Approach apace.

Gent. The arbitrement is like to be bloody. Fare you well, sir.

Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought,

Or well, or ill, as this day's battle 's fought. [Exit. ACT V.

SCENE I.-The Camp of the British Forces, near

Dover.

Enter, with drums and colours, Edmund, Regan, Officers, Soldiers, and others.

Edm. 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. [To an Officer, who goes out. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Edm. 'T is to be doubted, madam. Reg. Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you: Tell me,-but truly,-but then speak the truth, Do you not love my sister? Edm.

In honour'd love. Reg. But have you never found my brother's way To the forefended place? Edm. That thought abuses you. Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers. Edm. No, by mine honour, madam. Reg. I never shall endure her: Dear my lord, Be not familiar with her. Edm. Fear me not:She, and the duke her husband,-

Enter Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers. Gon. I had rather lose the battle than that sister Should loosen him and me.

[Aside.

Alb. Our very loving sister, well be met.Sir, this I heard,-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, 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. Edm. Sir, you speak nobly. Reg.

Why is this reason'd? Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy: For these domestic, and particular broils Are not the question here.

Alb. Let's then determine with the ancient of war On our proceeding.

Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent. Reg. Sister, you 'll go with us? Gon. No. Reg. 'T is most convenient: pray you go with us. Gon. O, ho, I know the riddle: (Aside.] I will go. As they are going out, enter Edgar, disguised. Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so Hear me one word. [poor, Alb. I'll overtake you.-Speak. [Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants. Edg. 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 What is avouched there: if you miscarry, Your business of the world hath so an end, And machination ceases. Fortune love you! Alb. Stay till I have read the letter. Edg. I was forbid it. When time shall serve, let but the herald cry, And I'll appear again.

[Exit. Alb. Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy paper.

501

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
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.

SCENE II.-A Field between the two Camps. Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, Lear, Cordelia, and their Forces; and exeunt. Enter Edgar and Gloster.

Edg. 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,
Glo.
I'll bring you comfort.

Grace go with you, sir!
[Exit Edgar.
Alarums; afterwards a retreat. Re-enter Edgar,
Edg. Away, old man, give me thy hand, away;
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en:
Give me thy hand, come on.

Glo.

Glo. No further, sir; a man may rot even here. Edg. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure Their going hence, even as their coming hither: Ripeness is all: Come on. And that's true too. [Exeunt. SCENE III.-The British Camp near Dover. Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, Edmund; Lear and Cordelia, as prisoners; Officers, Soldiers, &c.

Edm. Some officers take them away: good guard; Until their greater pleasures first be known That are to censure them.

Cor. We are not the first, Who, with best meaning, have incurr'd the worst. For thee, oppressed king, I am cast down; Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown.Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters? Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let 's away to prison; We two alone will sing like birds i' the 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 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 us the mystery of things, As if we were God's spies: and we 'll wear out, In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones, That ebb and flow by the moon. Edm. Take them away. Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia, [thee? The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven And fire us hence, like foxes. Wipe thine eyes; The good years shall devour them, flesh and fell, Ere they shall make us weep: we 'll see them starve

first.

Come. [Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded. Edm. Come hither, captain; hark.

Take thou this note; [giving 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
Are as the time is: to be tender-minded
Does not become a sword:-Thy great employment
Will not bear question;-either say, thou 'It do 't,
Or thrive by other means.
Edm. About it; and write happy, when thou hast
I'll do 't, my lord.
Mark, I say, instantly; and carry it so
As I have set it down.

Off.

[done.

We will greet the time. Edm. 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 it be man's work I will do it. [Exit Officer. Flourish. Enter Albany, Goneril, Regan, Officers, and Attendants.

Alb. Sir, you have shown to-day vour valiant strain,

And fortune led you well: You have the captives
Who were the opposites of this day's strife:
I do require them of you, so to use them,
As we shall find their merits and our safety
May equally determine.
Edin.

Sir, I thought it fit
To send the old and miserable king
To some retention and appointed guard;
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 [queen;
Which do command them. With him I sent the
My reason all the same; and they are ready
To-morrow, or at further space, to 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:-
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place.

Alb.

Sir, by your patience,

I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother.
Reg.
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,
And call itself your brother. Gon. Not so hot:
In his own grace he doth exalt himself,
More than in your addition.

Reg.

In my rights, By me invested, he compeers the best. Gon. That were the most if he should husband you. Reg. Jesters do oft prove prophets. Gon.

Holla, holla! That eye that told you so look'd but a-squint. Reg. 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 My lord and master.

Gon. Mean you to enjoy him? Alb. The let-alone lies not in your good-will. Edm. Nor in thine, lord. Alb. Half-blooded fellow, yes. Reg. Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine. [To Edmund. Alb. Stay yet; hear reason:-Edmund, I arrest thee On capital treason; and, in thy arrest, This gilded serpent: [pointing to Gon.for your claim, fair sister,

I bar it in the interest of my wife;

'T is she is sub-contracted to this lord,
And I, her husband, contradict your bans.
If you will marry make your loves to me,
My lady is bespoke.

Gon. An interlude!

Alb. Thou art arm'd, Gloster:-Let the trumpet
If none appear to prove upon thy person, [sound:
Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons,
There is my pledge; [Throwing down a glove]
I'll make it on thy heart,

Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less
Than I have here proclaim'd thee.

Reg.

Sick, O, sick!

Gon. If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine. [Aside. Edm. There's my exchange: [Throwing down a glove] what in the world he is

That names me traitor, villain-like he lies:
Call by the trumpet: he that dares approach,
On him, on you, (who not?) I will maintain
My truth and honour firmly.

Alb. A herald, hoa!

A herald, hoa, a herald!

Edm.
Alb. Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name

Took their discharge.

Reg.

I come to cope withal. Alb.

Which is that adversary? Edg. What's he that speaks for Edmund earl of Gloster?

Edm. Himself;-What say'st thou to him?
Edg.
Draw thy sword;

That, if my speech offend a noble heart,
Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine.
Behold, it is my privilege,

The privilege of mine honours,

My oath, and my profession; I protest,-
Maugre thy strength, place, youth, and eminence,
Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,
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 the extremest upward of thy head,
To the descent and dust below thy feet,

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.

Edm. In wisdom, I should ask thy name;
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 these treasons to thy head;
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. They fight. Edmund falls.
Alb. Save him, save him!

Gon.

This is practice, Gloster: By the law of war, thou wast not bound to answer An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish'd, But cozen'd and beguil'd. Alb. Shut your mouth, dame, Or with this paper shall I stop it: -Hold, sir:Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil :No tearing, lady; I perceive you know it. [Gives the letter to Edmund. Gon. Say, if I do: the laws are mine, not thine: Who can arraign me for 't? [Exit Goneril. Alb. Most monstrous ! Know'st thou this paper? Edm. Ask me not what I know. Alb. Go after her: she 's desperate: govern her. [To an Officer, who goes out.

Edm. What you have charg'd me with, that have I

done,

My name is Edgar, and thy father's son.
The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us :

The dark and vicious place where thee he got
Cost him his eyes.

Edm.
Thou hast spoken right, 't is true;
The wheel is come full circle; I am here.

Alb. Methought thy very gait did prophesy
A royal nobleness:-I must embrace thee;
Let sorrow split my heart, if ever I
Did hate thee, or thy father!
Edg.

Worthy prince, I know 't.
Alb. Where have you hid yourself?
How have you known the miseries of your father?
Edg. By nursing them, my lord.-List a brief
tale;-

And when 't is told, O, that my heart would burst!-
The bloody proclamation to escape
That follow'd me so near, (O our lives' sweetness!
That we the pain of death would hourly die,
Rather than die at once!) taught me to shift
Into a mad-man's rags; to 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;
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 our pilgrimage: but his flaw'd heart,
(Alack, too weak the conflict to support!)
Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst smilingly
Edm.
This speech of yours hath mov'd me,
And shall, perchance, do good: but speak you on;
You look as you had something more to say.

Alb. If there be more, more woeful, hold it in;
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.
Edg.

This would have seem'd a period
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 in a man,
Who, having seen me in my worse estate,

Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding
Who 't was that so endur'd, with his strong arms
He fasten'd on my neck, and bellow'd out
As he 'd burst heaven; threw him on my father;
Told the most pitcous tale of Lear and him,
That ever ear receiv'd: which in recounting
His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life
Began to crack: Twice then the trumpet sounded,
And there I left him tranc'd.

Edg. Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise
Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service
Improper for a slave.

Enter a Gentleman hastily, with a bloody knife.
Gent. Help! help! O help!
Edg. What kind of help? Alb. Speak, man.
Edg. What means this bloody knife?
Gent.
T is hot, it smokes;
It came even from the heart of-O she 's dead.
Alb. Who dead? speak, man.

Gent. Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister
By her is poison'd; she confesses it.

Here comes Kent.

Edm. I was contracted to them both; all three Now marry in an instant. Edg. Alb. Produce the bodies, be they alive or dead This judgment of the heavens that makes us tremble, Touches us not with pity.

[Exit Gentleman.

Enter Kent.
O, is this he?

Kent. I am come

The time will not allow the compliment,

Which very manners urges.
To bid my king and master aye good night;
Is he not here?
Alb.
Great thing of us forgot!-
Speak, Edmund, where 's the king; and where 's
Seest thou this object, Kent?
[Cordelia?
[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in.
Kent. Alack, why thus?
Edm.
Yet Edmund was belov'd:
The one the other poison'd for my sake,
And after slew herself.

Alb. Even so.-Cover their faces.
Edm. I pant for life: Some good I mean to do,
Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send,-

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.

Kent.

Is this the promis'd end? Edg. Or image of that horror? Alb. Fall, and cease! Lear. This feather stirs; she lives! if it be so, It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows That ever I have felt. Kent.

O my good master! Kneeling. Lear. Prithee, away. Edg. 'T is noble Kent, your friend. [all! Lear. A plague upon you, murtherers, traitors 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. Off. 'T is true, my lords, he did. Lear. Did I not, fellow? I have seen the day, with my good biting faulchion I would have made them skip: I am old now, And these same crosses spoil me.-Who are you? Mine eyes are not o' the best:-I'll tell you straight. Kent. If fortune brag of two she lov'd and hated, One of them we behold.

Lear. This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent? Kent. The same; 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. Kent. No, my good lord; I am the very man;--Lear. I'll see that straight.

Kent. That, from your first of difference and de-
Have follow'd
your sad steps.
(cay,
Lear.
You are welcome hither.
Kent. Nor no man else; all 's cheerless, dark, and
deadly.-

Your eldest daughters have fore-done themselves,
And desperately are dead.
Lear.

Ay, so I think.
Alb. He knows not what he says; and vain it is
That we present us to him.
Edg.

Very bootless. Enter an Officer. Off Edmund is dead, my lord. Alb. That 's but a trifle here.You lords, and noble friends, know our intent. What comfort to this great decay may come Shall be applied: For us, we will resign, During the life of this old majesty, To him our absolute power :-You, to your rights; [To Edgar and Kent. With boot, and such addition as your honours 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 Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, [life: And thou no breath at all? Thou It come no more. Never, never, never, never, never!

Pray you undo this button: Thank you, sir.