. Convey her to my tent.
[Exit Regan, led. Enter a Herald.]
Come hither, herald. Let the trumpet sound, 3250
And read out this.
Captain. Sound, trumpet! A trumpet sounds.
Herald. [reads] 'If any man of quality or degree within the lists of
the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester,
that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound 3255
of the trumpet. He is bold in his defence.'
Edmund. Sound! First trumpet.
Herald. Again! Second trumpet.
Herald. Again! Third trumpet.
Trumpet answers within.
Enter Edgar, armed, at the third sound, a Trumpet before him.
Duke of Albany. Ask him his purposes, why he appears
Upon this call o' th' trumpet.
Herald. What are you?
Your name, your quality? and why you answer 3265
This present summons?
Edgar. Know my name is lost;
By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.
Yet am I noble as the adversary
I come to cope. 3270Duke of Albany. Which is that adversary?
Edgar. What's he that speaks for Edmund Earl of Gloucester?
Edmund. Himself. What say'st thou to him?
Edgar. Draw thy sword,
That, if my speech offend a noble heart, 3275
Thy arm may do thee justice. Here is mine.
Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,
My oath, and my profession. I protest-
Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune, 3280
Thy valour and thy heart- thou art a traitor;
False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father;
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince;
And from th' extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust beneath thy foot, 3285
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou 'no,'
This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,
Thou liest.
Edmund. In wisdom I should ask thy name; 3290
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,
And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,
What safe and nicely I might well delay
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn.
Back do I toss those treasons to thy head; 3295
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart;
Which- for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise-
This sword of mine shall give them instant way
Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!
Alarums. Fight. [Edmund falls.]
Duke of Albany. Save him, save him!
Goneril. This is mere practice, Gloucester.
By th' law of arms thou wast not bound to answer
An unknown opposite. Thou art not vanquish'd,
But cozen'd and beguil'd. 3305Duke of Albany. Shut your mouth, dame,
Or with this paper shall I stop it. [Shows her her letter to
Edmund.]- [To Edmund]. Hold, sir.
[To Goneril] Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.
No tearing, lady! I perceive you know it. 3310Goneril. Say if I do- the laws are mine, not thine.
Who can arraign me for't?
Duke of Albany. Most monstrous!
Know'st thou this paper?
Goneril. Ask me not what I know. Exit. 3315Duke of Albany. Go after her. She's desperate; govern her.
[Exit an Officer.]
Edmund. What, you have charg'd me with, that have I done,
And more, much more. The time will bring it out.
'Tis past, and so am I.- But what art thou 3320
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,
I do forgive thee.
Edgar. Let's exchange charity.
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;
If more, the more th' hast wrong'd me. 3325
My name is Edgar and thy father's son.
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to scourge us.
The dark and vicious place where thee he got
Cost him his eyes. 3330Edmund. Th' hast spoken right; 'tis true.
The wheel is come full circle; I am here.
Duke of Albany. Methought thy very gait did prophesy
A royal nobleness. I must embrace thee.
Let sorrow split my heart if ever I 3335
Did hate thee, or thy father!
Edgar. Worthy prince, I know't.
Duke of Albany. Where have you hid yourself?
How have you known the miseries of your father?
Edgar. By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale; 3340
And when 'tis told, O that my heart would burst!
The bloody proclamation to escape
That follow'd me so near (O, our lives' sweetness!
That with the pain of death would hourly die
Rather than die at once!) taught me to shift 3345
Into a madman's rags, t' assume a semblance
That very dogs disdain'd; and in this habit
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,
Their precious stones new lost; became his guide,
Led him, begg'd for him, sav'd him from despair; 3350
Never (O fault!) reveal'd myself unto him
Until some half hour past, when I was arm'd,
Not sure, though hoping of this good success,
I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my pilgrimage. But his flaw'd heart 3355
(Alack, too weak the conflict to support!)
'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst smilingly.
Edmund. This speech of yours hath mov'd me,
And shall perchance do good; but speak you on; 3360
You look as you had something more to say.
Duke of Albany. If there be more, more woful, hold it in;
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.
Edgar. This would have seem'd a period 3365
To such as love not sorrow; but another,
To amplify too much, would make much more,
And top extremity.
Whilst I was big in clamour, came there a man,
Who, having seen me in my worst estate, 3370
Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding
Who 'twas that so endur'd, with his strong arms
He fastened on my neck, and bellowed out
As he'd burst heaven; threw him on my father;
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him 3375
That ever ear receiv'd; which in recounting
His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life
Began to crack. Twice then the trumpets sounded,
And there I left him tranc'd.
Duke of Albany. But who was this? 3380Edgar. Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise
Followed his enemy king and did him service
Improper for a slave.
Enter a Gentleman with a bloody knife.
Gentleman. Help, help! O, help! 3385Edgar. What kind of help?
Duke of Albany. Speak, man.
Edgar. What means that bloody knife?
Gentleman. 'Tis hot, it smokes.
It came even from the heart of- O! she's dead! 3390Duke of Albany. Who dead? Speak, man.
Gentleman. Your lady, sir, your lady! and her sister
By her is poisoned; she hath confess'd it.
Edmund. I was contracted to them both. All three
Now marry in an instant. 3395Enter Kent.
Edgar. Here comes Kent.
Duke of Albany. Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead.
[Exit Gentleman.]
This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble 3400
Touches us not with pity. O, is this he?
The time will not allow the compliment
That very manners urges.
Earl of Kent. I am come
To bid my king and master aye good night. 3405
Is he not here?
Duke of Albany. Great thing of us forgot!
Speak, Edmund, where's the King? and where's Cordelia?
[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in.]
Seest thou this object, Kent? 3410Earl of Kent. Alack, why thus?
Edmund. Yet Edmund was belov'd.
The one the other poisoned for my sake,
And after slew herself.
Duke of Albany. Even so. Cover their faces. 3415Edmund. I pant for life. Some good I mean to do,
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send
(Be brief in't) to the castle; for my writ
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia.
Nay, send in time. 3420Duke of Albany. Run, run, O, run!
Edgar. To who, my lord? Who has the office? Send
Thy token of reprieve.
Edmund. Well thought on. Take my sword;
Give it the Captain. 3425Duke of Albany. Haste thee for thy life. [Exit Edgar.]
Edmund. He hath commission from thy wife and me
To hang Cordelia in the prison and
To lay the blame upon her own despair
That she fordid herself. 3430Duke of Albany. The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile.
[Edmund is borne off.]
Enter Lear, with Cordelia [dead] in his arms, [Edgar, Captain, and others following].
Lear. Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stone.
Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so 3435
That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever!
I know when one is dead, and when one lives.
She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking glass.
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,
Why, then she lives. 3440Earl of Kent. Is this the promis'd end?
Edgar. Or image of that horror?
Duke of Albany. Fall and cease!
Lear. This feather stirs; she lives! If it be so,
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows 3445
That ever I have felt.
Earl of Kent. O my good master!
Lear. Prithee away!
Edgar. 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
Lear. A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all! 3450
I might have sav'd her; now she's gone for ever!
Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha!
What is't thou say'st, Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle, and low- an excellent thing in woman.
I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee. 3455Captain. 'Tis true, my lords, he did.
Lear. Did I not, fellow?
I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion
I would have made them skip. I am old now,
And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you? 3460
Mine eyes are not o' th' best. I'll tell you straight.
Earl of Kent. If fortune brag of two she lov'd and hated,
One of them we behold.
Lear. This' a dull sight. Are you not Kent?
Earl of Kent. The same- 3465
Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius?
Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that.
He'll strike, and quickly too. He's dead and rotten.
Earl of Kent. No, my good lord; I am the very man-
Lear. I'll see that straight. 3470Earl of Kent. That from your first of difference and decay
Have followed your sad steps.
Lear. You're welcome hither.
Earl of Kent. Nor no man else! All's cheerless, dark, and deadly.
Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves, 3475
And desperately are dead.
Lear. Ay, so I think.
Duke of Albany. He knows not what he says; and vain is it
That we present us to him.
Edgar. Very bootless. 3480Enter a Captain.
Captain. Edmund is dead, my lord.
Duke of Albany. That's but a trifle here.
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.
What comfort to this great decay may come 3485
Shall be applied. For us, we will resign,
During the life of this old Majesty,
To him our absolute power; [to Edgar and Kent] you to your
rights;
With boot, and such addition as your honours 3490
Have more than merited.- All friends shall taste
The wages of their virtue, and all foes
The cup of their deservings.- O, see, see!
Lear. And my poor fool is hang'd! No, no, no life!
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, 3495
And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,
Never, never, never, never, never!
Pray you undo this button. Thank you, sir.
Do you see this? Look on her! look! her lips!
Look there, look there! He dies. 3500Edgar. He faints! My lord, my lord!
Earl of Kent. Break, heart; I prithee break!
Edgar. Look up, my lord.
Earl of Kent. Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass! He hates him
That would upon the rack of this tough world 3505
Stretch him out longer.
Edgar. He is gone indeed.
Earl of Kent. The wonder is, he hath endur'd so long.
He but usurp'd his life.
Duke of Albany. Bear them from hence. Our present business 3510
Is general woe. [To Kent and Edgar] Friends of my soul, you
twain
Rule in this realm, and the gor'd state sustain.
Earl of Kent. I have a journey, sir, shortly to go.
My master calls me; I must not say no. 3515Duke of Albany. The weight of this sad time we must obey,
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest have borne most; we that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
Exeunt with a dead march.
THE END
法兰西国王
勃艮第公爵
康华尔公爵
奥本尼公爵
肯特伯爵
葛罗斯特伯爵
爱德伽 葛罗斯特之子
爱德蒙 葛罗斯特之庶子
克伦 朝士
奥斯华德 高纳里尔的管家
老人 葛罗斯特的佃户
医生
弄人
爱德蒙属下一军官
考狄利娅一侍臣
传令官
康华尔的众仆
高纳里尔
里 根
考狄利娅 李尔之女
扈从李尔之骑士、军官、使者、兵士及侍从等
地点
不列颠
第一幕
第一场 李尔王宫中大厅
肯特，葛罗斯特及爱德蒙上。
肯特 我想王上对于奥本尼公爵，比对于康华尔公爵更有好感。
葛罗斯特 我们一向都觉得是这样；可是这次划分国土的时候，却看不出来他对这两位公爵有什么偏心；因为他分配得那么平均，无论他们怎样斤斤较量，都不能说对方比自己占了便宜。
肯特 大人，这位是您的令郎吗？
葛罗斯特 他是在我手里长大的；我常常不好意思承认他，可是现在惯了，也就不以为意啦。
肯特 我不懂您的意思。
葛罗斯特 伯爵，这个小子的母亲可心里明白，因此，不瞒您说，她还没有嫁人就大了肚子生下儿子来。您想这应该不应该？
肯特 能够生下这样一个好儿子来，即使一时错误，也是可以原谅的。
葛罗斯特 我还有一个合法的儿子，年纪比他大一岁，然而我还是喜欢他。这畜生虽然不等我的召唤，就自己莽莽撞撞来到这世上，可是他的母亲是个迷人的东西，我们在制造他的时候，曾经有过一场销魂的游戏，这孽种我不能不承认他。爱德蒙，你认识这位贵人吗？
爱德蒙 不认识，父亲。
葛罗斯特 肯特伯爵；从此以后，你该记着他是我的尊贵的朋友。
爱德蒙 大人，我愿意为您效劳。
肯特 我一定喜欢你，希望我们以后能够常常见面。
爱德蒙 大人，我一定尽力报答您的垂爱。
葛罗斯特 他已经在国外九年，不久还是要出去的。王上来了。
喇叭奏花腔。李尔、康华尔、奥本尼、高纳里尔、里根、考狄利娅及侍从等上。
李尔 葛罗斯特，你去招待招待法兰西国王和勃艮第公爵。
葛罗斯特 是，陛下。（葛罗斯特、爱德蒙同下。）
李尔 现在我要向你们说明我的心事。把那地图给我。告诉你们吧，我已经把我的国土划成三部；我因为自己年纪老了，决心摆脱一切世务的牵萦，把责任交卸给年轻力壮之人，让自己松一松肩，好安安心心地等死。康华尔贤婿，还有同样是我心爱的奥本尼贤婿，为了预防他日的争执，我想还是趁现在把我的几个女儿的嫁奁当众分配清楚。法兰西和勃艮第两位君主正在竞争我的小女儿的爱情，他们为了求婚而住在我们宫廷里，也已经有好多时候了，现在他们就可以得到答复。孩子们，在我还没有把我的政权、领土和国事的重任全部放弃以前，告诉我，你们中间哪一个人最爱我？我要看看谁最有孝心，最有贤德，我就给她最大的恩惠。高纳里尔，我的大女儿，你先说。
高纳里尔 父亲，我对您的爱，不是言语所能表达的；我爱您胜过自己的眼睛、整个的空间和广大的自由；超越一切可以估价的贵重稀有的事物；不亚于赋有淑德、健康、美貌和荣誉的生命；不曾有一个儿女这样爱过他的父亲，也不曾有一个父亲这样被他的儿女所爱；这一种爱可以使唇舌无能为力，辩才失去效用；我爱您是不可以数量计算的。
考狄利娅 （旁白）考狄利娅应该怎么好呢？默默地爱着吧。
李尔 在这些疆界以内，从这一条界线起，直到这一条界线为止，所有一切浓密的森林、膏腴的平原、富庶的河流、广大的牧场，都要奉你为它们的女主人；这一块土地永远为你和奥本尼的子孙所保有。我的二女儿，最亲爱的里根，康华尔的夫人，你怎么说？
里根 我跟姊姊具有同样的品质，您凭着她就可以判断我。在我的真心之中，我觉得她刚才所说的话，正是我爱您的实际的情形，可是她还不能充分说明我的心理：我厌弃一切凡是敏锐的知觉所能感受到的快乐，只有爱您才是我的无上的幸福。
考狄利娅 （旁白）那么，考狄利娅，你只好自安于贫穷了！可是我并不贫穷，因为我深信我的爱心比我的口才更富有。
李尔 这一块从我们这美好的王国中划分出来的三分之一的沃壤，是你和你的子孙永远世袭的产业，和高纳里尔所得到的一份同样广大、同样富庶，也同样佳美。现在，我的宝贝，虽然是最后的一个，却并非最不在我的心头；法兰西的葡萄和勃艮第的乳酪都在竞争你的青春之爱；你有些什么话，可以换到一份比你的两个姊姊更富庶的土地？说吧。
考狄利娅 父亲，我没有话说。
李尔 没有？
考狄利娅 没有。
李尔 没有只能换到没有；重新说过。
考狄利娅 我是个笨拙的人，不会把我的心涌上我的嘴里；我爱您只是按照我的名分，一分不多，一分不少。
李尔 怎么，考狄利娅！把你的话修正修正，否则你要毁坏你自己的命运了。
考狄利娅 父亲，您生下我来，把我教养成人，爱惜我、厚待我；我受到您这样的恩德，只有恪尽我的责任，服从您、爱您、敬重您。我的姊姊们要是用她们整个的心来爱您，那么她们为什么要嫁人呢？要是我有一天出嫁了，那接受我的忠诚的誓约的丈夫，将要得到我的一半的爱、我的一半的关心和责任；假如我只爱我的父亲，我一定不会像我的两个姊姊一样再去嫁人的。
李尔 你这些话果然是从心里说出来的吗？
考狄利娅 是的，父亲。
李尔 年纪这样小，却这样没有良心吗？
考狄利娅 父亲，我年纪虽小，我的心却是忠实的。
李尔 好，那么让你的忠实做你的嫁奁吧。凭着太阳神圣的光辉，凭着黑夜的神秘，凭着主宰人类生死的星球的运行，我发誓从现在起，永远和你断绝一切父女之情和血缘亲属的关系，把你当做一个路人看待。啖食自己儿女的生番，比起你，我的旧日的女儿来，也不会更令我憎恨。
肯特 陛下——
李尔 闭嘴，肯特！不要来批怒龙的逆鳞。她是我最爱的一个，我本来想要在她的殷勤看护之下，终养我的天年。去，不要让我看见你的脸！让坟墓做我安息的眠床吧，我从此割断对她的天伦的慈爱了！叫法兰西王来！都是死人吗？叫勃艮第来！康华尔，奥本尼，你们已经分到我的两个女儿的嫁奁，现在把我第三个女儿那一份也拿去分了吧；让骄傲——她自己所称为坦白的——替她找一个丈夫。我把我的威力、特权和一切君主的尊荣一起给了你们。我自己只保留一百名骑士，在你们两人的地方按月轮流居住，由你们负责供养。除了国王的名义和尊号以外，所有行政的大权、国库的收入和大小事务的处理，完全交在你们手里；为了证实我的话，两位贤婿，我赐给你们这一顶宝冠，归你们两人共同保有。
肯特 尊严的李尔，我一向敬重您像敬重我的君王，爱您像爱总把您当作我的伟大的恩主——
李尔 弓已经弯好拉满，你留心躲开箭锋吧。
肯特 让它落下来吧，即使箭镞会刺进我的心里。李尔发了疯，肯特也只好不顾礼貌了。你究竟要怎样，老头儿？你以为有权有位的人向谄媚者低头，尽忠守职的臣僚就不敢说话了吗？君主不顾自己的尊严，干下了愚蠢的事情，在朝的端人正士只好直言极谏。保留你的权力，仔细考虑一下你的举措，收回这种卤莽灭裂的成命。你的小女儿并不是最不孝顺你；有人不会口若悬河，说得天花乱坠，可并不就是无情无义。我的判断要是有错，你尽管取我的命。
李尔 肯特，你要是想活命，赶快闭住你的嘴。
肯特 我的生命本来是预备向你的仇敌抛掷的；为了你的安全，我也不怕把它失去。
李尔 走开，不要让我看见你！
肯特 瞧明白一些，李尔；还是让我像箭垛上的红心一般永远站在你的眼前吧。
李尔 凭着阿波罗起誓——
肯特 凭着阿波罗，老王，你向神明发誓也是没用的。
李尔 啊，可恶的奴才！（以手按剑。）
奥本尼
康华尔 陛下息怒。
肯特 好，杀了你的医生，把你的恶病养得一天比一天厉害吧。赶快撤销你的分土授国的原议；否则只要我的喉舌尚在，我就要大声疾呼，告诉你你做了错事啦。
李尔 听着，逆贼！你给我按照做臣子的道理，好生听着！你想要煽动我毁弃我的不容更改的誓言，凭着你的不法的跋扈，对我的命令和权力妄加阻挠，这一种目无君上的态度，使我忍无可忍；为了维持王命的尊严，不能不给你应得的处分。我现在宽容你五天的时间，让你预备些应用的衣服食物，免得受饥寒的痛苦；在第六天上，你那可憎的身体必须离开我的国境；要是在此后十天之内，我们的领土上再发现了你的踪迹，那时候就要把你当场处死。去！凭着朱庇特发誓，这一个判决是无可改移的。
肯特 再会，国王；你既不知悔改，
囚笼里也没有自由存在。（向考狄利娅）
姑娘，自有神明为你照应：
你心地纯洁，说话真诚！（向里根、高纳里尔）
愿你们的夸口变成实事，
假树上会结下真的果子。
各位王子，肯特从此远去；
到新的国土走他的旧路。（下。）
喇叭奏花腔。葛罗斯特偕法兰西王、勃艮第及侍从等重上。
葛罗斯特 陛下，法兰西国王和勃艮第公爵来了。
李尔 勃艮第公爵，您跟这位国王都是来向我的女儿求婚的，现在我先问您：您希望她至少要有多少陪嫁的奁资，否则宁愿放弃对她的追求？
勃艮第 陛下，照着您所已经答应的数目，我就很满足了；想来您也不会再吝惜的。
李尔 尊贵的勃艮第，当她为我所宠爱的时候，我是把她看得非常珍重的，可是现在她的价格已经跌落了。公爵，您瞧她站在那儿，一个小小的东西，要是除了我的憎恨以外，我什么都不给她，而您仍然觉得她有使您喜欢的地方，或者您觉得她整个儿都能使您满意，那么她就在那儿，您把她带去好了。
勃艮第 我不知道怎样回答。
李尔 像她这样一个一无可取的女孩子，没有亲友的照顾，新近遭到我的憎恨，咒诅是她的嫁奁，我已经立誓和她断绝关系了，您还是愿意娶她呢，还是愿意把她放弃？
勃艮第 恕我，陛下；在这种条件之下，决定取舍是一件很为难的事。
李尔 那么放弃她吧，公爵；凭着赋与我生命的神明起誓，我已经告诉您她的全部价值了。（向法兰西王）至于您，伟大的国王，为了重视你、我的友谊，我断不愿把一个我所憎恶的人匹配给您；所以请您还是丢开了这一个为天地所不容的贱人，另外去找寻佳偶吧。
法兰西王 这太奇怪了，她刚才还是您的眼中的珍宝、您的赞美的题目、您的老年的安慰、您的最好、最心爱的人儿，怎么一转瞬间，就会干下这么一件罪大恶极的行为，丧失了您的深恩厚爱！她的罪恶倘不是超乎寻常，您的爱心决不会变得这样厉害；可是除非那是一桩奇迹，我无论如何不相信她会干那样的事。
考狄利娅 陛下，我只是因为缺少娓娓动人的口才，不会讲一些违心的言语，凡是我心里想到的事情，我总不愿在没有把它实行以前就放在嘴里宣扬；要是您因此而恼我，我必须请求您让世人知道，我所以失去您的欢心的原因，并不是什么丑恶的污点、淫邪的行动，或是不名誉的举止；只是因为我缺少像人家那样的一双献媚求恩的眼睛，一条我所认为可耻的善于逢迎的舌头，虽然没有了这些使我不能再受您的宠爱，可是唯其如此，却使我格外尊重我自己的人格。
李尔 像你这样不能在我面前曲意承欢，还不如当初没有生下你来的好。
法兰西王 只是为了这一个原因吗？为了生性不肯有话便说，不肯把心里想做到的出之于口？勃艮第公爵，您对于这位公主意下如何？爱情里面要是搀杂了和它本身无关的算计，那就不是真的爱情。您愿不愿意娶她？她自己就是一注无价的嫁奁。
勃艮第 尊严的李尔，只要把您原来已经允许过的那一份嫁奁给我，我现在就可以使考狄利娅成为勃艮第公爵的夫人。
李尔 我什么都不给；我已经发过誓，再也不能挽回了。
勃艮第 那么抱歉得很，您已经失去一个父亲，现在必须再失去一个丈夫了。
考狄利娅 愿勃艮第平安！他所爱的既然只是财产，我也不愿做他的妻子。
法兰西王 最美丽的考狄利娅！你因为贫穷，所以是最富有的；你因为被遗弃，所以是最可宝贵的；你因为遭人轻视，所以最蒙我的怜爱。我现在把你和你的美德一起攫在我的手里；人弃我取是法理上所许可的。天啊天！想不到他们的冷酷的蔑视，却会激起我热烈的敬爱。陛下，您的没有嫁奁的女儿被抛在一边，正好成全我的良缘；她现在是我的分享荣华的王后，法兰西全国的女主人了；沼泽之邦的勃艮第所有的公爵，都不能从我手里买去这一个无价之宝的女郎。考狄利娅，向他们告别吧，虽然他们是这样冷酷无情；你抛弃了故国，将要得到一个更好的家乡。
李尔 你带了她去吧，法兰西王；她是你的，我没有这样的女儿，也再不要看见她的脸，去吧，你们不要想得到我的恩宠和祝福。来，尊贵的勃艮第公爵。（喇叭奏花腔。李尔、勃艮第、康华尔、奥本尼、葛罗斯特及侍从等同下。）
法兰西王 向你的两位姊姊告别吧。
考狄利娅 父亲眼中的两颗宝玉，考狄利娅用泪洗过的眼睛向你们告别。我知道你们是怎样的人；因为碍着姊妹的情分，我不愿直言指斥你们的错处。好好对待父亲；你们自己说是孝敬他的，我把他托付给你们了。可是，唉！要是我没有失去他的欢心，我一定不让他依赖你们的照顾。再会了，两位姊姊。
里根 我们用不着你教训。
高纳里尔 你还是去小心侍候你的丈夫吧，命运的慈悲把你交在他的手里；你自己忤逆不孝，今天空手跟了汉子去也是活该。
考狄利娅 总有一天，深藏的奸诈会渐渐显出它的原形；罪恶虽然可以掩饰一时，免不了最后出乖露丑。愿你们幸福！
法兰西王 来，我美丽的考狄利娅。（法兰西王、考狄利娅同下。）
高纳里尔 妹妹，我有许多对我们两人有切身关系的话必须跟你谈谈。我想我们的父亲今晚就要离开此地。
里根 那是十分确定的事，他要住到你们那儿去；下个月他就要跟我们住在一起了。
高纳里尔 你瞧他现在年纪老了，他的脾气多么变化不定；我们已经屡次注意到他的行为的乖僻了。他一向都是最爱我们妹妹的，现在他凭着一时的气恼就把她撵走，这就可以见得他是多么糊涂。
里根 这是他老年的昏悖；可是他向来就是这样喜怒无常的。
高纳里尔 他年轻的时候性子就很暴躁，现在他任性惯了，再加上老年人刚愎自用的怪脾气，看来我们只好准备受他的气了。
里根 他把肯特也放逐了；谁知道他心里一不高兴起来，不会用同样的手段对付我们？
高纳里尔 法兰西王辞行回国，跟他还有一番礼仪上的应酬。让我们同心合力，决定一个方策；要是我们的父亲顺着他这种脾气滥施威权起来，这一次的让国对于我们未必有什么好处。
里根 我们还要仔细考虑一下。
高纳里尔 我们必须趁早想个办法。（同下。）
第二场 葛罗斯特伯爵城堡中的厅堂
爱德蒙持信上。
爱德蒙 大自然，你是我的女神，我愿意在你的法律之前俯首听命。为什么我要受世俗的排挤，让世人的歧视剥夺我的应享的权利，只因为我比一个哥哥迟生了一年或是十四个月？为什么他们要叫我私生子？为什么我比人家卑贱？我的壮健的体格、我的慷慨的精神、我的端正的容貌，哪一点比不上正经女人生下的儿子？为什么他们要给我加上庶出、贱种、私生子的恶名？贱种，贱种；贱种？难道在热烈兴奋的奸情里，得天地精华、父母元气而生下的孩子，倒不及拥着一个毫无欢趣的老婆，在半睡半醒之间制造出来的那一批蠢货？好，合法的爱德伽，我一定要得到你的土地；我们的父亲喜欢他的私生子爱德蒙，正像他喜欢他的合法的嫡子一样。好听的名词，“合法”！好，我的合法的哥哥，要是这封信发生效力，我的计策能够成功，瞧着吧，庶出的爱德蒙将要把合法的嫡子压在他的下面——那时候我可要扬眉吐气啦。神啊，帮助帮助私生子吧！
葛罗斯特上。
葛罗斯特 肯特就这样放逐了！法兰西王盛怒而去；王上昨晚又走了！他的权力全部交出，依靠他的女儿过活！这些事情都在匆促中决定，不曾经过丝毫的考虑！爱德蒙，怎么！有什么消息？
爱德蒙 禀父亲，没有什么消息。（藏信。）
葛罗斯特 你为什么急急忙忙地把那封信藏起来？
爱德蒙 我不知道有什么消息，父亲。
葛罗斯特 你读的是什么信？
爱德蒙 没有什么，父亲。
葛罗斯特 没有什么？那么你为什么慌慌张张地把它塞进你的衣袋里去？既然没有什么，何必藏起来？来，给我看；要是那上面没有什么话，我也可以不用戴眼镜。
爱德蒙 父亲，请您原谅我；这是我哥哥写给我的一封信，我还没有把它读完，照我所已经读到的一部分看起来，我想还是不要让您看见的好。
葛罗斯特 把信给我。
爱德蒙 不给您看您要恼我，给您看了您又要动怒。哥哥真不应该写出这种话来。
葛罗斯特 给我看，给我看。
爱德蒙 我希望哥哥写这封信是有他的理由的，他不过要试试我的德性。
葛罗斯特 （读信）“这一种尊敬老年人的政策，使我们在年轻时候不能享受生命的欢乐；我们的财产不能由我们自己处分，等到年纪老了，这些财产对我们也失去了用处。我开始觉得老年人的专制，实在是一种荒谬愚蠢的束缚；他们没有权力压迫我们，是我们自己容忍他们的压迫。来跟我讨论讨论这一个问题吧。要是我们的父亲在我把他惊醒之前，一直好好睡着，你就可以永远享受他的一半的收入，并且将要为你的哥哥所喜爱。爱德伽。”——哼！阴谋！“要是我们的父亲在我把他惊醒之前，一直好好睡着，你就可以永远享受他的一半的收入。”我的儿子爱德伽！他会有这样的心思？他能写得出这样一封信吗？这封信是什么时候到你手里的？谁把它送给你的？
爱德蒙 它不是什么人送给我的，父亲；这正是他狡猾的地方；我看见它塞在我的房间的窗眼里。
葛罗斯特 你认识这笔迹是你哥哥的吗？
爱德蒙 父亲，要是这信里所写的都是很好的话，我敢发誓这是他的笔迹；可是那上面写的既然是这种话，我但愿不是他写的。
葛罗斯特 这是他的笔迹。
爱德蒙 笔迹确是他的，父亲；可是我希望这种话不是出于他的真心。
葛罗斯特 他以前有没有用这一类话试探过你？
爱德蒙 没有，父亲；可是我常常听见他说，儿子成年以后，父亲要是已经衰老，他应该受儿子的监护，把他的财产交给他的儿子掌管。
葛罗斯特 啊，混蛋！混蛋！正是他在这信里所表示的意思！可恶的混蛋！不孝的、没有心肝的畜生！禽兽不如的东西！去，把他找来；我要依法惩办他。可恶的混蛋！他在哪儿？
爱德蒙 我不大知道，父亲。照我的意思，你在没有得到可靠的证据，证明哥哥确有这种意思以前，最好暂时耐一耐您的怒气；因为要是您立刻就对他采取激烈的手段，万一事情出于误会，那不但大大妨害了您的尊严，而且他对于您的孝心，也要从此动摇了！我敢拿我的生命为他作保，他写这封信的用意，不过是试探试探我对您的孝心，并没有其他危险的目的。
葛罗斯特 你以为是这样的吗？
爱德蒙 您要是认为可以的话，让我把您安置在一个隐僻的地方，从那个地方您可以听到我们两人谈论这件事情，用您自己的耳朵得到一个真凭实据；事不宜迟，今天晚上就可以一试。
葛罗斯特 他不会是这样一个大逆不道的禽兽——
爱德蒙 他断不会是这样的人。
葛罗斯特 天地良心！我做父亲的从来没有亏待过他，他却这样对待我。爱德蒙，找他出来；探探他究竟居心何在；你尽管照你自己的意思随机应付。我愿意放弃我的地位和财产，把这一件事情调查明白。
爱德蒙 父亲，我立刻就去找他，用最适当的方法探明这回事情，然后再来告诉您知道。
葛罗斯特 最近这一些日蚀月蚀果然不是好兆；虽然人们凭着天赋的智慧，可以对它们作种种合理的解释，可是接踵而来的天灾人祸，却不能否认是上天对人们所施的惩罚。亲爱的人互相疏远，朋友变为陌路，兄弟化成仇雠；城市里有暴动，国家发生内乱，宫廷之内潜藏着逆谋；父不父，子不子，纲常伦纪完全破灭。我这畜生也是上应天数；有他这样逆亲犯上的儿子，也就有像我们王上一样不慈不爱的父亲。我们最好的日子已经过去；现在只有一些阴谋、欺诈、叛逆、纷乱，追随在我们的背后，把我们赶下坟墓里去。爱德蒙，去把这畜生侦查个明白；那对你不会有什么妨害的；你只要自己留心一点就是了。——忠心的肯特又放逐了！他的罪名是正直！怪事，怪事！（下。）
爱德蒙 人们最爱用这一种糊涂思想来欺骗自己；往往当我们因为自己行为不慎而遭逢不幸的时候，我们就会把我们的灾祸归怨于日月星辰，好像我们做恶人也是命运注定，做傻瓜也是出于上天的旨意，做无赖、做盗贼、做叛徒，都是受到天体运行的影响，酗酒、造谣、奸淫，都有一颗什么星在那儿主持操纵，我们无论干什么罪恶的行为，全都是因为有一种超自然的力量在冥冥之中驱策着我们。明明自己跟人家通奸，却把他的好色的天性归咎到一颗星的身上，真是绝妙的推诿！我的父亲跟我的母亲在巨龙星的尾巴底下交媾，我又是在大熊星底下出世，所以我就是个粗暴而好色的家伙。嘿！即使当我的父母苟合成奸的时候，有一颗最贞洁的处女星在天空睒眼睛，我也决不会换个样子的。爱德伽——
爱德伽上。
爱德蒙 一说起他，他就来了，正像旧式喜剧里的大团圆一样；我现在必须装出一副忧愁煞人的样子，像疯子一般长吁短叹。唉！这些日蚀月蚀果然预兆着人世的纷争！法——索——拉——咪。
爱德伽 啊，爱德蒙兄弟！你在沉思些什么？
爱德蒙 哥哥，我正在想起前天读到的一篇预言，说是在这些日蚀月蚀之后，将要发生些什么事情。
爱德伽 你让这些东西烦扰你的精神吗？
爱德蒙 告诉你吧，他所预言的事情，果然不幸被他说中了；什么父子的乖离、死亡、饥荒、友谊的毁灭、国家的分裂、对于国王和贵族的恫吓和咒诅、无谓的猜疑、朋友的放逐、军队的瓦解、婚姻的破坏，还有许许多多我所不知道的事情。
爱德伽 你什么时候相信起星象之学来？
爱德蒙 来，来；你最近一次看见父亲在什么时候？
爱德伽 昨天晚上。
爱德蒙 你跟他说过话没有？
爱德伽 嗯，我们谈了两个钟头。
爱德蒙 你们分别的时候，没有闹什么意见吗？你在他的辞色之间，不觉得他对你有点恼怒吗？
爱德伽 一点没有。
爱德蒙 想想看你在什么地方得罪了他；听我的劝告，暂时避开一下，等他的怒气平息下来再说，现在他正在大发雷霆，恨不得一口咬下你的肉来呢。
爱德伽 一定有哪一个坏东西在搬弄是非。
爱德蒙 我也怕有什么人在暗中离间。请你千万忍耐忍耐，不要碰在他的火性上；现在你还是跟我到我的地方去，我可以想法让你躲起来听听他老人家怎么说。请你去吧；这是我的钥匙。你要是在外面走动的话，最好身边带些武器。
爱德伽 带些武器，弟弟！
爱德蒙 哥哥，我这样劝告你都是为了你的好处；带些武器在身边吧；要是没有人在暗算你，就算我不是个好人。我已经把我所看到、听到的事情都告诉你了；可还只是轻描淡写，实际的情形，却比我的话更要严重可怕得多哩。请你赶快去吧。
爱德伽 我不久就可以听到你的消息吗？
爱德蒙 我在这一件事情上总是竭力帮你的忙就是了。（爱德伽下）一个轻信的父亲，一个忠厚的哥哥，他自己从不会算计别人，所以也不疑心别人算计他；对付他们这样老实的傻瓜，我的奸计是绰绰有余的。该怎么下手，我已经想好了。既然凭我的身分，产业到不了我的手，那就只好用我的智谋；不管什么手段只要使得上，对我说来，就是正当。（下。）
第三场 奥本尼公爵府中一室
高纳里尔及其管家奥斯华德上。
高纳里尔 我的父亲因为我的侍卫骂了他的弄人，所以动手打他吗？
奥斯华德 是，夫人。
高纳里尔 他一天到晚欺侮我；每一点钟他都要借端寻事，把我们这儿吵得鸡犬不宁。我不能再忍受下去了。他的骑士们一天一天横行不法起来，他自己又在每一件小事上都要责骂我们。等他打猎回来的时候，我不高兴见他说话；你就对他说我病了。你也不必像从前那样殷勤侍候他；他要是见怪，都在我身上。
奥斯华德 他来了，夫人；我听见他的声音。（内号角声。）
高纳里尔 你跟你手下的人尽管对他装出一副不理不睬的态度；我要看看他有些什么话说。要是他恼了，那么让他到我妹妹那儿去吧，我知道我的妹妹的心思，她也跟我一样不能受人压制的。这老废物已经放弃了他的权力，还想管这个管那个！凭着我的生命发誓，年老的傻瓜正像小孩子一样，一味的姑息会纵容坏了他的脾气，不对他凶一点是不行的，记住我的话。
奥斯华德 是，夫人。
高纳里尔 让他的骑士们也受到你们的冷眼；无论发生什么事情，你们都不用管；你去这样通知你手下的人吧。我要造成一些借口，和他当面说个明白。我还要立刻写信给我的妹妹，叫她采取一致的行动。吩咐他们备饭。（各下。）
第四场 奥本尼公爵府中厅堂
肯特化装上。
肯特 我已经完全隐去我的本来面目，要是我能够把我的语音也完全改变过来，那么我的一片苦心，也许可以达到目的。被放逐的肯特啊，要是你顶着一身罪名，还依然能够尽你的忠心，那么总有一天，对你所爱戴的主人会大有用处的。
内号角声。李尔、众骑士及侍从等上。
李尔 我一刻也不能等待，快去叫他们拿出饭来。（一侍从下）啊！你是什么？
肯特 我是一个人，大爷。
李尔 你是干什么的？你来见我有什么事？
肯特 您瞧我像干什么的，我就是干什么的；谁要是信任我，我愿意尽忠服侍他；谁要是居心正直，我愿意爱他；谁要是聪明而不爱多说话，我愿意跟他来往；我害怕法官；逼不得已的时候，我也会跟人家打架；我不吃鱼①。
李尔 你究竟是什么人？
肯特 一个心肠非常正直的汉子，而且像国王一样穷。
李尔 要是你这做臣民的，也像那个做国王的一样穷，那么你也可以算得真穷了。你要什么？
肯特 就要讨一个差使。
李尔 你想替谁做事？
肯特 替您。
李尔 你认识我吗？
肯特 不，大爷，可是在您的神气之间，有一种什么力量，使我愿意叫您做我的主人。
李尔 是什么力量？
肯特 一种天生的威严。
李尔 你会做些什么事？
肯特 我会保守秘密，我会骑马，我会跑路，我会把一个复杂的故事讲得索然无味，我会老老实实传一个简单的口信；凡是普通人能够做的事情，我都可以做，我的最大的好处是勤劳。
李尔 你年纪多大了？
肯特 大爷，说我年轻，我也不算年轻，我不会为了一个女人会唱几句歌而害相思；说我年老，我也不算年老，我不会糊里糊涂地溺爱一个女人；我已经活过四十八个年头了。
李尔 跟着我吧；你可以替我做事。要是我在吃过晚饭以后，还是这样欢喜你，那么我还不会就把你撵走。喂！饭呢？拿饭来！我的孩子呢？我的傻瓜呢？你去叫我的傻瓜来。（一侍从下。）
奥斯华德上。
李尔 喂，喂，我的女儿呢？
奥斯华德 对不起——（下。）
李尔 这家伙怎么说？叫那蠢东西回来。（一骑士下）喂，我的傻瓜呢？全都睡着了吗？怎么！那狗头呢？
骑士重上。
骑士 陛下，他说公主有病。
李尔 我叫他回来，那奴才为什么不回来？
骑士 陛下，他非常放肆，回答我说他不高兴回来。
李尔 他不高兴回来！
骑士 陛下，我也不知道为了什么缘故，可是照我看起来，他们对待您的礼貌，已经不像往日那样殷勤了；不但一般下人从仆，就是公爵和公主也对您冷淡得多了。
李尔 嘿！你这样说吗？
骑士 陛下，要是我说错了话，请您原谅我；可是当我觉得您受人欺侮的时候，责任所在，我不能闭口不言。
李尔 你不过向我提起一件我自己已经感觉到的事；我近来也觉得他们对我的态度有点儿冷淡，可是我总以为那是我自己多心，不愿断定是他们有意怠慢。我还要仔细观察观察他们的举止。可是我的傻瓜呢？我这两天没有看见他。
骑士 陛下，自从小公主到法国去了以后，这傻瓜老是郁郁不乐。
李尔 别再提那句话了；我也注意到他这种情形。——你去对我的女儿说，我要跟她说话。（一侍从下）你去叫我的傻瓜来。（另一侍从下。）
奥斯华德重上。
李尔 啊！你，大爷，你过来，大爷。你不知道我是什么人吗，大爷？
奥斯华德 我们夫人的父亲。
李尔 “我们夫人的父亲”！我们大爷的奴才！好大胆的狗！你这奴才！你这狗东西！
奥斯华德 对不起，我不是狗。
李尔 你敢跟我当面顶嘴瞪眼吗，你这混蛋？（打奥斯华德。）
奥斯华德 您不能打我。
肯特 我也不能踢你吗，你这踢皮球的下贱东西②？（自后踢奥斯华德倒地。）
李尔 谢谢你，好家伙；你帮了我，我喜欢你。
肯特 来，朋友，站起来，给我滚吧！我要教训教训你，让你知道尊卑上下的分别。去！去！你还想用你蠢笨的身体在地上打滚，丈量土地吗？滚！你难道不懂得厉害吗？去。（将奥斯华德推出。）
李尔 我的好小子，谢谢你；这是你替我做事的定钱。（以钱给肯特。）
弄人上。
弄人 让我也把他雇下来；这儿是我的鸡头帽。（脱帽授肯特。）
李尔 啊，我的乖乖！你好？
弄人 喂，你还是戴了我的鸡头帽吧。
肯特 傻瓜，为什么？
弄人 为什么？因为你帮了一个失势的人。要是你不会看准风向把你的笑脸迎上去，你就会吞下一口冷气的。来，把我的鸡头帽拿去。嘿，这家伙撵走了两个女儿，他的第三个女儿倒很受他的好处，虽然也不是出于他的本意；要是你跟了他，你必须戴上我的鸡头帽。啊，老伯伯！但愿我有两顶鸡头帽，再有两个女儿！
李尔 为什么，我的孩子？
弄人 要是我把我的家私一起给了她们，我自己还可以存下两顶鸡头帽。我这儿有一顶；再去向你的女儿们讨一顶戴戴吧。
李尔 嘿，你留心着鞭子。
弄人 真理是一条贱狗，它只好躲在狗洞里；当猎狗太太站在火边撒尿的时候，它必须一顿鞭子被人赶出去。
李尔 简直是揭我的疮疤！
弄人 （向肯特）喂，让我教你一段话。
李尔 你说吧。
弄人 听着，老伯伯；——
多积财，少摆阔；
耳多听，话少说；
少放款，多借债；
走路不如骑马快；
三言之中信一语，
多掷骰子少下注；
莫饮酒，莫嫖妓；
呆在家中把门闭；
会打算的占便宜，
不会打算叹口气。
肯特 傻瓜，这些话一点意思也没有。
弄人 那么正像拿不到讼费的律师一样，我的话都白说了。老伯伯，你不能从没有意思的中间，探求出一点意思来吗？
李尔 啊，不，孩子；垃圾里是淘不出金子来的。
弄人 （向肯特）请你告诉他，他有那么多的土地，也就成为一堆垃圾了；他不肯相信一个傻瓜嘴里的话。
李尔 好尖酸的傻瓜！
弄人 我的孩子，你知道傻瓜是有酸有甜的吗？
李尔 不，孩子；告诉我。
弄人 听了他人话，
土地全丧失；
我傻你更傻，
两傻相并立：
一个傻瓜甜，
一个傻瓜酸；
一个穿花衣，
一个戴王冠。
李尔 你叫我傻瓜吗，孩子？
弄人 你把你所有的尊号都送了别人；只有这一个名字是你娘胎里带来的。
肯特 陛下，他倒不全然是个傻瓜哩。
弄人 不，那些老爷大人们都不肯答应我的；要是我取得了傻瓜的专利权，他们一定要来夺我一份去，就是太太小姐们也不会放过我的；他们不肯让我一个人做傻瓜。老伯伯，给我一个蛋，我给你两顶冠。
李尔 两顶什么冠？
弄人 我把蛋从中间切开，吃完了蛋黄、蛋白，就用蛋壳给你做两顶冠。你想你自己好端端有了一顶王冠，却把它从中间剖成两半，把两半全都送给人家，这不是背了驴子过泥潭吗？你这光秃秃的头顶连里面也是光秃秃的没有一点脑子，所以才会把一顶金冠送了人。我说了我要说的话，谁说这种话是傻话，让他挨一顿鞭子。——
这年头傻瓜供过于求，
聪明人个个变了糊涂，
顶着个没有思想的头，
只会跟着人依样葫芦。
李尔 你几时学会了这许多歌儿？
弄人 老伯伯，自从你把你的女儿当作了你的母亲以后，我就常常唱起歌儿来了；因为当你把棒儿给了她们，拉下你自己的裤子的时候，——
她们高兴得眼泪盈眶，
我只好唱歌自遣哀愁，
可怜你堂堂一国之王，
却跟傻瓜们作伴嬉游。
老伯伯，你去请一位先生来，教教你的傻瓜怎样说谎吧；我很想学学说谎。
李尔 要是你说了谎，小子，我就用鞭子抽你。
弄人 我不知道你跟你的女儿们究竟是什么亲戚：她们因为我说了真话，要用鞭子抽我，你因为我说谎，又要用鞭子抽我；有时候我话也不说，你们也要用鞭子抽我。我宁可做一个无论什么东西，也不要做个傻瓜；可是我宁可做个傻瓜，也不愿意做你，老伯伯；你把你的聪明从两边削掉了，削得中间不剩一点东西。瞧，那削下的一块来了。
高纳里尔上。
李尔 啊，女儿！为什么你的脸上罩满了怒气？我看你近来老是皱着眉头。
弄人 从前你用不着看她的脸，随她皱不皱眉头都不与你相干，那时候你也算得了一个好汉子；可是现在你却变成一个孤零零的圆圈圈儿了。你还比不上我；我是个傻瓜，你简直不是个东西。（向高纳里尔）好，好，我闭嘴就是啦；虽然你没有说话，我从你的脸色知道你的意思。
闭嘴，闭嘴；
你不知道积谷防饥，
活该啃不到面包皮。
他是一个剥空了的豌豆荚。（指李尔。）
高纳里尔 父亲，您这一个肆无忌惮的傻瓜不用说了，还有您那些蛮横的卫士，也都在时时刻刻寻事骂人，种种不法的暴行，实在叫人忍无可忍。父亲，我本来还以为要是让您知道了这种情形，您一定会戒饬他们的行动；可是照您最近所说的话和所做的事看来，我不能不疑心您有意纵容他们，他们才会这样有恃无恐。要是果然出于您的授意，为了维持法纪的尊严，我们也不能默尔而息，不采取断然的处置，虽然也许在您的脸上不大好看；本来，这是说不过去的，可是眼前这样的步骤，在事实上却是必要的。
弄人 你看，老伯伯——
那篱雀养大了杜鹃鸟，
自己的头也给它吃掉。
蜡烛熄了，我们眼前只有一片黑暗。
李尔 你是我的女儿吗？
高纳里尔 算了吧，老人家，您不是一个不懂道理的人，我希望您想明白一些；近来您动不动就动气，实在太有失一个做长辈的体统啦。
弄人 马儿颠倒过来给车子拖着走，就是一头蠢驴不也看得清楚吗？“呼，玖格！我爱你。”
李尔 这儿有谁认识我吗？这不是李尔。是李尔在走路吗？在说话吗？他的眼睛呢？他的知觉迷乱了吗？他的神志麻木了吗？嘿！他醒着吗？没有的事。谁能够告诉我我是什么人？
弄人 李尔的影子。
李尔 我要弄明白我是谁；因为我的君权、知识和理智都在哄我，要我相信我是个有女儿的人。
弄人 那些女儿们是会叫你做一个孝顺的父亲的。
李尔 太太，请教您的芳名？
高纳里尔 父亲，您何必这样假痴假呆，近来您就爱开这么一类的玩笑。您是一个有年纪的老人家，应该懂事一些。请您明白我的意思；您在这儿养了一百个骑士，全是些胡闹放荡、胆大妄为的家伙，我们好好的宫廷给他们骚扰得像一个喧嚣的客店；他们成天吃、喝、玩女人，简直把这儿当作了酒馆妓院，哪里还是一座庄严的御邸。这一种可耻的现象，必须立刻设法纠正；所以请您依了我的要求，酌量减少您的扈从的人数，只留下一些适合于您的年龄、知道您的地位、也明白他们自己身分的人跟随您；要是您不答应，那么我没有法子，只好勉强执行了。
李尔 地狱里的魔鬼！备起我的马来；召集我的侍从。没有良心的贱人！我不要麻烦你；我还有一个女儿哩。
高纳里尔 你打我的用人，你那一班捣乱的流氓也不想想自己是什么东西，胆敢把他们上面的人像奴仆一样呼来叱去。
奥本尼上。
李尔 唉！现在懊悔也来不及了。（向奥本尼）啊！你也来了吗？这是不是你的意思？你说。——替我备马。丑恶的海怪也比不上忘恩的儿女那样可怕。
奥本尼 陛下，请您不要生气。
李尔 （向高纳里尔）袅獍不如的东西！你说谎！我的卫士都是最有品行的人，他们懂得一切的礼仪，他们的一举一动，都不愧骑士之名。啊！考狄利娅不过犯了一点小小的错误，怎么在我的眼睛里却会变得这样丑恶！它像一座酷虐的刑具，扭曲了我的天性，抽干了我心里的慈爱，把苦味的怨恨灌了进去。啊，李尔！李尔！李尔！对准这一扇装进你的愚蠢、放出你的智慧的门，着力痛打吧！（自击其头）去，去，我的人。
奥本尼 陛下，我没有得罪您，我也不知道您为什么生气。
李尔 也许不是你的错，公爵。——听着，造化的女神，听我的吁诉！要是你想使这畜生生男育女，请你改变你的意旨吧！取消她的生殖的能力，干涸她的产育的器官，让她的下贱的肉体里永远生不出一个子女来抬高她的身价！要是她必须生产，请你让她生下一个忤逆狂悖的孩子，使她终身受苦！让她年轻的额角上很早就刻了皱纹；眼泪流下她的面颊，磨成一道道的沟渠；她的鞠育的辛劳，只换到一声冷笑和一个白眼；让她也感觉到一个负心的孩子，比毒蛇的牙齿还要多么使人痛入骨髓！去，去！（下。）
奥本尼 凭着我们敬奉的神明，告诉我这是怎么一回事？
高纳里尔 你不用知道为了什么原因；他老糊涂了，让他去发他的火吧。
李尔重上。
李尔 什么！我在这儿不过住了半个月，就把我的卫士一下子裁撤了五十名吗？
奥本尼 什么事，陛下？
李尔 等一等告诉你。（向高纳里尔）吸血的魔鬼！我真惭愧，你有这本事叫我在你的面前失去了大丈夫的气概，让我的热泪为了一个下贱的婢子而滚滚流出。愿毒风吹着你，恶雾罩着你！愿一个父亲的咒诅刺透你的五官百窍，留下永远不能平复的疮痍！痴愚的老眼，要是你再为此而流泪，我要把你挖出来，丢在你所流的泪水里，和泥土拌在一起！哼！竟有这等事吗？好，我还有一个女儿，我相信她是孝顺我的；她听见你这样对待我，一定会用指爪抓破你的豺狼一样的脸。你以为我一辈子也不能恢复我的原来的威风了吗？好，你瞧着吧。（李尔、肯特及侍从等下。）
高纳里尔 你听见没有？
奥本尼 高纳里尔，虽然我十分爱你，可是我不能这样偏心——
高纳里尔 你不用管我。喂，奥斯华德！（向弄人）你这七分奸刁三分傻的东西，跟你的主人去吧。
弄人 李尔老伯伯，李尔老伯伯！等一等，带傻瓜一块儿去。
捉狐狸，杀狐狸，
谁家女儿是狐狸？
可惜我这顶帽子，
换不到一条绳子；
追上去，你这傻子。（下。）
高纳里尔 不知道是什么人替他出的好主意。一百个骑士！让他随身带着一百个全副武装的卫士，真是万全之计；只要他做了一个梦，听了一句谣言，转了一个念头，或者心里有什么不高兴不舒服，就可以任着性子，用他们的力量危害我们的生命。喂，奥斯华德！
奥本尼 也许你太过虑了。
高纳里尔 过虑总比大意好些。与其时时刻刻提心吊胆，害怕人家的暗算，宁可爽爽快快除去一切可能的威胁。我知道他的心理。他所说的话，我已经写信去告诉我的妹妹了；她要是不听我的劝告，仍旧容留他带着他的一百个骑士——
奥斯华德重上。
高纳里尔 啊，奥斯华德！什么！我叫你写给我妹妹的信，你写好了没有？
奥斯华德 写好了，夫人。
高纳里尔 带几个人跟着你，赶快上马出发；把我所担心的情形明白告诉她，再加上一些你所想到的理由，让它格外动听一些。去吧，早点回来。（奥斯华德下）不，不，我的爷，你做人太仁善厚道了，虽然我不怪你，可是恕我说一句话，只有人批评你糊涂，却没有什么人称赞你一声好。
奥本尼 我不知道你的眼光能够看到多远；可是过分操切也会误事的。
高纳里尔 咦，那么——
奥本尼 好，好，但看结果如何。（同下。）
第五场 奥本尼公爵府外院
李尔、肯特及弄人上。
李尔 你带着这封信，先到葛罗斯特去。我的女儿看了我的信，倘然有什么话问你，你就照你所知道的回答她，此外可不要多说什么。要是你在路上偷懒耽搁时间，也许我会比你先到的。
肯特 陛下，我在没有把您的信送到以前，决不打一次盹。（下。）
弄人 要是一个人的脑筋生在脚跟上，它会不会长起脓疱来呢？
李尔 嗯，不会的，孩子。
弄人 那么你放心吧；反正你的脑筋不用穿了拖鞋走路。
李尔 哈哈哈！
弄人 你到了你那另外一个女儿的地方，就可以知道她会待你多么好；因为虽然她跟这一个就像野苹果跟家苹果一样相像，可是我可以告诉你我所知道的事情。
李尔 你可以告诉我什么，孩子？
弄人 你一尝到她的滋味，就会知道她跟这一个完全相同，正像两只野苹果一般没有分别。你能够告诉我为什么一个人的鼻子生在脸中间吗？
李尔 不能。
弄人 因为中间放了鼻子，两旁就可以安放眼睛；鼻子嗅不出来的，眼睛可以看个仔细。
李尔 我对不起她——
弄人 你知道牡蛎怎样造它的壳吗？
李尔 不知道。
弄人 我也不知道；可是我知道蜗牛为什么背着一个屋子。
李尔 为什么？
弄人 因为可以把它的头放在里面；它不会把它的屋子送给它的女儿，害得它的角也没有地方安顿。
李尔 我也顾不得什么天性之情了。我这做父亲的有什么地方亏待了她！我的马儿都已经预备好了吗？
弄人 你的驴子们正在那儿给你预备呢。北斗七星为什么只有七颗星，其中有一个绝妙的理由。
李尔 因为它们没有第八颗吗？
弄人 正是，一点不错；你可以做一个很好的傻瓜。
李尔 用武力夺回来！忘恩负义的畜生！
弄人 假如你是我的傻瓜，老伯伯，我就要打你，因为你不到时候就老了。
李尔 那是什么意思？
弄人 你应该懂得些世故再老呀。
李尔 啊！不要让我发疯！天哪，抑制住我的怒气，不要让我发疯！我不想发疯！
侍臣上。
李尔 怎么！马预备好了吗？
侍臣 预备好了，陛下。
李尔 来，孩子。
弄人 哪一个姑娘笑我走这一遭，
她的贞操眼看就要保不牢。（同下。）
第二幕
第一场 葛罗斯特伯爵城堡庭院
爱德蒙及克伦自相对方向上。
爱德蒙 您好，克伦？
克伦 您好，公子。我刚才见过令尊，通知他康华尔公爵跟他的夫人里根公主今天晚上要到这儿来拜访他。
爱德蒙 他们怎么要到这儿来？
克伦 我也不知道。您有没有听见外边的消息？我的意思是说，人们交头接耳，在暗中互相传说的那些消息。
爱德蒙 我没有听见；请教是些什么消息？
克伦 您没有听见说起康华尔公爵也许会跟奥本尼公爵开战吗？
爱德蒙 一点没有听见。
克伦 那么您也许慢慢会听到的。再会，公子。（下。）
爱德蒙 公爵今天晚上到这儿来！那也好！再好没有了！我正好利用这个机会。我的父亲已经叫人四处把守，要捉我的哥哥；我还有一件不大好办的事情，必须赶快动手做起来。这事情要做得敏捷迅速，但愿命运帮助我！——哥哥，跟你说一句话；下来，哥哥！
爱德伽上。
爱德蒙 父亲在那儿守着你。啊，哥哥！离开这个地方吧；有人已经告诉他你躲在什么所在；趁着现在天黑，你快逃吧。你有没有说过什么反对康华尔公爵的话？他也就要到这儿来了，在这样的夜里，急急忙忙的。里根也跟着他来；你有没有站在他这一边，说过奥本尼公爵什么话吗？想一想看。
爱德伽 我真的一句话也没有说过。
爱德蒙 我听见父亲来了；原谅我；我必须假装对你动武的样子；拔出剑来，就像你在防御你自己一般；好好地应付一下吧。（高声）放下你的剑；见我的父亲去！喂，拿火来！这儿！——逃吧，哥哥。（高声）火把！火把！——再会。（爱德伽下）身上沾几点血，可以使他相信我真的作过一番凶猛的争斗。（以剑刺伤手臂）我曾经看见有些醉汉为了开玩笑的缘故，往往不顾死活地割破他自己的皮肉。（高声）父亲！父亲！住手！住手！没有人来帮我吗？
葛罗斯特率众仆持火炬上。
葛罗斯特 爱德蒙，那畜生呢？
爱德蒙 他站在这儿黑暗之中，拔出他的锋利的剑，嘴里念念有辞，见神见鬼地请月亮帮他的忙。
葛罗斯特 可是他在什么地方？
爱德蒙 瞧，父亲，我流着血呢。
葛罗斯特 爱德蒙，那畜生呢？
爱德蒙 往这边逃去了，父亲。他看见他没有法子——
葛罗斯特 喂，你们追上去！（若干仆人下）“没有法子”什么？
爱德蒙 没有法子劝我跟他同谋把您杀死；我对他说，疾恶如仇的神明看见弑父的逆子，是要用天雷把他殛死的；我告诉他儿子对于父亲的关系是多么深切而不可摧毁；总而言之一句话，他看见我这样憎恶他的荒谬的图谋，他就老羞成怒，拔出他的早就预备好的剑，气势汹汹地向我毫无防卫的身上挺了过来，把我的手臂刺破了；那时候我也发起怒来，自恃理直气壮，跟他奋力对抗，他倒胆怯起来，也许因为听见我喊叫的声音，就飞也似的逃走了。
葛罗斯特 让他逃得远远的吧；除非逃到国外去，我们总有捉到他的一天；看他给我们捉住了还活得成活不成。公爵殿下，我的高贵的恩主，今晚要到这儿来啦，我要请他发出一道命令，谁要是能够把这杀人的懦夫捉住，交给我们绑在木桩上烧死，我们将要重重酬谢他；谁要是把他藏匿起来，一经发觉，就要把他处死。
爱德蒙 当他不听我的劝告，决意实行他的企图的时候，我就严辞恫吓他，对他说我要宣布他的秘密；可是他却回答我说，“你这个没份儿继承遗产的私生子！你以为要是我们两人立在敌对的地位，人家会相信你的道德品质，因而相信你所说的话吗？哼！我可以绝口否认——我自然要否认，即使你拿出我亲手写下的笔迹，我还可以反咬你一口，说这全是你的阴谋恶计；人们不是傻瓜，他们当然会相信你因为觊觎我死后的利益，所以才会起这样的毒心，想要害我的命。”
葛罗斯特 好狠心的畜生！他赖得掉他的信吗？他不是我生出来的。（内喇叭奏花腔）听！公爵的喇叭。我不知道他来有什么事。我要把所有的城门关起来，看这畜生逃到哪儿去；公爵必须答应我这一个要求；而且我还要把他的小像各处传送，让全国的人都可以注意他。我的孝顺的孩子，你不学你哥哥的坏样，我一定想法子使你能够承继我的土地。
康华尔、里根及侍从等上。
康华尔 您好，我的尊贵的朋友！我还不过刚到这儿，就已经听见了奇怪的消息。
里根 要是真有那样的事，那罪人真是万死不足蔽辜了。是怎么一回事，伯爵？
葛罗斯特 啊！夫人，我这颗老心已经碎了，已经碎了！
里根 什么！我父亲的义子要谋害您的性命吗？就是我父亲替他取名字的，您的爱德伽吗？
葛罗斯特 啊！夫人，夫人，发生了这种事情，真是说来叫人丢脸。
里根 他不是常常跟我父亲身边的那些横行不法的骑士们在一起吗？
葛罗斯特 我不知道，夫人。太可恶了！太可恶了！
爱德蒙 是的，夫人，他正是常跟这些人在一起的。
里根 无怪他会变得这样坏；一定是他们撺掇他谋害了老头子，好把他的财产拿出来给大家挥霍。今天傍晚的时候，我接到我姊姊的一封信，她告诉我他们种种不法的情形，并且警告我要是他们想要住到我的家里来，我千万不要招待他们。
康华尔 相信我，里根，我也决不会去招待他们。爱德蒙，我听说你对你的父亲很尽孝道。
爱德蒙 那是做儿子的本分，殿下。
葛罗斯特 他揭发了他哥哥的阴谋；您看他身上的这一处伤就是因为他奋不顾身，想要捉住那畜生而受到的。
康华尔 那凶徒逃走了，有没有人追上去？
葛罗斯特 有的，殿下。
康华尔 要是他给我们捉住了，我们一定不让他再为非作恶；你只要决定一个办法，在我的权力范围以内，我都可以替你办到。爱德蒙，你这一回所表现的深明大义的孝心，使我们十分赞美；像你这样不负付托的人，正是我们所需要的，我们将要大大地重用你。
爱德蒙 殿下，我愿意为您尽忠效命。
葛罗斯特 殿下这样看得起他，使我感激万分。
康华尔 你还不知道我们现在所以要来看你的原因——
里根 尊贵的葛罗斯特，我们这样在黑暗的夜色之中，一路摸索前来，实在是因为有一些相当重要的事情，必须请教请教您的高见。我们的父亲和姊姊都有信来，说他们两人之间发生了一些冲突；我想最好不要在我们自己的家里答复他们；两方面的使者都在这儿等候我打发。我们的善良的老朋友，您不要气恼，替我们赶快出个主意吧。
葛罗斯特 夫人但有所命，我总是愿意贡献我的一得之愚的。殿下和夫人光临蓬荜，欢迎得很！（同下。）
第二场 葛罗斯特城堡之前
肯特及奥斯华德各上。
奥斯华德 早安，朋友；你是这屋子里的人吗？
肯特 喂。
奥斯华德 什么地方可以让我们拴马？
肯特 烂泥地里。
奥斯华德 对不起，大家是好朋友，告诉我吧。
肯特 谁是你的好朋友？
奥斯华德 好，那么我也不理你。
肯特 要是我把你一口咬住，看你理不理我。
奥斯华德 你为什么对我这样？我又不认识你。
肯特 家伙，我认识你。
奥斯华德 你认识我是谁？
肯特 一个无赖；一个恶棍；一个吃剩饭的家伙；一个下贱的、骄傲的、浅薄的、叫化子一样的、只有三身衣服、全部家私算起来不过一百镑的、卑鄙龌龊的、穿毛绒袜子的奴才；一个没有胆量的、靠着官府势力压人的奴才；一个婊子生的、顾影自怜的、奴颜婢膝的、涂脂抹粉的混账东西；全部家私都在一只箱子里的下流胚，一个天生的忘八胚子；又是奴才，又是叫化子，又是懦夫，又是忘八，又是一条杂种老母狗的儿子；要是你不承认你这些头衔，我要把你打得放声大哭。
奥斯华德 咦，奇怪，你是个什么东西，你也不认识我，我也不认识你，怎么开口骂人？
肯特 你还说不认识我，你这厚脸皮的奴才！两天以前，我不是把你踢倒在地上，还在王上的面前打过你吗？拔出剑来，你这混蛋；虽然是夜里，月亮照着呢；我要在月光底下把你剁得稀烂。（拔剑）拔出剑来，你这婊子生的、臭打扮的下流东西，拔出剑来！
奥斯华德 去！我不跟你胡闹。
肯特 拔出剑来，你这恶棍！谁叫你做人家的傀儡，替一个女儿寄信攻击她的父王，还自鸣得意呢？拔出剑来，你这混蛋，否则我要砍下你的胚骨。拔出剑来，恶棍；来来来！
奥斯华德 喂！救命哪！要杀人啦！救命哪！
肯特 来，你这奴才；站住，混蛋，别跑；你这漂亮的奴才，你不会还手吗？（打奥斯华德。）
奥斯华德 救命啊！要杀人啦！要杀人啦！
爱德蒙拔剑上。
爱德蒙 怎么！什么事？（分开二人。）
肯特 好小子，你也要寻事吗？来，我们试一下吧！来，小哥儿。
康华尔、里根、葛罗斯特及众仆上。
葛罗斯特 动刀动剑的，什么事呀？
康华尔 大家不要闹；谁再动手，就叫他死。怎么一回事？
里根 一个是我姊姊的使者，一个是国王的使者。
康华尔 你们为什么争吵？说。
奥斯华德 殿下，我给他缠得气都喘不过来啦。
肯特 怪不得你，你把全身勇气都提起来了。你这懦怯的恶棍，造化不承认他曾经造下你这个人；你是一个裁缝手里做出来的。
康华尔 你是一个奇怪的家伙；一个裁缝会做出一个人来吗？
肯特 嗯，一个裁缝；石匠或者油漆匠都不会把他做得这样坏，即使他们学会这行手艺才不过两个钟头。
康华尔 说，你们怎么会吵起来的？
奥斯华德 这个老不讲理的家伙，殿下，倘不是我看在他的花白胡子分上，早就要他的命了——
肯特 你这婊子养的、不中用的废物！殿下，要是您允许我的话，我要把这不成东西的流氓踏成一堆替人家涂刷茅厕的泥浆。看在我的花白胡子分上？你这摇尾乞怜的狗！
康华尔 住口！畜生，你规矩也不懂吗？
肯特 是，殿下；可是我实在气愤不过，也就顾不得了。
康华尔 你为什么气愤？
肯特 我气愤的是像这样一个奸诈的奴才，居然也让他佩起剑来。都是这种笑脸的小人，像老鼠一样咬破了神圣的伦常纲纪；他们的主上起了一个恶念，他们便竭力逢迎，不是火上浇油，就是雪上添霜；他们最擅长的是随风转舵，他们的主人说一声是，他们也跟着说是，说一声不，他们也跟着说不，就像狗一样什么都不知道，只知道跟着主人跑。恶疮烂掉了你的抽搐的面孔！你笑我所说的话，你以为我是个傻瓜吗？呆鹅，要是我在旷野里碰见了你，看我不把你打得嘎嘎乱叫，一路赶回你的老家去！
康华尔 什么！你疯了吗，老头儿？
葛罗斯特 说，你们究竟是怎么吵起来的？
肯特 我跟这混蛋是势不两立的。
康华尔 你为什么叫他混蛋？他做错了什么事？
肯特 我不喜欢他的面孔。
康华尔 也许你也不喜欢我的面孔、他的面孔，还有她的面孔。
肯特 殿下，我是说惯老实话的：我曾经见过一些面孔，比现在站在我面前的这些面孔好得多啦。
康华尔 这个人正是那种因为有人称赞了他的言辞率直，就此装出一副粗鲁的、目中无人的样子，一味矫揉造作，仿佛他生来就是这样一个家伙。他不会谄媚，他有一颗正直坦白的心，他必须说老实话；要是人家愿意接受他的意见，很好；不然的话，他是个老实人。我知道这种家伙，他们用坦白的外表，包藏着极大的奸谋祸心，比二十个胁肩谄笑、小心翼翼的愚蠢的谄媚者更要不怀好意。
肯特 殿下，您的伟大的明鉴，就像福玻斯神光煜煜的额上的烨耀的火轮，诸您照临我的善意的忠诚，恳切的虔心——
康华尔 这是什么意思？
肯特 因为您不喜欢我的话，所以我改变了一个样子。我知道我不是一个谄媚之徒；我也不愿做一个故意用率直的言语诱惑人家听信的奸诈小人；即使您请求我做这样的人，我也不怕得罪您，决不从命。
康华尔 （向奥斯德）你在什么地方冒犯了他？
奥斯华德 我从来没有冒犯过他。最近王上因为对我有了点误会，把我殴打；他便助主为虐，闪在我的背后把我踢倒地上，侮辱谩骂，无所不至，装出一副非常勇敢的神气；他的王上看见他这样，把他称赞了两句，我又极力克制自己，他便得意忘形，以为我不是他的对手，所以一看见我，又拔剑跟我闹起来了。
肯特 和这些流氓和懦夫相比，埃阿斯只能当他们的傻子③。
康华尔 拿足枷来！你这口出狂言的倔强的老贼，我们要教训你一下。
肯特 殿下，我已经太老，不能受您的教训了；您不能用足枷枷我。我是王上的人，奉他的命令前来；您要是把他的使者枷起来，那未免对我的主上太失敬、太放肆无礼了。
康华尔 拿足枷来！凭着我的生命和荣誉起誓，他必须锁在足枷里直到中午为止。
里根 到中午为止！到晚上，殿下；把他整整枷上一夜再说。
肯特 啊，夫人，假如我是您父亲的狗，您也不该这样对待我。
里根 因为你是他的奴才，所以我要这样对待你。
康华尔 这正是我们的姊姊说起的那个家伙。来，拿足枷来。（从仆取出足枷。）
葛罗斯特 殿下，请您不要这样。他的过失诚然很大，王上知道了一定会责罚他的；您所决定的这一种羞辱的刑罚，只能惩戒那些犯偷窃之类普通小罪的下贱的囚徒；他是王上差来的人，要是您给他这样的处分，王上一定要认为您轻蔑了他的来使而心中不快。
康华尔 那我可以负责。
里根 我的姊姊要是知道她的使者因为奉行她的命令而被人这样侮辱殴打，她的心里还要不高兴哩。把他的腿放进去。（从仆将肯特套入足枷）来，殿下，我们走吧。（除葛罗斯特、肯特外均下。）
葛罗斯特 朋友，我很为你抱憾；这是公爵的意思，全世界都知道他的脾气非常固执，不肯接受人家的劝阻。我还要替你向他求情。
肯特 请您不必多此一举，大人。我走了许多路，还没有睡过觉；一部分的时间将在瞌睡中过去，醒着的时候我可以吹吹口哨。好人上足枷，因此就走好运也说不定呢。再会！
葛罗斯特 这是公爵的不是；王上一定会见怪的。（下。）
肯特 好王上，你正像俗语说的，抛下天堂的幸福，来受赤日的煎熬了。来吧，你这照耀下土的炬火，让我借着你的温柔的光辉，可以读一读这封信。只有倒楣的人才会遇见奇迹；我知道这是考狄利娅寄来的，我的改头换面的行踪，已经侥幸给她知道了；她一定会找到一个机会，纠正这种反常的情形。疲倦得很；闭上了吧，沉重的眼睛，免得看见你自己的耻辱。晚安，命运，求你转过你的轮子来，再向我们微笑吧。（睡。）
第三场 荒野的一部
爱德伽上。
爱德伽 听说他们已经发出告示捉我；幸亏我躲在一株空心的树干里，没有给他们找到。没有一处城门可以出入无阻；没有一个地方不是警卫森严，准备把我捉住！我总得设法逃过人家的耳目，保全自己的生命；我想还不如改扮做一个最卑贱穷苦、最为世人所轻视、和禽兽相去无几的家伙；我要用污泥涂在脸上，一块毡布裹住我的腰，把满头的头发打了许多乱结，赤身裸体，抵抗着风雨的侵凌。这地方本来有许多疯丐，他们高声叫喊，用针哪、木锥哪、钉子哪、迷迭香的树枝哪，刺在他们麻木而僵硬的手臂上；用这种可怕的形状，到那些穷苦的农场、乡村、羊棚和磨坊里去，有时候发出一些疯狂的咒诅，有时候向人哀求祈祷，乞讨一些布施。我现在学着他们的样子，一定不会引起人家的疑心。可怜的疯叫化！可怜的汤姆！倒有几分像；我现在不再是爱德伽了。（下。）
第四场 葛罗斯特城堡前
肯特系足枷中。李尔、弄人及侍臣上。
李尔 真奇怪，他们不在家里，又不打发我的使者回去。
侍臣 我听说他们在前一个晚上还不曾有走动的意思。
肯特 祝福您，尊贵的主人！
李尔 嘿！你把这样的羞辱作为消遣吗？
肯特 不，陛下。
弄人 哈哈！他吊着一副多么难受的袜带！缚马缚在头上，缚狗缚熊缚在脖子上，缚猴子缚在腰上，缚人缚在腿上；一个人的腿儿太会活动了，就要叫他穿木袜子。
李尔 谁认错了人，把你锁在这儿？
肯特 是那一对男女——您的女婿和女儿。
李尔 不。
肯特 是的。
李尔 我说不。
肯特 我说是的。
李尔 不，不，他们不会干这样的事。
肯特 他们干也干了。
李尔 凭着朱庇特起誓，没有这样的事。
肯特 凭着朱诺起誓，有这样的事。
李尔 他们不敢做这样的事；他们不能，也不会做这样的事；要是他们有意作出这种重大的暴行来，那简直比杀人更不可恕了。赶快告诉我，你究竟犯了什么罪，他们才会用这种刑罚来对待一个国王的使者。
肯特 陛下，我带了您的信到了他们家里，当我跪在地上把信交上去，还没有立起身来的时候，又有一个使者汗流满面，气喘吁吁，急急忙忙地奔了进来，代他的女主人高纳里尔向他们请安，随后把一封书信递上去，打断了我的公事；他们看见她也有信来，就来不及理睬我，先读她的信；读罢了信，他们立刻召集仆从，上马出发，叫我跟到这儿来，等候他们的答复；对待我十分冷淡。一到这儿，我又碰见了那个使者，他也就是最近对您非常无礼的那个家伙，我知道他们对我这样冷淡，都是因为他来了的缘故，一时激于气愤，不加考虑地向他动起武来；他看见我这样，就高声发出懦怯的叫喊，惊动了全宅子的人。您的女婿女儿认为我犯了这样的罪，应该把我羞辱一下，所以就把我枷起来了。
弄人 冬天还没有过去，要是野雁尽往那个方向飞。
老父衣百结，
儿女不相识；
老父满囊金，
儿女尽孝心。
命运如娼妓，
贫贱遭遗弃。
虽然这样说，你的女儿们还要孝敬你数不清的烦恼哩。
李尔 啊！我这一肚子的气都涌上我的心头来了！你这一股无名的气恼，快给我平下去吧！我这女儿呢？
肯特 在里边，陛下；跟伯爵在一起。
李尔 不要跟我；在这儿等着。（下。）
侍臣 除了你刚才所说的以外，你没有犯其他的过失吗？
肯特 没有。王上怎么不多带几个人来？
弄人 你会发出这么一个问题，活该给人用足枷枷起来。
肯特 为什么，傻瓜？
弄人 你应该拜蚂蚁做老师，让它教训你冬天是不能工作的。谁都长着眼睛，除非瞎子，每个人都看得清自己该朝哪一边走；就算眼睛瞎了，二十个鼻子里也没有一个鼻子嗅不出来他身上发霉的味道。一个大车轮滚下山坡的时候，你千万不要抓住它，免得跟它一起滚下去，跌断了你的头颈；可是你要是看见它上山去，那么让它拖着你一起上去吧。倘然有什么聪明人给你更好的教训，请你把这番话还我；一个傻瓜的教训，只配让一个混蛋去遵从。
他为了自己的利益，
向你屈节卑躬，
天色一变就要告别，
留下你在雨中。
聪明的人全都飞散，
只剩傻瓜一个；
傻瓜逃走变成混蛋，
那混蛋不是我。
肯特 傻瓜，你从什么地方学会这支歌儿？
弄人 不是在足枷里，傻瓜。
李尔偕葛罗斯特重上。
李尔 拒绝跟我说话！他们有病！他们疲倦了，他们昨天晚上走路辛苦！都是些鬼话，明明是要背叛我的意思。给我再去向他们要一个好一点的答复来。
葛罗斯特 陛下，您知道公爵的火性，他决定了怎样就是怎样，再也没有更改的。
李尔 报应哪！疫疠！死亡！祸乱！火性！什么火性？嘿，葛罗斯特，葛罗斯特，我要跟康华尔公爵和他的妻子说话。
葛罗斯特 呃，陛下，我已经对他们说过了。
李尔 对他们说过了！你懂得我的意思吗？
葛罗斯特 是，陛下。
李尔 国王要跟康华尔说话；亲爱的父亲要跟他的女儿说话，叫她出来见我：你有没有这样告诉他们？我这口气，我这一腔血！哼，火性！火性子的公爵！对那性如烈火的公爵说——不，且慢，也许他真的不大舒服；一个人为了疾病往往疏忽了他原来健康时的责任，是应当加以原谅的；我们身体上有了病痛，精神上总是连带觉得烦躁郁闷，那时候就不由我们自己作主了。我且忍耐一下，不要太卤莽了，对一个有病的人作过分求全的责备。该死！（视肯特）为什么把他枷在这儿？这一种举动使我相信公爵和她对我回避，完全是一种预定的计谋。把我的仆人放出来还我。去，对公爵和他的妻子说，我现在立刻就要跟他们说话；叫他们赶快出来见我，否则我要在他们的寝室门前擂起鼓来，搅得他们不能安睡。
葛罗斯特 我但愿你们大家和和好好的。（下。）
李尔 啊！我的心！我的怒气直冲的心！把怒气退下去吧！
弄人 你向它吆喝吧，老伯伯，就像厨娘把活鳗鱼放进面糊里的时候那样；她拿起手里的棍子，在它们的头上敲了几下，喊道：“下去，坏东西，下去！”也就像她的兄弟，为了爱他的马儿，替它在草料上涂了牛油。
康华尔、里根、葛罗斯特及众仆上。
李尔 你们两位早安！
康华尔 祝福陛下！（众人释肯特。）
里根 我很高兴看见陛下。
李尔 里根，我想你一定高兴看见我的；我知道我为什么要这样想；要是你不高兴看见我，我就要跟你已故的母亲离婚，把她的坟墓当作一座淫妇的丘陇。（向肯特）啊！你放出来了吗？等会儿再谈吧。亲爱的里根，你的姊姊太不孝啦。啊，里根！她的无情的凶恶像饿鹰的利喙一样猛啄我的心。（以手按于心口）我简直不能告诉你；你不会相信她忍心害理到什么地步——啊，里根！
里根 父亲，请您不要恼怒。我想她不会对您有失敬礼，恐怕还是您不能谅解她的苦心哩。
李尔 啊，这是什么意思？
里根 我想我的姊姊决不会有什么地方不尽孝道；要是，父亲，她约束了您那班随从的放荡的行为，那当然有充分的理由和正大的目的，绝对不能怪她的。
李尔 我的咒诅降在她的头上！
里根 啊，父亲！您年纪老了，已经快到了生命的尽头；应该让一个比您自己更明白您的地位的人管教管教您；所以我劝您还是回到姊姊的地方去，对她赔一个不是。
李尔 请求她的饶恕吗？你看这样像不像个样子：“好女儿，我承认我年纪老，不中用啦，让我跪在地上，（跪下）请求您赏给我几件衣服穿，赏给我一张床睡，赏给我一些东西吃吧。”
里根 父亲，别这样子；这算个什么，简直是胡闹！回到我姊姊那儿去吧。
李尔 （起立）再也不回去了，里根。她裁撤了我一半的侍从；不给我好脸看；用她的毒蛇一样的舌头打击我的心。但愿上天蓄积的愤怒一起降在她的无情无义的头上！但愿恶风吹打她的腹中的胎儿，让它生下地来就是个瘸子！
康华尔 嘿！这是什么话！
李尔 迅疾的闪电啊，把你的眩目的火焰，射进她的傲慢的眼睛里去吧！在烈日的熏灼下蒸发起来的沼地的瘴气啊，损坏她的美貌，毁灭她的骄傲吧！
里根 天上的神明啊！您要是对我发起怒来，也会这样咒我的。
李尔 不，里根，你永远不会受我的咒诅；你的温柔的天性决不会使你干出冷酷残忍的行为来。她的眼睛里有一股凶光，可是你的眼睛却是温存而和蔼的。你决不会吝惜我的享受，裁撤我的侍从，用不逊之言向我顶嘴，削减我的费用，甚至于把我关在门外不让我进来；你是懂得天伦的义务、儿女的责任、孝敬的礼貌和受恩的感激的；你总还没有忘记我曾经赐给你一半的国土。
里根 父亲，不要把话说远了。
李尔 谁把我的人枷起来？（内喇叭奏花腔。）
康华尔 那是什么喇叭声音？
里根 我知道，是我的姊姊来了；她信上说就要到这儿来的。
奥斯华德上。
里根 夫人来了吗？
李尔 这是一个靠着主妇暂时的恩宠、狐假虎威、倚势凌人的奴才。滚开，贱奴，不要让我看见你！
康华尔 陛下，这是什么意思？
李尔 谁把我的仆人枷起来？里根，我希望你并不知道这件事。谁来啦？
高纳里尔上。
李尔 天啊，要是你爱老人，要是凭着你统治人间的仁爱，你认为子女应该孝顺他们的父母，要是你自己也是老人，那么不要漠然无动于衷，降下你的愤怒来，帮我伸雪我的怨恨吧！（向高纳里尔）你看见我这一把胡须，不觉得惭愧吗？啊里根，你愿意跟她握手吗？
高纳里尔 为什么她不能跟我握手呢！我干了什么错事？难道凭着一张糊涂昏悖的嘴里的胡言乱语，就可以成立我的罪案吗？
李尔 啊，我的胸膛！你还没有胀破吗？我的人怎么给你们枷了起来？
康华尔 陛下，是我把他枷在那儿的；照他狂妄的行为，这样的惩戒还太轻呢。
李尔 你！是你干的事吗？
里根 父亲，您该明白您是一个衰弱的老人，一切只好将就点儿。要是您现在仍旧回去跟姊姊住在一起，裁撤了您的一半的侍从，那么等住满了一个月，再到我这儿来吧。我现在不在自己家里，要供养您也有许多不便。
李尔 回到她那儿去？裁撤五十名侍从！不，我宁愿什么屋子也不要住，过着风餐露宿的生活，和无情的大自然抗争，和豺狼鸱鸮做伴侣，忍受一切饥寒的痛苦！回去跟她住在一起？嘿，我宁愿到那娶了我的没有嫁奁的小女儿去的热情的法兰西国王的座前匍匐膝行，像一个臣仆一样向他讨一份微薄的恩俸，苟延残喘下去。回去跟她住在一起！你还是劝我在这可恶的仆人手下当奴才、当牛马吧。（指奥斯华德。）
高纳里尔 随你的便。
李尔 女儿，请你不要使我发疯；我也不愿再来打扰你了，我的孩子。再会吧；我们从此不再相见。可是你是我的肉、我的血、我的女儿；或者还不如说是我身体上的一个恶瘤，我不能不承认你是我的；你是我的腐败的血液里的一个疖子、一个瘀块、一个肿毒的疔疮。可是我不愿责骂你；让羞辱自己降临你的身上吧，我没有呼召它；我不要求天雷把你殛死，我也不把你的忤逆向垂察善恶的天神控诉，你回去仔细想一想，趁早痛改前非，还来得及。我可以忍耐；我可以带着我的一百个骑士，跟里根住在一起。
里根 那绝对不行；现在还轮不到我，我也没有预备好招待您的礼数。父亲，听我姊姊的话吧；人家冷眼看着您这种愤怒的神气，他们心里都要说您因为老了，所以——可是姊姊是知道她自己该怎样做的。
李尔 这是你的好意的劝告吗？
里根 是的，父亲，这是我的真诚的意见。什么！五十个卫士？这不是很好吗？再多一些有什么用处？就是这么许多人，数目也不少了，别说供养他们不起，而且让他们成群结党，也是一件危险的事。一间屋子里养了这许多人，受着两个主人支配，怎么不会发生争闹？简直不成话。
高纳里尔 父亲，您为什么不让我们的仆人侍候您呢？
里根 对了，父亲，那不是很好吗？要是他们怠慢了您，我们也可以训斥他们。您下回到我这儿来的时候，请您只带二十五个人来，因为现在我已经看到了一个危险；超过这个数目，我是恕不招待的。
李尔 我把一切都给了你们——
里根 您幸好及时给了我们。
李尔 叫你们做我的代理人、保管者，我的唯一的条件，只是让我保留这么多的侍从。什么！我只能带二十五个人，到你这儿来吗？里根，你是不是这样说？
里根 父亲，我可以再说一遍，我只允许您带这么几个人来。
李尔 恶人的脸相虽然狰狞可怖，要是与比他更恶的人相比，就会显得和蔼可亲；不是绝顶的凶恶，总还有几分可取。（向高纳里尔）我愿意跟你去；你的五十个人还比她的二十五个人多上一倍，你的孝心也比她大一倍。
高纳里尔 父亲，我们家里难道没有两倍这么多的仆人可以侍候您？依我说，不但用不着二十五个人，就是十个五个也是多余的。
里根 依我看来，一个也不需要。
李尔 啊！不要跟我说什么需要不需要；最卑贱的乞丐，也有他的不值钱的身外之物；人生除了天然的需要以外，要是没有其他的享受，那和畜类的生活有什么分别。你是一位夫人；你穿着这样华丽的衣服，如果你的目的只是为了保持温暖，那就根本不合你的需要，因为这种盛装艳饰并不能使你温暖。可是，讲到真的需要，那么天啊，给我忍耐吧，我需要忍耐！神啊，你们看见我在这儿，一个可怜的老头子，被忧伤和老迈折磨得好苦！假如是你们鼓动这两个女儿的心，使她们忤逆她们的父亲，那么请你们不要尽是愚弄我，叫我默然忍受吧；让我的心里激起了刚强的怒火，别让妇人所恃为武器的泪点玷污我的男子汉的面颊！不，你们这两个不孝的妖妇，我要向你们复仇，我要做出一些使全世界惊怖的事情来，虽然我现在还不知道我要怎么做。你们以为我将要哭泣；不，我不愿哭泣，我虽然有充分的哭泣的理由，可是我宁愿让这颗心碎成万片，也不愿流下一滴泪来。啊，傻瓜！我要发疯了！（李尔、葛罗斯特、肯特及弄人同下。）
康华尔 我们进去吧；一场暴风雨将要来了。（远处暴风雨声。）
里根 这座房屋太小了，这老头儿带着他那班人来是容纳不下的。
高纳里尔 是他自己不好，放着安逸的日子不过，一定要吃些苦，才知道自己的蠢。
里根 单是他一个人，我倒也很愿意收留他，可是他的那班跟随的人，我可一个也不能容纳。
高纳里尔 我也是这个意思。葛罗斯特伯爵呢？
康华尔 跟老头子出去了。他回来了。
葛罗斯特重上。
葛罗斯特 王上正在盛怒之中。
康华尔 他要到哪儿去？
葛罗斯特 他叫人备马；可是不让我知道他要到什么地方去。
康华尔 还是不要管他，随他自己的意思吧。
高纳里尔 伯爵，您千万不要留他。
葛罗斯特 唉！天色暗起来了，田野里都在刮着狂风，附近许多哩之内，简直连一株小小的树木都没有。
里根 啊！伯爵，对于刚愎自用的人，只好让他们自己招致的灾祸教训他们。关上您的门；他有一班亡命之徒跟随在身边，他自己又是这样容易受人愚弄，谁也不知道他们会煽动他干出些什么事来。我们还是小心点儿好。
康华尔 关上您的门，伯爵；这是一个狂暴的晚上。我的里根说得一点不错。暴风雨来了，我们进去吧。（同下。）
第三幕
第一场 荒野
暴风雨，雷电。肯特及一侍臣上，相遇。
肯特 除了恶劣的天气以外，还有谁在这儿？
侍臣 一个心绪像这天气一样不安静的人。
肯特 我认识你。王上呢？
侍臣 正在跟暴怒的大自然竞争；他叫狂风把大地吹下海里，叫泛滥的波涛吞没了陆地，使万物都变了样子或归于毁灭；拉下他的一根根的白发，让挟着盲目的愤怒的暴风把它们卷得不知去向；在他渺小的一身之内，正在进行着一场比暴风雨的冲突更剧烈的斗争。这样的晚上，被小熊吸干了乳汁的母熊，也躲着不敢出来，狮子和饿狼都不愿沾湿它们的毛皮。他却光秃着头在风雨中狂奔，把一切付托给不可知的力量。
肯特 可是谁和他在一起？
侍臣 只有那傻瓜一路跟着他，竭力用些笑话替他排解他的中心的伤痛。
肯特 我知道你是什么人，我敢凭着我的观察所及，告诉你一件重要的消息。在奥本尼和康华尔两人之间，虽然表面上彼此掩饰得毫无痕迹，可是暗中却已经发生了冲突；正像一般身居高位的人一样，在他们手下都有一些名为仆人、实际上却是向法国密报我们国内情形的探子，凡是这两个公爵的明争暗斗，他们两人对于善良的老王的冷酷的待遇，以及在这种种表象底下，其他更秘密的一切动静，全都传到了法国的耳中；现在已经有一支军队从法国开到我们这一个分裂的国土上来，乘着我们疏忽无备，在我们几处最好的港口秘密登陆，不久就要揭开他们鲜明的旗帜了。现在，你要是能够信任我的话，请你赶快到多佛去一趟，那边你可以碰见有人在欢迎你，你可以把被逼疯了的王上所受种种无理的屈辱向他作一个确实的报告，他一定会感激你的好意。我是一个有地位有身价的绅士，因为知道你的为人可靠，所以把这件差使交给你。
侍臣 我还要跟您谈谈。
肯特 不，不必。为了向你证明我并不是像我的外表那样的一个微贱之人，你可以打开这一个钱囊，把里面的东西拿去。你一到多佛，一定可以见到考狄利娅；只要把这戒指给她看了，她就可以告诉你，你现在所不认识的同伴是个什么人。好可恶的暴风雨！我要找王上去。
侍臣 把您的手给我。您没有别的话了吗？
肯特 还有一句话，可比什么都重要；就是：我们现在先去找王上；你往那边去，我往这边去，谁先找到他，就打一个招呼。（各下。）
第二场 荒野的另一部分
暴风雨继续未止。李尔至弄人上。
李尔 吹吧，风啊！胀破了你的脸颊，猛烈地吹吧！你，瀑布一样的倾盆大雨，尽管倒泻下来，浸没了我们的尖塔，淹沉了屋顶上的风标吧！你，思想一样迅速的硫磺的电火，劈碎橡树的巨雷的先驱，烧焦了我的白发的头颅吧！你，震撼一切的霹雳啊，把这生殖繁密的、饱满的地球击平了吧！打碎造物的模型，不要让一颗忘恩负义的人类的种子遗留在世上！
弄人 啊，老伯伯，在一间千燥的屋子里说几句好话，不比在这没有遮蔽的旷野里淋雨好得多吗？老伯伯，回到那所房子里去，向你的女儿们请求祝福吧；这样的夜无论对于聪明人或是傻瓜，都是不发一点慈悲的。
李尔 尽管轰着吧！尽管吐你的火舌，尽管喷你的雨水吧！雨、风、雷、电，都不是我的女儿，我不责怪你们的无情；我不曾给你们国土，不曾称你们为我的孩子，你们没有顺从我的义务；所以，随你们的高兴，降下你们可怕的威力来吧，我站在这儿，只是你们的奴隶，一个可怜的、衰弱的、无力的、遭人贱视的老头子。可是我仍然要骂你们是卑劣的帮凶，因为你们滥用上天的威力，帮同两个万恶的女儿来跟我这个白发的老翁作对。啊！啊！这太卑劣了！
弄人 谁头上顶着个好头脑，就不愁没有屋顶来遮他的头。
脑袋还没找到屋子，
话儿倒先有安乐窝；
脑袋和他都生虱子，
就这么叫化娶老婆。
有人只爱他的脚尖，
不把心儿放在心上；
那鸡眼使他真可怜，
在床上翻身又叫嚷。
从来没有一个美女不是对着镜子做她的鬼脸。
肯特上。
李尔 不，我要忍受众人所不能忍受的痛苦；我要闭口无言。
肯特 谁在那边？
弄人 一个是陛下，一个是弄人；这两人一个聪明一个傻。
肯特 唉！陛下，你在这儿吗？喜爱黑夜的东西，不会喜爱这样的黑夜；狂怒的天色吓怕了黑暗中的漫游者，使它们躲在洞里不敢出来。自从有生以来，我从没有看见过这样的闪电，听见过这样可怕的雷声，这样惊人的风雨的咆哮；人类的精神是禁受不起这样的磨折和恐怖的。
李尔 伟大的神灵在我们头顶掀起这场可怕的骚动。让他们现在找到他们的敌人吧。战栗吧，你尚未被人发觉、逍遥法外的罪人！躲起来吧，你杀人的凶手，你用伪誓欺人的骗子，你道貌岸然的逆伦禽兽！魂飞魄散吧，你用正直的外表遮掩杀人阴谋的大奸巨恶！撕下你们包藏祸心的伪装，显露你们罪恶的原形，向这些可怕的天吏哀号乞命吧！我是个并没有犯多大的罪、却受了很大的冤屈的人。
肯特 唉！您头上没有一点遮盖的东西！陛下，这儿附近有一间茅屋，可以替您挡挡风雨。我刚才曾经到那所冷酷的屋子里——那比它墙上的石块更冷酷无情的屋子——探问您的行踪，可是他们关上了门不让我进去；现在您且暂时躲一躲雨，我还要回去，非要他们讲一点人情不可。
李尔 我的头脑开始昏乱起来了。来，我的孩子。你怎么啦，我的孩子？你冷吗？我自己也冷呢。我的朋友，这间茅屋在什么地方？一个人到了困穷无告的时候，微贱的东西竟也会变成无价之宝。来，带我到你那间茅屋里去。可怜的傻小子，我心里还留着一块地方为你悲伤哩。
弄人
只怪自己糊涂自己蠢，
嗨呵，一阵风来一阵雨，
背时倒运莫把天公恨，
管它朝朝雨雨又风风。
李尔 不错，我的好孩子。来，领我们到这茅屋里去。（李尔、肯特下。）
弄人 今天晚上可太凉快了，叫婊子都热不起劲儿来。待我在临走之前，讲几句预言吧：
传道的嘴上一味说得好；
酿酒的酒里掺水真不少；
有钱的大爷教裁缝做活；
不烧异教徒；嫖客害流火④；
若是件件官司都问得清；
跟班不欠钱，骑士债还清；
世上的是非不出自嘴里；
扒儿手看见人堆就躲避；
放债的肯让金银露了眼；
老鸨和婊子把教堂修建；
到那时候，英国这个国家，
准会乱得无法收拾一下；
那时活着的都可以看到：
那走路的把脚步抬得高。
其实这番预言该让梅林⑤在将来说，因为我出生在他之前。（下。）
第三场 葛罗斯特城堡中的一室
葛罗斯特及爱德蒙上。
葛罗斯特 唉，唉！爱德蒙，我不赞成这种不近人情的行为。当我请求他们允许我给他一点援助的时候，他们竟会剥夺我使用自己的房屋的权利，不许我提起他的名字，不许我替他说一句恳求的话，也不许我给他任何的救济，要是违背了他们的命令，我就要永远失去他们的欢心。
爱德蒙 太野蛮、太不近人情了！
葛罗斯特 算了，你不要多说什么。两个公爵现在已经有了意见，而且还有一件比这更严重的事情。今天晚上我接到一封信，里面的话说出来也是很危险的；我已经把这信锁在壁橱里了。王上受到这样的凌虐，总有人会来替他报复的；已经有一支军队在路上了；我们必须站在王上的一边。我就要找他去，暗地里救济救济他；你去陪公爵谈谈，免得被他觉察了我的行动。要是他问起我，你就回他说我身子不好，已经睡了。大不了是一个死——他们的确拿死来威吓——王上是我的老主人，我不能坐视不救。出人意料之外的事情快要发生了，爱德蒙，你必须小心点儿。（下。）
爱德蒙 你违背了命令去献这种殷勤，我立刻就要去告诉公爵知道；还有那封信我也要告诉他。这是我献功邀赏的好机会，我的父亲将要因此而丧失他所有的一切，也许他的全部家产都要落到我的手里；老的一代没落了，年轻的一代才会兴起。（下。）
第四场 荒野。茅屋之前
李尔、肯特及弄人上。
肯特 就是这地方，陛下，进去吧。在这样毫无掩庇的黑夜里，像这样的狂风暴雨，谁也受不了的。（暴风雨继续不止。）
李尔 不要缠着我。
肯特 陛下，进去吧。
李尔 你要碎裂我的心吗？
肯特 我宁愿碎裂我自己的心。陛下，进去吧。
李尔 你以为让这样的狂风暴雨侵袭我们的肌肤，是一件了不得的苦事；在你看来是这样的；可是一个人要是身染重病，他就不会感觉到小小的痛楚。你见了一头熊就要转身逃走；可是假如你的背后是汹涌的大海，你就只好硬着头皮向那头熊迎面走去了。当我们心绪宁静的时候，我们的肉体才是敏感的；我的心灵中的暴风雨已经取去我一切其他的感觉，只剩下心头的热血在那儿搏动。儿女的忘恩！这不就像这一只手把食物送进这一张嘴里，这一张嘴却把这一只手咬了下来吗？可是我要重重惩罚她们。不，我不愿再哭泣了。在这样的夜里，把我关在门外！尽管倒下来吧，什么大雨我都可以忍受。在这样的一个夜里！啊，里根，高纳里尔！你们年老仁慈的父亲一片诚心，把一切都给了你们——啊！那样想下去是要发疯的；我不要想起那些；别再提起那些话了。
肯特 陛下，进去吧。
李尔 请你自己进去，找一个躲身的地方吧。这暴风雨不肯让我仔细思想种种的事情，那些事情我越想下去，越会增加我的痛苦。可是我要进去。（向弄人）进去，孩子，你先走。你们这些无家可归的人——你进去吧。我要祈祷，然后我要睡一会儿。（弄人入内）衣不蔽体的不幸的人们，无论你们在什么地方，都得忍受着这样无情的暴风雨的袭击，你们的头上没有片瓦遮身，你们的腹中饥肠雷动，你们的衣服千疮百孔，怎么抵挡得了这样的气候呢？啊！我一向太没有想到这种事情了。安享荣华的人们啊，睁开你们的眼睛来，到外面来体味一下穷人所忍受的苦，分一些你们享用不了的福泽给他们，让上天知道你们不是全无心肝的人吧！
爱德伽 （在内）九呎深，九呎深！可怜的汤姆！（弄人自屋内奔出。）
弄人 老伯伯，不要进去；里面有一个鬼。救命！救命！
肯特 让我搀着你，谁在里边？
弄人 一个鬼，一个鬼；他说他的名字叫做可怜的汤姆。
肯特 你是什么人，在这茅屋里大呼小叫的？出来。
爱德伽乔装疯人上。
爱德伽 走开！恶魔跟在我的背后！“风儿吹过山楂林。”哼！到你冷冰冰的床上暖一暖你的身体吧。
李尔 你把你所有的一切都给了你的两个女儿，所以才到今天这地步吗？
爱德伽 谁把什么东西给可怜的汤姆？恶魔带着他穿过大火，穿过烈焰，穿过水道和漩涡，穿过沼地和泥泞；把刀子放在他的枕头底下，把绳子放在他的凳子底下，把毒药放在他的粥里；使他心中骄傲，骑了一匹栗色的奔马，从四时阔的桥梁上过去，把他自己的影子当作了一个叛徒，紧紧追逐不舍。祝福你的五种才智！汤姆冷着呢。啊！哆啼哆啼哆啼。愿旋风不吹你，星星不把毒箭射你，瘟疫不到你身上！做做好事，救救那给恶魔害得好苦的可怜的汤姆吧！他现在就在那儿，在那儿，又到那儿去了，在那儿。（暴风雨继续不止。）
李尔 什么！他的女儿害得他变成这个样子吗？你不能留下一些什么来吗？你一起都给了她们了吗？
弄人 不，他还留着一方毡毯，否则我们大家都要不好意思了。
李尔 愿那弥漫在天空之中的惩罚恶人的瘟疫一起降临在你的女儿身上！
肯特 陛下，他没有女儿哩。
李尔 该死的奸贼！他没有不孝的女儿，怎么会流落到这等不堪的地步？难道被弃的父亲，都是这样一点不爱惜他们自己的身体的吗？适当的处罚！谁叫他们的身体产下那些枭獍般的女儿来？
爱德伽 “小雄鸡坐在高墩上，”呵罗，呵罗，罗，罗！
弄人 这一个寒冷的夜晚将要使我们大家变成傻瓜和疯子。
爱德伽 当心恶魔。孝顺你的爷娘；说过的话不要反悔；不要赌咒；不要奸淫有夫之妇；不要把你的情人打扮得太漂亮。汤姆冷着呢。
李尔 你本来是干什么的？
爱德伽 一个心性高傲的仆人，头发卷得曲曲的，帽子上佩着情人的手套，惯会讨妇女的欢心，干些不可告人的勾当；开口发誓，闭口赌咒，当着上天的面前把它们一个个毁弃，睡梦里都在转奸淫的念头，一醒来便把它实行。我贪酒，我爱赌，我比土耳其人更好色；一颗奸诈的心，一对轻信的耳朵，一双不怕血腥气的手；猪一般懒惰，狐狸一般狡诡，狼一般贪狠，狗一般疯狂，狮子一般凶恶。不要让女人的脚步声和悉悉索索的绸衣裳的声音摄去了你的魂魄；不要把你的脚踏进窑子里去；不要把你的手伸进裙子里去；不要把你的笔碰到放债人的账簿上；抵抗恶魔的引诱吧。“冷风还是打山楂树里吹过去”；听它怎么说，吁——吁——呜——呜——哈——哈——。道芬我的孩子，我的孩子；叱嚓！让他奔过去。（暴风雨继续不止。）
李尔 唉，你这样赤身裸体，受风雨的吹淋，还是死了的好。难道人不过是这样一个东西吗？想一想他吧。你也不向蚕身上借一根丝，也不向野兽身上借一张皮，也不向羊身上借一片毛，也不向麝猫身上借一块香料。嘿！我们这三个人都已经失掉了本来的面目，只有你才保全着天赋的原形；人类在草昧的时代，不过是像你这样的一个寒碜的赤裸的两脚动物。脱下来，脱下来，你们这些身外之物！来，松开你的钮扣。（扯去衣服。）
弄人 老伯伯，请你安静点儿，这样危险的夜里是不能游泳的。旷野里一点小小的火光，正像一个好色的老头儿的心，只有这么一星星的热，他的全身都是冰冷的。瞧！一团火走来了。
葛罗斯特持火炬上。
爱德伽 这就是那个叫做“弗力勃铁捷贝特”的恶魔；他在黄昏的时候出现，一直到第一声鸡啼方才隐去；他叫人眼睛里长白膜，叫好眼变成斜眼；他叫人嘴唇上起裂缝；他还会叫面粉发霉，寻穷人们的开心。
圣维都尔⑥三次经过山岗，
遇见魇魔和她九个儿郎；
他说妖精快下马，⑦
发过誓儿快逃吧；
去你的，妖精，去你的！
肯特 陛下，您怎么啦？
李尔 他是谁？
肯特 那儿什么人？你找谁？
葛罗斯特 你们是些什么人？你们叫什么名字？
爱德伽 可怜的汤姆，他吃的是泅水的青蛙、蛤蟆、蝌蚪、壁虎和水蜥；恶魔在他心里捣乱的时候，他发起狂来，就会把牛粪当做一盆美味的生菜；他吞的是老鼠和死狗，喝的是一潭死水上面绿色的浮渣，他到处给人家鞭打，锁在枷里，关在牢里；他从前有三身外衣、六件衬衫，跨着一匹马，带着一口剑；
可是在这整整七年时光，
耗子是汤姆唯一的食粮。
留心那跟在我背后的鬼。不要闹，史墨金！不要闹，你这恶魔！
葛罗斯特 什么！陛下竟会跟这种人作起伴来了吗？
爱德伽 地狱里的魔王是一个绅士；他的名字叫做摩陀，又叫做玛呼。
葛罗斯特 陛下，我们亲生的骨肉都变得那样坏，把自己生身之人当作了仇敌。
爱德伽 可怜的汤姆冷着呢。
葛罗斯特 跟我回去吧。我的良心不允许我全然服从您的女儿的无情的命令；虽然他们叫我关上了门，把您丢下在这狂暴的黑夜之中，可是我还是大胆出来找您，把您带到有火炉、有食物的地方去。
李尔 让我先跟这位哲学家谈谈。天上打雷是什么缘故？
肯特 陛下，接受他的好意；跟他回去吧。
李尔 我还要跟这位学者说一句话。您研究的是哪一门学问？
爱德伽 抵御恶魔的战略和消灭毒虫的方法。
李尔 让我私下里问您一句话。
肯特 大人，请您再催催他吧；他的神经有点儿错乱起来了。
葛罗斯特 你能怪他吗？（暴风雨继续不止）他的女儿要他死哩。唉！那善良的肯特，他早就说过会有这么一天的，可怜的被放逐的人！你说王上要疯了；告诉你吧，朋友，我自己也差不多疯了。我有一个儿子，现在我已经跟他断绝关系了；他要谋害我的生命，这还是最近的事；我爱他，朋友，没有一个父亲比我更爱他的儿子；不瞒你说，（暴风雨继续不止）我的头脑都气昏了。这是一个什么晚上！陛下，求求您——
李尔 啊！请您原谅，先生。高贵的哲学家，请了。
爱德伽 汤姆冷着呢。
葛罗斯特 进去，家伙，到这茅屋里去暖一暖吧。
李尔 来，我们大家进去。
肯特 陛下，这边走。
李尔 带着他；我要跟我这位哲学家在一起。
肯特 大人，顺顺他的意思吧；让他把这家伙带去。
葛罗斯特 您带着他来吧。
肯特 小子，来；跟我们一块儿去。
李尔 来，好雅典人⑧。
葛罗斯特 嘘！不要说话，不要说话。
爱德伽 罗兰骑士⑨来到黑沉沉的古堡前，他说了一遍又一遍：“呸，嘿，哼！”我闻到了一股不列颠人的血腥。（同下。）
第五场 葛罗斯特城堡中一室
康华尔及爱德蒙上。
康华尔 我在离开他的屋子以前，一定要把他惩治一下。
爱德蒙 殿下，我为了尽忠的缘故，不顾父子之情，一想到人家不知将要怎样批评我，心里很有点儿惴惴不安哩。
康华尔 我现在才知道你的哥哥想要谋害他的生命，并不完全出于恶毒的本性；多半是他自己咎有应得，才会引起他的杀心的。
爱德蒙 我的命运多么颠倒，虽然做了正义的事情，却必须抱恨终身！这就是他说起的那封信，它可以证实他私通法国的罪状。天啊！为什么他要干这种叛逆的行为，为什么偏偏又在我手里发觉了呢？
康华尔 跟我见公爵夫人去。
爱德蒙 这信上所说的事情倘然属实，那您就要有一番重大的行动了。
康华尔 不管它是真是假，它已经使你成为葛罗斯特伯爵了。你去找找你父亲在什么地方，让我们可以把他逮捕起来。
爱德蒙 （旁白）要是我看见他正在援助那老王，他的嫌疑就格外加重了。——虽然忠心和孝道在我的灵魂里发生剧烈的争战，可是大义所在，只好把私恩抛弃不顾。
康华尔 我完全信任你；你在我的恩宠之中，将要得到一个更慈爱的父亲。（各下。）
第六场 邻接城堡的农舍一室
葛罗斯特、李尔、肯特、弄人及爱德伽上。
葛罗斯特 这儿比露天好一些，不要嫌它寒伧，将就住下来吧。我再去找找有些什么吃的用的东西；我去去就来。
肯特 他的智力已经在他的盛怒之中完全消失了。神明报答您的好心！（葛罗斯特下。）
爱德伽 弗拉特累多⑩在叫我，他告诉我尼禄王在冥湖里钓鱼。喂，傻瓜，你要祷告，要留心恶魔啊。
弄人 老伯伯，告诉我，一个疯子是绅士呢还是平民？
李尔 是个国王，是个国王！
弄人 不，他是一个平民，他的儿子却挣了一个绅士头衔；他眼看他儿子做了绅士，他就成为一个气疯了的平民。
李尔 一千条血红的火舌吱啦吱啦卷到她们的身上——
爱德伽 恶魔在咬我的背。
弄人 谁要是相信豺狼的驯良、马儿的健康、孩子的爱情或是娼妓的盟誓，他就是个疯子。
李尔 一定要办她们一办，我现在就要审问她们。（向爱德伽）来，最有学问的法官，你坐在这儿；（向弄人）你，贤明的官长，坐在这儿。——来，你们这两头雌狐！
爱德伽 瞧，他站在那儿，眼睛睁得大大的！太太，你在审判的时候，要不要有人瞧着你？渡过河来会我，蓓西——
弄人 她的小船儿漏了，
她不能让你知道
为什么她不敢见你。
爱德伽 恶魔借着夜莺的喉咙，向可怜的汤姆作祟了。霍普丹斯在汤姆的肚子里嚷着要两条新鲜的鲱鱼。别吵，魔鬼；我没有东西给你吃。
肯特 陛下，您怎么啦！不要这样呆呆地站着。您愿意躺下来，在这褥垫上面休息休息吗？
李尔 我要先看她们受了审判再说。把她们的证人带上来。（向爱德伽）你这披着法衣的审判官，请坐；（向弄人）你，他的执法的同僚，坐在他的旁边。（向肯特）你是陪审官，你也坐下。
爱德伽 让我们秉公裁判。
你睡着还是醒着，牧羊人？
你的羊儿在田里跑；
你的小嘴唇只要吹一声，
羊儿就不伤一根毛。
呼噜呼噜；这是一只灰色的猫儿。
李尔 先控诉她；她是高纳里尔。我当着尊严的堂上起誓，她曾经踢她的可怜的父王。
弄人 过来，奶奶。你的名字叫高纳里尔吗？
李尔 她不能抵赖。
弄人 对不起，我还以为您是一张折凳哩。
李尔 这儿还有一个，你们瞧她满脸的横肉，就可以知道她的心肠是怎么样的。拦住她！举起你们的兵器，拔出你们的剑，点起火把来！营私舞弊的法庭！枉法的贪官，你为什么放她逃走？
爱德伽 天保佑你的神志吧！
肯特 嗳哟！陛下，您不是常常说您没有失去忍耐吗？现在您的忍耐呢？
爱德伽 （旁白）我的滚滚的热泪忍不住为他流下，怕要给他们瞧破我的假装了。
李尔 这些小狗：脱雷、勃尔趋、史威塔，瞧，它们都在向我狂吠。
爱德伽 让汤姆掉过脸来把它们吓走。滚开，你们这些恶狗！
黑嘴巴，白嘴巴，
疯狗咬人磨毒牙，
猛犬猎犬杂种犬，
叭儿小犬团团转，
青屁股。卷尾毛，
汤姆一只也不饶；
只要我掉过脸来，
大狗小狗逃得快。
哆啼哆啼。叱嚓！来，我们赶庙会，上市集去。可怜的汤姆，你的牛角里干得挤不出一滴水来啦⑾。
李尔 叫他们剖开里根的身体来，看看她心里有些什么东西。究竟为了什么天然的原因，她们的心才会变得这样硬？（向爱德伽）我把你收留下来，叫你做我一百名侍卫中间的一个，只是我不喜欢你的衣服的式样；你也许要对我说，这是最漂亮的波斯装；可是我看还是请你换一换吧。
肯特 陛下，您还是躺下来休息休息吧。
李尔 不要吵，不要吵；放下帐子，好，好，好。我们到早上再去吃晚饭吧；好，好，好。
弄人 我一到中午可要睡觉哩。
葛罗斯特重上。
葛罗斯特 过来，朋友；王上呢？
肯特 在这儿，大人；可是不要打扰他，他的神经已经错乱了。
葛罗斯特 好朋友，请你把他抱起来。我已经听到了一个谋害他生命的阴谋。马车套好在外边，你快把他放进去，驾着它到多佛，那边有人会欢迎你，并且会保障你的安全。抱起你的主人来；要是你耽误了半点钟的时间，他的性命、你的性命以及一切出力救护他的人的性命，都要保不住了。抱起来，抱起来；跟我来，让我设法把你们赶快送到一处可以安身的地方。
肯特 受尽磨折的身心，现在安然入睡了；安息也许可以镇定镇定他的破碎的神经，但愿上天行个方便，不要让它破碎得不可收拾才好。（向弄人）来，帮我抬起你的主人来；你也不能留在这儿。
葛罗斯特 来，来，去吧。（除爱德伽外，肯特、葛罗斯特及弄人舁李尔下。）
爱德伽 做君王的不免如此下场，
使我忘却了自己的忧伤。
最大的不幸是独抱牢愁，
任何的欢娱兜不上心头；
倘有了同病相怜的侣伴，
天大痛苦也会解去一半。
国王有的是不孝的逆女，
我自己遭逢无情的严父，
他与我两个人一般遭际！
去吧，汤姆，忍住你的怨气，
你现在蒙着无辜的污名，
总有日回复你清白之身。
不管今夜里还会发生些什么事情，但愿王上能安然出险！我还是躲起来吧。（下。）
第七场 葛罗斯特城堡中一室
康华尔、里根、高纳里尔、爱德蒙及众仆上。
康华尔 夫人，请您赶快到尊夫的地方去，把这封信交给他；法国军队已经登陆了。——来人，替我去搜寻那反贼葛罗斯特的踪迹。（若干仆人下。）
里根 把他捉到了立刻吊死。
高纳里尔 把他的眼珠挖出来。
康华尔 我自有处置他的办法。爱德蒙，我们不应该让你看见你的谋叛的父亲受到怎样的刑罚，所以请你现在护送我们的姊姊回去，替我向奥本尼公爵致意，叫他赶快准备；我们这儿也要采取同样的行动。我们两地之间，必须随时用飞骑传报消息。再会，亲爱的姊姊；再会，葛罗斯特伯爵。
奥斯华德上。
康华尔 怎么啦？那国王呢？
奥斯华德 葛罗斯特伯爵已经把他载送出去了；有三十五、六个追寻他的骑士在城门口和他会合，还有几个伯爵手下的人也在一起，一同向多佛进发，据说那边有他们武装的友人在等候他们。
康华尔 替你家夫人备马。
高纳里尔 再会，殿下，再会，妹妹。
康华尔 再会，爱德蒙。（高纳里尔、爱德蒙及奥斯华德下）再去几个人把那反贼葛罗斯特捉来，像偷儿一样把他绑来见我。（若干仆人下）虽然在没有经过正式的审判手续以前，我们不能就把他判处死刑，可是为了发泄我们的愤怒，却只好不顾人们的指摘，凭着我们的权力独断独行了。那边是什么人？是那反贼吗？
众仆押葛罗斯特重上。
里根 没有良心的狐狸！正是他。
康华尔 把他枯瘪的手臂牢牢绑起来。
葛罗斯特 两位殿下，这是什么意思？我的好朋友们，你们是我的客人；不要用这种无礼的手段对待我。
康华尔 捆住他。（众仆绑葛罗斯特。）
里根 绑紧些，绑紧些。啊，可恶的反贼！
葛罗斯特 你是一个没有心肝的女人，我却不是反贼。
康华尔 把他绑在这张椅子上。奸贼，我要让你知道——（里根扯葛罗斯特须。）
葛罗斯特 天神在上，这还成什么话，你扯起我的胡子来啦！
里根 胡子这么白，想不到却是一个反贼！
葛罗斯特 恶妇，你从我的腮上扯下这些胡子来，它们将要像活人一样控诉你的罪恶。我是这里的主人，你不该用你强盗的手，这样报答我的好客的殷勤。你究竟要怎么样？
康华尔 说，你最近从法国得到什么书信？
里根 老实说出来，我们已经什么都知道了。
康华尔 你跟那些最近踏到我们国境来的叛徒们有些什么来往？
里根 你把那发疯的老王送到什么人手里去了？说。
葛罗斯特 我只收到过一封信，里面都不过是些猜测之谈，寄信的是一个没有偏见的人，并不是一个敌人。
康华尔 好狡猾的推托！
里根 一派鬼话！
康华尔 你把国王送到什么地方去了？
葛罗斯特 送到多佛。
里根 为什么送到多佛？我们不是早就警告你——
康华尔 为什么送到多佛？让他回答这个问题。
葛罗斯特 罢了，我现在身陷虎穴，只好拚着这条老命了。
里根 为什么送到多佛？
葛罗斯特 因为我不愿意看见你的凶恶的指爪挖出他的可怜的老眼；因为我不愿意看见你的残暴的姊姊用她野猪般的利齿咬进他的神圣的肉体。他的赤裸的头顶在地狱一般黑暗的夜里冲风冒雨；受到那样狂风暴雨的震荡的海水，也要把它的怒潮喷向天空，熄灭了星星的火焰；但是他，可怜的老翁，却还要把他的热泪帮助天空浇洒。要是在那样怕人的晚上，豺狼在你的门前悲鸣，你也要说，“善良的看门人，开了门放它进来吧，”而不计较它一切的罪恶。可是我总有一天见到上天的报应降临在这种儿女的身上。
康华尔 你再也不会见到那样一天。来，按住这椅子。我要把你这一双眼睛放在我的脚底下践踏。
葛罗斯特 谁要是希望他自己平安活到老年的，帮帮我吧！啊，好惨！天啊！（葛罗斯特一眼被挖出。）
里根 还有那一颗眼珠也去掉了吧，免得它嘲笑没有眼珠的一面。
康华尔 要是你看见什么报应——
仆甲 住手，殿下；我从小为您效劳，但是只有我现在叫您住手这件事才算是最好的效劳。
里根 怎么，你这狗东西！
仆甲 要是你的腮上长起了胡子，我现在也要把它扯下来。
康华尔 混账奴才，你反了吗？（拔剑。）
仆甲 好，那么来，我们拚一个你死我活。（拔剑。二人决斗。康华尔受伤。）
里根 把你的剑给我。一个奴才也会撒野到这等地步！（取剑自后刺仆甲。）
仆甲 啊！我死了。大人，您还剩着一只眼睛，看见他受到一点小小的报应。啊！（死。）
康华尔 哼，看他再瞧得见一些什么报应！出来，可恶的浆块！现在你还会发光吗？（葛罗斯特另一眼被挖出。）
葛罗斯特 一切都是黑暗和痛苦。我的儿子爱德蒙呢？爱德蒙，燃起你天性中的怒火，替我报复这一场暗无天日的暴行吧！
里根 哼，万恶的奸贼！你在呼唤一个憎恨你的人；你对我们反叛的阴谋，就是他出首告发的，他是一个深明大义的人，决不会对你发一点怜悯。
葛罗斯特 啊，我是个蠢才！那么爱德伽是冤枉的了。仁慈的神明啊，赦免我的错误，保佑他有福吧！
里根 把他推出门外，让他一路摸索到多佛去。（一仆率葛罗斯特下）怎么，殿下？您的脸色怎么变啦？
康华尔 我受了伤啦。跟我来，夫人。把那瞎眼的奸贼撵出去；把这奴才丢在粪堆里。里根，我的血尽在流着；这真是无妄之灾。用你的胳臂搀着我。（里根扶康华尔同下。）
仆乙 要是这家伙会有好收场，我什么坏事都可以去做了。
仆丙 要是她会寿终正寝，所有的女人都要变成恶鬼了。
仆乙 让我们跟在那老伯爵的后面，叫那疯丐把他领到他所要去的地方；反正那个游荡的疯子什么地方都去。
仆丙 你先去吧；我还要去拿些麻布和蛋白来，替他贴在他的流血的脸上。但愿上天保佑他！（各下。）
第四幕
第一场 荒野
爱德伽上。
爱德伽 与其被人在表面上恭维而背地里鄙弃，那么还是像这样自己知道为举世所不容的好。一个最困苦、最微贱、最为命运所屈辱的人，可以永远抱着希冀而无所恐惧；从最高的地位上跌下来，那变化是可悲的，对于穷困的人，命运的转机却能使他欢笑！那么欢迎你——跟我拥抱的空虚的气流；被你刮得狼狈不堪的可怜虫并不少欠你丝毫情分。可是谁来啦？
一老人率葛罗斯特上。
爱德伽 我的父亲，让一个穷苦的老头儿领着他吗？啊，世界，世界，世界！倘不是你的变幻无常，使我们对你心存怨恨，哪一个人是甘愿老去的？
老人 啊，我的好老爷！我在老太爷手里就做您府上的佃户，一直做到您老爷手里，已经有八十年了。
葛罗斯特 去吧，好朋友，你快去吧；你的安慰对我一点没有用处，他们也许反会害你的。
老人 您眼睛看不见，怎么走路呢？
葛罗斯特 我没有路，所以不需要眼睛；当我能够看见的时候，我也会失足颠仆。我们往往因为有所自恃而失之于大意，反不如缺陷却能对我们有益。啊！爱德伽好儿子，你的父亲受人之愚，错恨了你，要是我能在未死以前，摸到你的身体，我就要说，我又有了眼睛啦。
老人 啊！那边是什么人？
爱德伽 （旁白）神啊！谁能够说“我现在是最不幸”？我现在比从前才更不幸得多啦。
老人 那是可怜的发疯的汤姆。
爱德伽 （旁白）也许我还要碰到更不幸的命运；当我们能够说“这是最不幸的事”的时候，那还不是最不幸的。
老人 汉子，你到哪儿去？
葛罗斯特 是一个叫化子吗？
老人 是个疯叫化子。
葛罗斯特 他的理智还没有完全丧失，否则他不会向人乞讨。在昨晚的暴风雨里，我也看见这样一个家伙，他使我想起一个人不过等于一条虫；那时候我的儿子的影像就闪进了我的心里，可是当时我正在恨他，不愿想起他；后来我才听到一些其他的话。天神掌握着我们的命运，正像顽童捉到飞虫一样，为了戏弄的缘故而把我们杀害。
爱德伽 （旁白）怎么会有这样的事？在一个伤心人的面前装傻，对自己、对别人，都是一件不愉快的行为。（向葛罗斯特）祝福你，先生！
葛罗斯特 他就是那个不穿衣服的家伙吗？
老人 正是，老爷。
葛罗斯特 那么你去吧。我要请他领我到多佛去，要是你看在我的分上，愿意回去拿一点衣服来替他遮盖遮盖身体，那就再好没有了；我们不会走远，从这儿到多佛的路上一二哩之内，你一定可以追上我们。
老人 唉，老爷！他是个疯子哩。
葛罗斯特 疯子带着瞎子走路，本来是这时代的一般病态。照我的话，或者就照你自己的意思做吧；第一件事情是请你快去。
老人 我要把我的最好的衣服拿来给他，不管它会引起怎样的后果。（下。）
葛罗斯特 喂，不穿衣服的家伙——
爱德伽 可怜的汤姆冷着呢。（旁白）我不能再假装下去了。
葛罗斯特 过来，汉子。
爱德伽 （旁白）可是我不能不假装下去。——祝福您的可爱的眼睛，它们在流血哩。
葛罗斯特 你认识到多佛去的路吗？
爱德伽 一处处关口城门、一条条马路人行道，我全认识。可怜的汤姆被他们吓迷了心窍；祝福你，好人的儿子，愿恶魔不来缠绕你！五个魔鬼一齐作弄着可怜的汤姆：一个是色魔奥别狄克特；一个是哑鬼霍别狄丹斯；一个是偷东西的玛呼；一个是杀人的摩陀；一个是扮鬼脸的弗力勃铁捷贝特，他后来常常附在丫头、使女的身上。好，祝福您，先生！
葛罗斯特 来，你这受尽上天凌虐的人，把这钱囊拿去；我的不幸却是你的运气。天道啊，愿你常常如此！让那穷奢极欲、把你的法律当作满足他自己享受的工具、因为知觉麻木而沉迷不悟的人，赶快感到你的威力吧；从享用过度的人手里夺下一点来分给穷人，让每一个人都得到他所应得的一份吧。你认识多佛吗？
爱德伽 认识，先生。
葛罗斯特 那边有一座悬崖，它的峭拔的绝顶俯瞰着幽深的海水；你只要领我到那悬崖的边上，我就给你一些我随身携带的贵重的东西，你拿了去可以过些舒服的日子；我也不用再烦你带路了。
爱德伽 把您的胳臂给我；让可怜的汤姆领着你走。（同下。）
第二场 奥本尼公爵府前
高纳里尔及爱德蒙上。
高纳里尔 欢迎，伯爵；我不知道我那位温和的丈夫为什么不来迎接我们。
奥斯华德上。
高纳里尔 主人呢？
奥斯华德 夫人，他在里边；可是已经大大变了一个人啦。我告诉他法国军队登陆的消息，他听了只是微笑；我告诉他说您来了，他的回答却是，“还是不来的好”；我告诉他葛罗斯特怎样谋反、他的儿子怎样尽忠的时候，他骂我蠢东西，说我颠倒是非。凡是他所应该痛恨的事情，他听了都觉得很得意；他所应该欣慰的事情，反而使他恼怒。
高纳里尔 （向爱德蒙）那么你止步吧。这是他懦怯畏缩的天性，使他不敢担当大事；他宁愿忍受侮辱，不肯挺身而起。我们在路上谈起的那个愿望，也许可以实现。爱德蒙，你且回到我的妹夫那儿去；催促他赶紧调齐人马，交给你统率；我这儿只好由我自己出马，把家务托付我的丈夫照管了。这个可靠的仆人可以替我们传达消息；要是你有胆量为了你自己的好处而行事，那么不久大概就会听到你的女主人的命令。把这东西拿去带在身边；不要多说什么；（以饰物赠爱德蒙）低下你的头来：这一个吻要是能够替我说话，它会叫你的灵魂儿飞上天空的。你要明白我的心；再会吧。
爱德蒙 我愿意为您赴汤火。
高纳里尔 我的最亲爱的葛罗斯特！（爱德蒙下）唉！都是男人，却有这样的不同！哪一个女人不愿意为你贡献她的一切，我却让一个傻瓜侵占了我的眠床。
奥斯华德 夫人，殿下来了。（下。）
奥本尼上。
高纳里尔 你太瞧不起人啦。
奥本尼 啊，高纳里尔！你的价值还比不上那狂风吹在你脸上的尘土。我替你这种脾气担着心事；一个人要是看轻了自己的根本，难免做出一些越限逾分的事来；枝叶脱离了树干，跟着也要萎谢，到后来只好让人当作枯柴而付之一炬。
高纳里尔 得啦得啦；全是些傻话。
奥本尼 智慧和仁义在恶人眼中看来都是恶的；下流的人只喜欢下流的事。你们干下了些什么事情？你们是猛虎，不是女儿，你们干了些什么事啦？这样一位父亲，这样一位仁慈的老人家，一头野熊见了他也会俯首贴耳，你们这些蛮横下贱的女儿，却把他激成了疯狂！难道我那位贤襟兄竟会让你们这样胡闹吗？他也是个堂堂汉子，一邦的君主，又受过他这样的深恩厚德！要是上天不立刻降下一些明显的灾祸来，惩罚这种万恶的行为，那么人类快要像深海的怪物一样自相吞食了。
高纳里尔 不中用的懦夫！你让人家打肿你的脸，把侮辱加在你的头上，还以为是一件体面的事，因为你的额头上还没长着眼睛；正像那些不明是非的傻瓜，人家存心害你，幸亏发觉得早，他们在未下毒手以前就受到惩罚，你却还要可怜他们。你的鼓呢？法国的旌旗已经展开在我们安静的国境上了，你的敌人顶着羽毛飘扬的战盔，已经开始威胁你的生命。你这迂腐的傻子却坐着一动不动，只会说，“唉！他为什么要这样呢？”
奥本尼 瞧瞧你自己吧，魔鬼！恶魔的丑恶的嘴脸，还不及一个恶魔般的女人那样丑恶万分。
高纳里尔 嗳哟，你这没有头脑的蠢货！
奥本尼 你这变化做女人的形状、掩蔽你的蛇蝎般的真相的魔鬼，不要露出你的狰狞的面目来吧！要是我可以允许这双手服从我的怒气，它们一定会把你的肉一块块撕下来，把你的骨头一根根折断；可是你虽然是一个魔鬼，你的形状却还是一个女人，我不能伤害你。
高纳里尔 哼，这就是你的男子汉的气概。——呸！一使者上。
奥本尼 有什么消息？
使者 啊！殿下，康华尔公爵死了；他正要挖去葛罗斯特第二只眼睛的时候，他的一个仆人把他杀死了。
奥本尼 葛罗斯特的眼睛！
使者 他所畜养的一个仆人因为激于义愤，反对他这一种行动，就拔出剑来向他的主人行刺；他的主人大怒，和他奋力猛斗，结果把那仆人砍死了，可是自己也受了重伤，终于不治身亡。
奥本尼 啊，天道究竟还是有的，人世的罪恶这样快就受到了诛谴！但是啊，可怜的葛罗斯特！他失去了他的第二只眼睛吗？
使者 殿下，他两只眼睛全都给挖去了。夫人，这一封信是您的妹妹写来的，请您立刻给她一个回音。
高纳里尔 （旁白）从一方面说来，这是一个好消息；可是她做了寡妇，我的葛罗斯特又跟她在一起，也许我的一切美满的愿望，都要从我这可憎的生命中消灭了；不然的话，这消息还不算顶坏。（向使者）我读过以后再写回信吧。（下。）
奥本尼 他们挖去他的眼睛的时候，他的儿子在什么地方？
使者 他是跟夫人一起到这儿来的。
奥本尼 他不在这儿。
使者 是的，殿下，我在路上碰见他回去了。
奥本尼 他知道这种罪恶的事情吗？
使者 是，殿下；就是他出首告发他的，他故意离开那座房屋，为的是让他们行事方便一些。
奥本尼 葛罗斯特，我永远感激你对王上所表示的好意，一定替你报复你的挖目之仇。过来，朋友，详细告诉我一些你所知道的其他的消息。（同下。）
第三场 多佛附近法军营地
肯特及一侍臣上。
肯特 为什么法兰西王突然回去，您知道他的理由吗？
侍臣 他在国内还有一点未了的要事，直到离国以后，方才想起；因为那件事情有关国家的安全，所以他不能不亲自回去料理。
肯特 他去了以后，委托什么人代他主持军务？
侍臣 拉·发元帅。
肯特 王后看了您的信，有没有什么悲哀的表示？
侍臣 是的，先生；她拿了信，当着我的面前读下去，一颗颗饱满的泪珠淌下她的娇嫩的颊上；可是她仍然保持着一个王后的尊严，虽然她的情感像叛徒一样想要把她压服，她还是竭力把它克制下去。
肯特 啊！那么她是受到感动的了。
侍臣 她并不痛哭流涕；“忍耐”和“悲哀”互相竞争着谁能把她表现得更美。您曾经看见过阳光和雨点同时出现；她的微笑和眼泪也正是这样，只是更要动人得多；那些荡漾在她的红润的嘴唇上的小小的微笑，似乎不知道她的眼睛里有些什么客人，他们从她钻石一样晶莹的眼球里滚出来，正像一颗颗浑圆的珍珠。简单一句话，要是所有的悲哀都是这样美，那么悲哀将要成为最受世人喜爱的珍奇了。
肯特 她没有说过什么话吗？
侍臣 一两次她的嘴里迸出了“父亲”两个字，好像它们重压着她的心一般；她哀呼着，“姊姊！姊姊！女人的耻辱！姊姊！肯特！父亲！姊姊！什么，在风雨里吗？在黑夜里吗？不要相信世上还有怜悯吧！”于是她挥去了她的天仙一般的眼睛里的神圣的水珠，让眼泪淹没了她的沉痛的悲号，移步他往，和哀愁独自作伴去了。
肯特 那是天上的星辰，天上的星辰主宰着我们的命运；否则同一个父母怎么会生出这样不同的儿女来。您后来没有跟她说过话吗？
侍臣 没有。
肯特 这是在法兰西王回国以前的事吗？
侍臣 不，这是他去后的事。
肯特 好，告诉您吧，可怜的受难的李尔已经到了此地，他在比较清醒的时候，知道我们来干什么事，一定不肯见他的女儿。
侍臣 为什么呢，好先生？
肯特 羞耻之心掣住了他；他自己的忍心剥夺了她的应得的慈爱，使她远适异国，听任天命的安排，把她的权利分给那两个犬狼之心的女儿——这种种的回忆像毒刺一样整着他的心，使他充满了火烧一样的惭愧，阻止他和考狄利娅相见。
侍臣 唉！可怜的人！
肯特 关于奥本尼和康华尔的军队，您听见什么消息没有？
侍臣 是的，他们已经出动了。
肯特 好，先生，我要带您去见见我们的王上，请您替我照料照料他。我因为有某种重要的理由，必须暂时隐藏我的真相；当您知道我是什么人以后，您决不会后悔跟我结识的。请您跟我走吧。（同下。）
第四场 同前。帐幕
旗鼓前导，考狄利娅、医生及兵士等上。
考狄利娅 唉！正是他。刚才还有人看见他，疯狂得像被飓风激动的怒海，高声歌唱，头上插满了恶臭的地烟草、牛蒡、毒芹、荨麻、杜鹃花和各种蔓生在田亩间的野草。派一百个兵士到繁茂的田野里各处搜寻，把他领来见我。（一军官下）人们的智慧能不能恢复他的丧失的心神？谁要是能够医治他，我愿意把我的身外的富贵一起送给他。
医生 娘娘，法子是有的；休息是滋养疲乏的精神的保姆，他现在就是缺少休息；只要给他服一些药草，就可以阖上他的痛苦的眼睛。
考狄利娅 一切神圣的秘密、一切地下潜伏的灵奇，随着我的眼泪一起奔涌出来吧！帮助解除我的善良的父亲的痛苦！快去找他，快去找他，我只怕他在不可控制的疯狂之中会消灭了他的失去主宰的生命。
一使者上。
使者 报告娘娘，英国军队向这儿开过来了。
考狄利娅 我们早已知道；一切都预备好了，只等他们到来。亲爱的父亲啊！我这次掀动干戈，完全是为了你的缘故；伟大的法兰西王被我的悲哀和恳求的眼泪所感动。我们出师，并非怀着什么非分的野心，只是一片真情，热烈的真情，要替我们的老父主持正义。但愿我不久就可以听见看见他！（同下。）
第五场 葛罗斯特城堡中一室
里根及奥斯华德上。
里根 可是我的姊夫的军队已经出发了吗？
奥斯华德 出发了，夫人。
里根 他亲自率领吗？
奥斯华德 夫人，好容易才把他催上了马；还是您的姊姊是个更好的军人哩。
里根 爱德蒙伯爵到了你们家里，有没有跟你家主人谈过话？
奥斯华德 没有，夫人。
里根 我的姊姊给他的信里有些什么话？
奥斯华德 我不知道，夫人。
里根 告诉你吧，他有重要的事情，已经离开此地了。葛罗斯特挖去了眼睛以后，仍旧放他活命，实在是一个极大的失策；因为他每到一个地方，都会激起众人对我们的反感。我想爱德蒙因为怜悯他的苦难，是要去替他解脱他的暗无天日的生涯的；而且他还负有探察敌人实力的使命。
奥斯华德 夫人，我必须追上去把我的信送给他。
里根 我们的军队明天就要出发；你暂时耽搁在我们这儿吧，路上很危险呢。
奥斯华德 我不能，夫人；我家夫人曾经吩咐我不准误事的。
里根 为什么她要写信给爱德蒙呢？难道你不能替她口头传达她的意思吗？看来恐怕有点儿——我也说不出来。让我拆开这封信来，我会十分喜欢你的。
奥斯华德 夫人，那我可——
里根 我知道你家夫人不爱她的丈夫；这一点我是可以确定的。她最近在这儿的时候，常常对高贵的爱德蒙抛掷含情的媚眼。我知道你是她的心腹之人。
奥斯华德 我，夫人！
里根 我的话不是随便说说的，我知道你是她的心腹；所以你且听我说，我的丈夫已经死了，爱德蒙跟我曾经谈起过，他向我求爱总比向你家夫人求爱来得方便些。其余的你自己去意会吧。要是你找到了他，请你替我把这个交给他；你把我的话对你家夫人说了以后，再请她仔细想个明白。好，再会。假如你听见人家说起那瞎眼的老贼在什么地方，能够把他除掉，一定可以得到重赏。
奥斯华德 但愿他能够碰在我的手里，夫人；我一定可以向您表明我是哪一方面的人。
里根 再会。（各下。）
第六场 多佛附近的乡间
葛罗斯特及爱德伽作农民装束同上。
葛罗斯特 什么时候我才能够登上山顶？
爱德伽 您现在正在一步步上去；瞧这路多么难走。
葛罗斯特 我觉得这地面是很平的。
爱德伽 陡峭得可怕呢；听！那不是海水的声音吗？
葛罗斯特 不，我真的听不见。
爱德伽 嗳哟，那么大概因为您的眼睛痛得厉害，所以别的知觉也连带模糊起来啦。
葛罗斯特 那倒也许是真的。我觉得你的声音也变了样啦，你讲的话不像原来那样粗鲁、那样疯疯癫癫啦。
爱德伽 您错啦；除了我的衣服以外，我什么都没有变样。
葛罗斯特 我觉得你的话像样得多啦。
爱德伽 来，先生；我们已经到了，您站好。把眼睛一直望到这么低的地方，真是惊心眩目！在半空盘旋的乌鸦，瞧上去还没有甲虫那么大；山腰中间悬着一个采金花草的人，可怕的工作！我看他的全身简直抵不上一个人头的大小。在海滩上走路的渔夫就像小鼠一般，那艘碇泊在岸旁的高大的帆船小得像它的划艇，它的划艇小得像一个浮标，几乎看不出来。澎湃的波涛在海滨无数的石子上冲击的声音，也不能传到这样高的所在。我不愿再看下去了，恐怕我的头脑要昏眩起来，眼睛一花，就要一个觔斗直跌下去。
葛罗斯特 带我到你所立的地方。
爱德伽 把您的手给我；您现在已经离开悬崖的边上只有一呎了；谁要是把天下所有的一切都给了我，我也不愿意跳下去。
葛罗斯特 放开我的手。朋友，这儿又是一个钱囊，里面有一颗宝石，一个穷人得到了它，可以终身温饱；愿天神们保佑你因此而得福吧！你再走远一点；向我告别一声，让我听见你走过去。
爱德伽 再会吧，好先生。
葛罗斯特 再会。
爱德伽 （旁白）我这样戏弄他的目的，是要把他从绝望的境界中解救出来。
葛罗斯特 威严的神明啊！我现在脱离这一个世界，当着你们的面，摆脱我的惨酷的痛苦了；要是我能够再忍受下去，而不怨尤你们不可反抗的伟大意志，我这可厌的生命的余烬不久也会燃尽的。要是爱德伽尚在人世，神啊，请你们祝福他！现在，朋友，我们再会了！（向前仆地。）
爱德伽 我去了，先生；再会。（旁白）可是我不知道当一个人愿意受他自己的幻想的欺骗，相信他已经死去的时候，那一种幻想会不会真的偷去了他的生命的至宝；要是他果然在他所想像的那一个地方，现在他早已没有思想了。活着还是死了？（向葛罗斯特）喂，你这位先生！朋友！你听见吗，先生？说呀！也许他真的死了；可是他醒过来啦。你是什么人，先生？
葛罗斯特 去，让我死。
爱德伽 倘使你不是一根蛛丝、一根羽毛、一阵空气，从这样千仞的悬崖上跌落下来，早就像鸡蛋一样跌成粉碎了；可是你还在呼吸，你的身体还是好好的，不流一滴血，还会说话，简直一点损伤也没有。十根桅杆连接起来，也不及你所跌下来的地方那么高；你的生命是一个奇迹。再对我说两句话吧。
葛罗斯特 可是我有没有跌下来？
爱德伽 你就是从这可怕的悬崖绝顶上面跌下来的。抬起头来看一看吧；鸣声嘹亮的云雀飞到了那样高的所在，我们不但看不见它的形状，也听不见它的声音；你看。
葛罗斯特 唉！我没有眼睛哩。难道一个苦命的人，连寻死的权利都要被剥夺去吗？一个苦恼到极点的人假使还有办法对付那暴君的狂怒，挫败他的骄傲的意志，那么他多少还有一点可以自慰。
爱德伽 把你的胳臂给我；起来，好，怎样？站得稳吗？你站住了。
葛罗斯特 很稳，很稳。
爱德伽 这真太不可思议了。刚才在那悬崖的顶上，从你身边走开的是什么东西？
葛罗斯特 一个可怜的叫化子。
爱德伽 我站在下面望着他，仿佛看见他的眼睛像两轮满月；他有一千个鼻子，满头都是像波浪一样高低不齐的犄角；一定是个什么恶魔。所以，你幸运的老人家，你应该想这是无所不能的神明在暗中默佑你，否则决不会有这样的奇事。
葛罗斯特 我现在记起来了；从此以后，我要耐心忍受痛苦，直等它有一天自己喊了出来，“够啦，够啦，”那时候再撒手死去。你所说起的这一个东西，我还以为是个人；它老是嚷着“恶魔，恶魔”的；就是他把我领到了那个地方。
爱德伽 不要胡思乱想，安心忍耐。可是谁来啦？
李尔以鲜花杂乱饰身上。
爱德伽 不是疯狂的人，决不会把他自己打扮成这一个样子。
李尔 不，他们不能判我私造货币的罪名；我是国王哩。
爱德伽 啊，伤心的景象！
李尔 在那一点上，天然是胜过人工的。这是征募你们当兵的饷银。那家伙弯弓的姿势，活像一个稻草人；给我射一支一码长的箭试试看。瞧，瞧！一只小老鼠！别闹，别闹！这一块烘乳酪可以捉住它。这是我的铁手套；尽管他是一个巨人，我也要跟他一决胜负。带那些戟手上来。啊！飞得好，鸟儿；刚刚中在靶子心里，咻！口令！
爱德伽 茉荞兰。
李尔 过去。
葛罗斯特 我认识那个声音。
李尔 嘿！高纳里尔，长着一把白胡须！她们像狗一样向我献媚。说我在没有出黑须以前，就已经有了白须。⑿我说一声“是”，她们就应一声“是”；我说一声“不”，她们就应一声“不”！当雨点淋湿了我，风吹得我牙齿打颤，当雷声不肯听我的话平静下来的时候，我才发现了她们，嗅出了她们。算了，她们不是心口如一的人；她们把我恭维得天花乱坠；全然是个谎，一发起烧来我就没有办法。
葛罗斯特 这一种说话的声调我记得很清楚；他不是我们的君王吗？
李尔 嗯，从头到脚都是君王；我只要一瞪眼睛，我的臣子就要吓得发抖。我赦免那个人的死罪。你犯的是什么案子？奸淫吗？你不用死；为了奸淫而犯死罪！不，小鸟儿都在干那把戏，金苍蝇当着我的面也会公然交合哩。让通奸的人多子多孙吧；因为葛罗斯特的私生的儿子，也比我的合法的女儿更孝顺他的父亲。淫风越盛越好，我巴不得他们替我多制造几个兵士出来。瞧那个脸上堆着假笑的妇人，她装出一副守身如玉的神气，做作得那么端庄贞静，一听见人家谈起调情的话儿就要摇头；其实她自己干起那回事来，比臭猫和骚马还要浪得多哩。她们的上半身虽然是女人，下半身却是淫荡的妖怪；腰带以上是属于天神的，腰带以下全是属于魔鬼的：那儿是地狱，那儿是黑暗，那儿是火坑，吐着熊熊的烈焰，发出熏人的恶臭，把一切烧成了灰。啐！啐！啐！呸！呸！好掌柜，给我称一两麝香，让我解解我的想像中的臭气；钱在这儿。
葛罗斯特 啊！让我吻一吻那只手！
李尔 让我先把它揩干净；它上面有一股热烘烘的人气。
葛罗斯特 啊，毁灭了的生命！这一个广大的世界有一天也会像这样零落得只剩一堆残迹。你认识我吗？
李尔 我很记得你这双眼睛。你在向我腰吗？不，盲目的丘匹德，随你使出什么手段来，我是再也不会恋爱的。这是一封挑战书；你拿去读吧，瞧瞧它是怎么写的。
葛罗斯特 即使每一个字都是一个太阳，我也瞧不见。
爱德伽 （旁白）要是人家告诉我这样的事，我一定不会相信；可是这样的事是真的，我的心要碎了。
李尔 读呀。
葛罗斯特 什么！用眼眶子读吗？
李尔 啊哈！你原来是这个意思吗？你的头上也没有眼睛，你的袋里也没有银钱吗？你的眼眶子真深，你的钱袋真轻。可是你却看见这世界的丑恶。
葛罗斯特 我只能捉摸到它的丑恶。
李尔 什么！你疯了吗？一个人就是没有眼睛，也可以看见这世界的丑恶。用你的耳朵瞧着吧：你没看见那法官怎样痛骂那个卑贱的偷儿吗？侧过你的耳朵来，听我告诉你：让他们两人换了地位，谁还认得出哪个是法官，哪个是偷儿？你见过农夫的一条狗向一个乞丐乱吠吗？
葛罗斯特 嗯，陛下。
李尔 你还看见那家伙怎样给那条狗赶走吗？从这一件事情上面，你就可以看到威权的伟大的影子；一条得势的狗，也可以使人家唯命是从。你这可恶的教吏，停住你的残忍的手！为什么你要鞭打那个妓女？向你自己的背上着力抽下去吧；你自己心里和她犯奸淫，却因为她跟人家犯奸淫而鞭打她。那放高利贷的家伙却把那骗子判了死刑。褴褛的衣衫遮不住小小的过失；披上锦袍裘服，便可以隐匿一切。罪恶镀了金，公道的坚强的枪刺戳在上面也会折断；把它用破烂的布条裹起来，一根侏儒的稻草就可以戳破它。没有一个人是犯罪的，我说，没有一个人；我愿意为他们担保；相信我吧，我的朋友，我有权力封住控诉者的嘴唇。你还是去装上一副玻璃眼睛，像一个卑鄙的阴谋家似的，假装能够看见你所看不见的事情吧。来，来，来，来，替我把靴子脱下来；用力一点，用力一点；好。
爱德伽 （旁白）啊！疯话和正经话夹杂在一起；虽然他发了疯，他说出来的话却不是全无意义的。
李尔 要是你愿意为我的命运痛哭，那么把我的眼睛拿了去吧。我知道你是什么人；你的名字是葛罗斯特。你必须忍耐；你知道我们来到这世上，第一次嗅到了空气，就哇呀哇呀地哭起来。让我讲一番道理给你听；你听着。
葛罗斯特 唉！唉！
李尔 当我们生下地来的时候，我们因为来到了这个全是些傻瓜的广大的舞台之上，所以禁不住放声大哭。这顶帽子的式样很不错！用毡呢钉在一队马儿的蹄上，倒是一个妙计；我要把它实行一下，悄悄地偷进我那两个女婿的营里，然后我就杀呀，杀呀，杀呀，杀呀，杀呀，杀呀！⒀（侍臣率侍从数人上。）
侍臣 啊！他在这儿；抓住他。陛下，您的最亲爱的女儿——
李尔 没有人救我吗？什么！我变成一个囚犯了吗？我是天生下来被命运愚弄的。不要虐待我；有人会拿钱来赎我的。替我请几个外科医生来，我的头脑受了伤啦。
侍臣 您将会得到您所需要的一切。
李尔 一个伙伴也没有？只有我一个人吗？嗳哟，这样会叫一个人变成了个泪人儿，用他的眼睛充作灌园的水壶，去浇洒秋天的泥土。
侍臣 陛下——
李尔 我要像一个新郎似的勇敢地死去。嘿！我要高高兴兴的。来，来，我是一个国王，你们知道吗？
侍臣 您是一位尊严的王上，我们服从您的旨意。
李尔 那么还有几分希望。要去快去。唦唦唦唦。（下。侍从等随下。）
侍臣 最微贱的平民到了这样一个地步，也会叫人看了伤心，何况是一个国王！你那两个不孝的女儿，已经使天道人伦受到咒诅，可是你还有一个女儿，却已经把天道人伦从这样的咒诅中间拯救出来了。
爱德伽 祝福，先生。
侍臣 足下有什么见教？
爱德伽 您有没有听见什么关于将要发生一场战事的消息？
侍臣 这已经是一件千真万确、谁都知道的事了；每一个耳朵能够辨别声音的人都听到过那样的消息。
爱德伽 可是借问一声，您知道对方的军队离这儿还有多少路？
侍臣 很近了，他们一路来得很诀；他们的主力部队每一点钟都有到来的可能。
爱德伽 谢谢您，先生；这是我所要知道的一切。
侍臣 王后虽然有特别的原因还在这儿，她的军队已经开上去了。
爱德伽 谢谢您，先生。（侍臣下。）
葛罗斯特 永远仁慈的神明，请停止我的呼吸吧；不要在你没有要我离开人世之前，再让我的罪恶的灵魂引诱我结束我自己的生命！
爱德伽 您祷告得很好，老人家。
葛罗斯特 好先生，您是什么人？
爱德伽 一个非常穷苦的人，受惯命运的打击；因为自己是从忧患中间过来的，所以对于不幸的人很容易抱同情。把您的手给我，让我把您领到一处可以栖身的地方去。
葛罗斯特 多谢多谢；愿上天大大赐福给您！
奥斯华德上。
奥斯华德 明令缉拿的要犯！好极了，居然碰在我的手里！你那颗瞎眼的头颅，却是我的进身的阶梯。你这倒楣的老奸贼，赶快忏悔你的罪恶，剑已经拔出了，你今天难逃一死。
葛罗斯特 但愿你这慈悲的手多用一些气力，帮助我早早脱离苦痛。（爱德伽劝阻奥斯华德。）
奥斯华德 大胆的村夫，你怎么敢袒护一个明令缉拿的叛徒？滚开，免得你也遭到和他同样的命运。放开他的胳臂。
爱德伽 先生，你不向我说明理由，我是不放的。
奥斯华德 放开，奴才，否则我叫你死。
爱德伽 好先生，你走你的路，让穷人们过去吧。要是这种吓人的话也能把我吓倒，那么我早在半个月之前，就给人吓死了。不，不要走近这个老头儿；我关照你，走远一点儿；要不然的话，我要试一试究竟还是你的头硬还是我的棍子硬。我可不知道什么客气不客气。
奥斯华德 走开，混账东西！
爱德伽 我要拔掉你的牙齿，先生。来，尽管刺过来吧。（二人决斗，爱德伽击奥斯华德倒地。）
奥斯华德 奴才，你打死我了。把我的钱囊拿了去吧。要是你希望将来有好日子过，请你把我的尸体掘一个坑埋了；我身边还有一封信，请你替我送给葛罗斯特伯爵爱德蒙大爷，他在英国军队里，你可以找到他。啊！想不到我死于非命！（死。）
爱德伽 我认识你；你是一个惯会讨主上欢心的奴才；你的女主人无论有什么万恶的命令，你总是奉命唯谨。
葛罗斯特 什么！他死了吗？
爱德伽 坐下来，老人家；您休息一会儿吧。让我们搜一搜他的衣袋——他说起的这一封信，也许可以对我有一点用处。他死了；我只可惜他不是死在刽子手的手里。让我们看：对不起，好蜡，我要把你拆开来了；恕我无礼，为了要知道我们敌人的居心，就是他们的心肝也要剖出来，拆阅他们的信件不算是违法的事。“不要忘记我们彼此间的誓约。你有许多机会可以除去他；只要你有决心，一切都是不成问题的。要是他得胜归来，那就什么都完了；我将要成为一个囚人，他的眠床就是我的牢狱。把我从他可憎的怀抱中拯救出来吧，他的地位你可以取而代之，这也是你应得的酬劳。你的恋慕的奴婢——但愿我能换上妻子两个字——高纳里尔。”啊，不可测度的女人的心！谋害她的善良的丈夫，叫我的兄弟代替他的位置！在这砂土之内，我要把你掩埋起来，你这杀人的淫妇的使者。在一个适当的时间，我要让那被人阴谋弑害的公爵见到这一封卑劣的信。我能够把你的死讯和你的使命告诉他，对于他是一件幸运的事。
葛罗斯特 王上疯了；我的万恶的知觉却是倔强得很，我一站起身来，无限的悲痛就涌上我的心头！还是疯了的好；那样我可以不再想到我的不幸，让一切痛苦在昏乱的幻想之中忘记了它们本身的存在。（远处鼓声。）
爱德伽 把您的手给我；好像我听见远远有打鼓的声音。来，老人家，让我把您安顿在一个朋友的地方（同下。）
第七场 法军营帐
考狄利娅、肯特、医生及侍臣上。
考狄利娅 好肯特啊！我怎么能够报答你这一番苦心好意呢！就是粉身碎骨，也不能抵偿你的大德。
肯特 娘娘，只要自己的苦心被人了解，那就是莫大的报酬了。我所讲的话，句句都是事实，没有一分增减。
考狄利娅 去换一身好一点的衣服吧；您身上的衣服是那一段悲惨的时光中的纪念品，请你脱下来吧。
肯特 恕我，娘娘；我现在还不能回复我的本来面目，因为那会妨碍我的预定的计划。请您准许我这一个要求，在我自己认为还没有到适当的时间以前，您必须把我当作一个不相识的人。
考狄利娅 那么就照你的意思吧，伯爵。（向医生）王上怎样？
医生 娘娘，他仍旧睡着。
考狄利娅 慈悲的神明啊，医治他的被凌辱的心灵中的重大的裂痕！保佑这一个被不孝的女儿所反噬的老父，让他错乱昏迷的神智回复健全吧！
医生 请问娘娘，我们现在可不可以叫王上醒来？他已经睡得很久了。
考狄利娅 照你的意见，应该怎么办就怎么办吧。他有没有穿着好？
李尔卧椅内，众仆舁上。
侍臣 是，娘娘；我们乘着他熟睡的时候，已经替他把新衣服穿上去了。
医生 娘娘，请您不要走开，等我们叫他醒来；我相信他的神经已经安定下来了。
考狄利娅 很好。（乐声。）
医生 请您走近一步。音乐还要响一点儿。
考狄利娅 啊，我的亲爱的父亲！但愿我的嘴唇上有治愈疯狂的灵药，让这一吻抹去了我那两个姊姊加在你身上的无情的伤害吧！
肯特 善良的好公主！
考狄利娅 假如你不是她们的父亲，这满头的白雪也该引起她们的怜悯。这样一张面庞是受得起激战的狂风吹打的吗？它能够抵御可怕的雷霆吗？在最惊人的闪电的光辉之下，你，可怜的无援的兵士！戴着这一顶薄薄的戎盔，苦苦地守住你的哨岗吗？我的敌人的狗，即使它曾经咬过我，在那样的夜里，我也要让它躺在我的火炉之前。但是你，可怜的父亲，却甘心钻在污秽霉烂的稻草里，和猪狗、和流浪的乞儿作伴吗？唉！唉！你的生命不和你的智慧同归于尽，才是一件怪事。他醒来了；对他说些什么话吧。
医生 娘娘，应该您去跟他说说。
考狄利娅 父王陛下，您好吗？
李尔 你们不应该把我从坟墓中间拖了出来。你是一个有福的灵魂；我却缚在一个烈火的车轮上，我自己的眼泪也像熔铅一样灼痛我的脸。
考狄利娅 父亲，您认识我吗？
李尔 你是一个灵魂，我知道；你在什么时候死的？
考狄利娅 还是疯疯癫癫的。
医生 他还没有完全清醒过来；暂时不要惊扰他。
李尔 我到过些什么地方？现在我在什么地方？明亮的白昼吗？我大大受了骗啦。我如果看见别人落到这一个地步，我也要为他心碎而死。我不知道应该怎么说。我不愿发誓这一双是我的手；让我试试看，这针刺上去是觉得痛的。但愿我能够知道我自己的实在情形！
考狄利娅 啊！瞧着我，父亲，把您的手按在我的头上为我祝福吧。不，父亲，您千万不能跪下。
李尔 请不要取笑我；我是一个非常愚蠢的傻老头子，活了八十多岁了；不瞒您说，我怕我的头脑有点儿不大健全。我想我应该认识您，也该认识这个人；可是我不敢确定；因为我全然不知道这是什么地方，而且凭着我所有的能力，我也记不起来什么时候穿上这身衣服；我也不知道昨天晚上我在什么所在过夜。不要笑我；我想这位夫人是我的孩子考狄利娅。
考狄利娅 正是，正是。
李尔 你在流着眼泪吗？当真。请你不要哭啦；要是你有毒药为我预备着，我愿意喝下去。我知道你不爱我；因为我记得你的两个姊姊都虐待我；你虐待我还有几分理由，她们却没有理由虐待我。
考狄利娅 谁都没有这理由。
李尔 我是在法国吗？
肯特 在您自己的国土之内，陛下。
李尔 不要骗我。
医生 请宽心一点，娘娘；您看他的疯狂已经平静下去了；可是再向他提起他经历的事情，却是非常危险的。不要多烦扰他，让他的神经完全安定下来。
考狄利娅 请陛下到里边去安息安息吧。
李尔 你必须原谅我。请你不咎既往，宽赦我的过失；我是个年老糊涂的人。（李尔、考狄利娅、医生及侍从等同下。）
侍臣 先生，康华尔公爵被刺的消息是真的吗？
肯特 完全真确。
侍臣 他的军队归什么人带领？
肯特 据说是葛罗斯特的庶子。
侍臣 他们说他的放逐在外的儿子爱德伽现在跟肯特伯爵都在德国。
肯特 消息常常变化不定。现在是应该戒备的时候了，英国军队已在迅速逼近。
侍臣 一场血战是免不了的。再会，先生。（下。）
肯特 我的目的能不能顺利达到，要看这一场战事的结果方才分晓。（下。）
第五幕
第一场 多佛附近英军营地
旗鼓前导，爱德蒙、里根、军官、兵士及侍从等上。
爱德蒙 （向一军官）你去问一声公爵，他是不是仍旧保持着原来的决心，还是因为有了其他的理由，已经改变了方针；他这个人摇摆不定，畏首畏尾；我要知道他究竟抱着怎样的主张。（军官下。）
里根 我那姊姊差来的人一定在路上出了事啦。
爱德蒙 那可说不定，夫人。
里根 好爵爷，我对你的一片好心，你不会不知道的；现在请你告诉我，老老实实地告诉我，你不爱我的姊姊吗？
爱德蒙 我只是按照我的名分敬爱她。
里根 可是你从来没有深入我的姊夫的禁地吗？
爱德蒙 这样的思想是有失您自己的体统的。
里根 我怕你们已经打成一片，她心坎儿里只有你一个人哩。
爱德蒙 凭着我的名誉起誓，夫人，没有这样的事。
里根 我决不答应她；我的亲爱的爵爷，不要跟她亲热。
爱德蒙 您放心吧。——她跟她的公爵丈夫来啦！
旗鼓前导，奥本尼、高纳里尔及兵士等上。
高纳里尔 （旁白）我宁愿这一次战争失败，也不让我那个妹子把他从我手里夺了去。
奥本尼 贤妹久违了。伯爵，我听说王上已经带了一班受不住我国的苛政、高呼不平的人们，到他女儿的地方去了。要是我们所兴的是一场不义之师，我是再也提不起我的勇气来的；可是现在的问题，并不是我们的王上和他手下的一群人在法国的煽动之下，用堂堂正正的理由向我们兴师问罪，而是法国举兵侵犯我们的领土，这是我们所不能容忍的。
爱德蒙 您说得有理，佩服，佩服。
里根 这种话讲它做什么呢？
高纳里尔 我们只须同心合力，打退敌人，这些内部的纠纷，不是现在所要讨论的问题。
奥本尼 那么让我们跟那些久历戎行的战士们讨论讨论我们所应该采取的战略吧。
爱德蒙 很好，我就到您的帐里来叨陪末议。
里根 姊姊，您也跟我们一块儿去吗？
高纳里尔 不。
里根 您怎么可以不去？来，请吧。
高纳里尔 （旁白）哼！我明白你的意里。（高声）好，我就去。
爱德伽乔装上。
爱德伽 殿下要是不嫌我微贱，请听我说一句话。
奥本尼 你们先请一步，我就来。——说。（爱德蒙、里根、高纳里尔、军官、兵士及侍从等同下。）
爱德伽 在您没有开始作战以前，先把这封信拆开来看一看。要是您得到胜利，可以吹喇叭为信号，叫我出来；虽然您看我是这样一个下贱的人，我可以请出一个证人来，证明这信上所写的事。要是您失败了，那么您在这世上的使命已经完毕，一切阴谋也都无能为力了。愿命运眷顾您！
奥本尼 等我读了信你再去。
爱德伽 我不能。时候一到，您只要叫传令官传唤一声，我就会出来的。
奥本尼 那么再见；你的信我拿回去看吧。（爱德伽下。）
爱德蒙重上。
爱德蒙 敌人已经望得见了；快把您的军队集合起来。这儿记载着根据精密侦查所得的敌方军力的估计；可是现在您必须快点儿了。
奥本尼 好，我们准备迎敌就是了。（下。）
爱德蒙 我对这两个姊姊都已经立下爱情的盟誓；她们彼此互怀嫉妒，就像被蛇咬过的人见不得蛇的影子一样。我应该选择哪一个呢？两个都要？只要一个？还是一个也不要？要是两个全都留在世上，我就一个也不能到手；娶了那寡妇，一定会激怒她的姊姊高纳里尔；可是她的丈夫一天不死，我又怎么能跟她成双配对？现在我们还是要借他做号召军心的幌子；等到战事结束以后，她要是想除去他，让她自己设法结果他的性命吧。照他的意思，李尔和考狄利娅两人被我们捉到以后，是不能加害的：可是假如他们果然落在我们手里，我们可决不让他们得到他的赦免；因为我保全自己的地位要紧，什么天理良心只好一概不论。（下。）
第二场 两军营地之间的原野
内号角声。旗鼓前导，李尔及考狄利娅率军队上；同下。爱德伽及葛罗斯特上。
爱德伽 来，老人家，在这树荫底下坐坐吧；但愿正义得到胜利！要是我还能够回来见您，我一定会给您好消息的。
葛罗斯特 上帝照顾您，先生！（爱德伽下。）
号角声；有顷，内吹退军号。爱德伽重上。
爱德伽 去吧，老人家！把您的手给我；去吧！李尔王已经失败，他跟他的女儿都被他们捉去了。把您的手给我；来。
葛罗斯特 不，先生，我不想再到什么地方去了；让我就在这儿等死吧。
爱德伽 怎么！您又转起那种坏念头来了吗？人们的生死都不是可以勉强求到的，你应该耐心忍受天命的安排。来。
葛罗斯特 那也说得有理。（同下。）
第三场 多佛附近英军营地
旗鼓前导，爱德蒙凯旋上；李尔、考狄利娅被俘随上；军官、兵士等同上。
爱德蒙 来人，把他们押下去，好生看守，等上面发落下来，再作道理。
考狄利娅 存心良善的反而得到恶报，这样的前例是很多的。我只是为了你，被迫害的国王，才感到悲伤；否则尽管欺人的命运向我横眉怒目，我也不把她的凌辱放在心上。我们要不要去见见这两个女儿和这两个姊姊？
李尔 不，不，不，不！来，让我们到监牢里去。我们两人将要像笼中之鸟一般唱歌；当你求我为你祝福的时候，我要跪下来求你饶恕；我们就这样生活着，祈祷，唱歌，说些古老的故事，嘲笑那班像金翅蝴蝶般的廷臣，听听那些可怜的人们讲些宫廷里的消息；我们也要跟他们在一起谈话，谁失败，谁胜利，谁在朝，谁在野，用我们的意见解释各种事情的秘奥，就像我们是上帝的耳目一样；在囚牢的四壁之内，我们将要冷眼看那些朋比为奸的党徒随着月亮的圆缺而升沉。
爱德蒙 把他们带下去。
李尔 对于这样的祭物，我的考狄利娅，天神也要焚香致敬的。我果然把你捉住了吗？谁要是想分开我们，必须从天上取下一把火炬来像驱逐狐狸一样把我们赶散。揩干你的眼睛；让恶疮烂掉他们的全身，他们也不能使我们流泪，我们要看他们活活饿死。来。（兵士押李尔、考狄利娅下。）
爱德蒙 过来，队长。听着，把这一通密令拿去；（以一纸授军官）跟着他们到监牢里去。我已经把你提升了一级，要是你能够照这密令上所说的执行，一定大有好处。你要知道，识时务的才是好汉；心肠太软的人不配佩带刀剑。我吩咐你去干这件重要的差使，你可不必多问，愿意就做，不愿意就另谋出路吧。
军官 我愿意，大人。
爱德蒙 那么去吧；你立了这一个功劳，你就是一个幸运的人。听着，事不宜迟，必须照我所写的办法赶快办好。
军官 我不会拖车子，也不会吃干麦；只要是男子汉干的事，我就会干。（下。）
喇叭奏花腔。奥本尼、高纳里尔、里根、军官及侍从等上。
奥本尼 伯爵，你今天果然表明了你是一个将门之子；命运眷顾着你，使你克奏肤功，跟我们敌对的人都已经束手就擒。请你把你的俘虏交给我们，让我们一方面按照他们的身分，一方面顾到我们自身的安全，决定一个适当的处置。
爱德蒙 殿下，我已经把那不幸的老王拘禁起来，并且派兵严密监视了；我认为应该这样办；他的高龄和尊号都有一种莫大的魔力，可以吸引人心归附他，要是不加防范，恐怕我们的部下都要受他的煽惑而对我们反戈相向。那王后我为了同样的理由，也把她一起下了监；他们明天或者迟一两天就可以受你们的审判。现在弟兄们刚刚流过血汗，丧折了不少的朋友亲人，他们感受战争的残酷，未免心中愤激，这场争端无论理由怎样正大，在他们看来也就成为是可咒诅的了；所以审问考狄利娅和她的父亲这一件事，必须在一个更适当的时候举行。
奥本尼 伯爵，说一句不怕你见怪的话，你不过是一个随征的将领，我并没有把你当作一个同等地位的人。
里根 假如我愿意，为什么他不能和你分庭抗礼呢？我想你在说这样的话以前，应该先问问我的意思才是。他带领我们的军队，受到我的全权委任，凭着这一层亲密的关系，也够资格和你称兄道弟了。
高纳里尔 少亲热点儿吧；他的地位是他靠着自己的才能造成的，并不是你给他的恩典。
里根 我把我的权力付托给他，他就能和最尊贵的人匹敌。
高纳里尔 要是他做了你的丈夫，至多也不过如此吧。
里根 笑话往往会变成预言。
高纳里尔 呵呵！看你挤眉弄眼的，果然有点儿邪气。
里根 太太，我现在身子不大舒服，懒得跟你斗口了。将军，请你接受我的军队、俘虏和财产；这一切连我自己都由你支配；我是你的献城降服的臣仆；让全世界为我证明，我现在把你立为我的丈夫和君主。
高纳里尔 你想要受用他吗？
奥本尼 那不是你所能阻止的。
爱德蒙 也不是你所能阻止的。
奥本尼 杂种，我可以阻止你们。
里根 （向爱德蒙）叫鼓手打起鼓来，和他决斗，证明我已经把尊位给了你。
奥本尼 等一等，我还有话说。爱德蒙，你犯有叛逆重罪，我逮捕你；同时我还要逮捕这一条金鳞的毒蛇。（指高纳里尔）贤妹，为了我的妻子的缘故，我必须要求您放弃您的权利；她已经跟这位勋爵有约在先，所以我，她的丈夫，不得不对你们的婚姻表示异议。要是您想结婚的话，还是把您的爱情用在我的身上吧，我的妻子已经另有所属了。
高纳里尔 这一段穿插真有趣！
奥本尼 葛罗斯特，你现在甲胄在身；让喇叭吹起来；要是没有人出来证明你所犯的无数凶残罪恶，众目昭彰的叛逆重罪，这儿是我的信物；（掷下手套）在我没有剖开你的胸口，证明我此刻所宣布的一切以前，我决不让一些食物接触我的嘴唇。
里根 嗳哟！我病了！我病了！
高纳里尔 （旁白）要是你不病，我也从此不相信毒药了。
爱德蒙 这儿是我给你的交换品；（掷下手套）谁骂我是叛徒的，他就是个说谎的恶人。叫你的喇叭吹起来吧；谁有胆量，出来，我可以向他、向你、向每一个人证明我的不可动摇的忠心和荣誉。
奥本尼 来，传令官！
爱德蒙 传令官！传令官！
奥本尼 信赖你个人的勇气吧；因为你的军队都是用我的名义征集的，我已经用我的名义把他们遣散了。
里根 我的病越来越厉害啦！
奥本尼 她身体不舒服；把她扶到我的帐里去。（侍从扶里根下）过来，传令官。
传令官上。
奥本尼 叫喇叭吹起来。宣读这一道命令。
军官 吹喇叭！（喇叭吹响。）
传令官 （宣读）“在本军之中，如有身分高贵的将校官佐，愿意证明爱德蒙——名分未定的葛罗斯特伯爵，是一个罪恶多端的叛徒，让他在第三次喇叭声中出来。该爱德蒙坚决自卫。”
爱德蒙 吹！（喇叭初响）
传令官 再吹！（喇叭再响。）
传令官 再吹！（喇叭三响。内喇叭声相应。）
喇叭手前导，爱德伽武装上。
奥本尼 问明他的来意，为什么他听了喇叭的呼召到这儿来。
传令官 你是什么人？你叫什么名字？在军中是什么官级？为什么你要应召而来？
爱德伽 我的名字已经被阴谋的毒齿咬啮蛀蚀了；可是我的出身正像我现在所要来面对的敌手同样高贵。
奥本尼 谁是你的敌手？
爱德伽 代表葛罗斯特伯爵爱德蒙的是什么人？
爱德蒙 他自己；你对他有什么话说？
爱德伽 拔出你的剑来，要是我的话激怒了一颗正直的心，你的兵器可以为你辩护；这儿是我的剑。听着，虽然你有的是胆量、勇气、权位和尊荣，虽然你挥着胜利的宝剑，夺到了新的幸运，可是凭着我的荣誉、我的誓言和我的骑士的身分所给我的特权，我当众宣布你是一个叛徒，不忠于你的神明、你的兄长和你的父亲，阴谋倾覆这一位崇高卓越的君王，从你的头顶直到你的足下的尘土，彻头彻尾是一个最可憎的逆贼。要是你说一声“不”，这一柄剑、这一只胳臂和我的全身的勇气，都要向你的心口证明你说谎。
爱德蒙 照理我应该问你的名字；可是你的外表既然这样英勇，你的出言吐语，也可以表明你不是一个卑微的人，虽然按照骑士的规则，我可以拒绝你的挑战，我却不惜唾弃这些规则，把你所说的那种罪名仍旧丢回到你的头上，让那像地狱一般可憎的谎话吞没你的心；凭着这一柄剑，我要在你的心头挖破一个窟窿，把你的罪恶一起塞进去。吹起来，喇叭！（号角声。二人决斗。爱德蒙倒地。）
奥本尼 留他活命，留他活命！
高纳里尔 这是诡计，葛罗斯特；按照决斗的法律，你尽可以不接受一个不知名的对手的挑战；你不是被人打败，你是中了人家的计了。
奥本尼 闭住你的嘴，妇人，否则我要用这一张纸塞住它了。且慢，骑士。你这比一切恶名更恶的恶人，读读你自己的罪恶吧。不要撕，太太；我看你也认识这一封信的。（以信授爱德蒙。）
高纳里尔 即使我认识这一封信，又有什么关系！法律在我手中，不在你手中；谁可以控诉我？（下。）
奥本尼 岂有此理！你知道这封信吗？
爱德蒙 不要问我知道不知道。
奥本尼 追上她去；她现在情急了，什么事都干得出来；留心看着她。（一军官下。）
爱德蒙 你所指斥我的罪状，我全都承认；而且我所干的事，着实不止这一些呢，总有一天会全部暴露的。现在这些事已成过去，我也要永辞人世了。——可是你是什么人，我会失败在你的手里？假如你是一个贵族，我愿意对你不记仇恨。
爱德伽 让我们互相宽恕吧。在血统上我并不比你低微，爱德蒙；要是我的出身比你更高贵，你尤其不该那样陷害我。我的名字是爱德伽，你的父亲的儿子。公正的天神使我们的风流罪过成为惩罚我们的工具；他在黑暗淫邪的地方生下了你，结果使他丧失了他的眼睛。
爱德蒙 你说得不错；天道的车轮已经循环过来了。
奥本尼 我一看见你的举止行动，就觉得你不是一个凡俗之人。我必须拥抱你；让悔恨碎裂了我的心，要是我曾经憎恨过你和你的父亲。
爱德伽 殿下，我一向知道您的仁慈。
奥本尼 你把自己藏匿在什么地方？你怎么知道你的父亲的灾难？
爱德伽 殿下，我知道他的灾难，因为我就在他的身边照料他，听我讲一段简短的故事；当我说完以后，啊，但愿我的心爆裂了吧！贪生怕死，是我们人类的常情，我们宁愿每小时忍受着死亡的惨痛，也不愿一下子结束自己的生命；我为了逃避那紧迫着我的、残酷的宣判，不得不披上一身疯人的褴褛衣服，改扮成一副连狗儿们也要看不起的样子。在这样的乔装之中，我碰见了我的父亲，他的两个眼眶里淋着血，那宝贵的眼珠已经失去了；我替他做向导，带着他走路，为他向人求乞，把他从绝望之中拯救出来；啊！千不该、万不该，我不该向他瞒住我自己的真相！直到约摸半小时以前，我已经披上甲胄，虽说希望天从人愿，却不知道此行究竟结果如何，便请他为我祝福，才把我的全部经历从头到尾告诉他知道；可是唉！他的破碎的心太脆弱了，载不起这样重大的喜悦和悲伤，在这两种极端的情绪猛烈的冲突之下，他含着微笑死了。
爱德蒙 你这番话很使我感动，说不定对我有好处；可是说下去吧，看上去你还有一些话要说。
奥本尼 要是还有比这更伤心的事，请不要说下去了吧；因为我听了这样的话，已经忍不住热泪盈眶了。
爱德伽 对于不喜欢悲哀的人，这似乎已经是悲哀的顶点；可是在极度的悲哀之上，却还有更大的悲哀。当我正在放声大哭的时候，来了一个人，他认识我就是他所见过的那个疯丐，不敢接近我；可是后来他知道了我究竟是什么人，遭遇到什么样不幸，他就抱住我的头颈，大放悲声，好像要把天空都震碎一般；他俯伏在我的父亲的尸体上；讲出了关于李尔和他两个人的一段最凄惨的故事；他越讲越伤心，他的生命之弦都要开始颤断了；那时候喇叭的声音已经响过二次，我只好抛下他一个人在那如痴如醉的状态之中。
奥本尼 可是这是什么人？
爱德伽 肯特，殿下，被放逐的肯特；他一路上乔装改貌，跟随那把他视同仇敌的国王，替他躬操奴隶不如的贱役。
一侍臣持一流血之刀上。
侍臣 救命！救命！救命啊！
爱德伽 救什么命！
奥本尼 说呀，什么事？
爱德伽 那柄血淋淋的刀是什么意思？
侍臣 它还热腾腾地冒着气呢；它是从她的心窝里拔出来的，——啊！她死了！
奥本尼 谁死了？说呀。
侍臣 您的夫人，殿下，您的夫人；她的妹妹也给她毒死了，她自己承认的。
爱德蒙 我跟她们两人都有婚姻之约，现在我们三个人可以在一块儿做夫妻了。
爱德伽 肯特来了。
奥本尼 把她们的尸体抬出来，不管她们有没有死。这一个上天的判决使我们战栗，却不能引起我们的怜悯。（侍臣下。）
肯特上。
奥本尼 啊！这就是他吗？当前的变故使我不能对他尽我应尽的敬礼。
肯特 我要来向我的王上道一声永久的晚安，他不在这儿吗？
奥本尼 我们把一件重要的事情忘了！爱德蒙，王上呢？考狄利娅呢？肯特，你看见这一种情景吗？（传从抬高纳里尔、里根二尸体上。）
肯特 嗳哟！这是为了什么？
爱德蒙 爱德蒙还是有人爱的；这一个为了我的缘故毒死了那一个，跟着她也自杀了。
奥本尼 正是这样。把她们的脸遮起来。
爱德蒙 我快要断气了，倒想做一件违反我的本性的好事。赶快差人到城堡里去，因为我已经下令，要把李尔和考狄利娅处死。不要多说废话，迟一点就来不及啦。
奥本尼 跑！跑！跑呀！
爱德伽 跑去找谁呀，殿下？——谁奉命干这件事的？你得给我一件什么东西，作为赦免的凭证。
爱德蒙 想得不错；把我的剑拿去给那队长。
奥本尼 快去，快去。（爱德伽下。）
爱德蒙 他从我的妻子跟我两人的手里得到密令，要把考狄利娅在狱中缢死，对外面说是她自己在绝望中自杀的。
奥本尼 神明保佑她！把他暂时抬出去。（侍从抬爱德蒙下。）
李尔抱考狄利娅尸体，爱德伽、军官及余人等同上。
李尔 哀号吧，哀号吧，哀号吧，哀号吧！啊！你们都是些石头一样的人；要是我有了你们的那些舌头和眼睛，我要用我的眼泪和哭声震撼穹苍。她是一去不回的了。一个人死了还是活着，我是知道的；她已经像泥土一样死去。借一面镜子给我；要是她的气息还能够在镜面上呵起一层薄雾，那么她还没有死。
肯特 这就是世界最后的结局吗？
爱德伽 还是末日恐怖的预兆？
奥本尼 天倒下来了，一切都要归于毁灭吗？
李尔 这一根羽毛在动；她没有死！要是她还有活命，那么我的一切悲哀都可以消释了。
肯特 （跪）啊，我的好主人！
李尔 走开！
爱德伽 这是尊贵的肯特，您的朋友。
李尔 一场瘟疫降落在你们身上，全是些凶手，奸贼！我本来可以把她救活的；现在她再也回不转来了！考狄利娅，考狄利娅！等一等。嘿！你说什么？她的声音总是那么柔软温和，女儿家是应该这样的。我亲手杀死了那把你缢死的奴才。
军官 殿下，他真的把他杀死了。
李尔 我不是把他杀死了吗，汉子？从前我一举起我的宝刀，就可以叫他们吓得抱头鼠窜；现在年纪老啦，受到这许多磨难，一天比一天不中用啦。你是谁？等会儿我就可以说出来了；我的眼睛可不大好。
肯特 要是命运女神向人夸口，说起有两个曾经一度被她宠爱、后来却为她厌弃的人，那么在我们的眼前就各站着其中的一个。
李尔 我的眼睛太糊涂啦。你不是肯特吗？
肯特 正是，您的仆人肯特。您的仆人卡厄斯呢？
李尔 他是一个好人，我可以告诉你；他一动起火来就会打人。他现在已经死得骨头都腐烂了。
肯特 不，陛下；我就是那个人——
李尔 我马上能认出来你是不是。
肯特 自从您开始遭遇变故以来，一直跟随着您的不幸的足迹。
李尔 欢迎，欢迎。
肯特 不，一切都是凄惨的、黑暗的、阴郁的，您的两个大女儿已经在绝望中自杀了。
李尔 嗯，我也想是这样的。
奥本尼 他不知道他自己在说些什么话，我们谒见他也是徒然的。
爱德伽 全然是徒劳。
一军官上。
军官 启禀殿下，爱德蒙死了。
奥本尼 他的死在现在不过是一件无足重轻的小事。各位勋爵和尊贵的朋友，听我向你们宣示我的意旨：对于这一位老病衰弱的君王，我们将要尽我们的力量给他可能的安慰；当他在世的时候，我仍旧把最高的权力归还给他。（向爱德伽、肯特）你们两位仍旧恢复原来的爵位，我还要加赉你们额外的尊荣，褒扬你们过人的节行。一切朋友都要得到他们忠贞的报酬，一切仇敌都要尝到他们罪恶的苦杯。——啊！瞧，瞧！
李尔 我的可怜的傻瓜给他们缢死了！不，不，没有命了！为什么一条狗、一匹马、一只耗子，都有它们的生命，你却没有一丝呼吸？你是永不回来的了，永不，永不，永不，永不，永不！请你替我解开这个钮扣；谢谢你，先生。你看见吗？瞧着她，瞧，她的嘴唇，瞧那边，瞧那边！（死。）
爱德伽 他晕过去了！——陛下，陛下！
肯特 碎吧，心啊！碎吧！
爱德伽 抬起头来，陛下。
肯特 不要烦扰他的灵魂。啊！让他安然死去吧；他将要痛恨那想要使他在这无情的人世多受一刻酷刑的人。
爱德伽 他真的去了。
肯特 他居然忍受了这么久的时候，才是一件奇事；他的生命不是他自己的。
奥本尼 把他们抬出去。我们现在要传令全国举哀。（向肯特、爱德伽）
两位朋友，帮我主持大政，
培养这已经斲伤的国本。
肯特 不日间我就要登程上道；
我已经听见主上的呼召。
奥本尼 不幸的重担不能不肩负；
感情是我们唯一的言语。
年老的人已经忍受一切，
后人只有抚陈迹而叹息。（同下。奏丧礼进行曲。）
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
注释
意即不是天主教徒。天主教徒逢星期五按例吃鱼。
踢皮球在当时只是下层市民的娱乐。
意即好出大言的埃阿斯也比不上他们善于吹牛。
流火，指花柳病而言。
梅林，是亚瑟王故事中的术士和预言家，时代后于传说中的李尔王许多年，这里是作者故意说的笑话。
圣维都尔（St．Withold），传说中安眠的保护神。
据说魇魔作祟，骑在熟睡者的胸口。下文“发过誓儿”即要魇魔赌咒不再骑在人身上。
李尔王把爱德伽比作古希腊哲学家。
罗兰骑士，欧洲中世纪骑士文学中的著名英雄。
弗拉特累多，小魔鬼的名字。
当时疯叫化子行乞，用挂于颈间的大牛角盛乞得的剩菜残羹。
意即具有老人的智慧。
李尔王在这里效仿军队冲锋时的呐喊声。
King Lear’s Palace.
Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmund. [Kent and Gloucester converse. Edmund stands back.]
Earl of Kent. I thought the King had more affected the Duke of Albany than
Cornwall.
Earl of Gloucester. It did always seem so to us; but now, in the division of the
kingdom, it appears not which of the Dukes he values most, for 5
equalities are so weigh'd that curiosity in neither can make
choice of either's moiety.
Earl of Kent. Is not this your son, my lord?
Earl of Gloucester. His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge. I have so often
blush'd to acknowledge him that now I am braz'd to't. 10Earl of Kent. I cannot conceive you.
Earl of Gloucester. Sir, this young fellow's mother could; whereupon she grew
round-womb'd, and had indeed, sir, a son for her cradle ere she
had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a fault?
Earl of Kent. I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it being so 15
proper.
Earl of Gloucester. But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year elder than
this, who yet is no dearer in my account. Though this knave came
something saucily into the world before he was sent for, yet was
his mother fair, there was good sport at his making, and the 20
whoreson must be acknowledged.- Do you know this noble gentleman,
Edmund?
Edmund. [comes forward] No, my lord.
Earl of Gloucester. My Lord of Kent. Remember him hereafter as my honourable
friend. 25Edmund. My services to your lordship.
Earl of Kent. I must love you, and sue to know you better.
Edmund. Sir, I shall study deserving.
Earl of Gloucester. He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again.
[Sound a sennet.] 30
The King is coming.
Enter one bearing a coronet; then Lear; then the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall; next, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, with Followers.
Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.
Earl of Gloucester. I shall, my liege.
Exeunt [Gloucester and Edmund].
Lear. Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.
Give me the map there. Know we have divided
In three our kingdom; and 'tis our fast intent
To shake all cares and business from our age,
Conferring them on younger strengths while we 40
Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,
And you, our no less loving son of Albany,
We have this hour a constant will to publish
Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife
May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy, 45
Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,
And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters
(Since now we will divest us both of rule,
Interest of territory, cares of state), 50
Which of you shall we say doth love us most?
That we our largest bounty may extend
Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,
Our eldest-born, speak first.
Goneril. Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter; 55
Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty;
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;
As much as child e'er lov'd, or father found;
A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable. 60
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.
Cordelia. [aside] What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent.
Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,
With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd,
With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads, 65
We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issue
Be this perpetual.- What says our second daughter,
Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.
Regan. Sir, I am made
Of the selfsame metal that my sister is, 70
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart
I find she names my very deed of love;
Only she comes too short, that I profess
Myself an enemy to all other joys
Which the most precious square of sense possesses, 75
And find I am alone felicitate
In your dear Highness' love.
Cordelia. [aside] Then poor Cordelia!
And yet not so; since I am sure my love's
More richer than my tongue. 80Lear. To thee and thine hereditary ever
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,
No less in space, validity, and pleasure
Than that conferr'd on Goneril.- Now, our joy,
Although the last, not least; to whose young love 85
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy
Strive to be interest; what can you say to draw
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.
Cordelia. Nothing, my lord.
Lear. Nothing? 90Cordelia. Nothing.
Lear. Nothing can come of nothing. Speak again.
Cordelia. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty
According to my bond; no more nor less. 95Lear. How, how, Cordelia? Mend your speech a little,
Lest it may mar your fortunes.
Cordelia. Good my lord,
You have begot me, bred me, lov'd me; I
Return those duties back as are right fit, 100
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry
Half my love with him, half my care and duty. 105
Sure I shall never marry like my sisters,
To love my father all.
Lear. But goes thy heart with this?
Cordelia. Ay, good my lord.
Lear. So young, and so untender? 110Cordelia. So young, my lord, and true.
Lear. Let it be so! thy truth then be thy dower!
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,
The mysteries of Hecate and the night;
By all the operation of the orbs 115
From whom we do exist and cease to be;
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood,
And as a stranger to my heart and me
Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian, 120
Or he that makes his generation messes
To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom
Be as well neighbour'd, pitied, and reliev'd,
As thou my sometime daughter.
Earl of Kent. Good my liege- 125Lear. Peace, Kent!
Come not between the dragon and his wrath.
I lov'd her most, and thought to set my rest
On her kind nursery.- Hence and avoid my sight!-
So be my grave my peace as here I give 130
Her father's heart from her! Call France! Who stirs?
Call Burgundy! Cornwall and Albany,
With my two daughters' dowers digest this third;
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.
I do invest you jointly in my power, 135
Preeminence, and all the large effects
That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,
With reservation of an hundred knights,
By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode
Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain 140
The name, and all th' additions to a king. The sway,
Revenue, execution of the rest,
Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm,
This coronet part betwixt you.
Earl of Kent. Royal Lear, 145
Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,
Lov'd as my father, as my master follow'd,
As my great patron thought on in my prayers-
Lear. The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft.
Earl of Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade 150
The region of my heart! Be Kent unmannerly
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?
Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound
When majesty falls to folly. Reverse thy doom; 155
And in thy best consideration check
This hideous rashness. Answer my life my judgment,
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least,
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound
Reverbs no hollowness. 160Lear. Kent, on thy life, no more!
Earl of Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn
To wage against thine enemies; nor fear to lose it,
Thy safety being the motive.
Lear. Out of my sight! 165Earl of Kent. See better, Lear, and let me still remain
The true blank of thine eye.
Lear. Now by Apollo-
Earl of Kent. Now by Apollo, King,
Thou swear'st thy gods in vain. 170Lear. O vassal! miscreant! [Lays his hand on his sword.]
Duke of Albany. [with Cornwall] Dear sir, forbear!
Earl of Kent. Do!
Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow
Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy gift, 175
Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,
I'll tell thee thou dost evil.
Lear. Hear me, recreant!
On thine allegiance, hear me!
Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow- 180
Which we durst never yet- and with strain'd pride
To come between our sentence and our power,-
Which nor our nature nor our place can bear,-
Our potency made good, take thy reward.
Five days we do allot thee for provision 185
To shield thee from diseases of the world,
And on the sixth to turn thy hated back
Upon our kingdom. If, on the tenth day following,
Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions,
The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter, 190
This shall not be revok'd.
Earl of Kent. Fare thee well, King. Since thus thou wilt appear,
Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.
[To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,
That justly think'st and hast most rightly said! 195
[To Regan and Goneril] And your large speeches may your deeds
approve,
That good effects may spring from words of love.
Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu;
He'll shape his old course in a country new. Exit. 200Flourish. Enter Gloucester, with France and Burgundy; Attendants.
Earl of Gloucester. Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.
Lear. My Lord of Burgundy,
We first address toward you, who with this king
Hath rivall'd for our daughter. What in the least 205
Will you require in present dower with her,
Or cease your quest of love?
Duke of Burgundy. Most royal Majesty,
I crave no more than hath your Highness offer'd,
Nor will you tender less. 210Lear. Right noble Burgundy,
When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;
But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands.
If aught within that little seeming substance,
Or all of it, with our displeasure piec'd, 215
And nothing more, may fitly like your Grace,
She's there, and she is yours.
Duke of Burgundy. I know no answer.
Lear. Will you, with those infirmities she owes,
Unfriended, new adopted to our hate, 220
Dow'r'd with our curse, and stranger'd with our oath,
Take her, or leave her?
Duke of Burgundy. Pardon me, royal sir.
Election makes not up on such conditions.
Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the pow'r that made me, 225
I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great King,
I would not from your love make such a stray
To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you
T' avert your liking a more worthier way
Than on a wretch whom nature is asham'd 230
Almost t' acknowledge hers.
King of France. This is most strange,
That she that even but now was your best object,
The argument of your praise, balm of your age,
Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time 235
Commit a thing so monstrous to dismantle
So many folds of favour. Sure her offence
Must be of such unnatural degree
That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection
Fall'n into taint; which to believe of her 240
Must be a faith that reason without miracle
Should never plant in me.
Cordelia. I yet beseech your Majesty,
If for I want that glib and oily art
To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend, 245
I'll do't before I speak- that you make known
It is no vicious blot, murther, or foulness,
No unchaste action or dishonoured step,
That hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour;
But even for want of that for which I am richer- 250
A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue
As I am glad I have not, though not to have it
Hath lost me in your liking.
Lear. Better thou
Hadst not been born than not t' have pleas'd me better. 255King of France. Is it but this- a tardiness in nature
Which often leaves the history unspoke
That it intends to do? My Lord of Burgundy,
What say you to the lady? Love's not love
When it is mingled with regards that stands 260
Aloof from th' entire point. Will you have her?
She is herself a dowry.
Duke of Burgundy. Royal Lear,
Give but that portion which yourself propos'd,
And here I take Cordelia by the hand, 265
Duchess of Burgundy.
Lear. Nothing! I have sworn; I am firm.
Duke of Burgundy. I am sorry then you have so lost a father
That you must lose a husband.
Cordelia. Peace be with Burgundy! 270
Since that respects of fortune are his love,
I shall not be his wife.
King of France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor;
Most choice, forsaken; and most lov'd, despis'd!
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon. 275
Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.
Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect
My love should kindle to inflam'd respect.
Thy dow'rless daughter, King, thrown to my chance,
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France. 280
Not all the dukes in wat'rish Burgundy
Can buy this unpriz'd precious maid of me.
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind.
Thou losest here, a better where to find.
Lear. Thou hast her, France; let her be thine; for we 285
Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see
That face of hers again. Therefore be gone
Without our grace, our love, our benison.
Come, noble Burgundy.
Flourish. Exeunt Lear, Burgundy, [Cornwall, Albany, Gloucester, and Attendants].
King of France. Bid farewell to your sisters.
Cordelia. The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes
Cordelia leaves you. I know you what you are;
And, like a sister, am most loath to call
Your faults as they are nam'd. Use well our father. 295
To your professed bosoms I commit him;
But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,
I would prefer him to a better place!
So farewell to you both.
Goneril. Prescribe not us our duties. 300Regan. Let your study
Be to content your lord, who hath receiv'd you
At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted,
And well are worth the want that you have wanted.
Cordelia. Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides. 305
Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.
Well may you prosper!
King of France. Come, my fair Cordelia.
Exeunt France and Cordelia.
Goneril. Sister, it is not little I have to say of what most nearly 310
appertains to us both. I think our father will hence to-night.
Regan. That's most certain, and with you; next month with us.
Goneril. You see how full of changes his age is. The observation we
have made of it hath not been little. He always lov'd our
sister most, and with what poor judgment he hath now cast her 315
off appears too grossly.
Regan. 'Tis the infirmity of his age; yet he hath ever but slenderly
known himself.
Goneril. The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then
must we look to receive from his age, not alone the 320
imperfections of long-ingraffed condition, but therewithal
the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric years bring with
them.
Regan. Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this
of Kent's banishment. 325Goneril. There is further compliment of leave-taking between France and
him. Pray you let's hit together. If our father carry authority
with such dispositions as he bears, this last surrender of his
will but offend us.
Regan. We shall further think on't. 330Goneril. We must do something, and i' th' heat.
Exeunt.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act I, Scene 2
The Earl of Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter [Edmund the] Bastard solus, [with a letter].
Edmund. Thou, Nature, art my goddess; to thy law
My services are bound. Wherefore should I 335
Stand in the plague of custom, and permit
The curiosity of nations to deprive me,
For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines
Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?
When my dimensions are as well compact, 340
My mind as generous, and my shape as true,
As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us
With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?
Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take
More composition and fierce quality 345
Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,
Go to th' creating a whole tribe of fops
Got 'tween asleep and wake? Well then,
Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land.
Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund 350
As to th' legitimate. Fine word- 'legitimate'!
Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed,
And my invention thrive, Edmund the base
Shall top th' legitimate. I grow; I prosper.
Now, gods, stand up for bastards! 355Enter Gloucester.
Earl of Gloucester. Kent banish'd thus? and France in choler parted?
And the King gone to-night? subscrib'd his pow'r?
Confin'd to exhibition? All this done
Upon the gad? Edmund, how now? What news? 360Edmund. So please your lordship, none.
[Puts up the letter.]
Earl of Gloucester. Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?
Edmund. I know no news, my lord.
Earl of Gloucester. What paper were you reading? 365Edmund. Nothing, my lord.
Earl of Gloucester. No? What needed then that terrible dispatch of it into your
pocket? The quality of nothing hath not such need to hide
itself. Let's see. Come, if it be nothing, I shall not need
spectacles. 370Edmund. I beseech you, sir, pardon me. It is a letter from my brother
that I have not all o'er-read; and for so much as I have
perus'd, I find it not fit for your o'erlooking.
Earl of Gloucester. Give me the letter, sir.
Edmund. I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The contents, as 375
in part I understand them, are to blame.
Earl of Gloucester. Let's see, let's see!
Edmund. I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote this but as
an essay or taste of my virtue.
Earl of Gloucester. [reads] 'This policy and reverence of age makes the world 380
bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes from us
till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find an idle
and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny, who sways,
not as it hath power, but as it is suffer'd. Come to me, that
of this I may speak more. If our father would sleep till I 385
wak'd him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live
the beloved of your brother,
'EDGAR.'
Hum! Conspiracy? 'Sleep till I wak'd him, you should enjoy half
his revenue.' My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? a heart 390
and brain to breed it in? When came this to you? Who brought it?
Edmund. It was not brought me, my lord: there's the cunning of it. I
found it thrown in at the casement of my closet.
Earl of Gloucester. You know the character to be your brother's?
Edmund. If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear it were his; 395
but in respect of that, I would fain think it were not.
Earl of Gloucester. It is his.
Edmund. It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is not in the
contents.
Earl of Gloucester. Hath he never before sounded you in this business? 400Edmund. Never, my lord. But I have heard him oft maintain it to be fit
that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declining, the father
should be as ward to the son, and the son manage his revenue.
Earl of Gloucester. O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter! Abhorred
villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain! worse than 405
brutish! Go, sirrah, seek him. I'll apprehend him. Abominable
villain! Where is he?
Edmund. I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please you to suspend
your indignation against my brother till you can derive from him
better testimony of his intent, you should run a certain course; 410
where, if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his
purpose, it would make a great gap in your own honour and shake
in pieces the heart of his obedience. I dare pawn down my life
for him that he hath writ this to feel my affection to your
honour, and to no other pretence of danger. 415Earl of Gloucester. Think you so?
Edmund. If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you shall
hear us confer of this and by an auricular assurance have your
satisfaction, and that without any further delay than this very
evening. 420Earl of Gloucester. He cannot be such a monster.
Edmund. Nor is not, sure.
Earl of Gloucester. To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves him.
Heaven and earth! Edmund, seek him out; wind me into him, I pray
you; frame the business after your own wisdom. I would unstate 425
myself to be in a due resolution.
Edmund. I will seek him, sir, presently; convey the business as I
shall find means, and acquaint you withal.
Earl of Gloucester. These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to
us. Though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet 430
nature finds itself scourg'd by the sequent effects. Love cools,
friendship falls off, brothers divide. In cities, mutinies; in
countries, discord; in palaces, treason; and the bond crack'd
'twixt son and father. This villain of mine comes under the
prediction; there's son against father: the King falls from bias 435
of nature; there's father against child. We have seen the best
of our time. Machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all
ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our graves. Find out
this villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it
carefully. And the noble and true-hearted Kent banish'd! his 440
offence, honesty! 'Tis strange. Exit.
Edmund. This is the excellent foppery of the world, that, when we are
sick in fortune, often the surfeit of our own behaviour, we make
guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars; as if
we were villains on necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion; 445
knaves, thieves, and treachers by spherical pre-dominance;
drunkards, liars, and adulterers by an enforc'd obedience of
planetary influence; and all that we are evil in, by a divine
thrusting on. An admirable evasion of whore-master man, to lay
his goatish disposition to the charge of a star! My father 450
compounded with my mother under the Dragon's Tail, and my
nativity was under Ursa Major, so that it follows I am rough and
lecherous. Fut! I should have been that I am, had the
maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing.
Edgar- 455
[Enter Edgar.]
and pat! he comes, like the catastrophe of the old comedy. My
cue is villainous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom o' Bedlam.
O, these eclipses do portend these divisions! Fa, sol, la, mi.
Edgar. How now, brother Edmund? What serious contemplation are you 460
in?
Edmund. I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other day,
what should follow these eclipses.
Edgar. Do you busy yourself with that?
Edmund. I promise you, the effects he writes of succeed unhappily: as 465
of unnaturalness between the child and the parent; death,
dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities; divisions in state,
menaces and maledictions against king and nobles; needless
diffidences, banishment of friends, dissipation of cohorts,
nuptial breaches, and I know not what. 470Edgar. How long have you been a sectary astronomical?
Edmund. Come, come! When saw you my father last?
Edgar. The night gone by.
Edmund. Spake you with him?
Edgar. Ay, two hours together. 475Edmund. Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure in him by
word or countenance
Edgar. None at all.
Edmund. Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended him; and at my
entreaty forbear his presence until some little time hath 480
qualified the heat of his displeasure, which at this instant so
rageth in him that with the mischief of your person it would
scarcely allay.
Edgar. Some villain hath done me wrong.
Edmund. That's my fear. I pray you have a continent forbearance till 485
the speed of his rage goes slower; and, as I say, retire with me
to my lodging, from whence I will fitly bring you to hear my
lord speak. Pray ye, go! There's my key. If you do stir abroad,
go arm'd.
Edgar. Arm'd, brother? 490Edmund. Brother, I advise you to the best. Go arm'd. I am no honest man
if there be any good meaning toward you. I have told you what I
have seen and heard; but faintly, nothing like the image and
horror of it. Pray you, away!
Edgar. Shall I hear from you anon? 495Edmund. I do serve you in this business.
[Exit Edgar.]
A credulous father! and a brother noble,
Whose nature is so far from doing harms
That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty 500
My practices ride easy! I see the business.
Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit;
All with me's meet that I can fashion fit. Exit.
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previous scene Act I, Scene 3
The Duke of Albany’s Palace.
next scene
Enter Goneril and [her] Steward [Oswald].
Goneril. Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool? 505Oswald. Ay, madam.
Goneril. By day and night, he wrongs me! Every hour
He flashes into one gross crime or other
That sets us all at odds. I'll not endure it.
His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us 510
On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,
I will not speak with him. Say I am sick.
If you come slack of former services,
You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.
[Horns within.]
Oswald. He's coming, madam; I hear him.
Goneril. Put on what weary negligence you please,
You and your fellows. I'd have it come to question.
If he distaste it, let him to our sister,
Whose mind and mine I know in that are one, 520
Not to be overrul'd. Idle old man,
That still would manage those authorities
That he hath given away! Now, by my life,
Old fools are babes again, and must be us'd
With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abus'd. 525
Remember what I have said.
Oswald. Very well, madam.
Goneril. And let his knights have colder looks among you.
What grows of it, no matter. Advise your fellows so.
I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall, 530
That I may speak. I'll write straight to my sister
To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner.
Exeunt.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act I, Scene 4
The Duke of Albany’s Palace.
next scene
Enter Kent, [disguised].
Earl of Kent. If but as well I other accents borrow, 535
That can my speech defuse, my good intent
May carry through itself to that full issue
For which I raz'd my likeness. Now, banish'd Kent,
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,
So may it come, thy master, whom thou lov'st, 540
Shall find thee full of labours.
Horns within. Enter Lear, [Knights,] and Attendants.
Lear. Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready. [Exit
an Attendant.] How now? What art thou?
Earl of Kent. A man, sir. 545Lear. What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
Earl of Kent. I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve him truly
that will put me in trust, to love him that is honest, to
converse with him that is wise and says little, to fear
judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish. 550Lear. What art thou?
Earl of Kent. A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the King.
Lear. If thou be'st as poor for a subject as he's for a king, thou
art poor enough. What wouldst thou?
Earl of Kent. Service. 555Lear. Who wouldst thou serve?
Earl of Kent. You.
Lear. Dost thou know me, fellow?
Earl of Kent. No, sir; but you have that in your countenance which I would
fain call master. 560Lear. What's that?
Earl of Kent. Authority.
Lear. What services canst thou do?
Earl of Kent. I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a curious tale in
telling it and deliver a plain message bluntly. That which 565
ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me
is diligence.
Lear. How old art thou?
Earl of Kent. Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to
dote on her for anything. I have years on my back forty-eight. 570Lear. Follow me; thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after
dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner, ho, dinner!
Where's my knave? my fool? Go you and call my fool hither.
[Exit an attendant.]
[Enter [Oswald the] Steward.] 575
You, you, sirrah, where's my daughter?
Oswald. So please you- Exit.
Lear. What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll back.
[Exit a Knight.] Where's my fool, ho? I think the world's
asleep. 580
[Enter Knight]
How now? Where's that mongrel?
Knight. He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.
Lear. Why came not the slave back to me when I call'd him?
Knight. Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner, he would not. 585Lear. He would not?
Knight. My lord, I know not what the matter is; but to my judgment
your Highness is not entertain'd with that ceremonious affection
as you were wont. There's a great abatement of kindness appears
as well in the general dependants as in the Duke himself also 590
and your daughter.
Lear. Ha! say'st thou so?
Knight. I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken; for
my duty cannot be silent when I think your Highness wrong'd.
Lear. Thou but rememb'rest me of mine own conception. I have 595
perceived a most faint neglect of late, which I have rather
blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence
and purpose of unkindness. I will look further into't. But
where's my fool? I have not seen him this two days.
Knight. Since my young lady's going into France, sir, the fool 600
hath much pined away.
Lear. No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you and tell my
daughter I would speak with her. [Exit Knight.] Go you, call
hither my fool.
[Exit an Attendant.] 605
[Enter [Oswald the] Steward.]
O, you, sir, you! Come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
Oswald. My lady's father.
Lear. 'My lady's father'? My lord's knave! You whoreson dog! you
slave! you cur! 610Oswald. I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon.
Lear. Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
[Strikes him.]
Oswald. I'll not be strucken, my lord.
Earl of Kent. Nor tripp'd neither, you base football player? 615[Trips up his heels.
Lear. I thank thee, fellow. Thou serv'st me, and I'll love thee.
Earl of Kent. Come, sir, arise, away! I'll teach you differences. Away,
away! If you will measure your lubber's length again, tarry; but
away! Go to! Have you wisdom? So. 620[Pushes him out.]
Lear. Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee. There's earnest of thy
service. [Gives money.]
Enter Fool.
Fool. Let me hire him too. Here's my coxcomb. 625[Offers Kent his cap.]
Lear. How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?
Fool. Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
Earl of Kent. Why, fool?
Fool. Why? For taking one's part that's out of favour. Nay, an thou 630
canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch cold shortly.
There, take my coxcomb! Why, this fellow hath banish'd two on's
daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will. If
thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb.- How now,
nuncle? Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters! 635Lear. Why, my boy?
Fool. If I gave them all my living, I'ld keep my coxcombs myself.
There's mine! beg another of thy daughters.
Lear. Take heed, sirrah- the whip.
Fool. Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipp'd out, when 640
Lady the brach may stand by th' fire and stink.
Lear. A pestilent gall to me!
Fool. Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.
Lear. Do.
Fool. Mark it, nuncle. 645
Have more than thou showest,
Speak less than thou knowest,
Lend less than thou owest,
Ride more than thou goest,
Learn more than thou trowest, 650
Set less than thou throwest;
Leave thy drink and thy whore,
And keep in-a-door,
And thou shalt have more
Than two tens to a score. 655Earl of Kent. This is nothing, fool.
Fool. Then 'tis like the breath of an unfeed lawyer- you gave me
nothing for't. Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?
Lear. Why, no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.
Fool. [to Kent] Prithee tell him, so much the rent of his land 660
comes to. He will not believe a fool.
Lear. A bitter fool!
Fool. Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between a bitter
fool and a sweet fool?
Lear. No, lad; teach me. 665Fool. That lord that counsell'd thee
To give away thy land,
Come place him here by me-
Do thou for him stand.
The sweet and bitter fool 670
Will presently appear;
The one in motley here,
The other found out there.
Lear. Dost thou call me fool, boy?
Fool. All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast 675
born with.
Earl of Kent. This is not altogether fool, my lord.
Fool. No, faith; lords and great men will not let me. If I had a
monopoly out, they would have part on't. And ladies too, they
will not let me have all the fool to myself; they'll be 680
snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I'll give thee two
crowns.
Lear. What two crowns shall they be?
Fool. Why, after I have cut the egg i' th' middle and eat up the
meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i' 685
th' middle and gav'st away both parts, thou bor'st thine ass on
thy back o'er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown
when thou gav'st thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in
this, let him be whipp'd that first finds it so.
[Sings] Fools had ne'er less grace in a year, 690
For wise men are grown foppish;
They know not how their wits to wear,
Their manners are so apish.
Lear. When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?
Fool. I have us'd it, nuncle, ever since thou mad'st thy daughters 695
thy mother; for when thou gav'st them the rod, and put'st down
thine own breeches,
[Sings] Then they for sudden joy did weep,
And I for sorrow sung,
That such a king should play bo-peep 700
And go the fools among.
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to
lie. I would fain learn to lie.
Lear. An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipp'd.
Fool. I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are. They'll have me 705
whipp'd for speaking true; thou'lt have me whipp'd for lying;
and sometimes I am whipp'd for holding my peace. I had rather be
any kind o' thing than a fool! And yet I would not be thee,
nuncle. Thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides and left nothing
i' th' middle. Here comes one o' the parings. 710Enter Goneril.
Lear. How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on? Methinks you
are too much o' late i' th' frown.
Fool. Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for
her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better 715
than thou art now: I am a fool, thou art nothing.
[To Goneril] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue. So your face
bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum!
He that keeps nor crust nor crum,
Weary of all, shall want some.- 720
[Points at Lear] That's a sheal'd peascod.
Goneril. Not only, sir, this your all-licens'd fool,
But other of your insolent retinue
Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth
In rank and not-to-be-endured riots. Sir, 725
I had thought, by making this well known unto you,
To have found a safe redress, but now grow fearful,
By what yourself, too, late have spoke and done,
That you protect this course, and put it on
By your allowance; which if you should, the fault 730
Would not scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,
Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,
Might in their working do you that offence
Which else were shame, that then necessity
Must call discreet proceeding. 735Fool. For you know, nuncle,
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long
That it had it head bit off by it young.
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling.
Lear. Are you our daughter? 740Goneril. Come, sir,
I would you would make use of that good wisdom
Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away
These dispositions that of late transform you
From what you rightly are. 745Fool. May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse?
Whoop, Jug, I love thee!
Lear. Doth any here know me? This is not Lear.
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens, his discernings 750
Are lethargied- Ha! waking? 'Tis not so!
Who is it that can tell me who I am?
Fool. Lear's shadow.
Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty,
Knowledge, and reason, I should be false persuaded 755
I had daughters.
Fool. Which they will make an obedient father.
Lear. Your name, fair gentlewoman?
Goneril. This admiration, sir, is much o' th' savour
Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you 760
To understand my purposes aright.
As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;
Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd, and bold
That this our court, infected with their manners, 765
Shows like a riotous inn. Epicurism and lust
Make it more like a tavern or a brothel
Than a grac'd palace. The shame itself doth speak
For instant remedy. Be then desir'd
By her that else will take the thing she begs 770
A little to disquantity your train,
And the remainder that shall still depend
To be such men as may besort your age,
Which know themselves, and you.
Lear. Darkness and devils! 775
Saddle my horses! Call my train together!
Degenerate bastard, I'll not trouble thee;
Yet have I left a daughter.
Goneril. You strike my people, and your disorder'd rabble
Make servants of their betters. 780Enter Albany.
Lear. Woe that too late repents!- O, sir, are you come?
Is it your will? Speak, sir!- Prepare my horses.
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend,
More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child 785
Than the sea-monster!
Duke of Albany. Pray, sir, be patient.
Lear. [to Goneril] Detested kite, thou liest!
My train are men of choice and rarest parts,
That all particulars of duty know 790
And in the most exact regard support
The worships of their name.- O most small fault,
How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show!
Which, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature
From the fix'd place; drew from my heart all love 795
And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear!
Beat at this gate that let thy folly in [Strikes his head.]
And thy dear judgment out! Go, go, my people.
Duke of Albany. My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant
Of what hath mov'd you. 800Lear. It may be so, my lord.
Hear, Nature, hear! dear goddess, hear!
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend
To make this creature fruitful.
Into her womb convey sterility; 805
Dry up in her the organs of increase;
And from her derogate body never spring
A babe to honour her! If she must teem,
Create her child of spleen, that it may live
And be a thwart disnatur'd torment to her. 810
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth,
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks,
Turn all her mother's pains and benefits
To laughter and contempt, that she may feel
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is 815
To have a thankless child! Away, away! Exit.
Duke of Albany. Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?
Goneril. Never afflict yourself to know the cause;
But let his disposition have that scope
That dotage gives it. 820Enter Lear.
Lear. What, fifty of my followers at a clap?
Within a fortnight?
Duke of Albany. What's the matter, sir?
Lear. I'll tell thee. [To Goneril] Life and death! I am asham'd 825
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;
That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,
Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee!
Th' untented woundings of a father's curse
Pierce every sense about thee!- Old fond eyes, 830
Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out,
And cast you, with the waters that you lose,
To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this?
Let it be so. Yet have I left a daughter,
Who I am sure is kind and comfortable. 835
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find
That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think
I have cast off for ever; thou shalt, I warrant thee.
Exeunt [Lear, Kent, and Attendants].
Goneril. Do you mark that, my lord?
Duke of Albany. I cannot be so partial, Goneril,
To the great love I bear you—
Goneril. Pray you, content.- What, Oswald, ho!
[To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master! 845Fool. Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry! Take the fool with thee.
A fox when one has caught her,
And such a daughter,
Should sure to the slaughter,
If my cap would buy a halter. 850
So the fool follows after. Exit.
Goneril. This man hath had good counsel! A hundred knights?
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep
At point a hundred knights; yes, that on every dream,
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike, 855
He may enguard his dotage with their pow'rs
And hold our lives in mercy.- Oswald, I say!
Duke of Albany. Well, you may fear too far.
Goneril. Safer than trust too far.
Let me still take away the harms I fear, 860
Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart.
What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister.
If she sustain him and his hundred knights,
When I have show'd th' unfitness- [Enter [Oswald the] Steward.]
How now, Oswald? 865
What, have you writ that letter to my sister?
Oswald. Yes, madam.
Goneril. Take you some company, and away to horse!
Inform her full of my particular fear,
And thereto add such reasons of your own 870
As may compact it more. Get you gone,
And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald.] No, no, my lord!
This milky gentleness and course of yours,
Though I condemn it not, yet, under pardon,
You are much more at task for want of wisdom 875
Than prais'd for harmful mildness.
Duke of Albany. How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell.
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.
Goneril. Nay then-
Duke of Albany. Well, well; th' event. Exeunt. 880 RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act I, Scene 5
Court before the Duke of Albany’s Palace. Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.
next scene
Lear. Go you before to Gloucester with these letters. Acquaint my
daughter no further with anything you know than comes from her
demand out of the letter. If your diligence be not speedy, I
shall be there afore you.
Earl of Kent. I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter. Exit. 885Fool. If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in danger of
kibes?
Lear. Ay, boy.
Fool. Then I prithee be merry. Thy wit shall ne'er go slip-shod.
Lear. Ha, ha, ha! 890Fool. Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly; for though
she's as like this as a crab's like an apple, yet I can tell
what I can tell.
Lear. What canst tell, boy?
Fool. She'll taste as like this as a crab does to a crab. Thou 895
canst tell why one's nose stands i' th' middle on's face?
Lear. No.
Fool. Why, to keep one's eyes of either side's nose, that what a
man cannot smell out, 'a may spy into.
Lear. I did her wrong. 900Fool. Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?
Lear. No.
Fool. Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house.
Lear. Why?
Fool. Why, to put's head in; not to give it away to his daughters, 905
and leave his horns without a case.
Lear. I will forget my nature. So kind a father!- Be my horses
ready?
Fool. Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why the seven stars
are no moe than seven is a pretty reason. 910Lear. Because they are not eight?
Fool. Yes indeed. Thou wouldst make a good fool.
Lear. To tak't again perforce! Monster ingratitude!
Fool. If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten for being
old before thy time. 915Lear. How's that?
Fool. Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise.
Lear. O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven!
Keep me in temper; I would not be mad! [Enter a Gentleman.]
How now? Are the horses ready? 920Gentleman. Ready, my lord.
Lear. Come, boy.
Fool. She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure,
Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter
Exeunt.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act II, Scene 1
A court within the Castle of the Earl of Gloucester.
next scene
Enter [Edmund the] Bastard and Curan, meeting.
Edmund. Save thee, Curan.
Curan. And you, sir. I have been with your father, and given him
notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his Duchess will be
here with him this night. 930Edmund. How comes that?
Curan. Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news abroad- I mean the
whisper'd ones, for they are yet but ear-kissing arguments?
Edmund. Not I. Pray you, what are they?
Curan. Have you heard of no likely wars toward 'twixt the two Dukes 935
of Cornwall and Albany?
Edmund. Not a word.
Curan. You may do, then, in time. Fare you well, sir. Exit.
Edmund. The Duke be here to-night? The better! best!
This weaves itself perforce into my business. 940
My father hath set guard to take my brother;
And I have one thing, of a queasy question,
Which I must act. Briefness and fortune, work!
Brother, a word! Descend! Brother, I say!
[Enter Edgar.] 945
My father watches. O sir, fly this place!
Intelligence is given where you are hid.
You have now the good advantage of the night.
Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall?
He's coming hither; now, i' th' night, i' th' haste, 950
And Regan with him. Have you nothing said
Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?
Advise yourself.
Edgar. I am sure on't, not a word.
Edmund. I hear my father coming. Pardon me! 955
In cunning I must draw my sword upon you.
Draw, seem to defend yourself; now quit you well.-
Yield! Come before my father. Light, ho, here!
Fly, brother.- Torches, torches!- So farewell.
[Exit Edgar.] 960
Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion
Of my more fierce endeavour. [Stabs his arm.] I have seen
drunkards
Do more than this in sport.- Father, father!-
Stop, stop! No help? 965Enter Gloucester, and Servants with torches.
Earl of Gloucester. Now, Edmund, where's the villain?
Edmund. Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,
Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon
To stand 's auspicious mistress. 970Earl of Gloucester. But where is he?
Edmund. Look, sir, I bleed.
Earl of Gloucester. Where is the villain, Edmund?
Edmund. Fled this way, sir. When by no means he could-
Earl of Gloucester. Pursue him, ho! Go after. [Exeunt some Servants]. 975
By no means what?
Edmund. Persuade me to the murther of your lordship;
But that I told him the revenging gods
'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend;
Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond 980
The child was bound to th' father- sir, in fine,
Seeing how loathly opposite I stood
To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion
With his prepared sword he charges home
My unprovided body, lanch'd mine arm; 985
But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits,
Bold in the quarrel's right, rous'd to th' encounter,
Or whether gasted by the noise I made,
Full suddenly he fled.
Earl of Gloucester. Let him fly far. 990
Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;
And found- dispatch. The noble Duke my master,
My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night.
By his authority I will proclaim it
That he which find, him shall deserve our thanks, 995
Bringing the murderous caitiff to the stake;
He that conceals him, death.
Edmund. When I dissuaded him from his intent
And found him pight to do it, with curst speech
I threaten'd to discover him. He replied, 1000
'Thou unpossessing bastard, dost thou think,
If I would stand against thee, would the reposal
Of any trust, virtue, or worth in thee
Make thy words faith'd? No. What I should deny
(As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce 1005
My very character), I'ld turn it all
To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice;
And thou must make a dullard of the world,
If they not thought the profits of my death
Were very pregnant and potential spurs 1010
To make thee seek it.'
Earl of Gloucester. Strong and fast'ned villain!
Would he deny his letter? I never got him.
[Tucket within.]
Hark, the Duke's trumpets! I know not why he comes. 1015
All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not scape;
The Duke must grant me that. Besides, his picture
I will send far and near, that all the kingdom
May have due note of him, and of my land,
Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means 1020
To make thee capable.
Enter Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants.
Duke of Cornwall. How now, my noble friend? Since I came hither
(Which I can call but now) I have heard strange news.
Regan. If it be true, all vengeance comes too short 1025
Which can pursue th' offender. How dost, my lord?
Earl of Gloucester. O madam, my old heart is crack'd, it's crack'd!
Regan. What, did my father's godson seek your life?
He whom my father nam'd? Your Edgar?
Earl of Gloucester. O lady, lady, shame would have it hid! 1030Regan. Was he not companion with the riotous knights
That tend upon my father?
Earl of Gloucester. I know not, madam. 'Tis too bad, too bad!
Edmund. Yes, madam, he was of that consort.
Regan. No marvel then though he were ill affected. 1035
'Tis they have put him on the old man's death,
To have th' expense and waste of his revenues.
I have this present evening from my sister
Been well inform'd of them, and with such cautions
That, if they come to sojourn at my house, 1040
I'll not be there.
Duke of Cornwall. Nor I, assure thee, Regan.
Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father
A childlike office.
Edmund. 'Twas my duty, sir. 1045Earl of Gloucester. He did bewray his practice, and receiv'd
This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.
Duke of Cornwall. Is he pursued?
Earl of Gloucester. Ay, my good lord.
Duke of Cornwall. If he be taken, he shall never more 1050
Be fear'd of doing harm. Make your own purpose,
How in my strength you please. For you, Edmund,
Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant
So much commend itself, you shall be ours.
Natures of such deep trust we shall much need; 1055
You we first seize on.
Edmund. I shall serve you, sir,
Truly, however else.
Earl of Gloucester. For him I thank your Grace.
Duke of Cornwall. You know not why we came to visit you- 1060Regan. Thus out of season, threading dark-ey'd night.
Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise,
Wherein we must have use of your advice.
Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,
Of differences, which I best thought it fit 1065
To answer from our home. The several messengers
From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend,
Lay comforts to your bosom, and bestow
Your needful counsel to our business,
Which craves the instant use. 1070Earl of Gloucester. I serve you, madam.
Your Graces are right welcome.
Exeunt. Flourish.
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previous scene Act II, Scene 2
Before Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Kent and [Oswald the] Steward, severally.
Oswald. Good dawning to thee, friend. Art of this house? 1075Earl of Kent. Ay.
Oswald. Where may we set our horses?
Earl of Kent. I' th' mire.
Oswald. Prithee, if thou lov'st me, tell me.
Earl of Kent. I love thee not. 1080Oswald. Why then, I care not for thee.
Earl of Kent. If I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold, I would make thee care for
me.
Oswald. Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.
Earl of Kent. Fellow, I know thee. 1085Oswald. What dost thou know me for?
Earl of Kent. A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud,
shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy,
worsted-stocking knave; a lily-liver'd, action-taking, whoreson,
glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical rogue; 1090
one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd in way of
good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave,
beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch;
one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deny the
least syllable of thy addition. 1095Oswald. Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one
that's neither known of thee nor knows thee!
Earl of Kent. What a brazen-fac'd varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me!
Is it two days ago since I beat thee and tripp'd up thy heels
before the King? [Draws his sword.] Draw, you rogue! for, though 1100
it be night, yet the moon shines. I'll make a sop o' th'
moonshine o' you. Draw, you whoreson cullionly barbermonger!
draw!
Oswald. Away! I have nothing to do with thee.
Earl of Kent. Draw, you rascal! You come with letters against the King, and 1105
take Vanity the puppet's part against the royalty of her father.
Draw, you rogue, or I'll so carbonado your shanks! Draw, you
rascal! Come your ways!
Oswald. Help, ho! murther! help!
Earl of Kent. Strike, you slave! Stand, rogue! Stand, you neat slave! 1110
Strike! [Beats him.]
Oswald. Help, ho! murther! murther!
Enter Edmund, with his rapier drawn, Gloucester, Cornwall, Regan, Servants.
Edmund. How now? What's the matter? Parts [them].
Earl of Kent. With you, goodman boy, an you please! Come, I'll flesh ye! 1115
Come on, young master!
Earl of Gloucester. Weapons? arms? What's the matter here?
Duke of Cornwall. Keep peace, upon your lives!
He dies that strikes again. What is the matter?
Regan. The messengers from our sister and the King 1120Duke of Cornwall. What is your difference? Speak.
Oswald. I am scarce in breath, my lord.
Earl of Kent. No marvel, you have so bestirr'd your valour. You cowardly
rascal, nature disclaims in thee; a tailor made thee.
Duke of Cornwall. Thou art a strange fellow. A tailor make a man? 1125Earl of Kent. Ay, a tailor, sir. A stonecutter or a painter could not have
made him so ill, though he had been but two hours at the trade.
Duke of Cornwall. Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?
Oswald. This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spar'd
At suit of his grey beard- 1130Earl of Kent. Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter! My lord, if
you'll give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into
mortar and daub the walls of a jakes with him. 'Spare my grey
beard,' you wagtail?
Duke of Cornwall. Peace, sirrah! 1135
You beastly knave, know you no reverence?
Earl of Kent. Yes, sir, but anger hath a privilege.
Duke of Cornwall. Why art thou angry?
Earl of Kent. That such a slave as this should wear a sword,
Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these, 1140
Like rats, oft bite the holy cords atwain
Which are too intrinse t' unloose; smooth every passion
That in the natures of their lords rebel,
Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods;
Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks 1145
With every gale and vary of their masters,
Knowing naught (like dogs) but following.
A plague upon your epileptic visage!
Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?
Goose, an I had you upon Sarum Plain, 1150
I'ld drive ye cackling home to Camelot.
Duke of Cornwall. What, art thou mad, old fellow?
Earl of Gloucester. How fell you out? Say that.
Earl of Kent. No contraries hold more antipathy
Than I and such a knave. 1155Duke of Cornwall. Why dost thou call him knave? What is his fault?
Earl of Kent. His countenance likes me not.
Duke of Cornwall. No more perchance does mine, or his, or hers.
Earl of Kent. Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain.
I have seen better faces in my time 1160
Than stands on any shoulder that I see
Before me at this instant.
Duke of Cornwall. This is some fellow
Who, having been prais'd for bluntness, doth affect
A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb 1165
Quite from his nature. He cannot flatter, he!
An honest mind and plain- he must speak truth!
An they will take it, so; if not, he's plain.
These kind of knaves I know which in this plainness
Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends 1170
Than twenty silly-ducking observants
That stretch their duties nicely.
Earl of Kent. Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity,
Under th' allowance of your great aspect,
Whose influence, like the wreath of radiant fire 1175
On flickering Phoebus' front-
Duke of Cornwall. What mean'st by this?
Earl of Kent. To go out of my dialect, which you discommend so much. I
know, sir, I am no flatterer. He that beguil'd you in a plain
accent was a plain knave, which, for my part, I will not be, 1180
though I should win your displeasure to entreat me to't.
Duke of Cornwall. What was th' offence you gave him?
Oswald. I never gave him any.
It pleas'd the King his master very late
To strike at me, upon his misconstruction; 1185
When he, conjunct, and flattering his displeasure,
Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd
And put upon him such a deal of man
That worthied him, got praises of the King
For him attempting who was self-subdu'd; 1190
And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit,
Drew on me here again.
Earl of Kent. None of these rogues and cowards
But Ajax is their fool.
Duke of Cornwall. Fetch forth the stocks! 1195
You stubborn ancient knave, you reverent braggart,
We'll teach you-
Earl of Kent. Sir, I am too old to learn.
Call not your stocks for me. I serve the King;
On whose employment I was sent to you. 1200
You shall do small respect, show too bold malice
Against the grace and person of my master,
Stocking his messenger.
Duke of Cornwall. Fetch forth the stocks! As I have life and honour,
There shall he sit till noon. 1205Regan. Till noon? Till night, my lord, and all night too!
Earl of Kent. Why, madam, if I were your father's dog,
You should not use me so.
Regan. Sir, being his knave, I will.
Duke of Cornwall. This is a fellow of the selfsame colour 1210
Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks!
Stocks brought out.
Earl of Gloucester. Let me beseech your Grace not to do so.
His fault is much, and the good King his master
Will check him for't. Your purpos'd low correction 1215
Is such as basest and contemn'dest wretches
For pilf'rings and most common trespasses
Are punish'd with. The King must take it ill
That he, so slightly valued in his messenger,
Should have him thus restrain'd. 1220Duke of Cornwall. I'll answer that.
Regan. My sister may receive it much more worse,
To have her gentleman abus'd, assaulted,
For following her affairs. Put in his legs.-
[Kent is put in the stocks.] 1225
Come, my good lord, away.
Exeunt [all but Gloucester and Kent].
Earl of Gloucester. I am sorry for thee, friend. 'Tis the Duke's pleasure,
Whose disposition, all the world well knows,
Will not be rubb'd nor stopp'd. I'll entreat for thee. 1230Earl of Kent. Pray do not, sir. I have watch'd and travell'd hard.
Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle.
A good man's fortune may grow out at heels.
Give you good morrow!
Earl of Gloucester. The Duke 's to blame in this; 'twill be ill taken. Exit. 1235Earl of Kent. Good King, that must approve the common saw,
Thou out of heaven's benediction com'st
To the warm sun!
Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,
That by thy comfortable beams I may 1240
Peruse this letter. Nothing almost sees miracles
But misery. I know 'tis from Cordelia,
Who hath most fortunately been inform'd
Of my obscured course- and [reads] 'shall find time
From this enormous state, seeking to give 1245
Losses their remedies'- All weary and o'erwatch'd,
Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold
This shameful lodging.
Fortune, good night; smile once more, turn thy wheel.
Sleeps.
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previous scene Act II, Scene 3
The open country.
next scene
Enter Edgar.
Edgar. I heard myself proclaim'd,
And by the happy hollow of a tree
Escap'd the hunt. No port is free, no place
That guard and most unusual vigilance 1255
Does not attend my taking. Whiles I may scape,
I will preserve myself; and am bethought
To take the basest and most poorest shape
That ever penury, in contempt of man,
Brought near to beast. My face I'll grime with filth, 1260
Blanket my loins, elf all my hair in knots,
And with presented nakedness outface
The winds and persecutions of the sky.
The country gives me proof and precedent
Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices, 1265
Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms
Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;
And with this horrible object, from low farms,
Poor pelting villages, sheepcotes, and mills,
Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers, 1270
Enforce their charity. 'Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!'
That's something yet! Edgar I nothing am. Exit.
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previous scene Act II, Scene 4
Before Gloucester’s Castle; Kent in the stocks.
next scene
Enter Lear, Fool, and Gentleman.
Lear. 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,
And not send back my messenger. 1275Gentleman. As I learn'd,
The night before there was no purpose in them
Of this remove.
Earl of Kent. Hail to thee, noble master!
Lear. Ha! 1280
Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?
Earl of Kent. No, my lord.
Fool. Ha, ha! look! he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the
head, dogs and bears by th' neck, monkeys by th' loins, and men
by th' legs. When a man's over-lusty at legs, then he wears 1285
wooden nether-stocks.
Lear. What's he that hath so much thy place mistook
To set thee here?
Earl of Kent. It is both he and she-
Your son and daughter. 1290Lear. No.
Earl of Kent. Yes.
Lear. No, I say.
Earl of Kent. I say yea.
Lear. No, no, they would not! 1295Earl of Kent. Yes, they have.
Lear. By Jupiter, I swear no!
Earl of Kent. By Juno, I swear ay!
Lear. They durst not do't;
They would not, could not do't. 'Tis worse than murther 1300
To do upon respect such violent outrage.
Resolve me with all modest haste which way
Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,
Coming from us.
Earl of Kent. My lord, when at their home 1305
I did commend your Highness' letters to them,
Ere I was risen from the place that show'd
My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,
Stew'd in his haste, half breathless, panting forth
From Goneril his mistress salutations; 1310
Deliver'd letters, spite of intermission,
Which presently they read; on whose contents,
They summon'd up their meiny, straight took horse,
Commanded me to follow and attend
The leisure of their answer, gave me cold looks, 1315
And meeting here the other messenger,
Whose welcome I perceiv'd had poison'd mine-
Being the very fellow which of late
Display'd so saucily against your Highness-
Having more man than wit about me, drew. 1320
He rais'd the house with loud and coward cries.
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth
The shame which here it suffers.
Fool. Winter's not gone yet, if the wild geese fly that way.
Fathers that wear rags 1325
Do make their children blind;
But fathers that bear bags
Shall see their children kind.
Fortune, that arrant whore,
Ne'er turns the key to th' poor. 1330
But for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours for thy
daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
Lear. O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!
Hysterica passio! Down, thou climbing sorrow!
Thy element's below! Where is this daughter? 1335Earl of Kent. With the Earl, sir, here within.
Lear. Follow me not;
Stay here. Exit.
Gentleman. Made you no more offence but what you speak of?
Earl of Kent. None. 1340
How chance the King comes with so small a number?
Fool. An thou hadst been set i' th' stocks for that question,
thou'dst well deserv'd it.
Earl of Kent. Why, fool?
Fool. We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee there's no 1345
labouring i' th' winter. All that follow their noses are led by
their eyes but blind men, and there's not a nose among twenty
but can smell him that's stinking. Let go thy hold when a great
wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following
it; but the great one that goes upward, let him draw thee after. 1350
When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine again. I
would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it.
That sir which serves and seeks for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins to rain 1355
And leave thee in the storm.
But I will tarry; the fool will stay,
And let the wise man fly.
The knave turns fool that runs away;
The fool no knave, perdy. 1360Earl of Kent. Where learn'd you this, fool?
Fool. Not i' th' stocks, fool.
Enter Lear and Gloucester
Lear. Deny to speak with me? They are sick? they are weary?
They have travell'd all the night? Mere fetches- 1365
The images of revolt and flying off!
Fetch me a better answer.
Earl of Gloucester. My dear lord,
You know the fiery quality of the Duke,
How unremovable and fix'd he is 1370
In his own course.
Lear. Vengeance! plague! death! confusion!
Fiery? What quality? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester,
I'ld speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.
Earl of Gloucester. Well, my good lord, I have inform'd them so. 1375Lear. Inform'd them? Dost thou understand me, man?
Earl of Gloucester. Ay, my good lord.
Lear. The King would speak with Cornwall; the dear father
Would with his daughter speak, commands her service.
Are they inform'd of this? My breath and blood! 1380
Fiery? the fiery Duke? Tell the hot Duke that-
No, but not yet! May be he is not well.
Infirmity doth still neglect all office
Whereto our health is bound. We are not ourselves
When nature, being oppress'd, commands the mind 1385
To suffer with the body. I'll forbear;
And am fallen out with my more headier will,
To take the indispos'd and sickly fit
For the sound man.- Death on my state! Wherefore
Should he sit here? This act persuades me 1390
That this remotion of the Duke and her
Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.
Go tell the Duke and 's wife I'ld speak with them-
Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me,
Or at their chamber door I'll beat the drum 1395
Till it cry sleep to death.
Earl of Gloucester. I would have all well betwixt you. Exit.
Lear. O me, my heart, my rising heart! But down!
Fool. Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she
put 'em i' th' paste alive. She knapp'd 'em o' th' coxcombs with 1400
a stick and cried 'Down, wantons, down!' 'Twas her brother that,
in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.
Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, Servants.
Lear. Good morrow to you both.
Duke of Cornwall. Hail to your Grace! 1405Kent here set at liberty.
Regan. I am glad to see your Highness.
Lear. Regan, I think you are; I know what reason
I have to think so. If thou shouldst not be glad,
I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb, 1410
Sepulchring an adultress. [To Kent] O, are you free?
Some other time for that.- Beloved Regan,
Thy sister's naught. O Regan, she hath tied
Sharp-tooth'd unkindness, like a vulture, here!
[Lays his hand on his heart.] 1415
I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe
With how deprav'd a quality- O Regan!
Regan. I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope
You less know how to value her desert
Than she to scant her duty. 1420Lear. Say, how is that?
Regan. I cannot think my sister in the least
Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance
She have restrain'd the riots of your followers,
'Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end, 1425
As clears her from all blame.
Lear. My curses on her!
Regan. O, sir, you are old!
Nature in you stands on the very verge
Of her confine. You should be rul'd, and led 1430
By some discretion that discerns your state
Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you
That to our sister you do make return;
Say you have wrong'd her, sir.
Lear. Ask her forgiveness? 1435
Do you but mark how this becomes the house:
'Dear daughter, I confess that I am old. [Kneels.]
Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg
That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.'
Regan. Good sir, no more! These are unsightly tricks. 1440
Return you to my sister.
Lear. [rises] Never, Regan!
She hath abated me of half my train;
Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue,
Most serpent-like, upon the very heart. 1445
All the stor'd vengeances of heaven fall
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,
You taking airs, with lameness!
Duke of Cornwall. Fie, sir, fie!
Lear. You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames 1450
Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,
You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the pow'rful sun,
To fall and blast her pride!
Regan. O the blest gods! so will you wish on me
When the rash mood is on. 1455Lear. No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse.
Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give
Thee o'er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce; but thine
Do comfort, and not burn. 'Tis not in thee
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train, 1460
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,
And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt
Against my coming in. Thou better know'st
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude. 1465
Thy half o' th' kingdom hast thou not forgot,
Wherein I thee endow'd.
Regan. Good sir, to th' purpose.
Tucket within.
Lear. Who put my man i' th' stocks? 1470Duke of Cornwall. What trumpet's that?
Regan. I know't- my sister's. This approves her letter,
That she would soon be here.
[Enter [Oswald the] Steward.]
Is your lady come? 1475Lear. This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride
Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.
Out, varlet, from my sight!
Duke of Cornwall. What means your Grace?
Enter Goneril.
Lear. Who stock'd my servant? Regan, I have good hope
Thou didst not know on't.- Who comes here? O heavens!
If you do love old men, if your sweet sway
Allow obedience- if yourselves are old,
Make it your cause! Send down, and take my part! 1485
[To Goneril] Art not asham'd to look upon this beard?-
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?
Goneril. Why not by th' hand, sir? How have I offended?
All's not offence that indiscretion finds
And dotage terms so. 1490Lear. O sides, you are too tough!
Will you yet hold? How came my man i' th' stocks?
Duke of Cornwall. I set him there, sir; but his own disorders
Deserv'd much less advancement.
Lear. You? Did you? 1495Regan. I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.
If, till the expiration of your month,
You will return and sojourn with my sister,
Dismissing half your train, come then to me.
I am now from home, and out of that provision 1500
Which shall be needful for your entertainment.
Lear. Return to her, and fifty men dismiss'd?
No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To wage against the enmity o' th' air,
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl- 1505
Necessity's sharp pinch! Return with her?
Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took
Our youngest born, I could as well be brought
To knee his throne, and, squire-like, pension beg
To keep base life afoot. Return with her? 1510
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
To this detested groom. [Points at Oswald.]
Goneril. At your choice, sir.
Lear. I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad.
I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell. 1515
We'll no more meet, no more see one another.
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;
Or rather a disease that's in my flesh,
Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil,
A plague sore, an embossed carbuncle 1520
In my corrupted blood. But I'll not chide thee.
Let shame come when it will, I do not call it.
I do not bid the Thunder-bearer shoot
Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove.
Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure; 1525
I can be patient, I can stay with Regan,
I and my hundred knights.
Regan. Not altogether so.
I look'd not for you yet, nor am provided
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister; 1530
For those that mingle reason with your passion
Must be content to think you old, and so-
But she knows what she does.
Lear. Is this well spoken?
Regan. I dare avouch it, sir. What, fifty followers? 1535
Is it not well? What should you need of more?
Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger
Speak 'gainst so great a number? How in one house
Should many people, under two commands,
Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible. 1540Goneril. Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance
From those that she calls servants, or from mine?
Regan. Why not, my lord? If then they chanc'd to slack ye,
We could control them. If you will come to me
(For now I spy a danger), I entreat you 1545
To bring but five-and-twenty. To no more
Will I give place or notice.
Lear. I gave you all-
Regan. And in good time you gave it!
Lear. Made you my guardians, my depositaries; 1550
But kept a reservation to be followed
With such a number. What, must I come to you
With five-and-twenty, Regan? Said you so?
Regan. And speak't again my lord. No more with me.
Lear. Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd 1555
When others are more wicked; not being the worst
Stands in some rank of praise. [To Goneril] I'll go with thee.
Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty,
And thou art twice her love.
Goneril. Hear, me, my lord. 1560
What need you five-and-twenty, ten, or five,
To follow in a house where twice so many
Have a command to tend you?
Regan. What need one?
Lear. O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars 1565
Are in the poorest thing superfluous.
Allow not nature more than nature needs,
Man's life is cheap as beast's. Thou art a lady:
If only to go warm were gorgeous,
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st 1570
Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need-
You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need!
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,
As full of grief as age; wretched in both.
If it be you that stirs these daughters' hearts 1575
Against their father, fool me not so much
To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger,
And let not women's weapons, water drops,
Stain my man's cheeks! No, you unnatural hags!
I will have such revenges on you both 1580
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.
No, I'll not weep.
I have full cause of weeping, but this heart 1585
Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws
Or ere I'll weep. O fool, I shall go mad!
Exeunt Lear, Gloucester, Kent, and Fool. Storm and tempest.
Duke of Cornwall. Let us withdraw; 'twill be a storm.
Regan. This house is little; the old man and 's people 1590
Cannot be well bestow'd.
Goneril. 'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest
And must needs taste his folly.
Regan. For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,
But not one follower. 1595Goneril. So am I purpos'd.
Where is my Lord of Gloucester?
Duke of Cornwall. Followed the old man forth.
[Enter Gloucester.]
He is return'd. 1600Earl of Gloucester. The King is in high rage.
Duke of Cornwall. Whither is he going?
Earl of Gloucester. He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
Duke of Cornwall. 'Tis best to give him way; he leads himself.
Goneril. My lord, entreat him by no means to stay. 1605Earl of Gloucester. Alack, the night comes on, and the bleak winds
Do sorely ruffle. For many miles about
There's scarce a bush.
Regan. O, sir, to wilful men
The injuries that they themselves procure 1610
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors.
He is attended with a desperate train,
And what they may incense him to, being apt
To have his ear abus'd, wisdom bids fear.
Duke of Cornwall. Shut up your doors, my lord: 'tis a wild night. 1615
My Regan counsels well. Come out o' th' storm. [Exeunt.]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 1
A heath. Storm still.
next scene
Enter Kent and a Gentleman at several doors.
Earl of Kent. Who's there, besides foul weather?
Gentleman. One minded like the weather, most unquietly.
Earl of Kent. I know you. Where's the King? 1620Gentleman. Contending with the fretful elements;
Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea,
Or swell the curled waters 'bove the main,
That things might change or cease; tears his white hair,
Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage, 1625
Catch in their fury and make nothing of;
Strives in his little world of man to outscorn
The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.
This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,
The lion and the belly-pinched wolf 1630
Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,
And bids what will take all.
Earl of Kent. But who is with him?
Gentleman. None but the fool, who labours to outjest
His heart-struck injuries. 1635Earl of Kent. Sir, I do know you,
And dare upon the warrant of my note
Commend a dear thing to you. There is division
(Although as yet the face of it be cover'd
With mutual cunning) 'twixt Albany and Cornwall; 1640
Who have (as who have not, that their great stars
Thron'd and set high?) servants, who seem no less,
Which are to France the spies and speculations
Intelligent of our state. What hath been seen,
Either in snuffs and packings of the Dukes, 1645
Or the hard rein which both of them have borne
Against the old kind King, or something deeper,
Whereof, perchance, these are but furnishings-
But, true it is, from France there comes a power
Into this scattered kingdom, who already, 1650
Wise in our negligence, have secret feet
In some of our best ports and are at point
To show their open banner. Now to you:
If on my credit you dare build so far
To make your speed to Dover, you shall find 1655
Some that will thank you, making just report
Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow
The King hath cause to plain.
I am a gentleman of blood and breeding,
And from some knowledge and assurance offer 1660
This office to you.
Gentleman. I will talk further with you.
Earl of Kent. No, do not.
For confirmation that I am much more
Than my out-wall, open this purse and take 1665
What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia
(As fear not but you shall), show her this ring,
And she will tell you who your fellow is
That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm!
I will go seek the King. 1670Gentleman. Give me your hand. Have you no more to say?
Earl of Kent. Few words, but, to effect, more than all yet:
That, when we have found the King (in which your pain
That way, I'll this), he that first lights on him
Holla the other. 1675Exeunt [severally].
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previous scene Act III, Scene 2
Another part of the heath. Storm still.
next scene
Enter Lear and Fool.
Lear. Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!
You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout
Till you have drench'd our steeples, drown'd the cocks! 1680
You sulph'rous and thought-executing fires,
Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts,
Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder,
Strike flat the thick rotundity o' th' world,
Crack Nature's moulds, all germains spill at once, 1685
That makes ingrateful man!
Fool. O nuncle, court holy water in a dry house is better than this
rain water out o' door. Good nuncle, in, and ask thy daughters
blessing! Here's a night pities nether wise men nor fools.
Lear. Rumble thy bellyful! Spit, fire! spout, rain! 1690
Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire are my daughters.
I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness.
I never gave you kingdom, call'd you children,
You owe me no subscription. Then let fall
Your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your slave, 1695
A poor, infirm, weak, and despis'd old man.
But yet I call you servile ministers,
That will with two pernicious daughters join
Your high-engender'd battles 'gainst a head
So old and white as this! O! O! 'tis foul! 1700Fool. He that has a house to put 's head in has a good head-piece.
The codpiece that will house
Before the head has any,
The head and he shall louse:
So beggars marry many. 1705
The man that makes his toe
What he his heart should make
Shall of a corn cry woe,
And turn his sleep to wake.
For there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in a 1710
glass.
Enter Kent.
Lear. No, I will be the pattern of all patience;
I will say nothing.
Earl of Kent. Who's there? 1715Fool. Marry, here's grace and a codpiece; that's a wise man and a
fool.
Earl of Kent. Alas, sir, are you here? Things that love night
Love not such nights as these. The wrathful skies
Gallow the very wanderers of the dark 1720
And make them keep their caves. Since I was man,
Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder,
Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never
Remember to have heard. Man's nature cannot carry
Th' affliction nor the fear. 1725Lear. Let the great gods,
That keep this dreadful pudder o'er our heads,
Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wretch,
That hast within thee undivulged crimes
Unwhipp'd of justice. Hide thee, thou bloody hand; 1730
Thou perjur'd, and thou simular man of virtue
That art incestuous. Caitiff, in pieces shake
That under covert and convenient seeming
Hast practis'd on man's life. Close pent-up guilts,
Rive your concealing continents, and cry 1735
These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man
More sinn'd against than sinning.
Earl of Kent. Alack, bareheaded?
Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel;
Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest. 1740
Repose you there, whilst I to this hard house
(More harder than the stones whereof 'tis rais'd,
Which even but now, demanding after you,
Denied me to come in) return, and force
Their scanted courtesy. 1745Lear. My wits begin to turn.
Come on, my boy. How dost, my boy? Art cold?
I am cold myself. Where is this straw, my fellow?
The art of our necessities is strange,
That can make vile things precious. Come, your hovel. 1750
Poor fool and knave, I have one part in my heart
That's sorry yet for thee.
Fool. [sings]
He that has and a little tiny wit-
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain- 1755
Must make content with his fortunes fit,
For the rain it raineth every day.
Lear. True, my good boy. Come, bring us to this hovel.
Exeunt [Lear and Kent].
Fool. This is a brave night to cool a courtesan. I'll speak a 1760
prophecy ere I go:
When priests are more in word than matter;
When brewers mar their malt with water;
When nobles are their tailors' tutors,
No heretics burn'd, but wenches' suitors; 1765
When every case in law is right,
No squire in debt nor no poor knight;
When slanders do not live in tongues,
Nor cutpurses come not to throngs;
When usurers tell their gold i' th' field, 1770
And bawds and whores do churches build:
Then shall the realm of Albion
Come to great confusion.
Then comes the time, who lives to see't,
That going shall be us'd with feet. 1775
This prophecy Merlin shall make, for I live before his time. Exit.
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previous scene Act III, Scene 3
Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Gloucester and Edmund.
Earl of Gloucester. Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural dealing! When
I desir'd their leave that I might pity him, they took from me
the use of mine own house, charg'd me on pain of perpetual 1780
displeasure neither to speak of him, entreat for him, nor any
way sustain him.
Edmund. Most savage and unnatural!
Earl of Gloucester. Go to; say you nothing. There is division betwixt the Dukes,
and a worse matter than that. I have received a letter this 1785
night- 'tis dangerous to be spoken- I have lock'd the letter in
my closet. These injuries the King now bears will be revenged
home; there's part of a power already footed; we must incline to
the King. I will seek him and privily relieve him. Go you and
maintain talk with the Duke, that my charity be not of him 1790
perceived. If he ask for me, I am ill and gone to bed. Though I
die for't, as no less is threat'ned me, the King my old master
must be relieved. There is some strange thing toward, Edmund.
Pray you be careful. Exit.
Edmund. This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the Duke 1795
Instantly know, and of that letter too.
This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me
That which my father loses- no less than all.
The younger rises when the old doth fall. Exit.
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previous scene Act III, Scene 4
The heath. Before a hovel. Storm still.
next scene
Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.
Earl of Kent. Here is the place, my lord. Good my lord, enter.
The tyranny of the open night 's too rough
For nature to endure.
Lear. Let me alone.
Earl of Kent. Good my lord, enter here. 1805Lear. Wilt break my heart?
Earl of Kent. I had rather break mine own. Good my lord, enter.
Lear. Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm
Invades us to the skin. So 'tis to thee;
But where the greater malady is fix'd, 1810
The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'dst shun a bear;
But if thy flight lay toward the raging sea,
Thou'dst meet the bear i' th' mouth. When the mind's free,
The body's delicate. The tempest in my mind
Doth from my senses take all feeling else 1815
Save what beats there. Filial ingratitude!
Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand
For lifting food to't? But I will punish home!
No, I will weep no more. In such a night
To shut me out! Pour on; I will endure. 1820
In such a night as this! O Regan, Goneril!
Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all!
O, that way madness lies; let me shun that!
No more of that.
Earl of Kent. Good my lord, enter here. 1825Lear. Prithee go in thyself; seek thine own ease.
This tempest will not give me leave to ponder
On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in.
[To the Fool] In, boy; go first.- You houseless poverty-
Nay, get thee in. I'll pray, and then I'll sleep. [Exit Fool] 1830
Poor naked wretches, wheresoe'er you are,
That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm,
How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,
Your loop'd and window'd raggedness, defend you
From seasons such as these? O, I have ta'en 1835
Too little care of this! Take physic, pomp;
Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel,
That thou mayst shake the superflux to them
And show the heavens more just.
Edgar. [within] Fathom and half, fathom and half! Poor Tom! 1840Enter Fool [from the hovel].
Fool. Come not in here, nuncle, here's a spirit. Help me, help me!
Earl of Kent. Give me thy hand. Who's there?
Fool. A spirit, a spirit! He says his name's poor Tom.
Earl of Kent. What art thou that dost grumble there i' th' straw? 1845
Come forth.
Enter Edgar [disguised as a madman].
Edgar. Away! the foul fiend follows me! Through the sharp hawthorn
blows the cold wind. Humh! go to thy cold bed, and warm thee.
Lear. Hast thou given all to thy two daughters, and art thou come 1850
to this?
Edgar. Who gives anything to poor Tom? whom the foul fiend hath led
through fire and through flame, through ford and whirlpool, o'er
bog and quagmire; that hath laid knives under his pillow and
halters in his pew, set ratsbane by his porridge, made him proud 1855
of heart, to ride on a bay trotting horse over four-inch'd
bridges, to course his own shadow for a traitor. Bless thy five
wits! Tom 's acold. O, do de, do de, do de. Bless thee from
whirlwinds, star-blasting, and taking! Do poor Tom some charity,
whom the foul fiend vexes. There could I have him now- and there- 1860
and there again- and there!
Storm still.
Lear. What, have his daughters brought him to this pass?
Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give 'em all?
Fool. Nay, he reserv'd a blanket, else we had been all sham'd. 1865Lear. Now all the plagues that in the pendulous air
Hang fated o'er men's faults light on thy daughters!
Earl of Kent. He hath no daughters, sir.
Lear. Death, traitor! nothing could have subdu'd nature
To such a lowness but his unkind daughters. 1870
Is it the fashion that discarded fathers
Should have thus little mercy on their flesh?
Judicious punishment! 'Twas this flesh begot
Those pelican daughters.
Edgar. Pillicock sat on Pillicock's Hill. 'Allow, 'allow, loo, loo! 1875Fool. This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen.
Edgar. Take heed o' th' foul fiend; obey thy parents: keep thy word
justly; swear not; commit not with man's sworn spouse; set not
thy sweet heart on proud array. Tom 's acold.
Lear. What hast thou been? 1880Edgar. A servingman, proud in heart and mind; that curl'd my hair,
wore gloves in my cap; serv'd the lust of my mistress' heart and
did the act of darkness with her; swore as many oaths as I spake
words, and broke them in the sweet face of heaven; one that
slept in the contriving of lust, and wak'd to do it. Wine lov'd 1885
I deeply, dice dearly; and in woman out-paramour'd the Turk.
False of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand; hog in sloth, fox
in stealth, wolf in greediness, dog in madness, lion in prey.
Let not the creaking of shoes nor the rustling of silks betray
thy poor heart to woman. Keep thy foot out of brothel, thy hand 1890
out of placket, thy pen from lender's book, and defy the foul
fiend. Still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind; says
suum, mun, hey, no, nonny. Dolphin my boy, my boy, sessa! let
him trot by.
Storm still.
Lear. Why, thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy
uncover'd body this extremity of the skies. Is man no more than
this? Consider him well. Thou ow'st the worm no silk, the beast
no hide, the sheep no wool, the cat no perfume. Ha! Here's three
on's are sophisticated! Thou art the thing itself; 1900
unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked
animal as thou art. Off, off, you lendings! Come, unbutton
here.
[Tears at his clothes.]
Fool. Prithee, nuncle, be contented! 'Tis a naughty night to swim 1905
in. Now a little fire in a wild field were like an old lecher's
heart- a small spark, all the rest on's body cold. Look, here
comes a walking fire.
Enter Gloucester with a torch.
Edgar. This is the foul fiend Flibbertigibbet. He begins at curfew, 1910
and walks till the first cock. He gives the web and the pin,
squints the eye, and makes the harelip; mildews the white wheat,
and hurts the poor creature of earth.
Saint Withold footed thrice the 'old;
He met the nightmare, and her nine fold; 1915
Bid her alight
And her troth plight,
And aroint thee, witch, aroint thee!
Earl of Kent. How fares your Grace?
Lear. What's he? 1920Earl of Kent. Who's there? What is't you seek?
Earl of Gloucester. What are you there? Your names?
Edgar. Poor Tom, that eats the swimming frog, the toad, the todpole,
the wall-newt and the water; that in the fury of his heart, when
the foul fiend rages, eats cow-dung for sallets, swallows the 1925
old rat and the ditch-dog, drinks the green mantle of the
standing pool; who is whipp'd from tithing to tithing, and
stock-punish'd and imprison'd; who hath had three suits to his
back, six shirts to his body, horse to ride, and weapons to
wear; 1930
But mice and rats, and such small deer,
Have been Tom's food for seven long year.
Beware my follower. Peace, Smulkin! peace, thou fiend!
Earl of Gloucester. What, hath your Grace no better company?
Edgar. The prince of darkness is a gentleman! 1935
Modo he's call'd, and Mahu.
Earl of Gloucester. Our flesh and blood is grown so vile, my lord,
That it doth hate what gets it.
Edgar. Poor Tom 's acold.
Earl of Gloucester. Go in with me. My duty cannot suffer 1940
T' obey in all your daughters' hard commands.
Though their injunction be to bar my doors
And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you,
Yet have I ventur'd to come seek you out
And bring you where both fire and food is ready. 1945Lear. First let me talk with this philosopher.
What is the cause of thunder?
Earl of Kent. Good my lord, take his offer; go into th' house.
Lear. I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban.
What is your study? 1950Edgar. How to prevent the fiend and to kill vermin.
Lear. Let me ask you one word in private.
Earl of Kent. Importune him once more to go, my lord.
His wits begin t' unsettle.
Earl of Gloucester. Canst thou blame him? [Storm still.] 1955
His daughters seek his death. Ah, that good Kent!
He said it would be thus- poor banish'd man!
Thou say'st the King grows mad: I'll tell thee, friend,
I am almost mad myself. I had a son,
Now outlaw'd from my blood. He sought my life 1960
But lately, very late. I lov'd him, friend-
No father his son dearer. True to tell thee,
The grief hath craz'd my wits. What a night 's this!
I do beseech your Grace-
Lear. O, cry you mercy, sir. 1965
Noble philosopher, your company.
Edgar. Tom's acold.
Earl of Gloucester. In, fellow, there, into th' hovel; keep thee warm.
Lear. Come, let's in all.
Earl of Kent. This way, my lord. 1970Lear. With him!
I will keep still with my philosopher.
Earl of Kent. Good my lord, soothe him; let him take the fellow.
Earl of Gloucester. Take him you on.
Earl of Kent. Sirrah, come on; go along with us. 1975Lear. Come, good Athenian.
Earl of Gloucester. No words, no words! hush.
Edgar. Child Rowland to the dark tower came;
His word was still
Fie, foh, and fum! 1980
I smell the blood of a British man.
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act III, Scene 5
Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Cornwall and Edmund.
Duke of Cornwall. I will have my revenge ere I depart his house.
Edmund. How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature thus gives way to 1985
loyalty, something fears me to think of.
Duke of Cornwall. I now perceive it was not altogether your brother's evil
disposition made him seek his death; but a provoking merit, set
awork by a reproveable badness in himself.
Edmund. How malicious is my fortune that I must repent to be just! 1990
This is the letter he spoke of, which approves him an
intelligent party to the advantages of France. O heavens! that
this treason were not- or not I the detector!
Duke of Cornwall. Go with me to the Duchess.
Edmund. If the matter of this paper be certain, you have mighty 1995
business in hand.
Duke of Cornwall. True or false, it hath made thee Earl of Gloucester.
Seek out where thy father is, that he may be ready for our
apprehension.
Edmund. [aside] If I find him comforting the King, it will stuff his 2000
suspicion more fully.- I will persever in my course of loyalty,
though the conflict be sore between that and my blood.
Duke of Cornwall. I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find a dearer
father in my love.
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act III, Scene 6
A farmhouse near Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Gloucester, Lear, Kent, Fool, and Edgar.
Earl of Gloucester. Here is better than the open air; take it thankfully. I will
piece out the comfort with what addition I can. I will not be
long from you.
Earl of Kent. All the power of his wits have given way to his impatience. 2010
The gods reward your kindness!
Exit [Gloucester].
Edgar. Frateretto calls me, and tells me Nero is an angler in the
lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and beware the foul fiend.
Fool. Prithee, nuncle, tell me whether a madman be a gentleman or a 2015
yeoman.
Lear. A king, a king!
Fool. No, he's a yeoman that has a gentleman to his son; for he's a
mad yeoman that sees his son a gentleman before him.
Lear. To have a thousand with red burning spits 2020
Come hizzing in upon 'em-
Edgar. The foul fiend bites my back.
Fool. He's mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, a horse's
health, a boy's love, or a whore's oath.
Lear. It shall be done; I will arraign them straight. 2025
[To Edgar] Come, sit thou here, most learned justicer.
[To the Fool] Thou, sapient sir, sit here. Now, you she-foxes!
Edgar. Look, where he stands and glares! Want'st thou eyes at trial,
madam?
Come o'er the bourn, Bessy, to me. 2030Fool. Her boat hath a leak,
And she must not speak
Why she dares not come over to thee.
Edgar. The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of a nightingale.
Hoppedance cries in Tom's belly for two white herring. Croak 2035
not, black angel; I have no food for thee.
Earl of Kent. How do you, sir? Stand you not so amaz'd.
Will you lie down and rest upon the cushions?
Lear. I'll see their trial first. Bring in their evidence.
[To Edgar] Thou, robed man of justice, take thy place. 2040
[To the Fool] And thou, his yokefellow of equity,
Bench by his side. [To Kent] You are o' th' commission,
Sit you too.
Edgar. Let us deal justly.
Sleepest or wakest thou, jolly shepherd? 2045
Thy sheep be in the corn;
And for one blast of thy minikin mouth
Thy sheep shall take no harm.
Purr! the cat is gray.
Lear. Arraign her first. 'Tis Goneril. I here take my oath before 2050
this honourable assembly, she kicked the poor King her father.
Fool. Come hither, mistress. Is your name Goneril?
Lear. She cannot deny it.
Fool. Cry you mercy, I took you for a joint-stool.
Lear. And here's another, whose warp'd looks proclaim 2055
What store her heart is made on. Stop her there!
Arms, arms! sword! fire! Corruption in the place!
False justicer, why hast thou let her scape?
Edgar. Bless thy five wits!
Earl of Kent. O pity! Sir, where is the patience now 2060
That you so oft have boasted to retain?
Edgar. [aside] My tears begin to take his part so much
They'll mar my counterfeiting.
Lear. The little dogs and all,
Tray, Blanch, and Sweetheart, see, they bark at me. 2065Edgar. Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt, you curs!
Be thy mouth or black or white,
Tooth that poisons if it bite;
Mastiff, greyhound, mongrel grim,
Hound or spaniel, brach or lym, 2070
Bobtail tyke or trundle-tail-
Tom will make them weep and wail;
For, with throwing thus my head,
Dogs leap the hatch, and all are fled.
Do de, de, de. Sessa! Come, march to wakes and fairs and market 2075
towns. Poor Tom, thy horn is dry.
Lear. Then let them anatomize Regan. See what breeds about her
heart. Is there any cause in nature that makes these hard
hearts? [To Edgar] You, sir- I entertain you for one of my
hundred; only I do not like the fashion of your garments. You'll 2080
say they are Persian attire; but let them be chang'd.
Earl of Kent. Now, good my lord, lie here and rest awhile.
Lear. Make no noise, make no noise; draw the curtains.
So, so, so. We'll go to supper i' th' morning. So, so, so.
Fool. And I'll go to bed at noon. 2085Enter Gloucester.
Earl of Gloucester. Come hither, friend. Where is the King my master?
Earl of Kent. Here, sir; but trouble him not; his wits are gone.
Earl of Gloucester. Good friend, I prithee take him in thy arms.
I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him. 2090
There is a litter ready; lay him in't
And drive towards Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet
Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master.
If thou shouldst dally half an hour, his life,
With thine, and all that offer to defend him, 2095
Stand in assured loss. Take up, take up!
And follow me, that will to some provision
Give thee quick conduct.
Earl of Kent. Oppressed nature sleeps.
This rest might yet have balm'd thy broken senses, 2100
Which, if convenience will not allow,
Stand in hard cure. [To the Fool] Come, help to bear thy master.
Thou must not stay behind.
Earl of Gloucester. Come, come, away!
Exeunt [all but Edgar].
Edgar. When we our betters see bearing our woes,
We scarcely think our miseries our foes.
Who alone suffers suffers most i' th' mind,
Leaving free things and happy shows behind;
But then the mind much sufferance doth o'erskip 2110
When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship.
How light and portable my pain seems now,
When that which makes me bend makes the King bow,
He childed as I fathered! Tom, away!
Mark the high noises, and thyself bewray 2115
When false opinion, whose wrong thought defiles thee,
In thy just proof repeals and reconciles thee.
What will hap more to-night, safe scape the King!
Lurk, lurk. [Exit.]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 7
Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Cornwall, Regan, Goneril, [Edmund the] Bastard, and Servants.
Duke of Cornwall. [to Goneril] Post speedily to my lord your husband, show him
this letter. The army of France is landed.- Seek out the traitor
Gloucester.
[Exeunt some of the Servants.]
Regan. Hang him instantly. 2125Goneril. Pluck out his eyes.
Duke of Cornwall. Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep you our sister
company. The revenges we are bound to take upon your traitorous
father are not fit for your beholding. Advise the Duke where you
are going, to a most festinate preparation. We are bound to the 2130
like. Our posts shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us.
Farewell, dear sister; farewell, my Lord of Gloucester. [Enter Oswald the Steward.]
How now? Where's the King?
Oswald. My Lord of Gloucester hath convey'd him hence.
Some five or six and thirty of his knights, 2135
Hot questrists after him, met him at gate;
Who, with some other of the lord's dependants,
Are gone with him towards Dover, where they boast
To have well-armed friends.
Duke of Cornwall. Get horses for your mistress. 2140Goneril. Farewell, sweet lord, and sister.
Duke of Cornwall. Edmund, farewell. [Exeunt Goneril, Edmund, and Oswald.]
Go seek the traitor Gloucester,
Pinion him like a thief, bring him before us. [Exeunt other Servants.]
Though well we may not pass upon his life 2145
Without the form of justice, yet our power
Shall do a court'sy to our wrath, which men
May blame, but not control. [Enter Gloucester, brought in by two or three.]
Who's there? the traitor?
Regan. Ingrateful fox! 'tis he. 2150Duke of Cornwall. Bind fast his corky arms.
Earl of Gloucester. What mean, your Graces? Good my friends, consider
You are my guests. Do me no foul play, friends.
Duke of Cornwall. Bind him, I say.
[Servants bind him.]
Regan. Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!
Earl of Gloucester. Unmerciful lady as you are, I am none.
Duke of Cornwall. To this chair bind him. Villain, thou shalt find-
[Regan plucks his beard.]
Earl of Gloucester. By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done 2160
To pluck me by the beard.
Regan. So white, and such a traitor!
Earl of Gloucester. Naughty lady,
These hairs which thou dost ravish from my chin
Will quicken, and accuse thee. I am your host. 2165
With robber's hands my hospitable favours
You should not ruffle thus. What will you do?
Duke of Cornwall. Come, sir, what letters had you late from France?
Regan. Be simple-answer'd, for we know the truth.
Duke of Cornwall. And what confederacy have you with the traitors 2170
Late footed in the kingdom?
Regan. To whose hands have you sent the lunatic King?
Speak.
Earl of Gloucester. I have a letter guessingly set down,
Which came from one that's of a neutral heart, 2175
And not from one oppos'd.
Duke of Cornwall. Cunning.
Regan. And false.
Duke of Cornwall. Where hast thou sent the King?
Earl of Gloucester. To Dover. 2180Regan. Wherefore to Dover? Wast thou not charg'd at peril-
Duke of Cornwall. Wherefore to Dover? Let him first answer that.
Earl of Gloucester. I am tied to th' stake, and I must stand the course.
Regan. Wherefore to Dover, sir?
Earl of Gloucester. Because I would not see thy cruel nails 2185
Pluck out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister
In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs.
The sea, with such a storm as his bare head
In hell-black night endur'd, would have buoy'd up
And quench'd the steeled fires. 2190
Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain.
If wolves had at thy gate howl'd that stern time,
Thou shouldst have said, 'Good porter, turn the key.'
All cruels else subscrib'd. But I shall see
The winged vengeance overtake such children. 2195Duke of Cornwall. See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.
Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot.
Earl of Gloucester. He that will think to live till he be old,
Give me some help!- O cruel! O ye gods!
Regan. One side will mock another. Th' other too! 2200Duke of Cornwall. If you see vengeance-
Servant 1. Hold your hand, my lord!
I have serv'd you ever since I was a child;
But better service have I never done you
Than now to bid you hold. 2205Regan. How now, you dog?
Servant 1. If you did wear a beard upon your chin,
I'ld shake it on this quarrel.
Regan. What do you mean?
Duke of Cornwall. My villain! Draw and fight. 2210Servant 1. Nay, then, come on, and take the chance of anger.
Regan. Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus?
She takes a sword and runs at him behind.
Servant 1. O, I am slain! My lord, you have one eye left
To see some mischief on him. O! He dies. 2215Duke of Cornwall. Lest it see more, prevent it. Out, vile jelly!
Where is thy lustre now?
Earl of Gloucester. All dark and comfortless! Where's my son Edmund?
Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature
To quit this horrid act. 2220Regan. Out, treacherous villain!
Thou call'st on him that hates thee. It was he
That made the overture of thy treasons to us;
Who is too good to pity thee.
Earl of Gloucester. O my follies! Then Edgar was abus'd. 2225
Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him!
Regan. Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell
His way to Dover. [Exit one with Gloucester.]
How is't, my lord? How look you?
Duke of Cornwall. I have receiv'd a hurt. Follow me, lady. 2230
Turn out that eyeless villain. Throw this slave
Upon the dunghill. Regan, I bleed apace.
Untimely comes this hurt. Give me your arm.
Exit [Cornwall, led by Regan].
Servant 2. I'll never care what wickedness I do, 2235
If this man come to good.
Servant 3. If she live long,
And in the end meet the old course of death,
Women will all turn monsters.
Servant 2. Let's follow the old Earl, and get the bedlam 2240
To lead him where he would. His roguish madness
Allows itself to anything.
Servant 3. Go thou. I'll fetch some flax and whites of eggs
To apply to his bleeding face. Now heaven help him!
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 1
The heath.
next scene
Enter Edgar.
Edgar. Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd,
Than still contemn'd and flatter'd. To be worst,
The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune,
Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear. 2250
The lamentable change is from the best;
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. 2255
[Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man.]
But who comes here?
My father, poorly led? World, world, O world!
But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee,
Life would not yield to age. 2260Old Man. O my good lord,
I have been your tenant, and your father's tenant,
These fourscore years.
Earl of Gloucester. Away, get thee away! Good friend, be gone.
Thy comforts can do me no good at all; 2265
Thee they may hurt.
Old Man. You cannot see your way.
Earl of Gloucester. I have no way, and therefore want no eyes;
I stumbled when I saw. Full oft 'tis seen
Our means secure us, and our mere defects 2270
Prove our commodities. Ah dear son Edgar,
The food of thy abused father's wrath!
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,
I'ld say I had eyes again!
Old Man. How now? Who's there? 2275Edgar. [aside] O gods! Who is't can say 'I am at the worst'?
I am worse than e'er I was.
Old Man. 'Tis poor mad Tom.
Edgar. [aside] And worse I may be yet. The worst is not
So long as we can say 'This is the worst.' 2280Old Man. Fellow, where goest?
Earl of Gloucester. Is it a beggarman?
Old Man. Madman and beggar too.
Earl of Gloucester. He has some reason, else he could not beg.
I' th' last night's storm I such a fellow saw, 2285
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.
As flies to wanton boys are we to th' gods.
They kill us for their sport. 2290Edgar. [aside] How should this be?
Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,
Ang'ring itself and others.- Bless thee, master!
Earl of Gloucester. Is that the naked fellow?
Old Man. Ay, my lord. 2295Earl of Gloucester. Then prithee get thee gone. If for my sake
Thou wilt o'ertake us hence a mile or twain
I' th' way toward Dover, do it for ancient love;
And bring some covering for this naked soul,
Who I'll entreat to lead me. 2300Old Man. Alack, sir, he is mad!
Earl of Gloucester. 'Tis the time's plague when madmen lead the blind.
Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure.
Above the rest, be gone.
Old Man. I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have, 2305
Come on't what will. Exit.
Earl of Gloucester. Sirrah naked fellow-
Edgar. Poor Tom's acold. [Aside] I cannot daub it further.
Earl of Gloucester. Come hither, fellow.
Edgar. [aside] And yet I must.- Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed. 2310Earl of Gloucester. Know'st thou the way to Dover?
Edgar. Both stile and gate, horseway and footpath. Poor Tom hath been
scar'd out of his good wits. Bless thee, good man's son, from
the foul fiend! Five fiends have been in poor Tom at once: of
lust, as Obidicut; Hobbididence, prince of dumbness; Mahu, of 2315
stealing; Modo, of murder; Flibbertigibbet, of mopping and
mowing, who since possesses chambermaids and waiting women. So,
bless thee, master!
Earl of Gloucester. Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues
Have humbled to all strokes. That I am wretched 2320
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 pow'r quickly;
So distribution should undo excess, 2325
And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?
Edgar. Ay, master.
Earl of Gloucester. There is a cliff, whose high and bending head
Looks fearfully in the confined deep.
Bring me but to the very brim of it, 2330
And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear
With something rich about me. From that place
I shall no leading need.
Edgar. Give me thy arm.
Poor Tom shall lead thee. 2335Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 2
Before the Duke of Albany’s Palace.
next scene
Enter Goneril and [Edmund the] Bastard.
Goneril. Welcome, my lord. I marvel our mild husband
Not met us on the way. [Enter Oswald the Steward.]
Now, where's your master? 2340Oswald. Madam, within, but never man so chang'd.
I told him of the army that was landed:
He smil'd 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 2345
When I inform'd him, then he call'd me sot
And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out.
What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;
What like, offensive.
Goneril. [to Edmund] Then shall you go no further. 2350
It is the cowish terror of his spirit,
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 pow'rs. 2355
I must change arms at home and give the distaff
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. [Gives a favour.] 2360
Spare speech.
Decline your head. This kiss, if it durst speak,
Would stretch thy spirits up into the air.
Conceive, and fare thee well.
Edmund. Yours in the ranks of death! Exit. 2365Goneril. My most dear Gloucester!
O, the difference of man and man!
To thee a woman's services are due;
My fool usurps my body.
Oswald. Madam, here comes my lord. Exit. 2370Enter Albany.
Goneril. I have been worth the whistle.
Duke of Albany. O Goneril,
You are not worth the dust which the rude wind
Blows in your face! I fear your disposition. 2375
That nature which contemns it 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. 2380Goneril. No more! The text is foolish.
Duke of Albany. Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile;
Filths savour but themselves. What have you done?
Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd?
A father, and a gracious aged man, 2385
Whose reverence even the head-lugg'd bear would lick,
Most barbarous, most degenerate, have you madded.
Could my good brother suffer you to do it?
A man, a prince, by him so benefited!
If that the heavens do not their visible spirits 2390
Send quickly down to tame these vile offences,
It will come,
Humanity must perforce prey on itself,
Like monsters of the deep.
Goneril. Milk-liver'd man! 2395
That bear'st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;
Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning
Thine honour from thy suffering; that not know'st
Fools do those villains pity who are punish'd
Ere they have done their mischief. Where's thy drum? 2400
France spreads his banners in our noiseless land,
With plumed helm thy state begins to threat,
Whiles thou, a moral fool, sit'st still, and criest
'Alack, why does he so?'
Duke of Albany. See thyself, devil! 2405
Proper deformity seems not in the fiend
So horrid as in woman.
Goneril. O vain fool!
Duke of Albany. Thou changed and self-cover'd thing, for shame!
Bemonster not thy feature! Were't my fitness 2410
To let these hands obey my blood,
They are apt enough to dislocate and tear
Thy flesh and bones. Howe'er thou art a fiend,
A woman's shape doth shield thee.
Goneril. Marry, your manhood mew! 2415Enter a Gentleman.
Duke of Albany. What news?
Gentleman. O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall 's dead,
Slain by his servant, going to put out
The other eye of Gloucester. 2420Duke of Albany. Gloucester's eyes?
Gentleman. A servant that he bred, thrill'd with remorse,
Oppos'd against the act, bending his sword
To his great master; who, thereat enrag'd,
Flew on him, and amongst them fell'd him dead; 2425
But not without that harmful stroke which since
Hath pluck'd him after.
Duke of Albany. This shows you are above,
You justicers, that these our nether crimes
So speedily can venge! But O poor Gloucester! 2430
Lose he his other eye?
Gentleman. Both, both, my lord.
This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer.
'Tis from your sister.
Goneril. [aside] One way I like this well; 2435
But being widow, and my Gloucester with her,
May all the building in my fancy pluck
Upon my hateful life. Another way
The news is not so tart.- I'll read, and answer. Exit.
Duke of Albany. Where was his son when they did take his eyes? 2440Gentleman. Come with my lady hither.
Duke of Albany. He is not here.
Gentleman. No, my good lord; I met him back again.
Duke of Albany. Knows he the wickedness?
Gentleman. Ay, my good lord. 'Twas he inform'd against him, 2445
And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment
Might have the freer course.
Duke of Albany. Gloucester, I live
To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the King,
And to revenge thine eyes. Come hither, friend. 2450
Tell me what more thou know'st.
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 3
The French camp near Dover.
next scene
Enter Kent and a Gentleman.
Earl of Kent. Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you the
reason? 2455Gentleman. 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 that his personal return was most required and
necessary.
Earl of Kent. Who hath he left behind him general? 2460Gentleman. The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.
Earl of Kent. Did your letters pierce the Queen to any demonstration of
grief?
Gentleman. Ay, sir. She took them, read them in my presence,
And now and then an ample tear trill'd down 2465
Her delicate cheek. It seem'd she was a queen
Over her passion, who, most rebel-like,
Sought to be king o'er her.
Earl of Kent. O, then it mov'd her?
Gentleman. Not to a rage. Patience and sorrow strove 2470
Who should express her goodliest. You have seen
Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears
Were like, a better way. Those happy smilets
That play'd on her ripe lip seem'd not to know
What guests were in her eyes, which parted thence 2475
As pearls from diamonds dropp'd. In brief,
Sorrow would be a rarity most belov'd,
If all could so become it.
Earl of Kent. Made she no verbal question?
Gentleman. Faith, once or twice she heav'd the name of father 2480
Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart;
Cried 'Sisters, sisters! Shame of ladies! Sisters!
Kent! father! sisters! What, i' th' storm? i' th' night?
Let pity not be believ'd!' There she shook
The holy water from her heavenly eyes, 2485
And clamour moisten'd. Then away she started
To deal with grief alone.
Earl of Kent. It is the stars,
The stars above us, govern our conditions;
Else one self mate and mate could not beget 2490
Such different issues. You spoke not with her since?
Gentleman. No.
Earl of Kent. Was this before the King return'd?
Gentleman. No, since.
Earl of Kent. Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' th' town; 2495
Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers
What we are come about, and by no means
Will yield to see his daughter.
Gentleman. Why, good sir?
Earl of Kent. A sovereign shame so elbows him; his own unkindness, 2500
That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her
To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights
To his dog-hearted daughters- these things sting
His mind so venomously that burning shame
Detains him from Cordelia. 2505Gentleman. Alack, poor gentleman!
Earl of Kent. Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not?
Gentleman. 'Tis so; they are afoot.
Earl of Kent. Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear
And leave you to attend him. Some dear cause 2510
Will in concealment wrap me up awhile.
When I am known aright, you shall not grieve
Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you go
Along with me. Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 4
The French camp.
next scene
Enter, with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Doctor, and Soldiers.
Cordelia. Alack, 'tis he! Why, he was met even now
As mad as the vex'd sea, singing aloud,
Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow weeds,
With harlocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo flow'rs,
Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow 2520
In our sustaining corn. A century send forth.
Search every acre in the high-grown field
And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer.] What can man's
wisdom
In the restoring his bereaved sense? 2525
He that helps him take all my outward worth.
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 2530
Will close the eye of anguish.
Cordelia. All blest secrets,
All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth,
Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate
In the good man's distress! Seek, seek for him! 2535
Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life
That wants the means to lead it.
Enter Messenger.
Messenger. News, madam.
The British pow'rs are marching hitherward. 2540Cordelia. 'Tis known before. Our preparation stands
In expectation of them. O dear father,
It is thy business that I go about.
Therefore great France
My mourning and important tears hath pitied. 2545
No blown ambition doth our arms incite,
But love, dear love, and our ag'd father's right.
Soon may I hear and see him!
Exeunt.
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 5
Gloucester’s Castle.
next scene
Enter Regan and [Oswald the] Steward.
Regan. But are my brother's pow'rs set forth?
Oswald. Ay, madam.
Regan. Himself in person there?
Oswald. Madam, with much ado.
Your sister is the better soldier. 2555Regan. Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
Oswald. No, madam.
Regan. What might import my sister's letter to him?
Oswald. I know not, lady.
Regan. Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter. 2560
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 2565
The strength o' th' enemy.
Oswald. I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
Regan. Our troops set forth to-morrow. Stay with us.
The ways are dangerous.
Oswald. I may not, madam. 2570
My lady charg'd my duty in this business.
Regan. Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
Transport her purposes by word? Belike,
Something- I know not what- I'll love thee much-
Let me unseal the letter. 2575Oswald. Madam, I had 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 eyeliads and most speaking looks
To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom. 2580Oswald. I, 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 talk'd,
And more convenient is he for my hand 2585
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 farewell. 2590
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
Oswald. Would I could meet him, madam! I should show
What party I do follow.
Regan. Fare thee well. Exeunt. 2595 RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act IV, Scene 6
The country near Dover.
next scene
Enter Gloucester, and Edgar [like a Peasant].
Earl of Gloucester. When shall I come to th' top of that same hill?
Edgar. You do climb up it now. Look how we labour.
Earl of Gloucester. Methinks the ground is even.
Edgar. Horrible steep. 2600
Hark, do you hear the sea?
Earl of Gloucester. No, truly.
Edgar. Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect
By your eyes' anguish.
Earl of Gloucester. So may it be indeed. 2605
Methinks thy voice is alter'd, and thou speak'st
In better phrase and matter than thou didst.
Edgar. Y'are much deceiv'd. In nothing am I chang'd
But in my garments.
Earl of Gloucester. Methinks y'are better spoken. 2610Edgar. Come on, sir; here's the place. Stand still. How 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 sampire- dreadful trade! 2615
Methinks he seems no bigger than his head.
The fishermen that walk upon the beach
Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark,
Diminish'd to her cock; her cock, a buoy
Almost too small for sight. The murmuring surge 2620
That on th' unnumb'red idle pebble chafes
Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more,
Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight
Topple down headlong.
Earl of Gloucester. Set me where you stand. 2625Edgar. Give me your hand. You are now within a foot
Of th' extreme verge. For all beneath the moon
Would I not leap upright.
Earl of Gloucester. Let go my hand.
Here, friend, is another purse; in it a jewel 2630
Well worth a poor man's taking. Fairies and gods
Prosper it with thee! Go thou further off;
Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
Edgar. Now fare ye well, good sir.
Earl of Gloucester. With all my heart. 2635Edgar. [aside]. Why I do trifle thus with his despair
Is done to cure it.
Earl of Gloucester. O you mighty gods! He kneels.
This world I do renounce, and, in your sights,
Shake patiently my great affliction off. 2640
If I could bear it longer and not fall
To quarrel with your great opposeless wills,
My snuff and loathed part of nature should
Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!
Now, fellow, fare thee well. 2645
He falls [forward and swoons].
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, 2650
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?
Earl of Gloucester. Away, and let me die. 2655Edgar. Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,
So many fadom down precipitating,
Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg; but thou dost breathe;
Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st; art sound.
Ten masts at each make not the altitude 2660
Which thou hast perpendicularly fell.
Thy life is a miracle. Speak yet again.
Earl of Gloucester. But have I fall'n, or no?
Edgar. From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.
Look up a-height. The shrill-gorg'd lark so far 2665
Cannot be seen or heard. Do but look up.
Earl of Gloucester. Alack, I have no eyes!
Is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit
To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort
When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage 2670
And frustrate his proud will.
Edgar. Give me your arm.
Up- so. How is't? Feel you your legs? You stand.
Earl of Gloucester. Too well, too well.
Edgar. This is above all strangeness. 2675
Upon the crown o' th' cliff what thing was that
Which parted from you?
Earl of Gloucester. A poor unfortunate beggar.
Edgar. As I stood here below, methought his eyes
Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,Horns whelk'd and wav'd like the enridged sea. 2680
It was some fiend. Therefore, thou happy father,
Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours
Of men's impossibility, have preserv'd thee.
Earl of Gloucester. I do remember now. Henceforth I'll bear
Affliction till it do cry out itself 2685
'Enough, enough,' and die. That thing you speak of,
I took it for a man. Often 'twould say
'The fiend, the fiend'- he led me to that place.
Edgar. Bear free and patient thoughts.
Enter Lear, mad, [fantastically dressed with weeds]. 2690
But who comes here?
The safer sense will ne'er accommodate
His master thus.
Lear. No, they cannot touch me for coming;
I am the King himself. 2695Edgar. O thou side-piercing sight!
Lear. Nature 's above art in that respect. There's your press
money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper. 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 2700
on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O, well flown, bird! i'
th' clout, i' th' clout! Hewgh! Give the word.
Edgar. Sweet marjoram.
Lear. Pass.
Earl of Gloucester. I know that voice. 2705Lear. Ha! Goneril with a white beard? They flatter'd me like a dog,
and told me I had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones
were there. To say 'ay' and 'no' to everything I said! 'Ay' and
'no' too was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me
once, and the wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would 2710
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.
Earl of Gloucester. The trick of that voice I do well remember.
Is't not the King? 2715Lear. 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. 2720
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. 2725
To't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers.
Behold yond simp'ring dame,
Whose face between her forks presageth snow,
That minces virtue, and does shake the head
To hear of pleasure's name. 2730
The fitchew nor the soiled horse goes to't
With a more riotous appetite.
Down from the waist they are Centaurs,
Though women all above.
But to the girdle do the gods inherit, 2735
Beneath is all the fiend's.
There's hell, there's darkness, there's the sulphurous pit;
burning, scalding, stench, consumption. Fie, fie, fie! pah, pah!
Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my
imagination. There's money for thee. 2740Earl of Gloucester. O, let me kiss that hand!
Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.
Earl of Gloucester. O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world
Shall so wear out to naught. Dost thou know me?
Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me? 2745
No, do thy worst, blind Cupid! I'll not love. Read thou this
challenge; mark but the penning of it.
Earl of Gloucester. Were all the letters suns, I could not see one.
Edgar. [aside] I would not take this from report. It is,
And my heart breaks at it. 2750Lear. Read.
Earl of Gloucester. What, with the case of eyes?
Lear. O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your 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. 2755Earl of Gloucester. I see it feelingly.
Lear. What, art mad? A man may see how the world 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 2760
farmer's dog bark at a beggar?
Earl of Gloucester. Ay, sir.
Lear. And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold
the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office.
Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand! 2765
Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back.
Thou hotly lusts to use her in that kind
For which thou whip'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener.
Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear;
Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold, 2770
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.
Take that of me, my friend, who have the power
To seal th' accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes 2775
And, like a scurvy politician, seem
To see the things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now!
Pull off my boots. Harder, harder! So.
Edgar. O, matter and impertinency mix'd!
Reason, in madness! 2780Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.
I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester.
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. 2785Earl of Gloucester. Alack, alack the day!
Lear. When we are born, we cry that we are come
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, 2790
And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law,
Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!
Enter a Gentleman [with Attendants].
Gentleman. O, here he is! Lay hand upon him.- Sir,
Your most dear daughter- 2795Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even
The natural fool of fortune. Use me well;
You shall have ransom. Let me have a surgeon;
I am cut to th' brains.
Gentleman. You shall have anything. 2800Lear. No seconds? All myself?
Why, this would make a man a man of salt,
To use his eyes for garden waterpots,
Ay, and laying autumn's dust.
Gentleman. Good sir- 2805Lear. I will die bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What!
I will be jovial. Come, come, I am a king;
My masters, know you that?
Gentleman. You are a royal one, and we obey you.
Lear. Then there's life in't. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it 2810
by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa!
Exit running. [Attendants follow.]
Gentleman. A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,
Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one daughter
Who redeems nature from the general curse 2815
Which twain have brought her to.
Edgar. Hail, gentle sir.
Gentleman. Sir, speed you. What's your will?
Edgar. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?
Gentleman. Most sure and vulgar. Every one hears that 2820
Which can distinguish sound.
Edgar. But, by your favour,
How near's the other army?
Gentleman. Near and on speedy foot. The main descry
Stands on the hourly thought. 2825Edgar. I thank you sir. That's all.
Gentleman. Though that the Queen on special cause is here,
Her army is mov'd on.
Edgar. I thank you, sir
Exit [Gentleman].
Earl of Gloucester. You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
To die before you please!
Edgar. Well pray you, father.
Earl of Gloucester. Now, good sir, what are you? 2835Edgar. 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.
Earl of Gloucester. Hearty thanks. 2840
The bounty and the benison of heaven
To boot, and boot!
Enter [Oswald the] Steward.
Oswald. A proclaim'd prize! Most happy!
That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh 2845
To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor,
Briefly thyself remember. The sword is out
That must destroy thee.
Earl of Gloucester. Now let thy friendly hand
Put strength enough to't. 2850[Edgar interposes.]
Oswald. Wherefore, bold peasant,
Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence!
Lest that th' infection of his fortune take
Like hold on thee. Let go his arm. 2855Edgar. Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'cagion.
Oswald. Let go, slave, or thou diest!
Edgar. Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor voke pass. An chud
ha' bin zwagger'd out of my life, 'twould not ha' bin zo long as
'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near th' old man. Keep out, 2860
che vore ye, or Ise try whether your costard or my ballow be the
harder. Chill be plain with you.
Oswald. Out, dunghill!
They fight.
Edgar. Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come! No matter vor your foins. 2865[Oswald falls.]
Oswald. Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse.
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 2870
Upon the British party. O, untimely death! Death!
He dies.
Edgar. I know thee well. A serviceable villain,
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
As badness would desire. 2875Earl of Gloucester. What, is he dead?
Edgar. Sit you down, father; rest you.
Let's see his pockets; these letters that he speaks of
May be my friends. He's dead. I am only sorry
He had no other deathsman. Let us see. 2880
Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not.
To know our enemies' minds, we'ld rip their hearts;
Their papers, is more lawful. Reads the letter.
'Let our reciprocal vows be rememb'red. You have many
opportunities to cut him off. If your will want not, time and 2885
place will be fruitfully offer'd. There is nothing done, if he
return the conqueror. Then am I the prisoner, and his bed my
jail; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the
place for your labour.
'Your (wife, so I would say) affectionate servant, 'Goneril.' 2890
O indistinguish'd space of woman's will!
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 murtherous lechers; and in the mature time 2895
With this ungracious paper strike the sight
Of the death-practis'd Duke, For him 'tis well
That of thy death and business I can tell.
Earl of Gloucester. The King is mad. How stiff is my vile sense,
That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling 2900
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract.
So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs,
And woes by wrong imaginations lose
The knowledge of themselves.
A drum afar off.
Edgar. Give me your hand.
Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum.
Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. Exeunt.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act IV, Scene 7
A tent in the French camp.
next scene
Enter Cordelia, Kent, Doctor, and Gentleman.
Cordelia. O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work 2910
To match thy goodness? My life will be too short
And every measure fail me.
Earl of Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'erpaid.
All my reports go with the modest truth;
Nor more nor clipp'd, but so. 2915Cordelia. Be better suited.
These weeds are memories of those worser hours.
I prithee put them off.
Earl of Kent. Pardon, dear madam.
Yet to be known shortens my made intent. 2920
My boon I make it that you know me not
Till time and I think meet.
Cordelia. Then be't so, my good lord. [To the Doctor] How, does the King?
Doctor. Madam, sleeps still.
Cordelia. O you kind gods, 2925
Cure this great breach in his abused nature!
Th' untun'd and jarring senses, O, wind up
Of this child-changed father!
Doctor. So please your Majesty
That we may wake the King? He hath slept long. 2930Cordelia. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed
I' th' sway of your own will. Is he array'd?
Enter Lear in a chair carried by Servants.
Gentleman. Ay, madam. In the heaviness of sleep
We put fresh garments on him. 2935Doctor. Be by, good madam, when we do awake him.
I doubt not of his temperance.
Cordelia. Very well.
Music.
Doctor. Please you draw near. Louder the music there! 2940Cordelia. 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!
Earl of Kent. Kind and dear princess! 2945Cordelia. Had you not been their father, these white flakes
Had challeng'd pity of them. Was this a face
To be oppos'd against the warring winds?
To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?
In the most terrible and nimble stroke 2950
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, 2955
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.
Doctor. Madam, do you; 'tis fittest.
Cordelia. How does my royal lord? How fares your Majesty? 2960Lear. 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.
Cordelia. Sir, do you know me? 2965Lear. You are a spirit, I know. When did you die?
Cordelia. Still, still, far wide!
Doctor. He's scarce awake. Let him alone awhile.
Lear. Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight,
I am mightily abus'd. I should e'en die with pity, 2970
To see another thus. I know not what to say.
I will not swear these are my hands. Let's see.
I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur'd
Of my condition!
Cordelia. O, look upon me, sir, 2975
And hold your hands in benediction o'er me.
No, sir, you must not kneel.
Lear. Pray, do not mock me.
I am a very foolish fond old man,
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less; 2980
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 2985
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.
Cordelia. And so I am! I am! 2990Lear. 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. 2995Cordelia. No cause, no cause.
Lear. Am I in France?
Earl of Kent. In your own kingdom, sir.
Lear. Do not abuse me.
Doctor. Be comforted, good madam. The great rage 3000
You see is kill'd 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.
Cordelia. Will't please your Highness walk? 3005Lear. You must bear with me.
Pray you now, forget and forgive. I am old and foolish.
Exeunt. Manent Kent and Gentleman.
Gentleman. Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain?
Earl of Kent. Most certain, sir. 3010Gentleman. Who is conductor of his people?
Earl of Kent. As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.
Gentleman. They say Edgar, his banish'd son, is with the Earl of Kent
in Germany.
Earl of Kent. Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the powers of 3015
the kingdom approach apace.
Gentleman. The arbitrement is like to be bloody.
Fare you well, sir. [Exit.]
Earl of Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought,
Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. Exit. 3020 RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 1
The British camp near Dover.
next scene
Enter, with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Regan, Gentleman, and Soldiers.
Edmund. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,
Or whether since he is advis'd by aught
To change the course. He's full of alteration
And self-reproving. Bring his constant pleasure. 3025[Exit an Officer.]
Regan. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
Edmund. Tis to be doubted, madam.
Regan. Now, sweet lord,
You know the goodness I intend upon you. 3030
Tell me- but truly- but then speak the truth-
Do you not love my sister?
Edmund. In honour'd love.
Regan. But have you never found my brother's way
To the forfended place? 3035Edmund. That thought abuses you.
Regan. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.
Edmund. No, by mine honour, madam.
Regan. I never shall endure her. Dear my lord, 3040
Be not familiar with her.
Edmund. Fear me not.
She and the Duke her husband!
Enter, with Drum and Colours, Albany, Goneril, Soldiers.
Goneril. [aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister 3045
Should loosen him and me.
Duke of Albany. Our very loving sister, well bemet.
Sir, this I hear: the King is come to his daughter,
With others whom the rigour of our state
Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest, 3050
I never yet was valiant. For this business,
It toucheth us as France invades our land,
Not bolds the King, with others whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
Edmund. Sir, you speak nobly. 3055Regan. Why is this reason'd?
Goneril. Combine together 'gainst the enemy;
For these domestic and particular broils
Are not the question here.
Duke of Albany. Let's then determine 3060
With th' ancient of war on our proceeding.
Edmund. I shall attend you presently at your tent.
Regan. Sister, you'll go with us?
Goneril. No.
Regan. 'Tis most convenient. Pray you go with us. 3065Goneril. [aside] O, ho, I know the riddle.- I will go.
[As they are going out,] enter Edgar [disguised].
Edgar. If e'er your Grace had speech with man so poor,
Hear me one word.
Duke of Albany. I'll overtake you.- Speak. 3070Exeunt [all but Albany and Edgar].
Edgar. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it. Wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion that will prove 3075
What is avouched there. If you miscarry,
Your business of the world hath so an end,
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!
Duke of Albany. Stay till I have read the letter.
Edgar. I was forbid it. 3080
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.
Duke of Albany. Why, fare thee well. I will o'erlook thy paper.
Exit [Edgar].
Enter Edmund.
Edmund. The enemy 's in view; draw up your powers.
Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
By diligent discovery; but your haste
Is now urg'd on you.
Duke of Albany. We will greet the time. Exit. 3090Edmund. To both these sisters have I sworn my love;
Each jealous of the other, as the stung
Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?
Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,
If both remain alive. To take the widow 3095
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
And hardly shall I carry out my side,
Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use
His countenance for the battle, which being done,
Let her who would be rid of him devise 3100
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia-
The battle done, and they within our power,
Shall never see his pardon; for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate. Exit. 3105 RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 2
A field between the two camps. Alarum within.
next scene
Enter, with Drum and Colours, the Powers of France over the stage, Cordelia with her Father in her hand, and exeunt. Enter Edgar and Gloucester.
Edgar. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree
For your good host. Pray that the right may thrive.
If ever I return to you again,
I'll bring you comfort. 3110Earl of Gloucester. Grace go with you, sir!
Exit [Edgar].
Alarum and retreat within. Enter Edgar,
Edgar. Away, old man! give me thy hand! away!
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en. 3115
Give me thy hand! come on!
Earl of Gloucester. No further, sir. A man may rot even here.
Edgar. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure
Their going hence, even as their coming hither;
Ripeness is all. Come on. 3120Earl of Gloucester. And that's true too. Exeunt.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 3
The British camp, near Dover.
Enter, in conquest, with Drum and Colours, Edmund; Lear and Cordelia as prisoners; Soldiers, Captain.
Edmund. Some officers take them away. Good guard
Until their greater pleasures first be known
That are to censure them. 3125Cordelia. We are not the first
Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst.
For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;
Myself could else outfrown false Fortune's frown.
Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters? 3130Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison.
We two alone will sing like birds i' th' cage.
When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down
And ask of thee forgiveness. So we'll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh 3135
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too-
Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out-
And take upon 's the mystery of things,
As if we were God's spies; and we'll wear out, 3140
In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones
That ebb and flow by th' moon.
Edmund. Take them away.
Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia,
The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee? 3145
He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven
And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes.
The goodyears shall devour 'em, flesh and fell,
Ere they shall make us weep! We'll see 'em starv'd first.
Come. Exeunt [Lear and Cordelia, guarded]. 3150Edmund. Come hither, Captain; hark.
Take thou this note [gives a paper]. Go follow them to prison.
One step I have advanc'd thee. If thou dost
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way
To noble fortunes. Know thou this, that men 3155
Are as the time is. To be tender-minded
Does not become a sword. Thy great employment
Will not bear question. Either say thou'lt do't,
Or thrive by other means.
Captain. I'll do't, my lord. 3160Edmund. About it! and write happy when th' hast done.
Mark- I say, instantly; and carry it so
As I have set it down.
Captain. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;
If it be man's work, I'll do't. Exit. 3165Flourish. Enter Albany, Goneril, Regan, Soldiers.
Duke of Albany. Sir, you have show'd to-day your valiant strain,
And fortune led you well. You have the captives
Who were the opposites of this day's strife.
We do require them of you, so to use them 3170
As we shall find their merits and our safety
May equally determine.
Edmund. Sir, I thought it fit
To send the old and miserable King
To some retention and appointed guard; 3175
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,
To pluck the common bosom on his side
And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the Queen,
My reason all the same; and they are ready 3180
To-morrow, or at further space, t' appear
Where you shall hold your session. At this time
We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are curs'd
By those that feel their sharpness. 3185
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place.
Duke of Albany. Sir, by your patience,
I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother. 3190Regan. That's as we list to grace him.
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers,
Bore the commission of my place and person,
The which immediacy may well stand up 3195
And call itself your brother.
Goneril. Not so hot!
In his own grace he doth exalt himself
More than in your addition.
Regan. In my rights 3200
By me invested, he compeers the best.
Goneril. That were the most if he should husband you.
Regan. Jesters do oft prove prophets.
Goneril. Holla, holla!
That eye that told you so look'd but asquint. 3205Regan. Lady, I am not well; else I should answer
From a full-flowing stomach. General,
Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony;
Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine.
Witness the world that I create thee here 3210
My lord and master.
Goneril. Mean you to enjoy him?
Duke of Albany. The let-alone lies not in your good will.
Edmund. Nor in thine, lord.
Duke of Albany. Half-blooded fellow, yes. 3215Regan. [to Edmund] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.
Duke of Albany. Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee
On capital treason; and, in thine attaint,
This gilded serpent [points to Goneril]. For your claim, fair
sister, 3220
I bar it in the interest of my wife.
'Tis she is subcontracted to this lord,
And I, her husband, contradict your banes.
If you will marry, make your loves to me;
My lady is bespoke. 3225Goneril. An interlude!
Duke of Albany. Thou art arm'd, Gloucester. Let the trumpet sound.
If none appear to prove upon thy person
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge [throws down a glove]! I'll prove it on thy 3230
heart,
Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less
Than I have here proclaim'd thee.
Regan. Sick, O, sick!
Goneril. [aside] If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine. 3235Edmund. There's my exchange [throws down a glove]. What in the world
he is
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies.
Call by thy trumpet. He that dares approach,
On him, on you, who not? I will maintain 3240
My truth and honour firmly.
Duke of Albany. A herald, ho!
Edmund. A herald, ho, a herald!
Duke of Albany. Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name 3245
Took their discharge.
Regan. My sickness grows upon me.
Duke of Albany. She is not well. Convey her to my tent.
[Exit Regan, led. Enter a Herald.]
Come hither, herald. Let the trumpet sound, 3250
And read out this.
Captain. Sound, trumpet! A trumpet sounds.
Herald. [reads] 'If any man of quality or degree within the lists of
the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester,
that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound 3255
of the trumpet. He is bold in his defence.'
Edmund. Sound! First trumpet.
Herald. Again! Second trumpet.
Herald. Again! Third trumpet.
Trumpet answers within.
Enter Edgar, armed, at the third sound, a Trumpet before him.
Duke of Albany. Ask him his purposes, why he appears
Upon this call o' th' trumpet.
Herald. What are you?
Your name, your quality? and why you answer 3265
This present summons?
Edgar. Know my name is lost;
By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.
Yet am I noble as the adversary
I come to cope. 3270Duke of Albany. Which is that adversary?
Edgar. What's he that speaks for Edmund Earl of Gloucester?
Edmund. Himself. What say'st thou to him?
Edgar. Draw thy sword,
That, if my speech offend a noble heart, 3275
Thy arm may do thee justice. Here is mine.
Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,
My oath, and my profession. I protest-
Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence,
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune, 3280
Thy valour and thy heart- thou art a traitor;
False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father;
Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince;
And from th' extremest upward of thy head
To the descent and dust beneath thy foot, 3285
A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou 'no,'
This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent
To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,
Thou liest.
Edmund. In wisdom I should ask thy name; 3290
But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike,
And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,
What safe and nicely I might well delay
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn.
Back do I toss those treasons to thy head; 3295
With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart;
Which- for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise-
This sword of mine shall give them instant way
Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!
Alarums. Fight. [Edmund falls.]
Duke of Albany. Save him, save him!
Goneril. This is mere practice, Gloucester.
By th' law of arms thou wast not bound to answer
An unknown opposite. Thou art not vanquish'd,
But cozen'd and beguil'd. 3305Duke of Albany. Shut your mouth, dame,
Or with this paper shall I stop it. [Shows her her letter to
Edmund.]- [To Edmund]. Hold, sir.
[To Goneril] Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.
No tearing, lady! I perceive you know it. 3310Goneril. Say if I do- the laws are mine, not thine.
Who can arraign me for't?
Duke of Albany. Most monstrous!
Know'st thou this paper?
Goneril. Ask me not what I know. Exit. 3315Duke of Albany. Go after her. She's desperate; govern her.
[Exit an Officer.]
Edmund. What, you have charg'd me with, that have I done,
And more, much more. The time will bring it out.
'Tis past, and so am I.- But what art thou 3320
That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,
I do forgive thee.
Edgar. Let's exchange charity.
I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;
If more, the more th' hast wrong'd me. 3325
My name is Edgar and thy father's son.
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to scourge us.
The dark and vicious place where thee he got
Cost him his eyes. 3330Edmund. Th' hast spoken right; 'tis true.
The wheel is come full circle; I am here.
Duke of Albany. Methought thy very gait did prophesy
A royal nobleness. I must embrace thee.
Let sorrow split my heart if ever I 3335
Did hate thee, or thy father!
Edgar. Worthy prince, I know't.
Duke of Albany. Where have you hid yourself?
How have you known the miseries of your father?
Edgar. By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale; 3340
And when 'tis told, O that my heart would burst!
The bloody proclamation to escape
That follow'd me so near (O, our lives' sweetness!
That with the pain of death would hourly die
Rather than die at once!) taught me to shift 3345
Into a madman's rags, t' assume a semblance
That very dogs disdain'd; and in this habit
Met I my father with his bleeding rings,
Their precious stones new lost; became his guide,
Led him, begg'd for him, sav'd him from despair; 3350
Never (O fault!) reveal'd myself unto him
Until some half hour past, when I was arm'd,
Not sure, though hoping of this good success,
I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last
Told him my pilgrimage. But his flaw'd heart 3355
(Alack, too weak the conflict to support!)
'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst smilingly.
Edmund. This speech of yours hath mov'd me,
And shall perchance do good; but speak you on; 3360
You look as you had something more to say.
Duke of Albany. If there be more, more woful, hold it in;
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.
Edgar. This would have seem'd a period 3365
To such as love not sorrow; but another,
To amplify too much, would make much more,
And top extremity.
Whilst I was big in clamour, came there a man,
Who, having seen me in my worst estate, 3370
Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding
Who 'twas that so endur'd, with his strong arms
He fastened on my neck, and bellowed out
As he'd burst heaven; threw him on my father;
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him 3375
That ever ear receiv'd; which in recounting
His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life
Began to crack. Twice then the trumpets sounded,
And there I left him tranc'd.
Duke of Albany. But who was this? 3380Edgar. Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise
Followed his enemy king and did him service
Improper for a slave.
Enter a Gentleman with a bloody knife.
Gentleman. Help, help! O, help! 3385Edgar. What kind of help?
Duke of Albany. Speak, man.
Edgar. What means that bloody knife?
Gentleman. 'Tis hot, it smokes.
It came even from the heart of- O! she's dead! 3390Duke of Albany. Who dead? Speak, man.
Gentleman. Your lady, sir, your lady! and her sister
By her is poisoned; she hath confess'd it.
Edmund. I was contracted to them both. All three
Now marry in an instant. 3395Enter Kent.
Edgar. Here comes Kent.
Duke of Albany. Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead.
[Exit Gentleman.]
This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble 3400
Touches us not with pity. O, is this he?
The time will not allow the compliment
That very manners urges.
Earl of Kent. I am come
To bid my king and master aye good night. 3405
Is he not here?
Duke of Albany. Great thing of us forgot!
Speak, Edmund, where's the King? and where's Cordelia?
[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in.]
Seest thou this object, Kent? 3410Earl of Kent. Alack, why thus?
Edmund. Yet Edmund was belov'd.
The one the other poisoned for my sake,
And after slew herself.
Duke of Albany. Even so. Cover their faces. 3415Edmund. I pant for life. Some good I mean to do,
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send
(Be brief in't) to the castle; for my writ
Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia.
Nay, send in time. 3420Duke of Albany. Run, run, O, run!
Edgar. To who, my lord? Who has the office? Send
Thy token of reprieve.
Edmund. Well thought on. Take my sword;
Give it the Captain. 3425Duke of Albany. Haste thee for thy life. [Exit Edgar.]
Edmund. He hath commission from thy wife and me
To hang Cordelia in the prison and
To lay the blame upon her own despair
That she fordid herself. 3430Duke of Albany. The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile.
[Edmund is borne off.]
Enter Lear, with Cordelia [dead] in his arms, [Edgar, Captain, and others following].
Lear. Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stone.
Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so 3435
That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever!
I know when one is dead, and when one lives.
She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking glass.
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,
Why, then she lives. 3440Earl of Kent. Is this the promis'd end?
Edgar. Or image of that horror?
Duke of Albany. Fall and cease!
Lear. This feather stirs; she lives! If it be so,
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows 3445
That ever I have felt.
Earl of Kent. O my good master!
Lear. Prithee away!
Edgar. 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
Lear. A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all! 3450
I might have sav'd her; now she's gone for ever!
Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha!
What is't thou say'st, Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle, and low- an excellent thing in woman.
I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee. 3455Captain. 'Tis true, my lords, he did.
Lear. Did I not, fellow?
I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion
I would have made them skip. I am old now,
And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you? 3460
Mine eyes are not o' th' best. I'll tell you straight.
Earl of Kent. If fortune brag of two she lov'd and hated,
One of them we behold.
Lear. This' a dull sight. Are you not Kent?
Earl of Kent. The same- 3465
Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius?
Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that.
He'll strike, and quickly too. He's dead and rotten.
Earl of Kent. No, my good lord; I am the very man-
Lear. I'll see that straight. 3470Earl of Kent. That from your first of difference and decay
Have followed your sad steps.
Lear. You're welcome hither.
Earl of Kent. Nor no man else! All's cheerless, dark, and deadly.
Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves, 3475
And desperately are dead.
Lear. Ay, so I think.
Duke of Albany. He knows not what he says; and vain is it
That we present us to him.
Edgar. Very bootless. 3480Enter a Captain.
Captain. Edmund is dead, my lord.
Duke of Albany. That's but a trifle here.
You lords and noble friends, know our intent.
What comfort to this great decay may come 3485
Shall be applied. For us, we will resign,
During the life of this old Majesty,
To him our absolute power; [to Edgar and Kent] you to your
rights;
With boot, and such addition as your honours 3490
Have more than merited.- All friends shall taste
The wages of their virtue, and all foes
The cup of their deservings.- O, see, see!
Lear. And my poor fool is hang'd! No, no, no life!
Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, 3495
And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,
Never, never, never, never, never!
Pray you undo this button. Thank you, sir.
Do you see this? Look on her! look! her lips!
Look there, look there! He dies. 3500Edgar. He faints! My lord, my lord!
Earl of Kent. Break, heart; I prithee break!
Edgar. Look up, my lord.
Earl of Kent. Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass! He hates him
That would upon the rack of this tough world 3505
Stretch him out longer.
Edgar. He is gone indeed.
Earl of Kent. The wonder is, he hath endur'd so long.
He but usurp'd his life.
Duke of Albany. Bear them from hence. Our present business 3510
Is general woe. [To Kent and Edgar] Friends of my soul, you
twain
Rule in this realm, and the gor'd state sustain.
Earl of Kent. I have a journey, sir, shortly to go.
My master calls me; I must not say no. 3515Duke of Albany. The weight of this sad time we must obey,
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest have borne most; we that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
Exeunt with a dead march.
THE END
法兰西国王
勃艮第公爵
康华尔公爵
奥本尼公爵
肯特伯爵
葛罗斯特伯爵
爱德伽 葛罗斯特之子
爱德蒙 葛罗斯特之庶子
克伦 朝士
奥斯华德 高纳里尔的管家
老人 葛罗斯特的佃户
医生
弄人
爱德蒙属下一军官
考狄利娅一侍臣
传令官
康华尔的众仆
高纳里尔
里 根
考狄利娅 李尔之女
扈从李尔之骑士、军官、使者、兵士及侍从等
地点
不列颠
第一幕
第一场 李尔王宫中大厅
肯特，葛罗斯特及爱德蒙上。
肯特 我想王上对于奥本尼公爵，比对于康华尔公爵更有好感。
葛罗斯特 我们一向都觉得是这样；可是这次划分国土的时候，却看不出来他对这两位公爵有什么偏心；因为他分配得那么平均，无论他们怎样斤斤较量，都不能说对方比自己占了便宜。
肯特 大人，这位是您的令郎吗？
葛罗斯特 他是在我手里长大的；我常常不好意思承认他，可是现在惯了，也就不以为意啦。
肯特 我不懂您的意思。
葛罗斯特 伯爵，这个小子的母亲可心里明白，因此，不瞒您说，她还没有嫁人就大了肚子生下儿子来。您想这应该不应该？
肯特 能够生下这样一个好儿子来，即使一时错误，也是可以原谅的。
葛罗斯特 我还有一个合法的儿子，年纪比他大一岁，然而我还是喜欢他。这畜生虽然不等我的召唤，就自己莽莽撞撞来到这世上，可是他的母亲是个迷人的东西，我们在制造他的时候，曾经有过一场销魂的游戏，这孽种我不能不承认他。爱德蒙，你认识这位贵人吗？
爱德蒙 不认识，父亲。
葛罗斯特 肯特伯爵；从此以后，你该记着他是我的尊贵的朋友。
爱德蒙 大人，我愿意为您效劳。
肯特 我一定喜欢你，希望我们以后能够常常见面。
爱德蒙 大人，我一定尽力报答您的垂爱。
葛罗斯特 他已经在国外九年，不久还是要出去的。王上来了。
喇叭奏花腔。李尔、康华尔、奥本尼、高纳里尔、里根、考狄利娅及侍从等上。
李尔 葛罗斯特，你去招待招待法兰西国王和勃艮第公爵。
葛罗斯特 是，陛下。（葛罗斯特、爱德蒙同下。）
李尔 现在我要向你们说明我的心事。把那地图给我。告诉你们吧，我已经把我的国土划成三部；我因为自己年纪老了，决心摆脱一切世务的牵萦，把责任交卸给年轻力壮之人，让自己松一松肩，好安安心心地等死。康华尔贤婿，还有同样是我心爱的奥本尼贤婿，为了预防他日的争执，我想还是趁现在把我的几个女儿的嫁奁当众分配清楚。法兰西和勃艮第两位君主正在竞争我的小女儿的爱情，他们为了求婚而住在我们宫廷里，也已经有好多时候了，现在他们就可以得到答复。孩子们，在我还没有把我的政权、领土和国事的重任全部放弃以前，告诉我，你们中间哪一个人最爱我？我要看看谁最有孝心，最有贤德，我就给她最大的恩惠。高纳里尔，我的大女儿，你先说。
高纳里尔 父亲，我对您的爱，不是言语所能表达的；我爱您胜过自己的眼睛、整个的空间和广大的自由；超越一切可以估价的贵重稀有的事物；不亚于赋有淑德、健康、美貌和荣誉的生命；不曾有一个儿女这样爱过他的父亲，也不曾有一个父亲这样被他的儿女所爱；这一种爱可以使唇舌无能为力，辩才失去效用；我爱您是不可以数量计算的。
考狄利娅 （旁白）考狄利娅应该怎么好呢？默默地爱着吧。
李尔 在这些疆界以内，从这一条界线起，直到这一条界线为止，所有一切浓密的森林、膏腴的平原、富庶的河流、广大的牧场，都要奉你为它们的女主人；这一块土地永远为你和奥本尼的子孙所保有。我的二女儿，最亲爱的里根，康华尔的夫人，你怎么说？
里根 我跟姊姊具有同样的品质，您凭着她就可以判断我。在我的真心之中，我觉得她刚才所说的话，正是我爱您的实际的情形，可是她还不能充分说明我的心理：我厌弃一切凡是敏锐的知觉所能感受到的快乐，只有爱您才是我的无上的幸福。
考狄利娅 （旁白）那么，考狄利娅，你只好自安于贫穷了！可是我并不贫穷，因为我深信我的爱心比我的口才更富有。
李尔 这一块从我们这美好的王国中划分出来的三分之一的沃壤，是你和你的子孙永远世袭的产业，和高纳里尔所得到的一份同样广大、同样富庶，也同样佳美。现在，我的宝贝，虽然是最后的一个，却并非最不在我的心头；法兰西的葡萄和勃艮第的乳酪都在竞争你的青春之爱；你有些什么话，可以换到一份比你的两个姊姊更富庶的土地？说吧。
考狄利娅 父亲，我没有话说。
李尔 没有？
考狄利娅 没有。
李尔 没有只能换到没有；重新说过。
考狄利娅 我是个笨拙的人，不会把我的心涌上我的嘴里；我爱您只是按照我的名分，一分不多，一分不少。
李尔 怎么，考狄利娅！把你的话修正修正，否则你要毁坏你自己的命运了。
考狄利娅 父亲，您生下我来，把我教养成人，爱惜我、厚待我；我受到您这样的恩德，只有恪尽我的责任，服从您、爱您、敬重您。我的姊姊们要是用她们整个的心来爱您，那么她们为什么要嫁人呢？要是我有一天出嫁了，那接受我的忠诚的誓约的丈夫，将要得到我的一半的爱、我的一半的关心和责任；假如我只爱我的父亲，我一定不会像我的两个姊姊一样再去嫁人的。
李尔 你这些话果然是从心里说出来的吗？
考狄利娅 是的，父亲。
李尔 年纪这样小，却这样没有良心吗？
考狄利娅 父亲，我年纪虽小，我的心却是忠实的。
李尔 好，那么让你的忠实做你的嫁奁吧。凭着太阳神圣的光辉，凭着黑夜的神秘，凭着主宰人类生死的星球的运行，我发誓从现在起，永远和你断绝一切父女之情和血缘亲属的关系，把你当做一个路人看待。啖食自己儿女的生番，比起你，我的旧日的女儿来，也不会更令我憎恨。
肯特 陛下——
李尔 闭嘴，肯特！不要来批怒龙的逆鳞。她是我最爱的一个，我本来想要在她的殷勤看护之下，终养我的天年。去，不要让我看见你的脸！让坟墓做我安息的眠床吧，我从此割断对她的天伦的慈爱了！叫法兰西王来！都是死人吗？叫勃艮第来！康华尔，奥本尼，你们已经分到我的两个女儿的嫁奁，现在把我第三个女儿那一份也拿去分了吧；让骄傲——她自己所称为坦白的——替她找一个丈夫。我把我的威力、特权和一切君主的尊荣一起给了你们。我自己只保留一百名骑士，在你们两人的地方按月轮流居住，由你们负责供养。除了国王的名义和尊号以外，所有行政的大权、国库的收入和大小事务的处理，完全交在你们手里；为了证实我的话，两位贤婿，我赐给你们这一顶宝冠，归你们两人共同保有。
肯特 尊严的李尔，我一向敬重您像敬重我的君王，爱您像爱总把您当作我的伟大的恩主——
李尔 弓已经弯好拉满，你留心躲开箭锋吧。
肯特 让它落下来吧，即使箭镞会刺进我的心里。李尔发了疯，肯特也只好不顾礼貌了。你究竟要怎样，老头儿？你以为有权有位的人向谄媚者低头，尽忠守职的臣僚就不敢说话了吗？君主不顾自己的尊严，干下了愚蠢的事情，在朝的端人正士只好直言极谏。保留你的权力，仔细考虑一下你的举措，收回这种卤莽灭裂的成命。你的小女儿并不是最不孝顺你；有人不会口若悬河，说得天花乱坠，可并不就是无情无义。我的判断要是有错，你尽管取我的命。
李尔 肯特，你要是想活命，赶快闭住你的嘴。
肯特 我的生命本来是预备向你的仇敌抛掷的；为了你的安全，我也不怕把它失去。
李尔 走开，不要让我看见你！
肯特 瞧明白一些，李尔；还是让我像箭垛上的红心一般永远站在你的眼前吧。
李尔 凭着阿波罗起誓——
肯特 凭着阿波罗，老王，你向神明发誓也是没用的。
李尔 啊，可恶的奴才！（以手按剑。）
奥本尼
康华尔 陛下息怒。
肯特 好，杀了你的医生，把你的恶病养得一天比一天厉害吧。赶快撤销你的分土授国的原议；否则只要我的喉舌尚在，我就要大声疾呼，告诉你你做了错事啦。
李尔 听着，逆贼！你给我按照做臣子的道理，好生听着！你想要煽动我毁弃我的不容更改的誓言，凭着你的不法的跋扈，对我的命令和权力妄加阻挠，这一种目无君上的态度，使我忍无可忍；为了维持王命的尊严，不能不给你应得的处分。我现在宽容你五天的时间，让你预备些应用的衣服食物，免得受饥寒的痛苦；在第六天上，你那可憎的身体必须离开我的国境；要是在此后十天之内，我们的领土上再发现了你的踪迹，那时候就要把你当场处死。去！凭着朱庇特发誓，这一个判决是无可改移的。
肯特 再会，国王；你既不知悔改，
囚笼里也没有自由存在。（向考狄利娅）
姑娘，自有神明为你照应：
你心地纯洁，说话真诚！（向里根、高纳里尔）
愿你们的夸口变成实事，
假树上会结下真的果子。
各位王子，肯特从此远去；
到新的国土走他的旧路。（下。）
喇叭奏花腔。葛罗斯特偕法兰西王、勃艮第及侍从等重上。
葛罗斯特 陛下，法兰西国王和勃艮第公爵来了。
李尔 勃艮第公爵，您跟这位国王都是来向我的女儿求婚的，现在我先问您：您希望她至少要有多少陪嫁的奁资，否则宁愿放弃对她的追求？
勃艮第 陛下，照着您所已经答应的数目，我就很满足了；想来您也不会再吝惜的。
李尔 尊贵的勃艮第，当她为我所宠爱的时候，我是把她看得非常珍重的，可是现在她的价格已经跌落了。公爵，您瞧她站在那儿，一个小小的东西，要是除了我的憎恨以外，我什么都不给她，而您仍然觉得她有使您喜欢的地方，或者您觉得她整个儿都能使您满意，那么她就在那儿，您把她带去好了。
勃艮第 我不知道怎样回答。
李尔 像她这样一个一无可取的女孩子，没有亲友的照顾，新近遭到我的憎恨，咒诅是她的嫁奁，我已经立誓和她断绝关系了，您还是愿意娶她呢，还是愿意把她放弃？
勃艮第 恕我，陛下；在这种条件之下，决定取舍是一件很为难的事。
李尔 那么放弃她吧，公爵；凭着赋与我生命的神明起誓，我已经告诉您她的全部价值了。（向法兰西王）至于您，伟大的国王，为了重视你、我的友谊，我断不愿把一个我所憎恶的人匹配给您；所以请您还是丢开了这一个为天地所不容的贱人，另外去找寻佳偶吧。
法兰西王 这太奇怪了，她刚才还是您的眼中的珍宝、您的赞美的题目、您的老年的安慰、您的最好、最心爱的人儿，怎么一转瞬间，就会干下这么一件罪大恶极的行为，丧失了您的深恩厚爱！她的罪恶倘不是超乎寻常，您的爱心决不会变得这样厉害；可是除非那是一桩奇迹，我无论如何不相信她会干那样的事。
考狄利娅 陛下，我只是因为缺少娓娓动人的口才，不会讲一些违心的言语，凡是我心里想到的事情，我总不愿在没有把它实行以前就放在嘴里宣扬；要是您因此而恼我，我必须请求您让世人知道，我所以失去您的欢心的原因，并不是什么丑恶的污点、淫邪的行动，或是不名誉的举止；只是因为我缺少像人家那样的一双献媚求恩的眼睛，一条我所认为可耻的善于逢迎的舌头，虽然没有了这些使我不能再受您的宠爱，可是唯其如此，却使我格外尊重我自己的人格。
李尔 像你这样不能在我面前曲意承欢，还不如当初没有生下你来的好。
法兰西王 只是为了这一个原因吗？为了生性不肯有话便说，不肯把心里想做到的出之于口？勃艮第公爵，您对于这位公主意下如何？爱情里面要是搀杂了和它本身无关的算计，那就不是真的爱情。您愿不愿意娶她？她自己就是一注无价的嫁奁。
勃艮第 尊严的李尔，只要把您原来已经允许过的那一份嫁奁给我，我现在就可以使考狄利娅成为勃艮第公爵的夫人。
李尔 我什么都不给；我已经发过誓，再也不能挽回了。
勃艮第 那么抱歉得很，您已经失去一个父亲，现在必须再失去一个丈夫了。
考狄利娅 愿勃艮第平安！他所爱的既然只是财产，我也不愿做他的妻子。
法兰西王 最美丽的考狄利娅！你因为贫穷，所以是最富有的；你因为被遗弃，所以是最可宝贵的；你因为遭人轻视，所以最蒙我的怜爱。我现在把你和你的美德一起攫在我的手里；人弃我取是法理上所许可的。天啊天！想不到他们的冷酷的蔑视，却会激起我热烈的敬爱。陛下，您的没有嫁奁的女儿被抛在一边，正好成全我的良缘；她现在是我的分享荣华的王后，法兰西全国的女主人了；沼泽之邦的勃艮第所有的公爵，都不能从我手里买去这一个无价之宝的女郎。考狄利娅，向他们告别吧，虽然他们是这样冷酷无情；你抛弃了故国，将要得到一个更好的家乡。
李尔 你带了她去吧，法兰西王；她是你的，我没有这样的女儿，也再不要看见她的脸，去吧，你们不要想得到我的恩宠和祝福。来，尊贵的勃艮第公爵。（喇叭奏花腔。李尔、勃艮第、康华尔、奥本尼、葛罗斯特及侍从等同下。）
法兰西王 向你的两位姊姊告别吧。
考狄利娅 父亲眼中的两颗宝玉，考狄利娅用泪洗过的眼睛向你们告别。我知道你们是怎样的人；因为碍着姊妹的情分，我不愿直言指斥你们的错处。好好对待父亲；你们自己说是孝敬他的，我把他托付给你们了。可是，唉！要是我没有失去他的欢心，我一定不让他依赖你们的照顾。再会了，两位姊姊。
里根 我们用不着你教训。
高纳里尔 你还是去小心侍候你的丈夫吧，命运的慈悲把你交在他的手里；你自己忤逆不孝，今天空手跟了汉子去也是活该。
考狄利娅 总有一天，深藏的奸诈会渐渐显出它的原形；罪恶虽然可以掩饰一时，免不了最后出乖露丑。愿你们幸福！
法兰西王 来，我美丽的考狄利娅。（法兰西王、考狄利娅同下。）
高纳里尔 妹妹，我有许多对我们两人有切身关系的话必须跟你谈谈。我想我们的父亲今晚就要离开此地。
里根 那是十分确定的事，他要住到你们那儿去；下个月他就要跟我们住在一起了。
高纳里尔 你瞧他现在年纪老了，他的脾气多么变化不定；我们已经屡次注意到他的行为的乖僻了。他一向都是最爱我们妹妹的，现在他凭着一时的气恼就把她撵走，这就可以见得他是多么糊涂。
里根 这是他老年的昏悖；可是他向来就是这样喜怒无常的。
高纳里尔 他年轻的时候性子就很暴躁，现在他任性惯了，再加上老年人刚愎自用的怪脾气，看来我们只好准备受他的气了。
里根 他把肯特也放逐了；谁知道他心里一不高兴起来，不会用同样的手段对付我们？
高纳里尔 法兰西王辞行回国，跟他还有一番礼仪上的应酬。让我们同心合力，决定一个方策；要是我们的父亲顺着他这种脾气滥施威权起来，这一次的让国对于我们未必有什么好处。
里根 我们还要仔细考虑一下。
高纳里尔 我们必须趁早想个办法。（同下。）
第二场 葛罗斯特伯爵城堡中的厅堂
爱德蒙持信上。
爱德蒙 大自然，你是我的女神，我愿意在你的法律之前俯首听命。为什么我要受世俗的排挤，让世人的歧视剥夺我的应享的权利，只因为我比一个哥哥迟生了一年或是十四个月？为什么他们要叫我私生子？为什么我比人家卑贱？我的壮健的体格、我的慷慨的精神、我的端正的容貌，哪一点比不上正经女人生下的儿子？为什么他们要给我加上庶出、贱种、私生子的恶名？贱种，贱种；贱种？难道在热烈兴奋的奸情里，得天地精华、父母元气而生下的孩子，倒不及拥着一个毫无欢趣的老婆，在半睡半醒之间制造出来的那一批蠢货？好，合法的爱德伽，我一定要得到你的土地；我们的父亲喜欢他的私生子爱德蒙，正像他喜欢他的合法的嫡子一样。好听的名词，“合法”！好，我的合法的哥哥，要是这封信发生效力，我的计策能够成功，瞧着吧，庶出的爱德蒙将要把合法的嫡子压在他的下面——那时候我可要扬眉吐气啦。神啊，帮助帮助私生子吧！
葛罗斯特上。
葛罗斯特 肯特就这样放逐了！法兰西王盛怒而去；王上昨晚又走了！他的权力全部交出，依靠他的女儿过活！这些事情都在匆促中决定，不曾经过丝毫的考虑！爱德蒙，怎么！有什么消息？
爱德蒙 禀父亲，没有什么消息。（藏信。）
葛罗斯特 你为什么急急忙忙地把那封信藏起来？
爱德蒙 我不知道有什么消息，父亲。
葛罗斯特 你读的是什么信？
爱德蒙 没有什么，父亲。
葛罗斯特 没有什么？那么你为什么慌慌张张地把它塞进你的衣袋里去？既然没有什么，何必藏起来？来，给我看；要是那上面没有什么话，我也可以不用戴眼镜。
爱德蒙 父亲，请您原谅我；这是我哥哥写给我的一封信，我还没有把它读完，照我所已经读到的一部分看起来，我想还是不要让您看见的好。
葛罗斯特 把信给我。
爱德蒙 不给您看您要恼我，给您看了您又要动怒。哥哥真不应该写出这种话来。
葛罗斯特 给我看，给我看。
爱德蒙 我希望哥哥写这封信是有他的理由的，他不过要试试我的德性。
葛罗斯特 （读信）“这一种尊敬老年人的政策，使我们在年轻时候不能享受生命的欢乐；我们的财产不能由我们自己处分，等到年纪老了，这些财产对我们也失去了用处。我开始觉得老年人的专制，实在是一种荒谬愚蠢的束缚；他们没有权力压迫我们，是我们自己容忍他们的压迫。来跟我讨论讨论这一个问题吧。要是我们的父亲在我把他惊醒之前，一直好好睡着，你就可以永远享受他的一半的收入，并且将要为你的哥哥所喜爱。爱德伽。”——哼！阴谋！“要是我们的父亲在我把他惊醒之前，一直好好睡着，你就可以永远享受他的一半的收入。”我的儿子爱德伽！他会有这样的心思？他能写得出这样一封信吗？这封信是什么时候到你手里的？谁把它送给你的？
爱德蒙 它不是什么人送给我的，父亲；这正是他狡猾的地方；我看见它塞在我的房间的窗眼里。
葛罗斯特 你认识这笔迹是你哥哥的吗？
爱德蒙 父亲，要是这信里所写的都是很好的话，我敢发誓这是他的笔迹；可是那上面写的既然是这种话，我但愿不是他写的。
葛罗斯特 这是他的笔迹。
爱德蒙 笔迹确是他的，父亲；可是我希望这种话不是出于他的真心。
葛罗斯特 他以前有没有用这一类话试探过你？
爱德蒙 没有，父亲；可是我常常听见他说，儿子成年以后，父亲要是已经衰老，他应该受儿子的监护，把他的财产交给他的儿子掌管。
葛罗斯特 啊，混蛋！混蛋！正是他在这信里所表示的意思！可恶的混蛋！不孝的、没有心肝的畜生！禽兽不如的东西！去，把他找来；我要依法惩办他。可恶的混蛋！他在哪儿？
爱德蒙 我不大知道，父亲。照我的意思，你在没有得到可靠的证据，证明哥哥确有这种意思以前，最好暂时耐一耐您的怒气；因为要是您立刻就对他采取激烈的手段，万一事情出于误会，那不但大大妨害了您的尊严，而且他对于您的孝心，也要从此动摇了！我敢拿我的生命为他作保，他写这封信的用意，不过是试探试探我对您的孝心，并没有其他危险的目的。
葛罗斯特 你以为是这样的吗？
爱德蒙 您要是认为可以的话，让我把您安置在一个隐僻的地方，从那个地方您可以听到我们两人谈论这件事情，用您自己的耳朵得到一个真凭实据；事不宜迟，今天晚上就可以一试。
葛罗斯特 他不会是这样一个大逆不道的禽兽——
爱德蒙 他断不会是这样的人。
葛罗斯特 天地良心！我做父亲的从来没有亏待过他，他却这样对待我。爱德蒙，找他出来；探探他究竟居心何在；你尽管照你自己的意思随机应付。我愿意放弃我的地位和财产，把这一件事情调查明白。
爱德蒙 父亲，我立刻就去找他，用最适当的方法探明这回事情，然后再来告诉您知道。
葛罗斯特 最近这一些日蚀月蚀果然不是好兆；虽然人们凭着天赋的智慧，可以对它们作种种合理的解释，可是接踵而来的天灾人祸，却不能否认是上天对人们所施的惩罚。亲爱的人互相疏远，朋友变为陌路，兄弟化成仇雠；城市里有暴动，国家发生内乱，宫廷之内潜藏着逆谋；父不父，子不子，纲常伦纪完全破灭。我这畜生也是上应天数；有他这样逆亲犯上的儿子，也就有像我们王上一样不慈不爱的父亲。我们最好的日子已经过去；现在只有一些阴谋、欺诈、叛逆、纷乱，追随在我们的背后，把我们赶下坟墓里去。爱德蒙，去把这畜生侦查个明白；那对你不会有什么妨害的；你只要自己留心一点就是了。——忠心的肯特又放逐了！他的罪名是正直！怪事，怪事！（下。）
爱德蒙 人们最爱用这一种糊涂思想来欺骗自己；往往当我们因为自己行为不慎而遭逢不幸的时候，我们就会把我们的灾祸归怨于日月星辰，好像我们做恶人也是命运注定，做傻瓜也是出于上天的旨意，做无赖、做盗贼、做叛徒，都是受到天体运行的影响，酗酒、造谣、奸淫，都有一颗什么星在那儿主持操纵，我们无论干什么罪恶的行为，全都是因为有一种超自然的力量在冥冥之中驱策着我们。明明自己跟人家通奸，却把他的好色的天性归咎到一颗星的身上，真是绝妙的推诿！我的父亲跟我的母亲在巨龙星的尾巴底下交媾，我又是在大熊星底下出世，所以我就是个粗暴而好色的家伙。嘿！即使当我的父母苟合成奸的时候，有一颗最贞洁的处女星在天空睒眼睛，我也决不会换个样子的。爱德伽——
爱德伽上。
爱德蒙 一说起他，他就来了，正像旧式喜剧里的大团圆一样；我现在必须装出一副忧愁煞人的样子，像疯子一般长吁短叹。唉！这些日蚀月蚀果然预兆着人世的纷争！法——索——拉——咪。
爱德伽 啊，爱德蒙兄弟！你在沉思些什么？
爱德蒙 哥哥，我正在想起前天读到的一篇预言，说是在这些日蚀月蚀之后，将要发生些什么事情。
爱德伽 你让这些东西烦扰你的精神吗？
爱德蒙 告诉你吧，他所预言的事情，果然不幸被他说中了；什么父子的乖离、死亡、饥荒、友谊的毁灭、国家的分裂、对于国王和贵族的恫吓和咒诅、无谓的猜疑、朋友的放逐、军队的瓦解、婚姻的破坏，还有许许多多我所不知道的事情。
爱德伽 你什么时候相信起星象之学来？
爱德蒙 来，来；你最近一次看见父亲在什么时候？
爱德伽 昨天晚上。
爱德蒙 你跟他说过话没有？
爱德伽 嗯，我们谈了两个钟头。
爱德蒙 你们分别的时候，没有闹什么意见吗？你在他的辞色之间，不觉得他对你有点恼怒吗？
爱德伽 一点没有。
爱德蒙 想想看你在什么地方得罪了他；听我的劝告，暂时避开一下，等他的怒气平息下来再说，现在他正在大发雷霆，恨不得一口咬下你的肉来呢。
爱德伽 一定有哪一个坏东西在搬弄是非。
爱德蒙 我也怕有什么人在暗中离间。请你千万忍耐忍耐，不要碰在他的火性上；现在你还是跟我到我的地方去，我可以想法让你躲起来听听他老人家怎么说。请你去吧；这是我的钥匙。你要是在外面走动的话，最好身边带些武器。
爱德伽 带些武器，弟弟！
爱德蒙 哥哥，我这样劝告你都是为了你的好处；带些武器在身边吧；要是没有人在暗算你，就算我不是个好人。我已经把我所看到、听到的事情都告诉你了；可还只是轻描淡写，实际的情形，却比我的话更要严重可怕得多哩。请你赶快去吧。
爱德伽 我不久就可以听到你的消息吗？
爱德蒙 我在这一件事情上总是竭力帮你的忙就是了。（爱德伽下）一个轻信的父亲，一个忠厚的哥哥，他自己从不会算计别人，所以也不疑心别人算计他；对付他们这样老实的傻瓜，我的奸计是绰绰有余的。该怎么下手，我已经想好了。既然凭我的身分，产业到不了我的手，那就只好用我的智谋；不管什么手段只要使得上，对我说来，就是正当。（下。）
第三场 奥本尼公爵府中一室
高纳里尔及其管家奥斯华德上。
高纳里尔 我的父亲因为我的侍卫骂了他的弄人，所以动手打他吗？
奥斯华德 是，夫人。
高纳里尔 他一天到晚欺侮我；每一点钟他都要借端寻事，把我们这儿吵得鸡犬不宁。我不能再忍受下去了。他的骑士们一天一天横行不法起来，他自己又在每一件小事上都要责骂我们。等他打猎回来的时候，我不高兴见他说话；你就对他说我病了。你也不必像从前那样殷勤侍候他；他要是见怪，都在我身上。
奥斯华德 他来了，夫人；我听见他的声音。（内号角声。）
高纳里尔 你跟你手下的人尽管对他装出一副不理不睬的态度；我要看看他有些什么话说。要是他恼了，那么让他到我妹妹那儿去吧，我知道我的妹妹的心思，她也跟我一样不能受人压制的。这老废物已经放弃了他的权力，还想管这个管那个！凭着我的生命发誓，年老的傻瓜正像小孩子一样，一味的姑息会纵容坏了他的脾气，不对他凶一点是不行的，记住我的话。
奥斯华德 是，夫人。
高纳里尔 让他的骑士们也受到你们的冷眼；无论发生什么事情，你们都不用管；你去这样通知你手下的人吧。我要造成一些借口，和他当面说个明白。我还要立刻写信给我的妹妹，叫她采取一致的行动。吩咐他们备饭。（各下。）
第四场 奥本尼公爵府中厅堂
肯特化装上。
肯特 我已经完全隐去我的本来面目，要是我能够把我的语音也完全改变过来，那么我的一片苦心，也许可以达到目的。被放逐的肯特啊，要是你顶着一身罪名，还依然能够尽你的忠心，那么总有一天，对你所爱戴的主人会大有用处的。
内号角声。李尔、众骑士及侍从等上。
李尔 我一刻也不能等待，快去叫他们拿出饭来。（一侍从下）啊！你是什么？
肯特 我是一个人，大爷。
李尔 你是干什么的？你来见我有什么事？
肯特 您瞧我像干什么的，我就是干什么的；谁要是信任我，我愿意尽忠服侍他；谁要是居心正直，我愿意爱他；谁要是聪明而不爱多说话，我愿意跟他来往；我害怕法官；逼不得已的时候，我也会跟人家打架；我不吃鱼①。
李尔 你究竟是什么人？
肯特 一个心肠非常正直的汉子，而且像国王一样穷。
李尔 要是你这做臣民的，也像那个做国王的一样穷，那么你也可以算得真穷了。你要什么？
肯特 就要讨一个差使。
李尔 你想替谁做事？
肯特 替您。
李尔 你认识我吗？
肯特 不，大爷，可是在您的神气之间，有一种什么力量，使我愿意叫您做我的主人。
李尔 是什么力量？
肯特 一种天生的威严。
李尔 你会做些什么事？
肯特 我会保守秘密，我会骑马，我会跑路，我会把一个复杂的故事讲得索然无味，我会老老实实传一个简单的口信；凡是普通人能够做的事情，我都可以做，我的最大的好处是勤劳。
李尔 你年纪多大了？
肯特 大爷，说我年轻，我也不算年轻，我不会为了一个女人会唱几句歌而害相思；说我年老，我也不算年老，我不会糊里糊涂地溺爱一个女人；我已经活过四十八个年头了。
李尔 跟着我吧；你可以替我做事。要是我在吃过晚饭以后，还是这样欢喜你，那么我还不会就把你撵走。喂！饭呢？拿饭来！我的孩子呢？我的傻瓜呢？你去叫我的傻瓜来。（一侍从下。）
奥斯华德上。
李尔 喂，喂，我的女儿呢？
奥斯华德 对不起——（下。）
李尔 这家伙怎么说？叫那蠢东西回来。（一骑士下）喂，我的傻瓜呢？全都睡着了吗？怎么！那狗头呢？
骑士重上。
骑士 陛下，他说公主有病。
李尔 我叫他回来，那奴才为什么不回来？
骑士 陛下，他非常放肆，回答我说他不高兴回来。
李尔 他不高兴回来！
骑士 陛下，我也不知道为了什么缘故，可是照我看起来，他们对待您的礼貌，已经不像往日那样殷勤了；不但一般下人从仆，就是公爵和公主也对您冷淡得多了。
李尔 嘿！你这样说吗？
骑士 陛下，要是我说错了话，请您原谅我；可是当我觉得您受人欺侮的时候，责任所在，我不能闭口不言。
李尔 你不过向我提起一件我自己已经感觉到的事；我近来也觉得他们对我的态度有点儿冷淡，可是我总以为那是我自己多心，不愿断定是他们有意怠慢。我还要仔细观察观察他们的举止。可是我的傻瓜呢？我这两天没有看见他。
骑士 陛下，自从小公主到法国去了以后，这傻瓜老是郁郁不乐。
李尔 别再提那句话了；我也注意到他这种情形。——你去对我的女儿说，我要跟她说话。（一侍从下）你去叫我的傻瓜来。（另一侍从下。）
奥斯华德重上。
李尔 啊！你，大爷，你过来，大爷。你不知道我是什么人吗，大爷？
奥斯华德 我们夫人的父亲。
李尔 “我们夫人的父亲”！我们大爷的奴才！好大胆的狗！你这奴才！你这狗东西！
奥斯华德 对不起，我不是狗。
李尔 你敢跟我当面顶嘴瞪眼吗，你这混蛋？（打奥斯华德。）
奥斯华德 您不能打我。
肯特 我也不能踢你吗，你这踢皮球的下贱东西②？（自后踢奥斯华德倒地。）
李尔 谢谢你，好家伙；你帮了我，我喜欢你。
肯特 来，朋友，站起来，给我滚吧！我要教训教训你，让你知道尊卑上下的分别。去！去！你还想用你蠢笨的身体在地上打滚，丈量土地吗？滚！你难道不懂得厉害吗？去。（将奥斯华德推出。）
李尔 我的好小子，谢谢你；这是你替我做事的定钱。（以钱给肯特。）
弄人上。
弄人 让我也把他雇下来；这儿是我的鸡头帽。（脱帽授肯特。）
李尔 啊，我的乖乖！你好？
弄人 喂，你还是戴了我的鸡头帽吧。
肯特 傻瓜，为什么？
弄人 为什么？因为你帮了一个失势的人。要是你不会看准风向把你的笑脸迎上去，你就会吞下一口冷气的。来，把我的鸡头帽拿去。嘿，这家伙撵走了两个女儿，他的第三个女儿倒很受他的好处，虽然也不是出于他的本意；要是你跟了他，你必须戴上我的鸡头帽。啊，老伯伯！但愿我有两顶鸡头帽，再有两个女儿！
李尔 为什么，我的孩子？
弄人 要是我把我的家私一起给了她们，我自己还可以存下两顶鸡头帽。我这儿有一顶；再去向你的女儿们讨一顶戴戴吧。
李尔 嘿，你留心着鞭子。
弄人 真理是一条贱狗，它只好躲在狗洞里；当猎狗太太站在火边撒尿的时候，它必须一顿鞭子被人赶出去。
李尔 简直是揭我的疮疤！
弄人 （向肯特）喂，让我教你一段话。
李尔 你说吧。
弄人 听着，老伯伯；——
多积财，少摆阔；
耳多听，话少说；
少放款，多借债；
走路不如骑马快；
三言之中信一语，
多掷骰子少下注；
莫饮酒，莫嫖妓；
呆在家中把门闭；
会打算的占便宜，
不会打算叹口气。
肯特 傻瓜，这些话一点意思也没有。
弄人 那么正像拿不到讼费的律师一样，我的话都白说了。老伯伯，你不能从没有意思的中间，探求出一点意思来吗？
李尔 啊，不，孩子；垃圾里是淘不出金子来的。
弄人 （向肯特）请你告诉他，他有那么多的土地，也就成为一堆垃圾了；他不肯相信一个傻瓜嘴里的话。
李尔 好尖酸的傻瓜！
弄人 我的孩子，你知道傻瓜是有酸有甜的吗？
李尔 不，孩子；告诉我。
弄人 听了他人话，
土地全丧失；
我傻你更傻，
两傻相并立：
一个傻瓜甜，
一个傻瓜酸；
一个穿花衣，
一个戴王冠。
李尔 你叫我傻瓜吗，孩子？
弄人 你把你所有的尊号都送了别人；只有这一个名字是你娘胎里带来的。
肯特 陛下，他倒不全然是个傻瓜哩。
弄人 不，那些老爷大人们都不肯答应我的；要是我取得了傻瓜的专利权，他们一定要来夺我一份去，就是太太小姐们也不会放过我的；他们不肯让我一个人做傻瓜。老伯伯，给我一个蛋，我给你两顶冠。
李尔 两顶什么冠？
弄人 我把蛋从中间切开，吃完了蛋黄、蛋白，就用蛋壳给你做两顶冠。你想你自己好端端有了一顶王冠，却把它从中间剖成两半，把两半全都送给人家，这不是背了驴子过泥潭吗？你这光秃秃的头顶连里面也是光秃秃的没有一点脑子，所以才会把一顶金冠送了人。我说了我要说的话，谁说这种话是傻话，让他挨一顿鞭子。——
这年头傻瓜供过于求，
聪明人个个变了糊涂，
顶着个没有思想的头，
只会跟着人依样葫芦。
李尔 你几时学会了这许多歌儿？
弄人 老伯伯，自从你把你的女儿当作了你的母亲以后，我就常常唱起歌儿来了；因为当你把棒儿给了她们，拉下你自己的裤子的时候，——
她们高兴得眼泪盈眶，
我只好唱歌自遣哀愁，
可怜你堂堂一国之王，
却跟傻瓜们作伴嬉游。
老伯伯，你去请一位先生来，教教你的傻瓜怎样说谎吧；我很想学学说谎。
李尔 要是你说了谎，小子，我就用鞭子抽你。
弄人 我不知道你跟你的女儿们究竟是什么亲戚：她们因为我说了真话，要用鞭子抽我，你因为我说谎，又要用鞭子抽我；有时候我话也不说，你们也要用鞭子抽我。我宁可做一个无论什么东西，也不要做个傻瓜；可是我宁可做个傻瓜，也不愿意做你，老伯伯；你把你的聪明从两边削掉了，削得中间不剩一点东西。瞧，那削下的一块来了。
高纳里尔上。
李尔 啊，女儿！为什么你的脸上罩满了怒气？我看你近来老是皱着眉头。
弄人 从前你用不着看她的脸，随她皱不皱眉头都不与你相干，那时候你也算得了一个好汉子；可是现在你却变成一个孤零零的圆圈圈儿了。你还比不上我；我是个傻瓜，你简直不是个东西。（向高纳里尔）好，好，我闭嘴就是啦；虽然你没有说话，我从你的脸色知道你的意思。
闭嘴，闭嘴；
你不知道积谷防饥，
活该啃不到面包皮。
他是一个剥空了的豌豆荚。（指李尔。）
高纳里尔 父亲，您这一个肆无忌惮的傻瓜不用说了，还有您那些蛮横的卫士，也都在时时刻刻寻事骂人，种种不法的暴行，实在叫人忍无可忍。父亲，我本来还以为要是让您知道了这种情形，您一定会戒饬他们的行动；可是照您最近所说的话和所做的事看来，我不能不疑心您有意纵容他们，他们才会这样有恃无恐。要是果然出于您的授意，为了维持法纪的尊严，我们也不能默尔而息，不采取断然的处置，虽然也许在您的脸上不大好看；本来，这是说不过去的，可是眼前这样的步骤，在事实上却是必要的。
弄人 你看，老伯伯——
那篱雀养大了杜鹃鸟，
自己的头也给它吃掉。
蜡烛熄了，我们眼前只有一片黑暗。
李尔 你是我的女儿吗？
高纳里尔 算了吧，老人家，您不是一个不懂道理的人，我希望您想明白一些；近来您动不动就动气，实在太有失一个做长辈的体统啦。
弄人 马儿颠倒过来给车子拖着走，就是一头蠢驴不也看得清楚吗？“呼，玖格！我爱你。”
李尔 这儿有谁认识我吗？这不是李尔。是李尔在走路吗？在说话吗？他的眼睛呢？他的知觉迷乱了吗？他的神志麻木了吗？嘿！他醒着吗？没有的事。谁能够告诉我我是什么人？
弄人 李尔的影子。
李尔 我要弄明白我是谁；因为我的君权、知识和理智都在哄我，要我相信我是个有女儿的人。
弄人 那些女儿们是会叫你做一个孝顺的父亲的。
李尔 太太，请教您的芳名？
高纳里尔 父亲，您何必这样假痴假呆，近来您就爱开这么一类的玩笑。您是一个有年纪的老人家，应该懂事一些。请您明白我的意思；您在这儿养了一百个骑士，全是些胡闹放荡、胆大妄为的家伙，我们好好的宫廷给他们骚扰得像一个喧嚣的客店；他们成天吃、喝、玩女人，简直把这儿当作了酒馆妓院，哪里还是一座庄严的御邸。这一种可耻的现象，必须立刻设法纠正；所以请您依了我的要求，酌量减少您的扈从的人数，只留下一些适合于您的年龄、知道您的地位、也明白他们自己身分的人跟随您；要是您不答应，那么我没有法子，只好勉强执行了。
李尔 地狱里的魔鬼！备起我的马来；召集我的侍从。没有良心的贱人！我不要麻烦你；我还有一个女儿哩。
高纳里尔 你打我的用人，你那一班捣乱的流氓也不想想自己是什么东西，胆敢把他们上面的人像奴仆一样呼来叱去。
奥本尼上。
李尔 唉！现在懊悔也来不及了。（向奥本尼）啊！你也来了吗？这是不是你的意思？你说。——替我备马。丑恶的海怪也比不上忘恩的儿女那样可怕。
奥本尼 陛下，请您不要生气。
李尔 （向高纳里尔）袅獍不如的东西！你说谎！我的卫士都是最有品行的人，他们懂得一切的礼仪，他们的一举一动，都不愧骑士之名。啊！考狄利娅不过犯了一点小小的错误，怎么在我的眼睛里却会变得这样丑恶！它像一座酷虐的刑具，扭曲了我的天性，抽干了我心里的慈爱，把苦味的怨恨灌了进去。啊，李尔！李尔！李尔！对准这一扇装进你的愚蠢、放出你的智慧的门，着力痛打吧！（自击其头）去，去，我的人。
奥本尼 陛下，我没有得罪您，我也不知道您为什么生气。
李尔 也许不是你的错，公爵。——听着，造化的女神，听我的吁诉！要是你想使这畜生生男育女，请你改变你的意旨吧！取消她的生殖的能力，干涸她的产育的器官，让她的下贱的肉体里永远生不出一个子女来抬高她的身价！要是她必须生产，请你让她生下一个忤逆狂悖的孩子，使她终身受苦！让她年轻的额角上很早就刻了皱纹；眼泪流下她的面颊，磨成一道道的沟渠；她的鞠育的辛劳，只换到一声冷笑和一个白眼；让她也感觉到一个负心的孩子，比毒蛇的牙齿还要多么使人痛入骨髓！去，去！（下。）
奥本尼 凭着我们敬奉的神明，告诉我这是怎么一回事？
高纳里尔 你不用知道为了什么原因；他老糊涂了，让他去发他的火吧。
李尔重上。
李尔 什么！我在这儿不过住了半个月，就把我的卫士一下子裁撤了五十名吗？
奥本尼 什么事，陛下？
李尔 等一等告诉你。（向高纳里尔）吸血的魔鬼！我真惭愧，你有这本事叫我在你的面前失去了大丈夫的气概，让我的热泪为了一个下贱的婢子而滚滚流出。愿毒风吹着你，恶雾罩着你！愿一个父亲的咒诅刺透你的五官百窍，留下永远不能平复的疮痍！痴愚的老眼，要是你再为此而流泪，我要把你挖出来，丢在你所流的泪水里，和泥土拌在一起！哼！竟有这等事吗？好，我还有一个女儿，我相信她是孝顺我的；她听见你这样对待我，一定会用指爪抓破你的豺狼一样的脸。你以为我一辈子也不能恢复我的原来的威风了吗？好，你瞧着吧。（李尔、肯特及侍从等下。）
高纳里尔 你听见没有？
奥本尼 高纳里尔，虽然我十分爱你，可是我不能这样偏心——
高纳里尔 你不用管我。喂，奥斯华德！（向弄人）你这七分奸刁三分傻的东西，跟你的主人去吧。
弄人 李尔老伯伯，李尔老伯伯！等一等，带傻瓜一块儿去。
捉狐狸，杀狐狸，
谁家女儿是狐狸？
可惜我这顶帽子，
换不到一条绳子；
追上去，你这傻子。（下。）
高纳里尔 不知道是什么人替他出的好主意。一百个骑士！让他随身带着一百个全副武装的卫士，真是万全之计；只要他做了一个梦，听了一句谣言，转了一个念头，或者心里有什么不高兴不舒服，就可以任着性子，用他们的力量危害我们的生命。喂，奥斯华德！
奥本尼 也许你太过虑了。
高纳里尔 过虑总比大意好些。与其时时刻刻提心吊胆，害怕人家的暗算，宁可爽爽快快除去一切可能的威胁。我知道他的心理。他所说的话，我已经写信去告诉我的妹妹了；她要是不听我的劝告，仍旧容留他带着他的一百个骑士——
奥斯华德重上。
高纳里尔 啊，奥斯华德！什么！我叫你写给我妹妹的信，你写好了没有？
奥斯华德 写好了，夫人。
高纳里尔 带几个人跟着你，赶快上马出发；把我所担心的情形明白告诉她，再加上一些你所想到的理由，让它格外动听一些。去吧，早点回来。（奥斯华德下）不，不，我的爷，你做人太仁善厚道了，虽然我不怪你，可是恕我说一句话，只有人批评你糊涂，却没有什么人称赞你一声好。
奥本尼 我不知道你的眼光能够看到多远；可是过分操切也会误事的。
高纳里尔 咦，那么——
奥本尼 好，好，但看结果如何。（同下。）
第五场 奥本尼公爵府外院
李尔、肯特及弄人上。
李尔 你带着这封信，先到葛罗斯特去。我的女儿看了我的信，倘然有什么话问你，你就照你所知道的回答她，此外可不要多说什么。要是你在路上偷懒耽搁时间，也许我会比你先到的。
肯特 陛下，我在没有把您的信送到以前，决不打一次盹。（下。）
弄人 要是一个人的脑筋生在脚跟上，它会不会长起脓疱来呢？
李尔 嗯，不会的，孩子。
弄人 那么你放心吧；反正你的脑筋不用穿了拖鞋走路。
李尔 哈哈哈！
弄人 你到了你那另外一个女儿的地方，就可以知道她会待你多么好；因为虽然她跟这一个就像野苹果跟家苹果一样相像，可是我可以告诉你我所知道的事情。
李尔 你可以告诉我什么，孩子？
弄人 你一尝到她的滋味，就会知道她跟这一个完全相同，正像两只野苹果一般没有分别。你能够告诉我为什么一个人的鼻子生在脸中间吗？
李尔 不能。
弄人 因为中间放了鼻子，两旁就可以安放眼睛；鼻子嗅不出来的，眼睛可以看个仔细。
李尔 我对不起她——
弄人 你知道牡蛎怎样造它的壳吗？
李尔 不知道。
弄人 我也不知道；可是我知道蜗牛为什么背着一个屋子。
李尔 为什么？
弄人 因为可以把它的头放在里面；它不会把它的屋子送给它的女儿，害得它的角也没有地方安顿。
李尔 我也顾不得什么天性之情了。我这做父亲的有什么地方亏待了她！我的马儿都已经预备好了吗？
弄人 你的驴子们正在那儿给你预备呢。北斗七星为什么只有七颗星，其中有一个绝妙的理由。
李尔 因为它们没有第八颗吗？
弄人 正是，一点不错；你可以做一个很好的傻瓜。
李尔 用武力夺回来！忘恩负义的畜生！
弄人 假如你是我的傻瓜，老伯伯，我就要打你，因为你不到时候就老了。
李尔 那是什么意思？
弄人 你应该懂得些世故再老呀。
李尔 啊！不要让我发疯！天哪，抑制住我的怒气，不要让我发疯！我不想发疯！
侍臣上。
李尔 怎么！马预备好了吗？
侍臣 预备好了，陛下。
李尔 来，孩子。
弄人 哪一个姑娘笑我走这一遭，
她的贞操眼看就要保不牢。（同下。）
第二幕
第一场 葛罗斯特伯爵城堡庭院
爱德蒙及克伦自相对方向上。
爱德蒙 您好，克伦？
克伦 您好，公子。我刚才见过令尊，通知他康华尔公爵跟他的夫人里根公主今天晚上要到这儿来拜访他。
爱德蒙 他们怎么要到这儿来？
克伦 我也不知道。您有没有听见外边的消息？我的意思是说，人们交头接耳，在暗中互相传说的那些消息。
爱德蒙 我没有听见；请教是些什么消息？
克伦 您没有听见说起康华尔公爵也许会跟奥本尼公爵开战吗？
爱德蒙 一点没有听见。
克伦 那么您也许慢慢会听到的。再会，公子。（下。）
爱德蒙 公爵今天晚上到这儿来！那也好！再好没有了！我正好利用这个机会。我的父亲已经叫人四处把守，要捉我的哥哥；我还有一件不大好办的事情，必须赶快动手做起来。这事情要做得敏捷迅速，但愿命运帮助我！——哥哥，跟你说一句话；下来，哥哥！
爱德伽上。
爱德蒙 父亲在那儿守着你。啊，哥哥！离开这个地方吧；有人已经告诉他你躲在什么所在；趁着现在天黑，你快逃吧。你有没有说过什么反对康华尔公爵的话？他也就要到这儿来了，在这样的夜里，急急忙忙的。里根也跟着他来；你有没有站在他这一边，说过奥本尼公爵什么话吗？想一想看。
爱德伽 我真的一句话也没有说过。
爱德蒙 我听见父亲来了；原谅我；我必须假装对你动武的样子；拔出剑来，就像你在防御你自己一般；好好地应付一下吧。（高声）放下你的剑；见我的父亲去！喂，拿火来！这儿！——逃吧，哥哥。（高声）火把！火把！——再会。（爱德伽下）身上沾几点血，可以使他相信我真的作过一番凶猛的争斗。（以剑刺伤手臂）我曾经看见有些醉汉为了开玩笑的缘故，往往不顾死活地割破他自己的皮肉。（高声）父亲！父亲！住手！住手！没有人来帮我吗？
葛罗斯特率众仆持火炬上。
葛罗斯特 爱德蒙，那畜生呢？
爱德蒙 他站在这儿黑暗之中，拔出他的锋利的剑，嘴里念念有辞，见神见鬼地请月亮帮他的忙。
葛罗斯特 可是他在什么地方？
爱德蒙 瞧，父亲，我流着血呢。
葛罗斯特 爱德蒙，那畜生呢？
爱德蒙 往这边逃去了，父亲。他看见他没有法子——
葛罗斯特 喂，你们追上去！（若干仆人下）“没有法子”什么？
爱德蒙 没有法子劝我跟他同谋把您杀死；我对他说，疾恶如仇的神明看见弑父的逆子，是要用天雷把他殛死的；我告诉他儿子对于父亲的关系是多么深切而不可摧毁；总而言之一句话，他看见我这样憎恶他的荒谬的图谋，他就老羞成怒，拔出他的早就预备好的剑，气势汹汹地向我毫无防卫的身上挺了过来，把我的手臂刺破了；那时候我也发起怒来，自恃理直气壮，跟他奋力对抗，他倒胆怯起来，也许因为听见我喊叫的声音，就飞也似的逃走了。
葛罗斯特 让他逃得远远的吧；除非逃到国外去，我们总有捉到他的一天；看他给我们捉住了还活得成活不成。公爵殿下，我的高贵的恩主，今晚要到这儿来啦，我要请他发出一道命令，谁要是能够把这杀人的懦夫捉住，交给我们绑在木桩上烧死，我们将要重重酬谢他；谁要是把他藏匿起来，一经发觉，就要把他处死。
爱德蒙 当他不听我的劝告，决意实行他的企图的时候，我就严辞恫吓他，对他说我要宣布他的秘密；可是他却回答我说，“你这个没份儿继承遗产的私生子！你以为要是我们两人立在敌对的地位，人家会相信你的道德品质，因而相信你所说的话吗？哼！我可以绝口否认——我自然要否认，即使你拿出我亲手写下的笔迹，我还可以反咬你一口，说这全是你的阴谋恶计；人们不是傻瓜，他们当然会相信你因为觊觎我死后的利益，所以才会起这样的毒心，想要害我的命。”
葛罗斯特 好狠心的畜生！他赖得掉他的信吗？他不是我生出来的。（内喇叭奏花腔）听！公爵的喇叭。我不知道他来有什么事。我要把所有的城门关起来，看这畜生逃到哪儿去；公爵必须答应我这一个要求；而且我还要把他的小像各处传送，让全国的人都可以注意他。我的孝顺的孩子，你不学你哥哥的坏样，我一定想法子使你能够承继我的土地。
康华尔、里根及侍从等上。
康华尔 您好，我的尊贵的朋友！我还不过刚到这儿，就已经听见了奇怪的消息。
里根 要是真有那样的事，那罪人真是万死不足蔽辜了。是怎么一回事，伯爵？
葛罗斯特 啊！夫人，我这颗老心已经碎了，已经碎了！
里根 什么！我父亲的义子要谋害您的性命吗？就是我父亲替他取名字的，您的爱德伽吗？
葛罗斯特 啊！夫人，夫人，发生了这种事情，真是说来叫人丢脸。
里根 他不是常常跟我父亲身边的那些横行不法的骑士们在一起吗？
葛罗斯特 我不知道，夫人。太可恶了！太可恶了！
爱德蒙 是的，夫人，他正是常跟这些人在一起的。
里根 无怪他会变得这样坏；一定是他们撺掇他谋害了老头子，好把他的财产拿出来给大家挥霍。今天傍晚的时候，我接到我姊姊的一封信，她告诉我他们种种不法的情形，并且警告我要是他们想要住到我的家里来，我千万不要招待他们。
康华尔 相信我，里根，我也决不会去招待他们。爱德蒙，我听说你对你的父亲很尽孝道。
爱德蒙 那是做儿子的本分，殿下。
葛罗斯特 他揭发了他哥哥的阴谋；您看他身上的这一处伤就是因为他奋不顾身，想要捉住那畜生而受到的。
康华尔 那凶徒逃走了，有没有人追上去？
葛罗斯特 有的，殿下。
康华尔 要是他给我们捉住了，我们一定不让他再为非作恶；你只要决定一个办法，在我的权力范围以内，我都可以替你办到。爱德蒙，你这一回所表现的深明大义的孝心，使我们十分赞美；像你这样不负付托的人，正是我们所需要的，我们将要大大地重用你。
爱德蒙 殿下，我愿意为您尽忠效命。
葛罗斯特 殿下这样看得起他，使我感激万分。
康华尔 你还不知道我们现在所以要来看你的原因——
里根 尊贵的葛罗斯特，我们这样在黑暗的夜色之中，一路摸索前来，实在是因为有一些相当重要的事情，必须请教请教您的高见。我们的父亲和姊姊都有信来，说他们两人之间发生了一些冲突；我想最好不要在我们自己的家里答复他们；两方面的使者都在这儿等候我打发。我们的善良的老朋友，您不要气恼，替我们赶快出个主意吧。
葛罗斯特 夫人但有所命，我总是愿意贡献我的一得之愚的。殿下和夫人光临蓬荜，欢迎得很！（同下。）
第二场 葛罗斯特城堡之前
肯特及奥斯华德各上。
奥斯华德 早安，朋友；你是这屋子里的人吗？
肯特 喂。
奥斯华德 什么地方可以让我们拴马？
肯特 烂泥地里。
奥斯华德 对不起，大家是好朋友，告诉我吧。
肯特 谁是你的好朋友？
奥斯华德 好，那么我也不理你。
肯特 要是我把你一口咬住，看你理不理我。
奥斯华德 你为什么对我这样？我又不认识你。
肯特 家伙，我认识你。
奥斯华德 你认识我是谁？
肯特 一个无赖；一个恶棍；一个吃剩饭的家伙；一个下贱的、骄傲的、浅薄的、叫化子一样的、只有三身衣服、全部家私算起来不过一百镑的、卑鄙龌龊的、穿毛绒袜子的奴才；一个没有胆量的、靠着官府势力压人的奴才；一个婊子生的、顾影自怜的、奴颜婢膝的、涂脂抹粉的混账东西；全部家私都在一只箱子里的下流胚，一个天生的忘八胚子；又是奴才，又是叫化子，又是懦夫，又是忘八，又是一条杂种老母狗的儿子；要是你不承认你这些头衔，我要把你打得放声大哭。
奥斯华德 咦，奇怪，你是个什么东西，你也不认识我，我也不认识你，怎么开口骂人？
肯特 你还说不认识我，你这厚脸皮的奴才！两天以前，我不是把你踢倒在地上，还在王上的面前打过你吗？拔出剑来，你这混蛋；虽然是夜里，月亮照着呢；我要在月光底下把你剁得稀烂。（拔剑）拔出剑来，你这婊子生的、臭打扮的下流东西，拔出剑来！
奥斯华德 去！我不跟你胡闹。
肯特 拔出剑来，你这恶棍！谁叫你做人家的傀儡，替一个女儿寄信攻击她的父王，还自鸣得意呢？拔出剑来，你这混蛋，否则我要砍下你的胚骨。拔出剑来，恶棍；来来来！
奥斯华德 喂！救命哪！要杀人啦！救命哪！
肯特 来，你这奴才；站住，混蛋，别跑；你这漂亮的奴才，你不会还手吗？（打奥斯华德。）
奥斯华德 救命啊！要杀人啦！要杀人啦！
爱德蒙拔剑上。
爱德蒙 怎么！什么事？（分开二人。）
肯特 好小子，你也要寻事吗？来，我们试一下吧！来，小哥儿。
康华尔、里根、葛罗斯特及众仆上。
葛罗斯特 动刀动剑的，什么事呀？
康华尔 大家不要闹；谁再动手，就叫他死。怎么一回事？
里根 一个是我姊姊的使者，一个是国王的使者。
康华尔 你们为什么争吵？说。
奥斯华德 殿下，我给他缠得气都喘不过来啦。
肯特 怪不得你，你把全身勇气都提起来了。你这懦怯的恶棍，造化不承认他曾经造下你这个人；你是一个裁缝手里做出来的。
康华尔 你是一个奇怪的家伙；一个裁缝会做出一个人来吗？
肯特 嗯，一个裁缝；石匠或者油漆匠都不会把他做得这样坏，即使他们学会这行手艺才不过两个钟头。
康华尔 说，你们怎么会吵起来的？
奥斯华德 这个老不讲理的家伙，殿下，倘不是我看在他的花白胡子分上，早就要他的命了——
肯特 你这婊子养的、不中用的废物！殿下，要是您允许我的话，我要把这不成东西的流氓踏成一堆替人家涂刷茅厕的泥浆。看在我的花白胡子分上？你这摇尾乞怜的狗！
康华尔 住口！畜生，你规矩也不懂吗？
肯特 是，殿下；可是我实在气愤不过，也就顾不得了。
康华尔 你为什么气愤？
肯特 我气愤的是像这样一个奸诈的奴才，居然也让他佩起剑来。都是这种笑脸的小人，像老鼠一样咬破了神圣的伦常纲纪；他们的主上起了一个恶念，他们便竭力逢迎，不是火上浇油，就是雪上添霜；他们最擅长的是随风转舵，他们的主人说一声是，他们也跟着说是，说一声不，他们也跟着说不，就像狗一样什么都不知道，只知道跟着主人跑。恶疮烂掉了你的抽搐的面孔！你笑我所说的话，你以为我是个傻瓜吗？呆鹅，要是我在旷野里碰见了你，看我不把你打得嘎嘎乱叫，一路赶回你的老家去！
康华尔 什么！你疯了吗，老头儿？
葛罗斯特 说，你们究竟是怎么吵起来的？
肯特 我跟这混蛋是势不两立的。
康华尔 你为什么叫他混蛋？他做错了什么事？
肯特 我不喜欢他的面孔。
康华尔 也许你也不喜欢我的面孔、他的面孔，还有她的面孔。
肯特 殿下，我是说惯老实话的：我曾经见过一些面孔，比现在站在我面前的这些面孔好得多啦。
康华尔 这个人正是那种因为有人称赞了他的言辞率直，就此装出一副粗鲁的、目中无人的样子，一味矫揉造作，仿佛他生来就是这样一个家伙。他不会谄媚，他有一颗正直坦白的心，他必须说老实话；要是人家愿意接受他的意见，很好；不然的话，他是个老实人。我知道这种家伙，他们用坦白的外表，包藏着极大的奸谋祸心，比二十个胁肩谄笑、小心翼翼的愚蠢的谄媚者更要不怀好意。
肯特 殿下，您的伟大的明鉴，就像福玻斯神光煜煜的额上的烨耀的火轮，诸您照临我的善意的忠诚，恳切的虔心——
康华尔 这是什么意思？
肯特 因为您不喜欢我的话，所以我改变了一个样子。我知道我不是一个谄媚之徒；我也不愿做一个故意用率直的言语诱惑人家听信的奸诈小人；即使您请求我做这样的人，我也不怕得罪您，决不从命。
康华尔 （向奥斯德）你在什么地方冒犯了他？
奥斯华德 我从来没有冒犯过他。最近王上因为对我有了点误会，把我殴打；他便助主为虐，闪在我的背后把我踢倒地上，侮辱谩骂，无所不至，装出一副非常勇敢的神气；他的王上看见他这样，把他称赞了两句，我又极力克制自己，他便得意忘形，以为我不是他的对手，所以一看见我，又拔剑跟我闹起来了。
肯特 和这些流氓和懦夫相比，埃阿斯只能当他们的傻子③。
康华尔 拿足枷来！你这口出狂言的倔强的老贼，我们要教训你一下。
肯特 殿下，我已经太老，不能受您的教训了；您不能用足枷枷我。我是王上的人，奉他的命令前来；您要是把他的使者枷起来，那未免对我的主上太失敬、太放肆无礼了。
康华尔 拿足枷来！凭着我的生命和荣誉起誓，他必须锁在足枷里直到中午为止。
里根 到中午为止！到晚上，殿下；把他整整枷上一夜再说。
肯特 啊，夫人，假如我是您父亲的狗，您也不该这样对待我。
里根 因为你是他的奴才，所以我要这样对待你。
康华尔 这正是我们的姊姊说起的那个家伙。来，拿足枷来。（从仆取出足枷。）
葛罗斯特 殿下，请您不要这样。他的过失诚然很大，王上知道了一定会责罚他的；您所决定的这一种羞辱的刑罚，只能惩戒那些犯偷窃之类普通小罪的下贱的囚徒；他是王上差来的人，要是您给他这样的处分，王上一定要认为您轻蔑了他的来使而心中不快。
康华尔 那我可以负责。
里根 我的姊姊要是知道她的使者因为奉行她的命令而被人这样侮辱殴打，她的心里还要不高兴哩。把他的腿放进去。（从仆将肯特套入足枷）来，殿下，我们走吧。（除葛罗斯特、肯特外均下。）
葛罗斯特 朋友，我很为你抱憾；这是公爵的意思，全世界都知道他的脾气非常固执，不肯接受人家的劝阻。我还要替你向他求情。
肯特 请您不必多此一举，大人。我走了许多路，还没有睡过觉；一部分的时间将在瞌睡中过去，醒着的时候我可以吹吹口哨。好人上足枷，因此就走好运也说不定呢。再会！
葛罗斯特 这是公爵的不是；王上一定会见怪的。（下。）
肯特 好王上，你正像俗语说的，抛下天堂的幸福，来受赤日的煎熬了。来吧，你这照耀下土的炬火，让我借着你的温柔的光辉，可以读一读这封信。只有倒楣的人才会遇见奇迹；我知道这是考狄利娅寄来的，我的改头换面的行踪，已经侥幸给她知道了；她一定会找到一个机会，纠正这种反常的情形。疲倦得很；闭上了吧，沉重的眼睛，免得看见你自己的耻辱。晚安，命运，求你转过你的轮子来，再向我们微笑吧。（睡。）
第三场 荒野的一部
爱德伽上。
爱德伽 听说他们已经发出告示捉我；幸亏我躲在一株空心的树干里，没有给他们找到。没有一处城门可以出入无阻；没有一个地方不是警卫森严，准备把我捉住！我总得设法逃过人家的耳目，保全自己的生命；我想还不如改扮做一个最卑贱穷苦、最为世人所轻视、和禽兽相去无几的家伙；我要用污泥涂在脸上，一块毡布裹住我的腰，把满头的头发打了许多乱结，赤身裸体，抵抗着风雨的侵凌。这地方本来有许多疯丐，他们高声叫喊，用针哪、木锥哪、钉子哪、迷迭香的树枝哪，刺在他们麻木而僵硬的手臂上；用这种可怕的形状，到那些穷苦的农场、乡村、羊棚和磨坊里去，有时候发出一些疯狂的咒诅，有时候向人哀求祈祷，乞讨一些布施。我现在学着他们的样子，一定不会引起人家的疑心。可怜的疯叫化！可怜的汤姆！倒有几分像；我现在不再是爱德伽了。（下。）
第四场 葛罗斯特城堡前
肯特系足枷中。李尔、弄人及侍臣上。
李尔 真奇怪，他们不在家里，又不打发我的使者回去。
侍臣 我听说他们在前一个晚上还不曾有走动的意思。
肯特 祝福您，尊贵的主人！
李尔 嘿！你把这样的羞辱作为消遣吗？
肯特 不，陛下。
弄人 哈哈！他吊着一副多么难受的袜带！缚马缚在头上，缚狗缚熊缚在脖子上，缚猴子缚在腰上，缚人缚在腿上；一个人的腿儿太会活动了，就要叫他穿木袜子。
李尔 谁认错了人，把你锁在这儿？
肯特 是那一对男女——您的女婿和女儿。
李尔 不。
肯特 是的。
李尔 我说不。
肯特 我说是的。
李尔 不，不，他们不会干这样的事。
肯特 他们干也干了。
李尔 凭着朱庇特起誓，没有这样的事。
肯特 凭着朱诺起誓，有这样的事。
李尔 他们不敢做这样的事；他们不能，也不会做这样的事；要是他们有意作出这种重大的暴行来，那简直比杀人更不可恕了。赶快告诉我，你究竟犯了什么罪，他们才会用这种刑罚来对待一个国王的使者。
肯特 陛下，我带了您的信到了他们家里，当我跪在地上把信交上去，还没有立起身来的时候，又有一个使者汗流满面，气喘吁吁，急急忙忙地奔了进来，代他的女主人高纳里尔向他们请安，随后把一封书信递上去，打断了我的公事；他们看见她也有信来，就来不及理睬我，先读她的信；读罢了信，他们立刻召集仆从，上马出发，叫我跟到这儿来，等候他们的答复；对待我十分冷淡。一到这儿，我又碰见了那个使者，他也就是最近对您非常无礼的那个家伙，我知道他们对我这样冷淡，都是因为他来了的缘故，一时激于气愤，不加考虑地向他动起武来；他看见我这样，就高声发出懦怯的叫喊，惊动了全宅子的人。您的女婿女儿认为我犯了这样的罪，应该把我羞辱一下，所以就把我枷起来了。
弄人 冬天还没有过去，要是野雁尽往那个方向飞。
老父衣百结，
儿女不相识；
老父满囊金，
儿女尽孝心。
命运如娼妓，
贫贱遭遗弃。
虽然这样说，你的女儿们还要孝敬你数不清的烦恼哩。
李尔 啊！我这一肚子的气都涌上我的心头来了！你这一股无名的气恼，快给我平下去吧！我这女儿呢？
肯特 在里边，陛下；跟伯爵在一起。
李尔 不要跟我；在这儿等着。（下。）
侍臣 除了你刚才所说的以外，你没有犯其他的过失吗？
肯特 没有。王上怎么不多带几个人来？
弄人 你会发出这么一个问题，活该给人用足枷枷起来。
肯特 为什么，傻瓜？
弄人 你应该拜蚂蚁做老师，让它教训你冬天是不能工作的。谁都长着眼睛，除非瞎子，每个人都看得清自己该朝哪一边走；就算眼睛瞎了，二十个鼻子里也没有一个鼻子嗅不出来他身上发霉的味道。一个大车轮滚下山坡的时候，你千万不要抓住它，免得跟它一起滚下去，跌断了你的头颈；可是你要是看见它上山去，那么让它拖着你一起上去吧。倘然有什么聪明人给你更好的教训，请你把这番话还我；一个傻瓜的教训，只配让一个混蛋去遵从。
他为了自己的利益，
向你屈节卑躬，
天色一变就要告别，
留下你在雨中。
聪明的人全都飞散，
只剩傻瓜一个；
傻瓜逃走变成混蛋，
那混蛋不是我。
肯特 傻瓜，你从什么地方学会这支歌儿？
弄人 不是在足枷里，傻瓜。
李尔偕葛罗斯特重上。
李尔 拒绝跟我说话！他们有病！他们疲倦了，他们昨天晚上走路辛苦！都是些鬼话，明明是要背叛我的意思。给我再去向他们要一个好一点的答复来。
葛罗斯特 陛下，您知道公爵的火性，他决定了怎样就是怎样，再也没有更改的。
李尔 报应哪！疫疠！死亡！祸乱！火性！什么火性？嘿，葛罗斯特，葛罗斯特，我要跟康华尔公爵和他的妻子说话。
葛罗斯特 呃，陛下，我已经对他们说过了。
李尔 对他们说过了！你懂得我的意思吗？
葛罗斯特 是，陛下。
李尔 国王要跟康华尔说话；亲爱的父亲要跟他的女儿说话，叫她出来见我：你有没有这样告诉他们？我这口气，我这一腔血！哼，火性！火性子的公爵！对那性如烈火的公爵说——不，且慢，也许他真的不大舒服；一个人为了疾病往往疏忽了他原来健康时的责任，是应当加以原谅的；我们身体上有了病痛，精神上总是连带觉得烦躁郁闷，那时候就不由我们自己作主了。我且忍耐一下，不要太卤莽了，对一个有病的人作过分求全的责备。该死！（视肯特）为什么把他枷在这儿？这一种举动使我相信公爵和她对我回避，完全是一种预定的计谋。把我的仆人放出来还我。去，对公爵和他的妻子说，我现在立刻就要跟他们说话；叫他们赶快出来见我，否则我要在他们的寝室门前擂起鼓来，搅得他们不能安睡。
葛罗斯特 我但愿你们大家和和好好的。（下。）
李尔 啊！我的心！我的怒气直冲的心！把怒气退下去吧！
弄人 你向它吆喝吧，老伯伯，就像厨娘把活鳗鱼放进面糊里的时候那样；她拿起手里的棍子，在它们的头上敲了几下，喊道：“下去，坏东西，下去！”也就像她的兄弟，为了爱他的马儿，替它在草料上涂了牛油。
康华尔、里根、葛罗斯特及众仆上。
李尔 你们两位早安！
康华尔 祝福陛下！（众人释肯特。）
里根 我很高兴看见陛下。
李尔 里根，我想你一定高兴看见我的；我知道我为什么要这样想；要是你不高兴看见我，我就要跟你已故的母亲离婚，把她的坟墓当作一座淫妇的丘陇。（向肯特）啊！你放出来了吗？等会儿再谈吧。亲爱的里根，你的姊姊太不孝啦。啊，里根！她的无情的凶恶像饿鹰的利喙一样猛啄我的心。（以手按于心口）我简直不能告诉你；你不会相信她忍心害理到什么地步——啊，里根！
里根 父亲，请您不要恼怒。我想她不会对您有失敬礼，恐怕还是您不能谅解她的苦心哩。
李尔 啊，这是什么意思？
里根 我想我的姊姊决不会有什么地方不尽孝道；要是，父亲，她约束了您那班随从的放荡的行为，那当然有充分的理由和正大的目的，绝对不能怪她的。
李尔 我的咒诅降在她的头上！
里根 啊，父亲！您年纪老了，已经快到了生命的尽头；应该让一个比您自己更明白您的地位的人管教管教您；所以我劝您还是回到姊姊的地方去，对她赔一个不是。
李尔 请求她的饶恕吗？你看这样像不像个样子：“好女儿，我承认我年纪老，不中用啦，让我跪在地上，（跪下）请求您赏给我几件衣服穿，赏给我一张床睡，赏给我一些东西吃吧。”
里根 父亲，别这样子；这算个什么，简直是胡闹！回到我姊姊那儿去吧。
李尔 （起立）再也不回去了，里根。她裁撤了我一半的侍从；不给我好脸看；用她的毒蛇一样的舌头打击我的心。但愿上天蓄积的愤怒一起降在她的无情无义的头上！但愿恶风吹打她的腹中的胎儿，让它生下地来就是个瘸子！
康华尔 嘿！这是什么话！
李尔 迅疾的闪电啊，把你的眩目的火焰，射进她的傲慢的眼睛里去吧！在烈日的熏灼下蒸发起来的沼地的瘴气啊，损坏她的美貌，毁灭她的骄傲吧！
里根 天上的神明啊！您要是对我发起怒来，也会这样咒我的。
李尔 不，里根，你永远不会受我的咒诅；你的温柔的天性决不会使你干出冷酷残忍的行为来。她的眼睛里有一股凶光，可是你的眼睛却是温存而和蔼的。你决不会吝惜我的享受，裁撤我的侍从，用不逊之言向我顶嘴，削减我的费用，甚至于把我关在门外不让我进来；你是懂得天伦的义务、儿女的责任、孝敬的礼貌和受恩的感激的；你总还没有忘记我曾经赐给你一半的国土。
里根 父亲，不要把话说远了。
李尔 谁把我的人枷起来？（内喇叭奏花腔。）
康华尔 那是什么喇叭声音？
里根 我知道，是我的姊姊来了；她信上说就要到这儿来的。
奥斯华德上。
里根 夫人来了吗？
李尔 这是一个靠着主妇暂时的恩宠、狐假虎威、倚势凌人的奴才。滚开，贱奴，不要让我看见你！
康华尔 陛下，这是什么意思？
李尔 谁把我的仆人枷起来？里根，我希望你并不知道这件事。谁来啦？
高纳里尔上。
李尔 天啊，要是你爱老人，要是凭着你统治人间的仁爱，你认为子女应该孝顺他们的父母，要是你自己也是老人，那么不要漠然无动于衷，降下你的愤怒来，帮我伸雪我的怨恨吧！（向高纳里尔）你看见我这一把胡须，不觉得惭愧吗？啊里根，你愿意跟她握手吗？
高纳里尔 为什么她不能跟我握手呢！我干了什么错事？难道凭着一张糊涂昏悖的嘴里的胡言乱语，就可以成立我的罪案吗？
李尔 啊，我的胸膛！你还没有胀破吗？我的人怎么给你们枷了起来？
康华尔 陛下，是我把他枷在那儿的；照他狂妄的行为，这样的惩戒还太轻呢。
李尔 你！是你干的事吗？
里根 父亲，您该明白您是一个衰弱的老人，一切只好将就点儿。要是您现在仍旧回去跟姊姊住在一起，裁撤了您的一半的侍从，那么等住满了一个月，再到我这儿来吧。我现在不在自己家里，要供养您也有许多不便。
李尔 回到她那儿去？裁撤五十名侍从！不，我宁愿什么屋子也不要住，过着风餐露宿的生活，和无情的大自然抗争，和豺狼鸱鸮做伴侣，忍受一切饥寒的痛苦！回去跟她住在一起？嘿，我宁愿到那娶了我的没有嫁奁的小女儿去的热情的法兰西国王的座前匍匐膝行，像一个臣仆一样向他讨一份微薄的恩俸，苟延残喘下去。回去跟她住在一起！你还是劝我在这可恶的仆人手下当奴才、当牛马吧。（指奥斯华德。）
高纳里尔 随你的便。
李尔 女儿，请你不要使我发疯；我也不愿再来打扰你了，我的孩子。再会吧；我们从此不再相见。可是你是我的肉、我的血、我的女儿；或者还不如说是我身体上的一个恶瘤，我不能不承认你是我的；你是我的腐败的血液里的一个疖子、一个瘀块、一个肿毒的疔疮。可是我不愿责骂你；让羞辱自己降临你的身上吧，我没有呼召它；我不要求天雷把你殛死，我也不把你的忤逆向垂察善恶的天神控诉，你回去仔细想一想，趁早痛改前非，还来得及。我可以忍耐；我可以带着我的一百个骑士，跟里根住在一起。
里根 那绝对不行；现在还轮不到我，我也没有预备好招待您的礼数。父亲，听我姊姊的话吧；人家冷眼看着您这种愤怒的神气，他们心里都要说您因为老了，所以——可是姊姊是知道她自己该怎样做的。
李尔 这是你的好意的劝告吗？
里根 是的，父亲，这是我的真诚的意见。什么！五十个卫士？这不是很好吗？再多一些有什么用处？就是这么许多人，数目也不少了，别说供养他们不起，而且让他们成群结党，也是一件危险的事。一间屋子里养了这许多人，受着两个主人支配，怎么不会发生争闹？简直不成话。
高纳里尔 父亲，您为什么不让我们的仆人侍候您呢？
里根 对了，父亲，那不是很好吗？要是他们怠慢了您，我们也可以训斥他们。您下回到我这儿来的时候，请您只带二十五个人来，因为现在我已经看到了一个危险；超过这个数目，我是恕不招待的。
李尔 我把一切都给了你们——
里根 您幸好及时给了我们。
李尔 叫你们做我的代理人、保管者，我的唯一的条件，只是让我保留这么多的侍从。什么！我只能带二十五个人，到你这儿来吗？里根，你是不是这样说？
里根 父亲，我可以再说一遍，我只允许您带这么几个人来。
李尔 恶人的脸相虽然狰狞可怖，要是与比他更恶的人相比，就会显得和蔼可亲；不是绝顶的凶恶，总还有几分可取。（向高纳里尔）我愿意跟你去；你的五十个人还比她的二十五个人多上一倍，你的孝心也比她大一倍。
高纳里尔 父亲，我们家里难道没有两倍这么多的仆人可以侍候您？依我说，不但用不着二十五个人，就是十个五个也是多余的。
里根 依我看来，一个也不需要。
李尔 啊！不要跟我说什么需要不需要；最卑贱的乞丐，也有他的不值钱的身外之物；人生除了天然的需要以外，要是没有其他的享受，那和畜类的生活有什么分别。你是一位夫人；你穿着这样华丽的衣服，如果你的目的只是为了保持温暖，那就根本不合你的需要，因为这种盛装艳饰并不能使你温暖。可是，讲到真的需要，那么天啊，给我忍耐吧，我需要忍耐！神啊，你们看见我在这儿，一个可怜的老头子，被忧伤和老迈折磨得好苦！假如是你们鼓动这两个女儿的心，使她们忤逆她们的父亲，那么请你们不要尽是愚弄我，叫我默然忍受吧；让我的心里激起了刚强的怒火，别让妇人所恃为武器的泪点玷污我的男子汉的面颊！不，你们这两个不孝的妖妇，我要向你们复仇，我要做出一些使全世界惊怖的事情来，虽然我现在还不知道我要怎么做。你们以为我将要哭泣；不，我不愿哭泣，我虽然有充分的哭泣的理由，可是我宁愿让这颗心碎成万片，也不愿流下一滴泪来。啊，傻瓜！我要发疯了！（李尔、葛罗斯特、肯特及弄人同下。）
康华尔 我们进去吧；一场暴风雨将要来了。（远处暴风雨声。）
里根 这座房屋太小了，这老头儿带着他那班人来是容纳不下的。
高纳里尔 是他自己不好，放着安逸的日子不过，一定要吃些苦，才知道自己的蠢。
里根 单是他一个人，我倒也很愿意收留他，可是他的那班跟随的人，我可一个也不能容纳。
高纳里尔 我也是这个意思。葛罗斯特伯爵呢？
康华尔 跟老头子出去了。他回来了。
葛罗斯特重上。
葛罗斯特 王上正在盛怒之中。
康华尔 他要到哪儿去？
葛罗斯特 他叫人备马；可是不让我知道他要到什么地方去。
康华尔 还是不要管他，随他自己的意思吧。
高纳里尔 伯爵，您千万不要留他。
葛罗斯特 唉！天色暗起来了，田野里都在刮着狂风，附近许多哩之内，简直连一株小小的树木都没有。
里根 啊！伯爵，对于刚愎自用的人，只好让他们自己招致的灾祸教训他们。关上您的门；他有一班亡命之徒跟随在身边，他自己又是这样容易受人愚弄，谁也不知道他们会煽动他干出些什么事来。我们还是小心点儿好。
康华尔 关上您的门，伯爵；这是一个狂暴的晚上。我的里根说得一点不错。暴风雨来了，我们进去吧。（同下。）
第三幕
第一场 荒野
暴风雨，雷电。肯特及一侍臣上，相遇。
肯特 除了恶劣的天气以外，还有谁在这儿？
侍臣 一个心绪像这天气一样不安静的人。
肯特 我认识你。王上呢？
侍臣 正在跟暴怒的大自然竞争；他叫狂风把大地吹下海里，叫泛滥的波涛吞没了陆地，使万物都变了样子或归于毁灭；拉下他的一根根的白发，让挟着盲目的愤怒的暴风把它们卷得不知去向；在他渺小的一身之内，正在进行着一场比暴风雨的冲突更剧烈的斗争。这样的晚上，被小熊吸干了乳汁的母熊，也躲着不敢出来，狮子和饿狼都不愿沾湿它们的毛皮。他却光秃着头在风雨中狂奔，把一切付托给不可知的力量。
肯特 可是谁和他在一起？
侍臣 只有那傻瓜一路跟着他，竭力用些笑话替他排解他的中心的伤痛。
肯特 我知道你是什么人，我敢凭着我的观察所及，告诉你一件重要的消息。在奥本尼和康华尔两人之间，虽然表面上彼此掩饰得毫无痕迹，可是暗中却已经发生了冲突；正像一般身居高位的人一样，在他们手下都有一些名为仆人、实际上却是向法国密报我们国内情形的探子，凡是这两个公爵的明争暗斗，他们两人对于善良的老王的冷酷的待遇，以及在这种种表象底下，其他更秘密的一切动静，全都传到了法国的耳中；现在已经有一支军队从法国开到我们这一个分裂的国土上来，乘着我们疏忽无备，在我们几处最好的港口秘密登陆，不久就要揭开他们鲜明的旗帜了。现在，你要是能够信任我的话，请你赶快到多佛去一趟，那边你可以碰见有人在欢迎你，你可以把被逼疯了的王上所受种种无理的屈辱向他作一个确实的报告，他一定会感激你的好意。我是一个有地位有身价的绅士，因为知道你的为人可靠，所以把这件差使交给你。
侍臣 我还要跟您谈谈。
肯特 不，不必。为了向你证明我并不是像我的外表那样的一个微贱之人，你可以打开这一个钱囊，把里面的东西拿去。你一到多佛，一定可以见到考狄利娅；只要把这戒指给她看了，她就可以告诉你，你现在所不认识的同伴是个什么人。好可恶的暴风雨！我要找王上去。
侍臣 把您的手给我。您没有别的话了吗？
肯特 还有一句话，可比什么都重要；就是：我们现在先去找王上；你往那边去，我往这边去，谁先找到他，就打一个招呼。（各下。）
第二场 荒野的另一部分
暴风雨继续未止。李尔至弄人上。
李尔 吹吧，风啊！胀破了你的脸颊，猛烈地吹吧！你，瀑布一样的倾盆大雨，尽管倒泻下来，浸没了我们的尖塔，淹沉了屋顶上的风标吧！你，思想一样迅速的硫磺的电火，劈碎橡树的巨雷的先驱，烧焦了我的白发的头颅吧！你，震撼一切的霹雳啊，把这生殖繁密的、饱满的地球击平了吧！打碎造物的模型，不要让一颗忘恩负义的人类的种子遗留在世上！
弄人 啊，老伯伯，在一间千燥的屋子里说几句好话，不比在这没有遮蔽的旷野里淋雨好得多吗？老伯伯，回到那所房子里去，向你的女儿们请求祝福吧；这样的夜无论对于聪明人或是傻瓜，都是不发一点慈悲的。
李尔 尽管轰着吧！尽管吐你的火舌，尽管喷你的雨水吧！雨、风、雷、电，都不是我的女儿，我不责怪你们的无情；我不曾给你们国土，不曾称你们为我的孩子，你们没有顺从我的义务；所以，随你们的高兴，降下你们可怕的威力来吧，我站在这儿，只是你们的奴隶，一个可怜的、衰弱的、无力的、遭人贱视的老头子。可是我仍然要骂你们是卑劣的帮凶，因为你们滥用上天的威力，帮同两个万恶的女儿来跟我这个白发的老翁作对。啊！啊！这太卑劣了！
弄人 谁头上顶着个好头脑，就不愁没有屋顶来遮他的头。
脑袋还没找到屋子，
话儿倒先有安乐窝；
脑袋和他都生虱子，
就这么叫化娶老婆。
有人只爱他的脚尖，
不把心儿放在心上；
那鸡眼使他真可怜，
在床上翻身又叫嚷。
从来没有一个美女不是对着镜子做她的鬼脸。
肯特上。
李尔 不，我要忍受众人所不能忍受的痛苦；我要闭口无言。
肯特 谁在那边？
弄人 一个是陛下，一个是弄人；这两人一个聪明一个傻。
肯特 唉！陛下，你在这儿吗？喜爱黑夜的东西，不会喜爱这样的黑夜；狂怒的天色吓怕了黑暗中的漫游者，使它们躲在洞里不敢出来。自从有生以来，我从没有看见过这样的闪电，听见过这样可怕的雷声，这样惊人的风雨的咆哮；人类的精神是禁受不起这样的磨折和恐怖的。
李尔 伟大的神灵在我们头顶掀起这场可怕的骚动。让他们现在找到他们的敌人吧。战栗吧，你尚未被人发觉、逍遥法外的罪人！躲起来吧，你杀人的凶手，你用伪誓欺人的骗子，你道貌岸然的逆伦禽兽！魂飞魄散吧，你用正直的外表遮掩杀人阴谋的大奸巨恶！撕下你们包藏祸心的伪装，显露你们罪恶的原形，向这些可怕的天吏哀号乞命吧！我是个并没有犯多大的罪、却受了很大的冤屈的人。
肯特 唉！您头上没有一点遮盖的东西！陛下，这儿附近有一间茅屋，可以替您挡挡风雨。我刚才曾经到那所冷酷的屋子里——那比它墙上的石块更冷酷无情的屋子——探问您的行踪，可是他们关上了门不让我进去；现在您且暂时躲一躲雨，我还要回去，非要他们讲一点人情不可。
李尔 我的头脑开始昏乱起来了。来，我的孩子。你怎么啦，我的孩子？你冷吗？我自己也冷呢。我的朋友，这间茅屋在什么地方？一个人到了困穷无告的时候，微贱的东西竟也会变成无价之宝。来，带我到你那间茅屋里去。可怜的傻小子，我心里还留着一块地方为你悲伤哩。
弄人
只怪自己糊涂自己蠢，
嗨呵，一阵风来一阵雨，
背时倒运莫把天公恨，
管它朝朝雨雨又风风。
李尔 不错，我的好孩子。来，领我们到这茅屋里去。（李尔、肯特下。）
弄人 今天晚上可太凉快了，叫婊子都热不起劲儿来。待我在临走之前，讲几句预言吧：
传道的嘴上一味说得好；
酿酒的酒里掺水真不少；
有钱的大爷教裁缝做活；
不烧异教徒；嫖客害流火④；
若是件件官司都问得清；
跟班不欠钱，骑士债还清；
世上的是非不出自嘴里；
扒儿手看见人堆就躲避；
放债的肯让金银露了眼；
老鸨和婊子把教堂修建；
到那时候，英国这个国家，
准会乱得无法收拾一下；
那时活着的都可以看到：
那走路的把脚步抬得高。
其实这番预言该让梅林⑤在将来说，因为我出生在他之前。（下。）
第三场 葛罗斯特城堡中的一室
葛罗斯特及爱德蒙上。
葛罗斯特 唉，唉！爱德蒙，我不赞成这种不近人情的行为。当我请求他们允许我给他一点援助的时候，他们竟会剥夺我使用自己的房屋的权利，不许我提起他的名字，不许我替他说一句恳求的话，也不许我给他任何的救济，要是违背了他们的命令，我就要永远失去他们的欢心。
爱德蒙 太野蛮、太不近人情了！
葛罗斯特 算了，你不要多说什么。两个公爵现在已经有了意见，而且还有一件比这更严重的事情。今天晚上我接到一封信，里面的话说出来也是很危险的；我已经把这信锁在壁橱里了。王上受到这样的凌虐，总有人会来替他报复的；已经有一支军队在路上了；我们必须站在王上的一边。我就要找他去，暗地里救济救济他；你去陪公爵谈谈，免得被他觉察了我的行动。要是他问起我，你就回他说我身子不好，已经睡了。大不了是一个死——他们的确拿死来威吓——王上是我的老主人，我不能坐视不救。出人意料之外的事情快要发生了，爱德蒙，你必须小心点儿。（下。）
爱德蒙 你违背了命令去献这种殷勤，我立刻就要去告诉公爵知道；还有那封信我也要告诉他。这是我献功邀赏的好机会，我的父亲将要因此而丧失他所有的一切，也许他的全部家产都要落到我的手里；老的一代没落了，年轻的一代才会兴起。（下。）
第四场 荒野。茅屋之前
李尔、肯特及弄人上。
肯特 就是这地方，陛下，进去吧。在这样毫无掩庇的黑夜里，像这样的狂风暴雨，谁也受不了的。（暴风雨继续不止。）
李尔 不要缠着我。
肯特 陛下，进去吧。
李尔 你要碎裂我的心吗？
肯特 我宁愿碎裂我自己的心。陛下，进去吧。
李尔 你以为让这样的狂风暴雨侵袭我们的肌肤，是一件了不得的苦事；在你看来是这样的；可是一个人要是身染重病，他就不会感觉到小小的痛楚。你见了一头熊就要转身逃走；可是假如你的背后是汹涌的大海，你就只好硬着头皮向那头熊迎面走去了。当我们心绪宁静的时候，我们的肉体才是敏感的；我的心灵中的暴风雨已经取去我一切其他的感觉，只剩下心头的热血在那儿搏动。儿女的忘恩！这不就像这一只手把食物送进这一张嘴里，这一张嘴却把这一只手咬了下来吗？可是我要重重惩罚她们。不，我不愿再哭泣了。在这样的夜里，把我关在门外！尽管倒下来吧，什么大雨我都可以忍受。在这样的一个夜里！啊，里根，高纳里尔！你们年老仁慈的父亲一片诚心，把一切都给了你们——啊！那样想下去是要发疯的；我不要想起那些；别再提起那些话了。
肯特 陛下，进去吧。
李尔 请你自己进去，找一个躲身的地方吧。这暴风雨不肯让我仔细思想种种的事情，那些事情我越想下去，越会增加我的痛苦。可是我要进去。（向弄人）进去，孩子，你先走。你们这些无家可归的人——你进去吧。我要祈祷，然后我要睡一会儿。（弄人入内）衣不蔽体的不幸的人们，无论你们在什么地方，都得忍受着这样无情的暴风雨的袭击，你们的头上没有片瓦遮身，你们的腹中饥肠雷动，你们的衣服千疮百孔，怎么抵挡得了这样的气候呢？啊！我一向太没有想到这种事情了。安享荣华的人们啊，睁开你们的眼睛来，到外面来体味一下穷人所忍受的苦，分一些你们享用不了的福泽给他们，让上天知道你们不是全无心肝的人吧！
爱德伽 （在内）九呎深，九呎深！可怜的汤姆！（弄人自屋内奔出。）
弄人 老伯伯，不要进去；里面有一个鬼。救命！救命！
肯特 让我搀着你，谁在里边？
弄人 一个鬼，一个鬼；他说他的名字叫做可怜的汤姆。
肯特 你是什么人，在这茅屋里大呼小叫的？出来。
爱德伽乔装疯人上。
爱德伽 走开！恶魔跟在我的背后！“风儿吹过山楂林。”哼！到你冷冰冰的床上暖一暖你的身体吧。
李尔 你把你所有的一切都给了你的两个女儿，所以才到今天这地步吗？
爱德伽 谁把什么东西给可怜的汤姆？恶魔带着他穿过大火，穿过烈焰，穿过水道和漩涡，穿过沼地和泥泞；把刀子放在他的枕头底下，把绳子放在他的凳子底下，把毒药放在他的粥里；使他心中骄傲，骑了一匹栗色的奔马，从四时阔的桥梁上过去，把他自己的影子当作了一个叛徒，紧紧追逐不舍。祝福你的五种才智！汤姆冷着呢。啊！哆啼哆啼哆啼。愿旋风不吹你，星星不把毒箭射你，瘟疫不到你身上！做做好事，救救那给恶魔害得好苦的可怜的汤姆吧！他现在就在那儿，在那儿，又到那儿去了，在那儿。（暴风雨继续不止。）
李尔 什么！他的女儿害得他变成这个样子吗？你不能留下一些什么来吗？你一起都给了她们了吗？
弄人 不，他还留着一方毡毯，否则我们大家都要不好意思了。
李尔 愿那弥漫在天空之中的惩罚恶人的瘟疫一起降临在你的女儿身上！
肯特 陛下，他没有女儿哩。
李尔 该死的奸贼！他没有不孝的女儿，怎么会流落到这等不堪的地步？难道被弃的父亲，都是这样一点不爱惜他们自己的身体的吗？适当的处罚！谁叫他们的身体产下那些枭獍般的女儿来？
爱德伽 “小雄鸡坐在高墩上，”呵罗，呵罗，罗，罗！
弄人 这一个寒冷的夜晚将要使我们大家变成傻瓜和疯子。
爱德伽 当心恶魔。孝顺你的爷娘；说过的话不要反悔；不要赌咒；不要奸淫有夫之妇；不要把你的情人打扮得太漂亮。汤姆冷着呢。
李尔 你本来是干什么的？
爱德伽 一个心性高傲的仆人，头发卷得曲曲的，帽子上佩着情人的手套，惯会讨妇女的欢心，干些不可告人的勾当；开口发誓，闭口赌咒，当着上天的面前把它们一个个毁弃，睡梦里都在转奸淫的念头，一醒来便把它实行。我贪酒，我爱赌，我比土耳其人更好色；一颗奸诈的心，一对轻信的耳朵，一双不怕血腥气的手；猪一般懒惰，狐狸一般狡诡，狼一般贪狠，狗一般疯狂，狮子一般凶恶。不要让女人的脚步声和悉悉索索的绸衣裳的声音摄去了你的魂魄；不要把你的脚踏进窑子里去；不要把你的手伸进裙子里去；不要把你的笔碰到放债人的账簿上；抵抗恶魔的引诱吧。“冷风还是打山楂树里吹过去”；听它怎么说，吁——吁——呜——呜——哈——哈——。道芬我的孩子，我的孩子；叱嚓！让他奔过去。（暴风雨继续不止。）
李尔 唉，你这样赤身裸体，受风雨的吹淋，还是死了的好。难道人不过是这样一个东西吗？想一想他吧。你也不向蚕身上借一根丝，也不向野兽身上借一张皮，也不向羊身上借一片毛，也不向麝猫身上借一块香料。嘿！我们这三个人都已经失掉了本来的面目，只有你才保全着天赋的原形；人类在草昧的时代，不过是像你这样的一个寒碜的赤裸的两脚动物。脱下来，脱下来，你们这些身外之物！来，松开你的钮扣。（扯去衣服。）
弄人 老伯伯，请你安静点儿，这样危险的夜里是不能游泳的。旷野里一点小小的火光，正像一个好色的老头儿的心，只有这么一星星的热，他的全身都是冰冷的。瞧！一团火走来了。
葛罗斯特持火炬上。
爱德伽 这就是那个叫做“弗力勃铁捷贝特”的恶魔；他在黄昏的时候出现，一直到第一声鸡啼方才隐去；他叫人眼睛里长白膜，叫好眼变成斜眼；他叫人嘴唇上起裂缝；他还会叫面粉发霉，寻穷人们的开心。
圣维都尔⑥三次经过山岗，
遇见魇魔和她九个儿郎；
他说妖精快下马，⑦
发过誓儿快逃吧；
去你的，妖精，去你的！
肯特 陛下，您怎么啦？
李尔 他是谁？
肯特 那儿什么人？你找谁？
葛罗斯特 你们是些什么人？你们叫什么名字？
爱德伽 可怜的汤姆，他吃的是泅水的青蛙、蛤蟆、蝌蚪、壁虎和水蜥；恶魔在他心里捣乱的时候，他发起狂来，就会把牛粪当做一盆美味的生菜；他吞的是老鼠和死狗，喝的是一潭死水上面绿色的浮渣，他到处给人家鞭打，锁在枷里，关在牢里；他从前有三身外衣、六件衬衫，跨着一匹马，带着一口剑；
可是在这整整七年时光，
耗子是汤姆唯一的食粮。
留心那跟在我背后的鬼。不要闹，史墨金！不要闹，你这恶魔！
葛罗斯特 什么！陛下竟会跟这种人作起伴来了吗？
爱德伽 地狱里的魔王是一个绅士；他的名字叫做摩陀，又叫做玛呼。
葛罗斯特 陛下，我们亲生的骨肉都变得那样坏，把自己生身之人当作了仇敌。
爱德伽 可怜的汤姆冷着呢。
葛罗斯特 跟我回去吧。我的良心不允许我全然服从您的女儿的无情的命令；虽然他们叫我关上了门，把您丢下在这狂暴的黑夜之中，可是我还是大胆出来找您，把您带到有火炉、有食物的地方去。
李尔 让我先跟这位哲学家谈谈。天上打雷是什么缘故？
肯特 陛下，接受他的好意；跟他回去吧。
李尔 我还要跟这位学者说一句话。您研究的是哪一门学问？
爱德伽 抵御恶魔的战略和消灭毒虫的方法。
李尔 让我私下里问您一句话。
肯特 大人，请您再催催他吧；他的神经有点儿错乱起来了。
葛罗斯特 你能怪他吗？（暴风雨继续不止）他的女儿要他死哩。唉！那善良的肯特，他早就说过会有这么一天的，可怜的被放逐的人！你说王上要疯了；告诉你吧，朋友，我自己也差不多疯了。我有一个儿子，现在我已经跟他断绝关系了；他要谋害我的生命，这还是最近的事；我爱他，朋友，没有一个父亲比我更爱他的儿子；不瞒你说，（暴风雨继续不止）我的头脑都气昏了。这是一个什么晚上！陛下，求求您——
李尔 啊！请您原谅，先生。高贵的哲学家，请了。
爱德伽 汤姆冷着呢。
葛罗斯特 进去，家伙，到这茅屋里去暖一暖吧。
李尔 来，我们大家进去。
肯特 陛下，这边走。
李尔 带着他；我要跟我这位哲学家在一起。
肯特 大人，顺顺他的意思吧；让他把这家伙带去。
葛罗斯特 您带着他来吧。
肯特 小子，来；跟我们一块儿去。
李尔 来，好雅典人⑧。
葛罗斯特 嘘！不要说话，不要说话。
爱德伽 罗兰骑士⑨来到黑沉沉的古堡前，他说了一遍又一遍：“呸，嘿，哼！”我闻到了一股不列颠人的血腥。（同下。）
第五场 葛罗斯特城堡中一室
康华尔及爱德蒙上。
康华尔 我在离开他的屋子以前，一定要把他惩治一下。
爱德蒙 殿下，我为了尽忠的缘故，不顾父子之情，一想到人家不知将要怎样批评我，心里很有点儿惴惴不安哩。
康华尔 我现在才知道你的哥哥想要谋害他的生命，并不完全出于恶毒的本性；多半是他自己咎有应得，才会引起他的杀心的。
爱德蒙 我的命运多么颠倒，虽然做了正义的事情，却必须抱恨终身！这就是他说起的那封信，它可以证实他私通法国的罪状。天啊！为什么他要干这种叛逆的行为，为什么偏偏又在我手里发觉了呢？
康华尔 跟我见公爵夫人去。
爱德蒙 这信上所说的事情倘然属实，那您就要有一番重大的行动了。
康华尔 不管它是真是假，它已经使你成为葛罗斯特伯爵了。你去找找你父亲在什么地方，让我们可以把他逮捕起来。
爱德蒙 （旁白）要是我看见他正在援助那老王，他的嫌疑就格外加重了。——虽然忠心和孝道在我的灵魂里发生剧烈的争战，可是大义所在，只好把私恩抛弃不顾。
康华尔 我完全信任你；你在我的恩宠之中，将要得到一个更慈爱的父亲。（各下。）
第六场 邻接城堡的农舍一室
葛罗斯特、李尔、肯特、弄人及爱德伽上。
葛罗斯特 这儿比露天好一些，不要嫌它寒伧，将就住下来吧。我再去找找有些什么吃的用的东西；我去去就来。
肯特 他的智力已经在他的盛怒之中完全消失了。神明报答您的好心！（葛罗斯特下。）
爱德伽 弗拉特累多⑩在叫我，他告诉我尼禄王在冥湖里钓鱼。喂，傻瓜，你要祷告，要留心恶魔啊。
弄人 老伯伯，告诉我，一个疯子是绅士呢还是平民？
李尔 是个国王，是个国王！
弄人 不，他是一个平民，他的儿子却挣了一个绅士头衔；他眼看他儿子做了绅士，他就成为一个气疯了的平民。
李尔 一千条血红的火舌吱啦吱啦卷到她们的身上——
爱德伽 恶魔在咬我的背。
弄人 谁要是相信豺狼的驯良、马儿的健康、孩子的爱情或是娼妓的盟誓，他就是个疯子。
李尔 一定要办她们一办，我现在就要审问她们。（向爱德伽）来，最有学问的法官，你坐在这儿；（向弄人）你，贤明的官长，坐在这儿。——来，你们这两头雌狐！
爱德伽 瞧，他站在那儿，眼睛睁得大大的！太太，你在审判的时候，要不要有人瞧着你？渡过河来会我，蓓西——
弄人 她的小船儿漏了，
她不能让你知道
为什么她不敢见你。
爱德伽 恶魔借着夜莺的喉咙，向可怜的汤姆作祟了。霍普丹斯在汤姆的肚子里嚷着要两条新鲜的鲱鱼。别吵，魔鬼；我没有东西给你吃。
肯特 陛下，您怎么啦！不要这样呆呆地站着。您愿意躺下来，在这褥垫上面休息休息吗？
李尔 我要先看她们受了审判再说。把她们的证人带上来。（向爱德伽）你这披着法衣的审判官，请坐；（向弄人）你，他的执法的同僚，坐在他的旁边。（向肯特）你是陪审官，你也坐下。
爱德伽 让我们秉公裁判。
你睡着还是醒着，牧羊人？
你的羊儿在田里跑；
你的小嘴唇只要吹一声，
羊儿就不伤一根毛。
呼噜呼噜；这是一只灰色的猫儿。
李尔 先控诉她；她是高纳里尔。我当着尊严的堂上起誓，她曾经踢她的可怜的父王。
弄人 过来，奶奶。你的名字叫高纳里尔吗？
李尔 她不能抵赖。
弄人 对不起，我还以为您是一张折凳哩。
李尔 这儿还有一个，你们瞧她满脸的横肉，就可以知道她的心肠是怎么样的。拦住她！举起你们的兵器，拔出你们的剑，点起火把来！营私舞弊的法庭！枉法的贪官，你为什么放她逃走？
爱德伽 天保佑你的神志吧！
肯特 嗳哟！陛下，您不是常常说您没有失去忍耐吗？现在您的忍耐呢？
爱德伽 （旁白）我的滚滚的热泪忍不住为他流下，怕要给他们瞧破我的假装了。
李尔 这些小狗：脱雷、勃尔趋、史威塔，瞧，它们都在向我狂吠。
爱德伽 让汤姆掉过脸来把它们吓走。滚开，你们这些恶狗！
黑嘴巴，白嘴巴，
疯狗咬人磨毒牙，
猛犬猎犬杂种犬，
叭儿小犬团团转，
青屁股。卷尾毛，
汤姆一只也不饶；
只要我掉过脸来，
大狗小狗逃得快。
哆啼哆啼。叱嚓！来，我们赶庙会，上市集去。可怜的汤姆，你的牛角里干得挤不出一滴水来啦⑾。
李尔 叫他们剖开里根的身体来，看看她心里有些什么东西。究竟为了什么天然的原因，她们的心才会变得这样硬？（向爱德伽）我把你收留下来，叫你做我一百名侍卫中间的一个，只是我不喜欢你的衣服的式样；你也许要对我说，这是最漂亮的波斯装；可是我看还是请你换一换吧。
肯特 陛下，您还是躺下来休息休息吧。
李尔 不要吵，不要吵；放下帐子，好，好，好。我们到早上再去吃晚饭吧；好，好，好。
弄人 我一到中午可要睡觉哩。
葛罗斯特重上。
葛罗斯特 过来，朋友；王上呢？
肯特 在这儿，大人；可是不要打扰他，他的神经已经错乱了。
葛罗斯特 好朋友，请你把他抱起来。我已经听到了一个谋害他生命的阴谋。马车套好在外边，你快把他放进去，驾着它到多佛，那边有人会欢迎你，并且会保障你的安全。抱起你的主人来；要是你耽误了半点钟的时间，他的性命、你的性命以及一切出力救护他的人的性命，都要保不住了。抱起来，抱起来；跟我来，让我设法把你们赶快送到一处可以安身的地方。
肯特 受尽磨折的身心，现在安然入睡了；安息也许可以镇定镇定他的破碎的神经，但愿上天行个方便，不要让它破碎得不可收拾才好。（向弄人）来，帮我抬起你的主人来；你也不能留在这儿。
葛罗斯特 来，来，去吧。（除爱德伽外，肯特、葛罗斯特及弄人舁李尔下。）
爱德伽 做君王的不免如此下场，
使我忘却了自己的忧伤。
最大的不幸是独抱牢愁，
任何的欢娱兜不上心头；
倘有了同病相怜的侣伴，
天大痛苦也会解去一半。
国王有的是不孝的逆女，
我自己遭逢无情的严父，
他与我两个人一般遭际！
去吧，汤姆，忍住你的怨气，
你现在蒙着无辜的污名，
总有日回复你清白之身。
不管今夜里还会发生些什么事情，但愿王上能安然出险！我还是躲起来吧。（下。）
第七场 葛罗斯特城堡中一室
康华尔、里根、高纳里尔、爱德蒙及众仆上。
康华尔 夫人，请您赶快到尊夫的地方去，把这封信交给他；法国军队已经登陆了。——来人，替我去搜寻那反贼葛罗斯特的踪迹。（若干仆人下。）
里根 把他捉到了立刻吊死。
高纳里尔 把他的眼珠挖出来。
康华尔 我自有处置他的办法。爱德蒙，我们不应该让你看见你的谋叛的父亲受到怎样的刑罚，所以请你现在护送我们的姊姊回去，替我向奥本尼公爵致意，叫他赶快准备；我们这儿也要采取同样的行动。我们两地之间，必须随时用飞骑传报消息。再会，亲爱的姊姊；再会，葛罗斯特伯爵。
奥斯华德上。
康华尔 怎么啦？那国王呢？
奥斯华德 葛罗斯特伯爵已经把他载送出去了；有三十五、六个追寻他的骑士在城门口和他会合，还有几个伯爵手下的人也在一起，一同向多佛进发，据说那边有他们武装的友人在等候他们。
康华尔 替你家夫人备马。
高纳里尔 再会，殿下，再会，妹妹。
康华尔 再会，爱德蒙。（高纳里尔、爱德蒙及奥斯华德下）再去几个人把那反贼葛罗斯特捉来，像偷儿一样把他绑来见我。（若干仆人下）虽然在没有经过正式的审判手续以前，我们不能就把他判处死刑，可是为了发泄我们的愤怒，却只好不顾人们的指摘，凭着我们的权力独断独行了。那边是什么人？是那反贼吗？
众仆押葛罗斯特重上。
里根 没有良心的狐狸！正是他。
康华尔 把他枯瘪的手臂牢牢绑起来。
葛罗斯特 两位殿下，这是什么意思？我的好朋友们，你们是我的客人；不要用这种无礼的手段对待我。
康华尔 捆住他。（众仆绑葛罗斯特。）
里根 绑紧些，绑紧些。啊，可恶的反贼！
葛罗斯特 你是一个没有心肝的女人，我却不是反贼。
康华尔 把他绑在这张椅子上。奸贼，我要让你知道——（里根扯葛罗斯特须。）
葛罗斯特 天神在上，这还成什么话，你扯起我的胡子来啦！
里根 胡子这么白，想不到却是一个反贼！
葛罗斯特 恶妇，你从我的腮上扯下这些胡子来，它们将要像活人一样控诉你的罪恶。我是这里的主人，你不该用你强盗的手，这样报答我的好客的殷勤。你究竟要怎么样？
康华尔 说，你最近从法国得到什么书信？
里根 老实说出来，我们已经什么都知道了。
康华尔 你跟那些最近踏到我们国境来的叛徒们有些什么来往？
里根 你把那发疯的老王送到什么人手里去了？说。
葛罗斯特 我只收到过一封信，里面都不过是些猜测之谈，寄信的是一个没有偏见的人，并不是一个敌人。
康华尔 好狡猾的推托！
里根 一派鬼话！
康华尔 你把国王送到什么地方去了？
葛罗斯特 送到多佛。
里根 为什么送到多佛？我们不是早就警告你——
康华尔 为什么送到多佛？让他回答这个问题。
葛罗斯特 罢了，我现在身陷虎穴，只好拚着这条老命了。
里根 为什么送到多佛？
葛罗斯特 因为我不愿意看见你的凶恶的指爪挖出他的可怜的老眼；因为我不愿意看见你的残暴的姊姊用她野猪般的利齿咬进他的神圣的肉体。他的赤裸的头顶在地狱一般黑暗的夜里冲风冒雨；受到那样狂风暴雨的震荡的海水，也要把它的怒潮喷向天空，熄灭了星星的火焰；但是他，可怜的老翁，却还要把他的热泪帮助天空浇洒。要是在那样怕人的晚上，豺狼在你的门前悲鸣，你也要说，“善良的看门人，开了门放它进来吧，”而不计较它一切的罪恶。可是我总有一天见到上天的报应降临在这种儿女的身上。
康华尔 你再也不会见到那样一天。来，按住这椅子。我要把你这一双眼睛放在我的脚底下践踏。
葛罗斯特 谁要是希望他自己平安活到老年的，帮帮我吧！啊，好惨！天啊！（葛罗斯特一眼被挖出。）
里根 还有那一颗眼珠也去掉了吧，免得它嘲笑没有眼珠的一面。
康华尔 要是你看见什么报应——
仆甲 住手，殿下；我从小为您效劳，但是只有我现在叫您住手这件事才算是最好的效劳。
里根 怎么，你这狗东西！
仆甲 要是你的腮上长起了胡子，我现在也要把它扯下来。
康华尔 混账奴才，你反了吗？（拔剑。）
仆甲 好，那么来，我们拚一个你死我活。（拔剑。二人决斗。康华尔受伤。）
里根 把你的剑给我。一个奴才也会撒野到这等地步！（取剑自后刺仆甲。）
仆甲 啊！我死了。大人，您还剩着一只眼睛，看见他受到一点小小的报应。啊！（死。）
康华尔 哼，看他再瞧得见一些什么报应！出来，可恶的浆块！现在你还会发光吗？（葛罗斯特另一眼被挖出。）
葛罗斯特 一切都是黑暗和痛苦。我的儿子爱德蒙呢？爱德蒙，燃起你天性中的怒火，替我报复这一场暗无天日的暴行吧！
里根 哼，万恶的奸贼！你在呼唤一个憎恨你的人；你对我们反叛的阴谋，就是他出首告发的，他是一个深明大义的人，决不会对你发一点怜悯。
葛罗斯特 啊，我是个蠢才！那么爱德伽是冤枉的了。仁慈的神明啊，赦免我的错误，保佑他有福吧！
里根 把他推出门外，让他一路摸索到多佛去。（一仆率葛罗斯特下）怎么，殿下？您的脸色怎么变啦？
康华尔 我受了伤啦。跟我来，夫人。把那瞎眼的奸贼撵出去；把这奴才丢在粪堆里。里根，我的血尽在流着；这真是无妄之灾。用你的胳臂搀着我。（里根扶康华尔同下。）
仆乙 要是这家伙会有好收场，我什么坏事都可以去做了。
仆丙 要是她会寿终正寝，所有的女人都要变成恶鬼了。
仆乙 让我们跟在那老伯爵的后面，叫那疯丐把他领到他所要去的地方；反正那个游荡的疯子什么地方都去。
仆丙 你先去吧；我还要去拿些麻布和蛋白来，替他贴在他的流血的脸上。但愿上天保佑他！（各下。）
第四幕
第一场 荒野
爱德伽上。
爱德伽 与其被人在表面上恭维而背地里鄙弃，那么还是像这样自己知道为举世所不容的好。一个最困苦、最微贱、最为命运所屈辱的人，可以永远抱着希冀而无所恐惧；从最高的地位上跌下来，那变化是可悲的，对于穷困的人，命运的转机却能使他欢笑！那么欢迎你——跟我拥抱的空虚的气流；被你刮得狼狈不堪的可怜虫并不少欠你丝毫情分。可是谁来啦？
一老人率葛罗斯特上。
爱德伽 我的父亲，让一个穷苦的老头儿领着他吗？啊，世界，世界，世界！倘不是你的变幻无常，使我们对你心存怨恨，哪一个人是甘愿老去的？
老人 啊，我的好老爷！我在老太爷手里就做您府上的佃户，一直做到您老爷手里，已经有八十年了。
葛罗斯特 去吧，好朋友，你快去吧；你的安慰对我一点没有用处，他们也许反会害你的。
老人 您眼睛看不见，怎么走路呢？
葛罗斯特 我没有路，所以不需要眼睛；当我能够看见的时候，我也会失足颠仆。我们往往因为有所自恃而失之于大意，反不如缺陷却能对我们有益。啊！爱德伽好儿子，你的父亲受人之愚，错恨了你，要是我能在未死以前，摸到你的身体，我就要说，我又有了眼睛啦。
老人 啊！那边是什么人？
爱德伽 （旁白）神啊！谁能够说“我现在是最不幸”？我现在比从前才更不幸得多啦。
老人 那是可怜的发疯的汤姆。
爱德伽 （旁白）也许我还要碰到更不幸的命运；当我们能够说“这是最不幸的事”的时候，那还不是最不幸的。
老人 汉子，你到哪儿去？
葛罗斯特 是一个叫化子吗？
老人 是个疯叫化子。
葛罗斯特 他的理智还没有完全丧失，否则他不会向人乞讨。在昨晚的暴风雨里，我也看见这样一个家伙，他使我想起一个人不过等于一条虫；那时候我的儿子的影像就闪进了我的心里，可是当时我正在恨他，不愿想起他；后来我才听到一些其他的话。天神掌握着我们的命运，正像顽童捉到飞虫一样，为了戏弄的缘故而把我们杀害。
爱德伽 （旁白）怎么会有这样的事？在一个伤心人的面前装傻，对自己、对别人，都是一件不愉快的行为。（向葛罗斯特）祝福你，先生！
葛罗斯特 他就是那个不穿衣服的家伙吗？
老人 正是，老爷。
葛罗斯特 那么你去吧。我要请他领我到多佛去，要是你看在我的分上，愿意回去拿一点衣服来替他遮盖遮盖身体，那就再好没有了；我们不会走远，从这儿到多佛的路上一二哩之内，你一定可以追上我们。
老人 唉，老爷！他是个疯子哩。
葛罗斯特 疯子带着瞎子走路，本来是这时代的一般病态。照我的话，或者就照你自己的意思做吧；第一件事情是请你快去。
老人 我要把我的最好的衣服拿来给他，不管它会引起怎样的后果。（下。）
葛罗斯特 喂，不穿衣服的家伙——
爱德伽 可怜的汤姆冷着呢。（旁白）我不能再假装下去了。
葛罗斯特 过来，汉子。
爱德伽 （旁白）可是我不能不假装下去。——祝福您的可爱的眼睛，它们在流血哩。
葛罗斯特 你认识到多佛去的路吗？
爱德伽 一处处关口城门、一条条马路人行道，我全认识。可怜的汤姆被他们吓迷了心窍；祝福你，好人的儿子，愿恶魔不来缠绕你！五个魔鬼一齐作弄着可怜的汤姆：一个是色魔奥别狄克特；一个是哑鬼霍别狄丹斯；一个是偷东西的玛呼；一个是杀人的摩陀；一个是扮鬼脸的弗力勃铁捷贝特，他后来常常附在丫头、使女的身上。好，祝福您，先生！
葛罗斯特 来，你这受尽上天凌虐的人，把这钱囊拿去；我的不幸却是你的运气。天道啊，愿你常常如此！让那穷奢极欲、把你的法律当作满足他自己享受的工具、因为知觉麻木而沉迷不悟的人，赶快感到你的威力吧；从享用过度的人手里夺下一点来分给穷人，让每一个人都得到他所应得的一份吧。你认识多佛吗？
爱德伽 认识，先生。
葛罗斯特 那边有一座悬崖，它的峭拔的绝顶俯瞰着幽深的海水；你只要领我到那悬崖的边上，我就给你一些我随身携带的贵重的东西，你拿了去可以过些舒服的日子；我也不用再烦你带路了。
爱德伽 把您的胳臂给我；让可怜的汤姆领着你走。（同下。）
第二场 奥本尼公爵府前
高纳里尔及爱德蒙上。
高纳里尔 欢迎，伯爵；我不知道我那位温和的丈夫为什么不来迎接我们。
奥斯华德上。
高纳里尔 主人呢？
奥斯华德 夫人，他在里边；可是已经大大变了一个人啦。我告诉他法国军队登陆的消息，他听了只是微笑；我告诉他说您来了，他的回答却是，“还是不来的好”；我告诉他葛罗斯特怎样谋反、他的儿子怎样尽忠的时候，他骂我蠢东西，说我颠倒是非。凡是他所应该痛恨的事情，他听了都觉得很得意；他所应该欣慰的事情，反而使他恼怒。
高纳里尔 （向爱德蒙）那么你止步吧。这是他懦怯畏缩的天性，使他不敢担当大事；他宁愿忍受侮辱，不肯挺身而起。我们在路上谈起的那个愿望，也许可以实现。爱德蒙，你且回到我的妹夫那儿去；催促他赶紧调齐人马，交给你统率；我这儿只好由我自己出马，把家务托付我的丈夫照管了。这个可靠的仆人可以替我们传达消息；要是你有胆量为了你自己的好处而行事，那么不久大概就会听到你的女主人的命令。把这东西拿去带在身边；不要多说什么；（以饰物赠爱德蒙）低下你的头来：这一个吻要是能够替我说话，它会叫你的灵魂儿飞上天空的。你要明白我的心；再会吧。
爱德蒙 我愿意为您赴汤火。
高纳里尔 我的最亲爱的葛罗斯特！（爱德蒙下）唉！都是男人，却有这样的不同！哪一个女人不愿意为你贡献她的一切，我却让一个傻瓜侵占了我的眠床。
奥斯华德 夫人，殿下来了。（下。）
奥本尼上。
高纳里尔 你太瞧不起人啦。
奥本尼 啊，高纳里尔！你的价值还比不上那狂风吹在你脸上的尘土。我替你这种脾气担着心事；一个人要是看轻了自己的根本，难免做出一些越限逾分的事来；枝叶脱离了树干，跟着也要萎谢，到后来只好让人当作枯柴而付之一炬。
高纳里尔 得啦得啦；全是些傻话。
奥本尼 智慧和仁义在恶人眼中看来都是恶的；下流的人只喜欢下流的事。你们干下了些什么事情？你们是猛虎，不是女儿，你们干了些什么事啦？这样一位父亲，这样一位仁慈的老人家，一头野熊见了他也会俯首贴耳，你们这些蛮横下贱的女儿，却把他激成了疯狂！难道我那位贤襟兄竟会让你们这样胡闹吗？他也是个堂堂汉子，一邦的君主，又受过他这样的深恩厚德！要是上天不立刻降下一些明显的灾祸来，惩罚这种万恶的行为，那么人类快要像深海的怪物一样自相吞食了。
高纳里尔 不中用的懦夫！你让人家打肿你的脸，把侮辱加在你的头上，还以为是一件体面的事，因为你的额头上还没长着眼睛；正像那些不明是非的傻瓜，人家存心害你，幸亏发觉得早，他们在未下毒手以前就受到惩罚，你却还要可怜他们。你的鼓呢？法国的旌旗已经展开在我们安静的国境上了，你的敌人顶着羽毛飘扬的战盔，已经开始威胁你的生命。你这迂腐的傻子却坐着一动不动，只会说，“唉！他为什么要这样呢？”
奥本尼 瞧瞧你自己吧，魔鬼！恶魔的丑恶的嘴脸，还不及一个恶魔般的女人那样丑恶万分。
高纳里尔 嗳哟，你这没有头脑的蠢货！
奥本尼 你这变化做女人的形状、掩蔽你的蛇蝎般的真相的魔鬼，不要露出你的狰狞的面目来吧！要是我可以允许这双手服从我的怒气，它们一定会把你的肉一块块撕下来，把你的骨头一根根折断；可是你虽然是一个魔鬼，你的形状却还是一个女人，我不能伤害你。
高纳里尔 哼，这就是你的男子汉的气概。——呸！一使者上。
奥本尼 有什么消息？
使者 啊！殿下，康华尔公爵死了；他正要挖去葛罗斯特第二只眼睛的时候，他的一个仆人把他杀死了。
奥本尼 葛罗斯特的眼睛！
使者 他所畜养的一个仆人因为激于义愤，反对他这一种行动，就拔出剑来向他的主人行刺；他的主人大怒，和他奋力猛斗，结果把那仆人砍死了，可是自己也受了重伤，终于不治身亡。
奥本尼 啊，天道究竟还是有的，人世的罪恶这样快就受到了诛谴！但是啊，可怜的葛罗斯特！他失去了他的第二只眼睛吗？
使者 殿下，他两只眼睛全都给挖去了。夫人，这一封信是您的妹妹写来的，请您立刻给她一个回音。
高纳里尔 （旁白）从一方面说来，这是一个好消息；可是她做了寡妇，我的葛罗斯特又跟她在一起，也许我的一切美满的愿望，都要从我这可憎的生命中消灭了；不然的话，这消息还不算顶坏。（向使者）我读过以后再写回信吧。（下。）
奥本尼 他们挖去他的眼睛的时候，他的儿子在什么地方？
使者 他是跟夫人一起到这儿来的。
奥本尼 他不在这儿。
使者 是的，殿下，我在路上碰见他回去了。
奥本尼 他知道这种罪恶的事情吗？
使者 是，殿下；就是他出首告发他的，他故意离开那座房屋，为的是让他们行事方便一些。
奥本尼 葛罗斯特，我永远感激你对王上所表示的好意，一定替你报复你的挖目之仇。过来，朋友，详细告诉我一些你所知道的其他的消息。（同下。）
第三场 多佛附近法军营地
肯特及一侍臣上。
肯特 为什么法兰西王突然回去，您知道他的理由吗？
侍臣 他在国内还有一点未了的要事，直到离国以后，方才想起；因为那件事情有关国家的安全，所以他不能不亲自回去料理。
肯特 他去了以后，委托什么人代他主持军务？
侍臣 拉·发元帅。
肯特 王后看了您的信，有没有什么悲哀的表示？
侍臣 是的，先生；她拿了信，当着我的面前读下去，一颗颗饱满的泪珠淌下她的娇嫩的颊上；可是她仍然保持着一个王后的尊严，虽然她的情感像叛徒一样想要把她压服，她还是竭力把它克制下去。
肯特 啊！那么她是受到感动的了。
侍臣 她并不痛哭流涕；“忍耐”和“悲哀”互相竞争着谁能把她表现得更美。您曾经看见过阳光和雨点同时出现；她的微笑和眼泪也正是这样，只是更要动人得多；那些荡漾在她的红润的嘴唇上的小小的微笑，似乎不知道她的眼睛里有些什么客人，他们从她钻石一样晶莹的眼球里滚出来，正像一颗颗浑圆的珍珠。简单一句话，要是所有的悲哀都是这样美，那么悲哀将要成为最受世人喜爱的珍奇了。
肯特 她没有说过什么话吗？
侍臣 一两次她的嘴里迸出了“父亲”两个字，好像它们重压着她的心一般；她哀呼着，“姊姊！姊姊！女人的耻辱！姊姊！肯特！父亲！姊姊！什么，在风雨里吗？在黑夜里吗？不要相信世上还有怜悯吧！”于是她挥去了她的天仙一般的眼睛里的神圣的水珠，让眼泪淹没了她的沉痛的悲号，移步他往，和哀愁独自作伴去了。
肯特 那是天上的星辰，天上的星辰主宰着我们的命运；否则同一个父母怎么会生出这样不同的儿女来。您后来没有跟她说过话吗？
侍臣 没有。
肯特 这是在法兰西王回国以前的事吗？
侍臣 不，这是他去后的事。
肯特 好，告诉您吧，可怜的受难的李尔已经到了此地，他在比较清醒的时候，知道我们来干什么事，一定不肯见他的女儿。
侍臣 为什么呢，好先生？
肯特 羞耻之心掣住了他；他自己的忍心剥夺了她的应得的慈爱，使她远适异国，听任天命的安排，把她的权利分给那两个犬狼之心的女儿——这种种的回忆像毒刺一样整着他的心，使他充满了火烧一样的惭愧，阻止他和考狄利娅相见。
侍臣 唉！可怜的人！
肯特 关于奥本尼和康华尔的军队，您听见什么消息没有？
侍臣 是的，他们已经出动了。
肯特 好，先生，我要带您去见见我们的王上，请您替我照料照料他。我因为有某种重要的理由，必须暂时隐藏我的真相；当您知道我是什么人以后，您决不会后悔跟我结识的。请您跟我走吧。（同下。）
第四场 同前。帐幕
旗鼓前导，考狄利娅、医生及兵士等上。
考狄利娅 唉！正是他。刚才还有人看见他，疯狂得像被飓风激动的怒海，高声歌唱，头上插满了恶臭的地烟草、牛蒡、毒芹、荨麻、杜鹃花和各种蔓生在田亩间的野草。派一百个兵士到繁茂的田野里各处搜寻，把他领来见我。（一军官下）人们的智慧能不能恢复他的丧失的心神？谁要是能够医治他，我愿意把我的身外的富贵一起送给他。
医生 娘娘，法子是有的；休息是滋养疲乏的精神的保姆，他现在就是缺少休息；只要给他服一些药草，就可以阖上他的痛苦的眼睛。
考狄利娅 一切神圣的秘密、一切地下潜伏的灵奇，随着我的眼泪一起奔涌出来吧！帮助解除我的善良的父亲的痛苦！快去找他，快去找他，我只怕他在不可控制的疯狂之中会消灭了他的失去主宰的生命。
一使者上。
使者 报告娘娘，英国军队向这儿开过来了。
考狄利娅 我们早已知道；一切都预备好了，只等他们到来。亲爱的父亲啊！我这次掀动干戈，完全是为了你的缘故；伟大的法兰西王被我的悲哀和恳求的眼泪所感动。我们出师，并非怀着什么非分的野心，只是一片真情，热烈的真情，要替我们的老父主持正义。但愿我不久就可以听见看见他！（同下。）
第五场 葛罗斯特城堡中一室
里根及奥斯华德上。
里根 可是我的姊夫的军队已经出发了吗？
奥斯华德 出发了，夫人。
里根 他亲自率领吗？
奥斯华德 夫人，好容易才把他催上了马；还是您的姊姊是个更好的军人哩。
里根 爱德蒙伯爵到了你们家里，有没有跟你家主人谈过话？
奥斯华德 没有，夫人。
里根 我的姊姊给他的信里有些什么话？
奥斯华德 我不知道，夫人。
里根 告诉你吧，他有重要的事情，已经离开此地了。葛罗斯特挖去了眼睛以后，仍旧放他活命，实在是一个极大的失策；因为他每到一个地方，都会激起众人对我们的反感。我想爱德蒙因为怜悯他的苦难，是要去替他解脱他的暗无天日的生涯的；而且他还负有探察敌人实力的使命。
奥斯华德 夫人，我必须追上去把我的信送给他。
里根 我们的军队明天就要出发；你暂时耽搁在我们这儿吧，路上很危险呢。
奥斯华德 我不能，夫人；我家夫人曾经吩咐我不准误事的。
里根 为什么她要写信给爱德蒙呢？难道你不能替她口头传达她的意思吗？看来恐怕有点儿——我也说不出来。让我拆开这封信来，我会十分喜欢你的。
奥斯华德 夫人，那我可——
里根 我知道你家夫人不爱她的丈夫；这一点我是可以确定的。她最近在这儿的时候，常常对高贵的爱德蒙抛掷含情的媚眼。我知道你是她的心腹之人。
奥斯华德 我，夫人！
里根 我的话不是随便说说的，我知道你是她的心腹；所以你且听我说，我的丈夫已经死了，爱德蒙跟我曾经谈起过，他向我求爱总比向你家夫人求爱来得方便些。其余的你自己去意会吧。要是你找到了他，请你替我把这个交给他；你把我的话对你家夫人说了以后，再请她仔细想个明白。好，再会。假如你听见人家说起那瞎眼的老贼在什么地方，能够把他除掉，一定可以得到重赏。
奥斯华德 但愿他能够碰在我的手里，夫人；我一定可以向您表明我是哪一方面的人。
里根 再会。（各下。）
第六场 多佛附近的乡间
葛罗斯特及爱德伽作农民装束同上。
葛罗斯特 什么时候我才能够登上山顶？
爱德伽 您现在正在一步步上去；瞧这路多么难走。
葛罗斯特 我觉得这地面是很平的。
爱德伽 陡峭得可怕呢；听！那不是海水的声音吗？
葛罗斯特 不，我真的听不见。
爱德伽 嗳哟，那么大概因为您的眼睛痛得厉害，所以别的知觉也连带模糊起来啦。
葛罗斯特 那倒也许是真的。我觉得你的声音也变了样啦，你讲的话不像原来那样粗鲁、那样疯疯癫癫啦。
爱德伽 您错啦；除了我的衣服以外，我什么都没有变样。
葛罗斯特 我觉得你的话像样得多啦。
爱德伽 来，先生；我们已经到了，您站好。把眼睛一直望到这么低的地方，真是惊心眩目！在半空盘旋的乌鸦，瞧上去还没有甲虫那么大；山腰中间悬着一个采金花草的人，可怕的工作！我看他的全身简直抵不上一个人头的大小。在海滩上走路的渔夫就像小鼠一般，那艘碇泊在岸旁的高大的帆船小得像它的划艇，它的划艇小得像一个浮标，几乎看不出来。澎湃的波涛在海滨无数的石子上冲击的声音，也不能传到这样高的所在。我不愿再看下去了，恐怕我的头脑要昏眩起来，眼睛一花，就要一个觔斗直跌下去。
葛罗斯特 带我到你所立的地方。
爱德伽 把您的手给我；您现在已经离开悬崖的边上只有一呎了；谁要是把天下所有的一切都给了我，我也不愿意跳下去。
葛罗斯特 放开我的手。朋友，这儿又是一个钱囊，里面有一颗宝石，一个穷人得到了它，可以终身温饱；愿天神们保佑你因此而得福吧！你再走远一点；向我告别一声，让我听见你走过去。
爱德伽 再会吧，好先生。
葛罗斯特 再会。
爱德伽 （旁白）我这样戏弄他的目的，是要把他从绝望的境界中解救出来。
葛罗斯特 威严的神明啊！我现在脱离这一个世界，当着你们的面，摆脱我的惨酷的痛苦了；要是我能够再忍受下去，而不怨尤你们不可反抗的伟大意志，我这可厌的生命的余烬不久也会燃尽的。要是爱德伽尚在人世，神啊，请你们祝福他！现在，朋友，我们再会了！（向前仆地。）
爱德伽 我去了，先生；再会。（旁白）可是我不知道当一个人愿意受他自己的幻想的欺骗，相信他已经死去的时候，那一种幻想会不会真的偷去了他的生命的至宝；要是他果然在他所想像的那一个地方，现在他早已没有思想了。活着还是死了？（向葛罗斯特）喂，你这位先生！朋友！你听见吗，先生？说呀！也许他真的死了；可是他醒过来啦。你是什么人，先生？
葛罗斯特 去，让我死。
爱德伽 倘使你不是一根蛛丝、一根羽毛、一阵空气，从这样千仞的悬崖上跌落下来，早就像鸡蛋一样跌成粉碎了；可是你还在呼吸，你的身体还是好好的，不流一滴血，还会说话，简直一点损伤也没有。十根桅杆连接起来，也不及你所跌下来的地方那么高；你的生命是一个奇迹。再对我说两句话吧。
葛罗斯特 可是我有没有跌下来？
爱德伽 你就是从这可怕的悬崖绝顶上面跌下来的。抬起头来看一看吧；鸣声嘹亮的云雀飞到了那样高的所在，我们不但看不见它的形状，也听不见它的声音；你看。
葛罗斯特 唉！我没有眼睛哩。难道一个苦命的人，连寻死的权利都要被剥夺去吗？一个苦恼到极点的人假使还有办法对付那暴君的狂怒，挫败他的骄傲的意志，那么他多少还有一点可以自慰。
爱德伽 把你的胳臂给我；起来，好，怎样？站得稳吗？你站住了。
葛罗斯特 很稳，很稳。
爱德伽 这真太不可思议了。刚才在那悬崖的顶上，从你身边走开的是什么东西？
葛罗斯特 一个可怜的叫化子。
爱德伽 我站在下面望着他，仿佛看见他的眼睛像两轮满月；他有一千个鼻子，满头都是像波浪一样高低不齐的犄角；一定是个什么恶魔。所以，你幸运的老人家，你应该想这是无所不能的神明在暗中默佑你，否则决不会有这样的奇事。
葛罗斯特 我现在记起来了；从此以后，我要耐心忍受痛苦，直等它有一天自己喊了出来，“够啦，够啦，”那时候再撒手死去。你所说起的这一个东西，我还以为是个人；它老是嚷着“恶魔，恶魔”的；就是他把我领到了那个地方。
爱德伽 不要胡思乱想，安心忍耐。可是谁来啦？
李尔以鲜花杂乱饰身上。
爱德伽 不是疯狂的人，决不会把他自己打扮成这一个样子。
李尔 不，他们不能判我私造货币的罪名；我是国王哩。
爱德伽 啊，伤心的景象！
李尔 在那一点上，天然是胜过人工的。这是征募你们当兵的饷银。那家伙弯弓的姿势，活像一个稻草人；给我射一支一码长的箭试试看。瞧，瞧！一只小老鼠！别闹，别闹！这一块烘乳酪可以捉住它。这是我的铁手套；尽管他是一个巨人，我也要跟他一决胜负。带那些戟手上来。啊！飞得好，鸟儿；刚刚中在靶子心里，咻！口令！
爱德伽 茉荞兰。
李尔 过去。
葛罗斯特 我认识那个声音。
李尔 嘿！高纳里尔，长着一把白胡须！她们像狗一样向我献媚。说我在没有出黑须以前，就已经有了白须。⑿我说一声“是”，她们就应一声“是”；我说一声“不”，她们就应一声“不”！当雨点淋湿了我，风吹得我牙齿打颤，当雷声不肯听我的话平静下来的时候，我才发现了她们，嗅出了她们。算了，她们不是心口如一的人；她们把我恭维得天花乱坠；全然是个谎，一发起烧来我就没有办法。
葛罗斯特 这一种说话的声调我记得很清楚；他不是我们的君王吗？
李尔 嗯，从头到脚都是君王；我只要一瞪眼睛，我的臣子就要吓得发抖。我赦免那个人的死罪。你犯的是什么案子？奸淫吗？你不用死；为了奸淫而犯死罪！不，小鸟儿都在干那把戏，金苍蝇当着我的面也会公然交合哩。让通奸的人多子多孙吧；因为葛罗斯特的私生的儿子，也比我的合法的女儿更孝顺他的父亲。淫风越盛越好，我巴不得他们替我多制造几个兵士出来。瞧那个脸上堆着假笑的妇人，她装出一副守身如玉的神气，做作得那么端庄贞静，一听见人家谈起调情的话儿就要摇头；其实她自己干起那回事来，比臭猫和骚马还要浪得多哩。她们的上半身虽然是女人，下半身却是淫荡的妖怪；腰带以上是属于天神的，腰带以下全是属于魔鬼的：那儿是地狱，那儿是黑暗，那儿是火坑，吐着熊熊的烈焰，发出熏人的恶臭，把一切烧成了灰。啐！啐！啐！呸！呸！好掌柜，给我称一两麝香，让我解解我的想像中的臭气；钱在这儿。
葛罗斯特 啊！让我吻一吻那只手！
李尔 让我先把它揩干净；它上面有一股热烘烘的人气。
葛罗斯特 啊，毁灭了的生命！这一个广大的世界有一天也会像这样零落得只剩一堆残迹。你认识我吗？
李尔 我很记得你这双眼睛。你在向我腰吗？不，盲目的丘匹德，随你使出什么手段来，我是再也不会恋爱的。这是一封挑战书；你拿去读吧，瞧瞧它是怎么写的。
葛罗斯特 即使每一个字都是一个太阳，我也瞧不见。
爱德伽 （旁白）要是人家告诉我这样的事，我一定不会相信；可是这样的事是真的，我的心要碎了。
李尔 读呀。
葛罗斯特 什么！用眼眶子读吗？
李尔 啊哈！你原来是这个意思吗？你的头上也没有眼睛，你的袋里也没有银钱吗？你的眼眶子真深，你的钱袋真轻。可是你却看见这世界的丑恶。
葛罗斯特 我只能捉摸到它的丑恶。
李尔 什么！你疯了吗？一个人就是没有眼睛，也可以看见这世界的丑恶。用你的耳朵瞧着吧：你没看见那法官怎样痛骂那个卑贱的偷儿吗？侧过你的耳朵来，听我告诉你：让他们两人换了地位，谁还认得出哪个是法官，哪个是偷儿？你见过农夫的一条狗向一个乞丐乱吠吗？
葛罗斯特 嗯，陛下。
李尔 你还看见那家伙怎样给那条狗赶走吗？从这一件事情上面，你就可以看到威权的伟大的影子；一条得势的狗，也可以使人家唯命是从。你这可恶的教吏，停住你的残忍的手！为什么你要鞭打那个妓女？向你自己的背上着力抽下去吧；你自己心里和她犯奸淫，却因为她跟人家犯奸淫而鞭打她。那放高利贷的家伙却把那骗子判了死刑。褴褛的衣衫遮不住小小的过失；披上锦袍裘服，便可以隐匿一切。罪恶镀了金，公道的坚强的枪刺戳在上面也会折断；把它用破烂的布条裹起来，一根侏儒的稻草就可以戳破它。没有一个人是犯罪的，我说，没有一个人；我愿意为他们担保；相信我吧，我的朋友，我有权力封住控诉者的嘴唇。你还是去装上一副玻璃眼睛，像一个卑鄙的阴谋家似的，假装能够看见你所看不见的事情吧。来，来，来，来，替我把靴子脱下来；用力一点，用力一点；好。
爱德伽 （旁白）啊！疯话和正经话夹杂在一起；虽然他发了疯，他说出来的话却不是全无意义的。
李尔 要是你愿意为我的命运痛哭，那么把我的眼睛拿了去吧。我知道你是什么人；你的名字是葛罗斯特。你必须忍耐；你知道我们来到这世上，第一次嗅到了空气，就哇呀哇呀地哭起来。让我讲一番道理给你听；你听着。
葛罗斯特 唉！唉！
李尔 当我们生下地来的时候，我们因为来到了这个全是些傻瓜的广大的舞台之上，所以禁不住放声大哭。这顶帽子的式样很不错！用毡呢钉在一队马儿的蹄上，倒是一个妙计；我要把它实行一下，悄悄地偷进我那两个女婿的营里，然后我就杀呀，杀呀，杀呀，杀呀，杀呀，杀呀！⒀（侍臣率侍从数人上。）
侍臣 啊！他在这儿；抓住他。陛下，您的最亲爱的女儿——
李尔 没有人救我吗？什么！我变成一个囚犯了吗？我是天生下来被命运愚弄的。不要虐待我；有人会拿钱来赎我的。替我请几个外科医生来，我的头脑受了伤啦。
侍臣 您将会得到您所需要的一切。
李尔 一个伙伴也没有？只有我一个人吗？嗳哟，这样会叫一个人变成了个泪人儿，用他的眼睛充作灌园的水壶，去浇洒秋天的泥土。
侍臣 陛下——
李尔 我要像一个新郎似的勇敢地死去。嘿！我要高高兴兴的。来，来，我是一个国王，你们知道吗？
侍臣 您是一位尊严的王上，我们服从您的旨意。
李尔 那么还有几分希望。要去快去。唦唦唦唦。（下。侍从等随下。）
侍臣 最微贱的平民到了这样一个地步，也会叫人看了伤心，何况是一个国王！你那两个不孝的女儿，已经使天道人伦受到咒诅，可是你还有一个女儿，却已经把天道人伦从这样的咒诅中间拯救出来了。
爱德伽 祝福，先生。
侍臣 足下有什么见教？
爱德伽 您有没有听见什么关于将要发生一场战事的消息？
侍臣 这已经是一件千真万确、谁都知道的事了；每一个耳朵能够辨别声音的人都听到过那样的消息。
爱德伽 可是借问一声，您知道对方的军队离这儿还有多少路？
侍臣 很近了，他们一路来得很诀；他们的主力部队每一点钟都有到来的可能。
爱德伽 谢谢您，先生；这是我所要知道的一切。
侍臣 王后虽然有特别的原因还在这儿，她的军队已经开上去了。
爱德伽 谢谢您，先生。（侍臣下。）
葛罗斯特 永远仁慈的神明，请停止我的呼吸吧；不要在你没有要我离开人世之前，再让我的罪恶的灵魂引诱我结束我自己的生命！
爱德伽 您祷告得很好，老人家。
葛罗斯特 好先生，您是什么人？
爱德伽 一个非常穷苦的人，受惯命运的打击；因为自己是从忧患中间过来的，所以对于不幸的人很容易抱同情。把您的手给我，让我把您领到一处可以栖身的地方去。
葛罗斯特 多谢多谢；愿上天大大赐福给您！
奥斯华德上。
奥斯华德 明令缉拿的要犯！好极了，居然碰在我的手里！你那颗瞎眼的头颅，却是我的进身的阶梯。你这倒楣的老奸贼，赶快忏悔你的罪恶，剑已经拔出了，你今天难逃一死。
葛罗斯特 但愿你这慈悲的手多用一些气力，帮助我早早脱离苦痛。（爱德伽劝阻奥斯华德。）
奥斯华德 大胆的村夫，你怎么敢袒护一个明令缉拿的叛徒？滚开，免得你也遭到和他同样的命运。放开他的胳臂。
爱德伽 先生，你不向我说明理由，我是不放的。
奥斯华德 放开，奴才，否则我叫你死。
爱德伽 好先生，你走你的路，让穷人们过去吧。要是这种吓人的话也能把我吓倒，那么我早在半个月之前，就给人吓死了。不，不要走近这个老头儿；我关照你，走远一点儿；要不然的话，我要试一试究竟还是你的头硬还是我的棍子硬。我可不知道什么客气不客气。
奥斯华德 走开，混账东西！
爱德伽 我要拔掉你的牙齿，先生。来，尽管刺过来吧。（二人决斗，爱德伽击奥斯华德倒地。）
奥斯华德 奴才，你打死我了。把我的钱囊拿了去吧。要是你希望将来有好日子过，请你把我的尸体掘一个坑埋了；我身边还有一封信，请你替我送给葛罗斯特伯爵爱德蒙大爷，他在英国军队里，你可以找到他。啊！想不到我死于非命！（死。）
爱德伽 我认识你；你是一个惯会讨主上欢心的奴才；你的女主人无论有什么万恶的命令，你总是奉命唯谨。
葛罗斯特 什么！他死了吗？
爱德伽 坐下来，老人家；您休息一会儿吧。让我们搜一搜他的衣袋——他说起的这一封信，也许可以对我有一点用处。他死了；我只可惜他不是死在刽子手的手里。让我们看：对不起，好蜡，我要把你拆开来了；恕我无礼，为了要知道我们敌人的居心，就是他们的心肝也要剖出来，拆阅他们的信件不算是违法的事。“不要忘记我们彼此间的誓约。你有许多机会可以除去他；只要你有决心，一切都是不成问题的。要是他得胜归来，那就什么都完了；我将要成为一个囚人，他的眠床就是我的牢狱。把我从他可憎的怀抱中拯救出来吧，他的地位你可以取而代之，这也是你应得的酬劳。你的恋慕的奴婢——但愿我能换上妻子两个字——高纳里尔。”啊，不可测度的女人的心！谋害她的善良的丈夫，叫我的兄弟代替他的位置！在这砂土之内，我要把你掩埋起来，你这杀人的淫妇的使者。在一个适当的时间，我要让那被人阴谋弑害的公爵见到这一封卑劣的信。我能够把你的死讯和你的使命告诉他，对于他是一件幸运的事。
葛罗斯特 王上疯了；我的万恶的知觉却是倔强得很，我一站起身来，无限的悲痛就涌上我的心头！还是疯了的好；那样我可以不再想到我的不幸，让一切痛苦在昏乱的幻想之中忘记了它们本身的存在。（远处鼓声。）
爱德伽 把您的手给我；好像我听见远远有打鼓的声音。来，老人家，让我把您安顿在一个朋友的地方（同下。）
第七场 法军营帐
考狄利娅、肯特、医生及侍臣上。
考狄利娅 好肯特啊！我怎么能够报答你这一番苦心好意呢！就是粉身碎骨，也不能抵偿你的大德。
肯特 娘娘，只要自己的苦心被人了解，那就是莫大的报酬了。我所讲的话，句句都是事实，没有一分增减。
考狄利娅 去换一身好一点的衣服吧；您身上的衣服是那一段悲惨的时光中的纪念品，请你脱下来吧。
肯特 恕我，娘娘；我现在还不能回复我的本来面目，因为那会妨碍我的预定的计划。请您准许我这一个要求，在我自己认为还没有到适当的时间以前，您必须把我当作一个不相识的人。
考狄利娅 那么就照你的意思吧，伯爵。（向医生）王上怎样？
医生 娘娘，他仍旧睡着。
考狄利娅 慈悲的神明啊，医治他的被凌辱的心灵中的重大的裂痕！保佑这一个被不孝的女儿所反噬的老父，让他错乱昏迷的神智回复健全吧！
医生 请问娘娘，我们现在可不可以叫王上醒来？他已经睡得很久了。
考狄利娅 照你的意见，应该怎么办就怎么办吧。他有没有穿着好？
李尔卧椅内，众仆舁上。
侍臣 是，娘娘；我们乘着他熟睡的时候，已经替他把新衣服穿上去了。
医生 娘娘，请您不要走开，等我们叫他醒来；我相信他的神经已经安定下来了。
考狄利娅 很好。（乐声。）
医生 请您走近一步。音乐还要响一点儿。
考狄利娅 啊，我的亲爱的父亲！但愿我的嘴唇上有治愈疯狂的灵药，让这一吻抹去了我那两个姊姊加在你身上的无情的伤害吧！
肯特 善良的好公主！
考狄利娅 假如你不是她们的父亲，这满头的白雪也该引起她们的怜悯。这样一张面庞是受得起激战的狂风吹打的吗？它能够抵御可怕的雷霆吗？在最惊人的闪电的光辉之下，你，可怜的无援的兵士！戴着这一顶薄薄的戎盔，苦苦地守住你的哨岗吗？我的敌人的狗，即使它曾经咬过我，在那样的夜里，我也要让它躺在我的火炉之前。但是你，可怜的父亲，却甘心钻在污秽霉烂的稻草里，和猪狗、和流浪的乞儿作伴吗？唉！唉！你的生命不和你的智慧同归于尽，才是一件怪事。他醒来了；对他说些什么话吧。
医生 娘娘，应该您去跟他说说。
考狄利娅 父王陛下，您好吗？
李尔 你们不应该把我从坟墓中间拖了出来。你是一个有福的灵魂；我却缚在一个烈火的车轮上，我自己的眼泪也像熔铅一样灼痛我的脸。
考狄利娅 父亲，您认识我吗？
李尔 你是一个灵魂，我知道；你在什么时候死的？
考狄利娅 还是疯疯癫癫的。
医生 他还没有完全清醒过来；暂时不要惊扰他。
李尔 我到过些什么地方？现在我在什么地方？明亮的白昼吗？我大大受了骗啦。我如果看见别人落到这一个地步，我也要为他心碎而死。我不知道应该怎么说。我不愿发誓这一双是我的手；让我试试看，这针刺上去是觉得痛的。但愿我能够知道我自己的实在情形！
考狄利娅 啊！瞧着我，父亲，把您的手按在我的头上为我祝福吧。不，父亲，您千万不能跪下。
李尔 请不要取笑我；我是一个非常愚蠢的傻老头子，活了八十多岁了；不瞒您说，我怕我的头脑有点儿不大健全。我想我应该认识您，也该认识这个人；可是我不敢确定；因为我全然不知道这是什么地方，而且凭着我所有的能力，我也记不起来什么时候穿上这身衣服；我也不知道昨天晚上我在什么所在过夜。不要笑我；我想这位夫人是我的孩子考狄利娅。
考狄利娅 正是，正是。
李尔 你在流着眼泪吗？当真。请你不要哭啦；要是你有毒药为我预备着，我愿意喝下去。我知道你不爱我；因为我记得你的两个姊姊都虐待我；你虐待我还有几分理由，她们却没有理由虐待我。
考狄利娅 谁都没有这理由。
李尔 我是在法国吗？
肯特 在您自己的国土之内，陛下。
李尔 不要骗我。
医生 请宽心一点，娘娘；您看他的疯狂已经平静下去了；可是再向他提起他经历的事情，却是非常危险的。不要多烦扰他，让他的神经完全安定下来。
考狄利娅 请陛下到里边去安息安息吧。
李尔 你必须原谅我。请你不咎既往，宽赦我的过失；我是个年老糊涂的人。（李尔、考狄利娅、医生及侍从等同下。）
侍臣 先生，康华尔公爵被刺的消息是真的吗？
肯特 完全真确。
侍臣 他的军队归什么人带领？
肯特 据说是葛罗斯特的庶子。
侍臣 他们说他的放逐在外的儿子爱德伽现在跟肯特伯爵都在德国。
肯特 消息常常变化不定。现在是应该戒备的时候了，英国军队已在迅速逼近。
侍臣 一场血战是免不了的。再会，先生。（下。）
肯特 我的目的能不能顺利达到，要看这一场战事的结果方才分晓。（下。）
第五幕
第一场 多佛附近英军营地
旗鼓前导，爱德蒙、里根、军官、兵士及侍从等上。
爱德蒙 （向一军官）你去问一声公爵，他是不是仍旧保持着原来的决心，还是因为有了其他的理由，已经改变了方针；他这个人摇摆不定，畏首畏尾；我要知道他究竟抱着怎样的主张。（军官下。）
里根 我那姊姊差来的人一定在路上出了事啦。
爱德蒙 那可说不定，夫人。
里根 好爵爷，我对你的一片好心，你不会不知道的；现在请你告诉我，老老实实地告诉我，你不爱我的姊姊吗？
爱德蒙 我只是按照我的名分敬爱她。
里根 可是你从来没有深入我的姊夫的禁地吗？
爱德蒙 这样的思想是有失您自己的体统的。
里根 我怕你们已经打成一片，她心坎儿里只有你一个人哩。
爱德蒙 凭着我的名誉起誓，夫人，没有这样的事。
里根 我决不答应她；我的亲爱的爵爷，不要跟她亲热。
爱德蒙 您放心吧。——她跟她的公爵丈夫来啦！
旗鼓前导，奥本尼、高纳里尔及兵士等上。
高纳里尔 （旁白）我宁愿这一次战争失败，也不让我那个妹子把他从我手里夺了去。
奥本尼 贤妹久违了。伯爵，我听说王上已经带了一班受不住我国的苛政、高呼不平的人们，到他女儿的地方去了。要是我们所兴的是一场不义之师，我是再也提不起我的勇气来的；可是现在的问题，并不是我们的王上和他手下的一群人在法国的煽动之下，用堂堂正正的理由向我们兴师问罪，而是法国举兵侵犯我们的领土，这是我们所不能容忍的。
爱德蒙 您说得有理，佩服，佩服。
里根 这种话讲它做什么呢？
高纳里尔 我们只须同心合力，打退敌人，这些内部的纠纷，不是现在所要讨论的问题。
奥本尼 那么让我们跟那些久历戎行的战士们讨论讨论我们所应该采取的战略吧。
爱德蒙 很好，我就到您的帐里来叨陪末议。
里根 姊姊，您也跟我们一块儿去吗？
高纳里尔 不。
里根 您怎么可以不去？来，请吧。
高纳里尔 （旁白）哼！我明白你的意里。（高声）好，我就去。
爱德伽乔装上。
爱德伽 殿下要是不嫌我微贱，请听我说一句话。
奥本尼 你们先请一步，我就来。——说。（爱德蒙、里根、高纳里尔、军官、兵士及侍从等同下。）
爱德伽 在您没有开始作战以前，先把这封信拆开来看一看。要是您得到胜利，可以吹喇叭为信号，叫我出来；虽然您看我是这样一个下贱的人，我可以请出一个证人来，证明这信上所写的事。要是您失败了，那么您在这世上的使命已经完毕，一切阴谋也都无能为力了。愿命运眷顾您！
奥本尼 等我读了信你再去。
爱德伽 我不能。时候一到，您只要叫传令官传唤一声，我就会出来的。
奥本尼 那么再见；你的信我拿回去看吧。（爱德伽下。）
爱德蒙重上。
爱德蒙 敌人已经望得见了；快把您的军队集合起来。这儿记载着根据精密侦查所得的敌方军力的估计；可是现在您必须快点儿了。
奥本尼 好，我们准备迎敌就是了。（下。）
爱德蒙 我对这两个姊姊都已经立下爱情的盟誓；她们彼此互怀嫉妒，就像被蛇咬过的人见不得蛇的影子一样。我应该选择哪一个呢？两个都要？只要一个？还是一个也不要？要是两个全都留在世上，我就一个也不能到手；娶了那寡妇，一定会激怒她的姊姊高纳里尔；可是她的丈夫一天不死，我又怎么能跟她成双配对？现在我们还是要借他做号召军心的幌子；等到战事结束以后，她要是想除去他，让她自己设法结果他的性命吧。照他的意思，李尔和考狄利娅两人被我们捉到以后，是不能加害的：可是假如他们果然落在我们手里，我们可决不让他们得到他的赦免；因为我保全自己的地位要紧，什么天理良心只好一概不论。（下。）
第二场 两军营地之间的原野
内号角声。旗鼓前导，李尔及考狄利娅率军队上；同下。爱德伽及葛罗斯特上。
爱德伽 来，老人家，在这树荫底下坐坐吧；但愿正义得到胜利！要是我还能够回来见您，我一定会给您好消息的。
葛罗斯特 上帝照顾您，先生！（爱德伽下。）
号角声；有顷，内吹退军号。爱德伽重上。
爱德伽 去吧，老人家！把您的手给我；去吧！李尔王已经失败，他跟他的女儿都被他们捉去了。把您的手给我；来。
葛罗斯特 不，先生，我不想再到什么地方去了；让我就在这儿等死吧。
爱德伽 怎么！您又转起那种坏念头来了吗？人们的生死都不是可以勉强求到的，你应该耐心忍受天命的安排。来。
葛罗斯特 那也说得有理。（同下。）
第三场 多佛附近英军营地
旗鼓前导，爱德蒙凯旋上；李尔、考狄利娅被俘随上；军官、兵士等同上。
爱德蒙 来人，把他们押下去，好生看守，等上面发落下来，再作道理。
考狄利娅 存心良善的反而得到恶报，这样的前例是很多的。我只是为了你，被迫害的国王，才感到悲伤；否则尽管欺人的命运向我横眉怒目，我也不把她的凌辱放在心上。我们要不要去见见这两个女儿和这两个姊姊？
李尔 不，不，不，不！来，让我们到监牢里去。我们两人将要像笼中之鸟一般唱歌；当你求我为你祝福的时候，我要跪下来求你饶恕；我们就这样生活着，祈祷，唱歌，说些古老的故事，嘲笑那班像金翅蝴蝶般的廷臣，听听那些可怜的人们讲些宫廷里的消息；我们也要跟他们在一起谈话，谁失败，谁胜利，谁在朝，谁在野，用我们的意见解释各种事情的秘奥，就像我们是上帝的耳目一样；在囚牢的四壁之内，我们将要冷眼看那些朋比为奸的党徒随着月亮的圆缺而升沉。
爱德蒙 把他们带下去。
李尔 对于这样的祭物，我的考狄利娅，天神也要焚香致敬的。我果然把你捉住了吗？谁要是想分开我们，必须从天上取下一把火炬来像驱逐狐狸一样把我们赶散。揩干你的眼睛；让恶疮烂掉他们的全身，他们也不能使我们流泪，我们要看他们活活饿死。来。（兵士押李尔、考狄利娅下。）
爱德蒙 过来，队长。听着，把这一通密令拿去；（以一纸授军官）跟着他们到监牢里去。我已经把你提升了一级，要是你能够照这密令上所说的执行，一定大有好处。你要知道，识时务的才是好汉；心肠太软的人不配佩带刀剑。我吩咐你去干这件重要的差使，你可不必多问，愿意就做，不愿意就另谋出路吧。
军官 我愿意，大人。
爱德蒙 那么去吧；你立了这一个功劳，你就是一个幸运的人。听着，事不宜迟，必须照我所写的办法赶快办好。
军官 我不会拖车子，也不会吃干麦；只要是男子汉干的事，我就会干。（下。）
喇叭奏花腔。奥本尼、高纳里尔、里根、军官及侍从等上。
奥本尼 伯爵，你今天果然表明了你是一个将门之子；命运眷顾着你，使你克奏肤功，跟我们敌对的人都已经束手就擒。请你把你的俘虏交给我们，让我们一方面按照他们的身分，一方面顾到我们自身的安全，决定一个适当的处置。
爱德蒙 殿下，我已经把那不幸的老王拘禁起来，并且派兵严密监视了；我认为应该这样办；他的高龄和尊号都有一种莫大的魔力，可以吸引人心归附他，要是不加防范，恐怕我们的部下都要受他的煽惑而对我们反戈相向。那王后我为了同样的理由，也把她一起下了监；他们明天或者迟一两天就可以受你们的审判。现在弟兄们刚刚流过血汗，丧折了不少的朋友亲人，他们感受战争的残酷，未免心中愤激，这场争端无论理由怎样正大，在他们看来也就成为是可咒诅的了；所以审问考狄利娅和她的父亲这一件事，必须在一个更适当的时候举行。
奥本尼 伯爵，说一句不怕你见怪的话，你不过是一个随征的将领，我并没有把你当作一个同等地位的人。
里根 假如我愿意，为什么他不能和你分庭抗礼呢？我想你在说这样的话以前，应该先问问我的意思才是。他带领我们的军队，受到我的全权委任，凭着这一层亲密的关系，也够资格和你称兄道弟了。
高纳里尔 少亲热点儿吧；他的地位是他靠着自己的才能造成的，并不是你给他的恩典。
里根 我把我的权力付托给他，他就能和最尊贵的人匹敌。
高纳里尔 要是他做了你的丈夫，至多也不过如此吧。
里根 笑话往往会变成预言。
高纳里尔 呵呵！看你挤眉弄眼的，果然有点儿邪气。
里根 太太，我现在身子不大舒服，懒得跟你斗口了。将军，请你接受我的军队、俘虏和财产；这一切连我自己都由你支配；我是你的献城降服的臣仆；让全世界为我证明，我现在把你立为我的丈夫和君主。
高纳里尔 你想要受用他吗？
奥本尼 那不是你所能阻止的。
爱德蒙 也不是你所能阻止的。
奥本尼 杂种，我可以阻止你们。
里根 （向爱德蒙）叫鼓手打起鼓来，和他决斗，证明我已经把尊位给了你。
奥本尼 等一等，我还有话说。爱德蒙，你犯有叛逆重罪，我逮捕你；同时我还要逮捕这一条金鳞的毒蛇。（指高纳里尔）贤妹，为了我的妻子的缘故，我必须要求您放弃您的权利；她已经跟这位勋爵有约在先，所以我，她的丈夫，不得不对你们的婚姻表示异议。要是您想结婚的话，还是把您的爱情用在我的身上吧，我的妻子已经另有所属了。
高纳里尔 这一段穿插真有趣！
奥本尼 葛罗斯特，你现在甲胄在身；让喇叭吹起来；要是没有人出来证明你所犯的无数凶残罪恶，众目昭彰的叛逆重罪，这儿是我的信物；（掷下手套）在我没有剖开你的胸口，证明我此刻所宣布的一切以前，我决不让一些食物接触我的嘴唇。
里根 嗳哟！我病了！我病了！
高纳里尔 （旁白）要是你不病，我也从此不相信毒药了。
爱德蒙 这儿是我给你的交换品；（掷下手套）谁骂我是叛徒的，他就是个说谎的恶人。叫你的喇叭吹起来吧；谁有胆量，出来，我可以向他、向你、向每一个人证明我的不可动摇的忠心和荣誉。
奥本尼 来，传令官！
爱德蒙 传令官！传令官！
奥本尼 信赖你个人的勇气吧；因为你的军队都是用我的名义征集的，我已经用我的名义把他们遣散了。
里根 我的病越来越厉害啦！
奥本尼 她身体不舒服；把她扶到我的帐里去。（侍从扶里根下）过来，传令官。
传令官上。
奥本尼 叫喇叭吹起来。宣读这一道命令。
军官 吹喇叭！（喇叭吹响。）
传令官 （宣读）“在本军之中，如有身分高贵的将校官佐，愿意证明爱德蒙——名分未定的葛罗斯特伯爵，是一个罪恶多端的叛徒，让他在第三次喇叭声中出来。该爱德蒙坚决自卫。”
爱德蒙 吹！（喇叭初响）
传令官 再吹！（喇叭再响。）
传令官 再吹！（喇叭三响。内喇叭声相应。）
喇叭手前导，爱德伽武装上。
奥本尼 问明他的来意，为什么他听了喇叭的呼召到这儿来。
传令官 你是什么人？你叫什么名字？在军中是什么官级？为什么你要应召而来？
爱德伽 我的名字已经被阴谋的毒齿咬啮蛀蚀了；可是我的出身正像我现在所要来面对的敌手同样高贵。
奥本尼 谁是你的敌手？
爱德伽 代表葛罗斯特伯爵爱德蒙的是什么人？
爱德蒙 他自己；你对他有什么话说？
爱德伽 拔出你的剑来，要是我的话激怒了一颗正直的心，你的兵器可以为你辩护；这儿是我的剑。听着，虽然你有的是胆量、勇气、权位和尊荣，虽然你挥着胜利的宝剑，夺到了新的幸运，可是凭着我的荣誉、我的誓言和我的骑士的身分所给我的特权，我当众宣布你是一个叛徒，不忠于你的神明、你的兄长和你的父亲，阴谋倾覆这一位崇高卓越的君王，从你的头顶直到你的足下的尘土，彻头彻尾是一个最可憎的逆贼。要是你说一声“不”，这一柄剑、这一只胳臂和我的全身的勇气，都要向你的心口证明你说谎。
爱德蒙 照理我应该问你的名字；可是你的外表既然这样英勇，你的出言吐语，也可以表明你不是一个卑微的人，虽然按照骑士的规则，我可以拒绝你的挑战，我却不惜唾弃这些规则，把你所说的那种罪名仍旧丢回到你的头上，让那像地狱一般可憎的谎话吞没你的心；凭着这一柄剑，我要在你的心头挖破一个窟窿，把你的罪恶一起塞进去。吹起来，喇叭！（号角声。二人决斗。爱德蒙倒地。）
奥本尼 留他活命，留他活命！
高纳里尔 这是诡计，葛罗斯特；按照决斗的法律，你尽可以不接受一个不知名的对手的挑战；你不是被人打败，你是中了人家的计了。
奥本尼 闭住你的嘴，妇人，否则我要用这一张纸塞住它了。且慢，骑士。你这比一切恶名更恶的恶人，读读你自己的罪恶吧。不要撕，太太；我看你也认识这一封信的。（以信授爱德蒙。）
高纳里尔 即使我认识这一封信，又有什么关系！法律在我手中，不在你手中；谁可以控诉我？（下。）
奥本尼 岂有此理！你知道这封信吗？
爱德蒙 不要问我知道不知道。
奥本尼 追上她去；她现在情急了，什么事都干得出来；留心看着她。（一军官下。）
爱德蒙 你所指斥我的罪状，我全都承认；而且我所干的事，着实不止这一些呢，总有一天会全部暴露的。现在这些事已成过去，我也要永辞人世了。——可是你是什么人，我会失败在你的手里？假如你是一个贵族，我愿意对你不记仇恨。
爱德伽 让我们互相宽恕吧。在血统上我并不比你低微，爱德蒙；要是我的出身比你更高贵，你尤其不该那样陷害我。我的名字是爱德伽，你的父亲的儿子。公正的天神使我们的风流罪过成为惩罚我们的工具；他在黑暗淫邪的地方生下了你，结果使他丧失了他的眼睛。
爱德蒙 你说得不错；天道的车轮已经循环过来了。
奥本尼 我一看见你的举止行动，就觉得你不是一个凡俗之人。我必须拥抱你；让悔恨碎裂了我的心，要是我曾经憎恨过你和你的父亲。
爱德伽 殿下，我一向知道您的仁慈。
奥本尼 你把自己藏匿在什么地方？你怎么知道你的父亲的灾难？
爱德伽 殿下，我知道他的灾难，因为我就在他的身边照料他，听我讲一段简短的故事；当我说完以后，啊，但愿我的心爆裂了吧！贪生怕死，是我们人类的常情，我们宁愿每小时忍受着死亡的惨痛，也不愿一下子结束自己的生命；我为了逃避那紧迫着我的、残酷的宣判，不得不披上一身疯人的褴褛衣服，改扮成一副连狗儿们也要看不起的样子。在这样的乔装之中，我碰见了我的父亲，他的两个眼眶里淋着血，那宝贵的眼珠已经失去了；我替他做向导，带着他走路，为他向人求乞，把他从绝望之中拯救出来；啊！千不该、万不该，我不该向他瞒住我自己的真相！直到约摸半小时以前，我已经披上甲胄，虽说希望天从人愿，却不知道此行究竟结果如何，便请他为我祝福，才把我的全部经历从头到尾告诉他知道；可是唉！他的破碎的心太脆弱了，载不起这样重大的喜悦和悲伤，在这两种极端的情绪猛烈的冲突之下，他含着微笑死了。
爱德蒙 你这番话很使我感动，说不定对我有好处；可是说下去吧，看上去你还有一些话要说。
奥本尼 要是还有比这更伤心的事，请不要说下去了吧；因为我听了这样的话，已经忍不住热泪盈眶了。
爱德伽 对于不喜欢悲哀的人，这似乎已经是悲哀的顶点；可是在极度的悲哀之上，却还有更大的悲哀。当我正在放声大哭的时候，来了一个人，他认识我就是他所见过的那个疯丐，不敢接近我；可是后来他知道了我究竟是什么人，遭遇到什么样不幸，他就抱住我的头颈，大放悲声，好像要把天空都震碎一般；他俯伏在我的父亲的尸体上；讲出了关于李尔和他两个人的一段最凄惨的故事；他越讲越伤心，他的生命之弦都要开始颤断了；那时候喇叭的声音已经响过二次，我只好抛下他一个人在那如痴如醉的状态之中。
奥本尼 可是这是什么人？
爱德伽 肯特，殿下，被放逐的肯特；他一路上乔装改貌，跟随那把他视同仇敌的国王，替他躬操奴隶不如的贱役。
一侍臣持一流血之刀上。
侍臣 救命！救命！救命啊！
爱德伽 救什么命！
奥本尼 说呀，什么事？
爱德伽 那柄血淋淋的刀是什么意思？
侍臣 它还热腾腾地冒着气呢；它是从她的心窝里拔出来的，——啊！她死了！
奥本尼 谁死了？说呀。
侍臣 您的夫人，殿下，您的夫人；她的妹妹也给她毒死了，她自己承认的。
爱德蒙 我跟她们两人都有婚姻之约，现在我们三个人可以在一块儿做夫妻了。
爱德伽 肯特来了。
奥本尼 把她们的尸体抬出来，不管她们有没有死。这一个上天的判决使我们战栗，却不能引起我们的怜悯。（侍臣下。）
肯特上。
奥本尼 啊！这就是他吗？当前的变故使我不能对他尽我应尽的敬礼。
肯特 我要来向我的王上道一声永久的晚安，他不在这儿吗？
奥本尼 我们把一件重要的事情忘了！爱德蒙，王上呢？考狄利娅呢？肯特，你看见这一种情景吗？（传从抬高纳里尔、里根二尸体上。）
肯特 嗳哟！这是为了什么？
爱德蒙 爱德蒙还是有人爱的；这一个为了我的缘故毒死了那一个，跟着她也自杀了。
奥本尼 正是这样。把她们的脸遮起来。
爱德蒙 我快要断气了，倒想做一件违反我的本性的好事。赶快差人到城堡里去，因为我已经下令，要把李尔和考狄利娅处死。不要多说废话，迟一点就来不及啦。
奥本尼 跑！跑！跑呀！
爱德伽 跑去找谁呀，殿下？——谁奉命干这件事的？你得给我一件什么东西，作为赦免的凭证。
爱德蒙 想得不错；把我的剑拿去给那队长。
奥本尼 快去，快去。（爱德伽下。）
爱德蒙 他从我的妻子跟我两人的手里得到密令，要把考狄利娅在狱中缢死，对外面说是她自己在绝望中自杀的。
奥本尼 神明保佑她！把他暂时抬出去。（侍从抬爱德蒙下。）
李尔抱考狄利娅尸体，爱德伽、军官及余人等同上。
李尔 哀号吧，哀号吧，哀号吧，哀号吧！啊！你们都是些石头一样的人；要是我有了你们的那些舌头和眼睛，我要用我的眼泪和哭声震撼穹苍。她是一去不回的了。一个人死了还是活着，我是知道的；她已经像泥土一样死去。借一面镜子给我；要是她的气息还能够在镜面上呵起一层薄雾，那么她还没有死。
肯特 这就是世界最后的结局吗？
爱德伽 还是末日恐怖的预兆？
奥本尼 天倒下来了，一切都要归于毁灭吗？
李尔 这一根羽毛在动；她没有死！要是她还有活命，那么我的一切悲哀都可以消释了。
肯特 （跪）啊，我的好主人！
李尔 走开！
爱德伽 这是尊贵的肯特，您的朋友。
李尔 一场瘟疫降落在你们身上，全是些凶手，奸贼！我本来可以把她救活的；现在她再也回不转来了！考狄利娅，考狄利娅！等一等。嘿！你说什么？她的声音总是那么柔软温和，女儿家是应该这样的。我亲手杀死了那把你缢死的奴才。
军官 殿下，他真的把他杀死了。
李尔 我不是把他杀死了吗，汉子？从前我一举起我的宝刀，就可以叫他们吓得抱头鼠窜；现在年纪老啦，受到这许多磨难，一天比一天不中用啦。你是谁？等会儿我就可以说出来了；我的眼睛可不大好。
肯特 要是命运女神向人夸口，说起有两个曾经一度被她宠爱、后来却为她厌弃的人，那么在我们的眼前就各站着其中的一个。
李尔 我的眼睛太糊涂啦。你不是肯特吗？
肯特 正是，您的仆人肯特。您的仆人卡厄斯呢？
李尔 他是一个好人，我可以告诉你；他一动起火来就会打人。他现在已经死得骨头都腐烂了。
肯特 不，陛下；我就是那个人——
李尔 我马上能认出来你是不是。
肯特 自从您开始遭遇变故以来，一直跟随着您的不幸的足迹。
李尔 欢迎，欢迎。
肯特 不，一切都是凄惨的、黑暗的、阴郁的，您的两个大女儿已经在绝望中自杀了。
李尔 嗯，我也想是这样的。
奥本尼 他不知道他自己在说些什么话，我们谒见他也是徒然的。
爱德伽 全然是徒劳。
一军官上。
军官 启禀殿下，爱德蒙死了。
奥本尼 他的死在现在不过是一件无足重轻的小事。各位勋爵和尊贵的朋友，听我向你们宣示我的意旨：对于这一位老病衰弱的君王，我们将要尽我们的力量给他可能的安慰；当他在世的时候，我仍旧把最高的权力归还给他。（向爱德伽、肯特）你们两位仍旧恢复原来的爵位，我还要加赉你们额外的尊荣，褒扬你们过人的节行。一切朋友都要得到他们忠贞的报酬，一切仇敌都要尝到他们罪恶的苦杯。——啊！瞧，瞧！
李尔 我的可怜的傻瓜给他们缢死了！不，不，没有命了！为什么一条狗、一匹马、一只耗子，都有它们的生命，你却没有一丝呼吸？你是永不回来的了，永不，永不，永不，永不，永不！请你替我解开这个钮扣；谢谢你，先生。你看见吗？瞧着她，瞧，她的嘴唇，瞧那边，瞧那边！（死。）
爱德伽 他晕过去了！——陛下，陛下！
肯特 碎吧，心啊！碎吧！
爱德伽 抬起头来，陛下。
肯特 不要烦扰他的灵魂。啊！让他安然死去吧；他将要痛恨那想要使他在这无情的人世多受一刻酷刑的人。
爱德伽 他真的去了。
肯特 他居然忍受了这么久的时候，才是一件奇事；他的生命不是他自己的。
奥本尼 把他们抬出去。我们现在要传令全国举哀。（向肯特、爱德伽）
两位朋友，帮我主持大政，
培养这已经斲伤的国本。
肯特 不日间我就要登程上道；
我已经听见主上的呼召。
奥本尼 不幸的重担不能不肩负；
感情是我们唯一的言语。
年老的人已经忍受一切，
后人只有抚陈迹而叹息。（同下。奏丧礼进行曲。）
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注释
意即不是天主教徒。天主教徒逢星期五按例吃鱼。
踢皮球在当时只是下层市民的娱乐。
意即好出大言的埃阿斯也比不上他们善于吹牛。
流火，指花柳病而言。
梅林，是亚瑟王故事中的术士和预言家，时代后于传说中的李尔王许多年，这里是作者故意说的笑话。
圣维都尔（St．Withold），传说中安眠的保护神。
据说魇魔作祟，骑在熟睡者的胸口。下文“发过誓儿”即要魇魔赌咒不再骑在人身上。
李尔王把爱德伽比作古希腊哲学家。
罗兰骑士，欧洲中世纪骑士文学中的著名英雄。
弗拉特累多，小魔鬼的名字。
当时疯叫化子行乞，用挂于颈间的大牛角盛乞得的剩菜残羹。
意即具有老人的智慧。
李尔王在这里效仿军队冲锋时的呐喊声。