Act IV, Scene VI — Fields near Dover.
Enter GLOUCESTER, and EDGAR dressed like a peasant.[4233]
Glou. When shall we come to the top of that same hill?[4234]
Edg. You do climb up it now: look, how we labour.[4235]
Glou. Methinks the ground is even.
Edg. Horrible steep.[4236][4237] Hark, do you hear the sea?[4237][4238]
Glou. No, truly.
Edg. Why then your other senses grow imperfect 5 By your eyes' anguish.
Glou. So may it be indeed: Methinks thy voice is alter'd, and thou speak'st[4239] In better phrase and matter than thou didst.[4240]
Edg. You're much deceived: in nothing am I changed[4241] But in my garments.
Glou. Methinks you're better spoken.[4242] 10
Edg. Come on, sir; here's the place: stand still. How fearful[4243] And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low![4244] The crows and choughs that wing the midway air Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade![4245] 15 Methinks he seems no bigger than his head: The fishermen that walk upon the beach[4246] Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark[4247] Diminish'd to her cock; her cock, a buoy[4248] Almost too small for sight: the murmuring surge 20 That on the unnumberd idle pebbles chafes[4249] Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more,[4250] Lest my brain turn and the deficient sight Topple down headlong.
Glou. Set me where you stand.
Edg. Give me your hand: you are now within a foot[4251][4252] 25 Of the extreme verge: for all beneath the moon[4251][4253] Would I not leap upright.[4251][4254]
Glou. Let go my hand. Here, friend, 's another purse; in it a jewel Well worth a poor man's taking: fairies and gods[4255] Prosper it with thee! Go thou farther off;[4256] 30 Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
Edg. Now fare you well good sir.[4257]
Glou. With all my heart.
Edg. Why I do trifle thus with his despair[4258] Is done to cure it.[4258]
Glou. [Kneeling] O you mighty gods![4259] This world I do renounce, and in your sights 35 Shake patiently my great affliction off: If I could bear it longer and not fall To quarrel with your great opposeless wills, My snuff and loathed part of nature should[4260] Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O bless him![4261] 40 Now, fellow, fare thee well. [He falls forward.[4262]
Edg. Gone, sir: farewell.[4263][4264] And yet I know not how conceit may rob[4263][4265][4266] The treasury of life, when life itself[4263][4265][4267] Yields to the theft: had he been where he thought[4263][4265] By this had thought been past. Alive or dead?[4263][4265][4268] 45 Ho, you sir! friend! Hear you, sir! speak![4263][4269] Thus might he pass indeed: yet he revives.[4263][4270] What are you, sir?[4263]
Glou. Away, and let me die.
Edg. Hadst thou been aught but gossamer, feathers, air,[4271] So many fathom down precipitating, 50 Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg: but thou dost breathe;[4272] Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st; art sound.[4273] Ten masts at each make not the altitude[4274] Which thou hast perpendicularly fell:[4275] Thy life's a miracle. Speak yet again. 55
Glou. But have I fall'n, or no?[4276]
Edg. From the dread summit of this chalky bourn.[4277] Look up a-height; the shrill-gorged lark so far[4278] Cannot be seen or heard: do but look up.[4279]
Glou. Alack, I have no eyes. 60 Is wretchedness deprived that benefit, To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort,[4280] When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage And frustrate his proud will.
Edg. Give me your arm:[4281] Up: so. How is't? Feel you your legs? You stand.[4282] 65
Glou. Too well, too well.
Edg. This is above all strangeness. Upon the crown o' the cliff, what thing was that[4283] Which parted from you?
Glou. A poor unfortunate beggar.[4284]
Edg. As I stood here below, methought his eyes[4285] Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses,[4286] 70 Horns whelk'd and waved like the enridged sea:[4287] It was some fiend; therefore, thou happy father, Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours[4288] Of men's impossibilities, have preserved thee.
Glou. I do remember now: henceforth I'll bear 75 Affliction till it do cry out itself 'Enough, enough,' and die. That thing you speak of,[4289] I took it for a man; often 'twould say[4290] 'The fiend, the fiend:' he led me to that place.[4291]
Edg. Bear free and patient thoughts. But who comes here? 80
Enter LEAR, fantastically dressed with wild flowers.[4292]
The safer sense will ne'er accommodate[4293][4294][4295] His master thus.[4294]
Lear. No, they cannot touch me for coining; I am the[4296] king himself.
Edg. O thou side-piercing sight![4297] 85
Lear. Nature's above art in that respect. There's your[4298] press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper:[4299] draw me a clothier's yard. Look, look, a mouse![4299] Peace, peace; this piece of toasted cheese will do 't.[4300] There's my gauntlet; I'll prove it on a giant. Bring up 90 the brown bills. O, well flown, bird! i' the clout, i' the[4301][4302] clout: hewgh! Give the word.[4302][4303]
Edg. Sweet marjoram.
Lear. Pass.
Glou. I know that voice. 95
Lear. Ha! Goneril, with a white beard! They flattered[4304] me like a dog, and told me I had white hairs in my[4305] beard ere the black ones were there. To say 'ay' and 'no' to every thing that I said! 'Ay' and 'no' too was no good[4306] divinity. When the rain came to wet me once and the wind[4307] 100 to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at my bidding; there I found 'em, there I smelt 'em out. Go[4308] to, they are not men o' their words: they told me I was[4309] every thing; 'tis a lie, I am not ague-proof.[4310]
Glou. The trick of that voice I do well remember:[4311] 105 Is't not the king?[4311]
Lear. Ay, every inch a king:[4312][4313] When I do stare, see how the subject quakes.[4312][4314] I pardon that man's life. What was thy cause?[4312][4315][4316] Adultery?[4315][4317][4318] Thou shalt not die: die for adultery! No:[4318][4319] 110 The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly[4318] Does lecher in my sight.[4318][4320] Let copulation thrive; for Gloucester's bastard son[4318] Was kinder to his father than my daughters[4318][4321] Got 'tween the lawful sheets.[4318][4322] 115 To't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers.[4318] Behold yond simpering dame,[4323][4324] Whose face between her forks presages snow,[4323][4325] That minces virtue and does shake the head[4323][4326] To hear of pleasure's name;[4323][4327] 120 The fitchew, nor the soiled horse, goes to't[4323][4328] With a more riotous appetite.[4323][4328][4329] Down from the waist they are Centaurs,[4323][4330] Though women all above:[4323] But to the girdle do the gods inherit,[4323] 125 Beneath is all the fiends';[4331][4332] There's hell, there's darkness, there's the sulphurous pit,[4331][4333] Burning, scalding, stench, consumption; fie, fie, fie! pah,[4334] pah! Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to[4335] sweeten my imagination: there's money for thee.[4335] 130
Glou. O, let me kiss that hand!
Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.[4336]
Glou. O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world[4337] Shall so wear out to nought. Dost thou know me?[4337][4338]
Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou[4339] 135 squiny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; I'll not love.[4340] Read thou this challenge; mark but the penning on't.[4341]
Glou. Were all the letters suns, I could not see one.[4342]
Edg. I would not take this from report: it is,[4343] And my heart breaks at it.[4343] 140
Lear. Read.
Glou. What, with the case of eyes?[4344]
Lear. O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in a[4345][4346] heavy case, your purse in a light: yet you see how this[4345][4347] 145 world goes.[4348]
Glou. I see it feelingly.
Lear. What, art mad? A man may see how this world[4349] goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears: see how yond[4350][4351] justice rails upon yond simple thief. Hark, in thine ear:[4351][4352] 150 change places, and, handy-dandy, which is the justice, which[4353][4354] is the thief? Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a[4353] beggar?
Glou. Ay, sir.[4355]
Lear. And the creature run from the cur? There thou 155 mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed[4356] in office. Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand![4357] Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back;[4357][4358] Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind[4357][4359] 160 For which thou whip'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener.[4357][4360] Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear;[4361][4362] Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold,[4361][4363][4364] And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks;[4361][4364] Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw does pierce it.[4361][4364][4365] 165 None does offend, none, I say, none; I'll able 'em:[4361][4364][4366] Take that of me, my friend, who have the power[4361][4364] To seal the accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes,[4361][4364] And, like a scurvy politician, seem[4361] To see the things thou dost not.[4361] 170 Now, now, now, now: pull off my boots: harder, harder:[4367][4368] so.[4368]
Edg. O, matter and impertinency mix'd![4369][4370] Reason in madness![4369]
Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes.[4371][4372] 175 I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester:[4371] Thou must be patient; we came crying hither:[4371] Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air,[4371][4373] We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee: mark.[4371][4374]
Glou. Alack, alack the day![4371] 180
Lear. When we are born, we cry that we are come[4371] To this great stage of fools. This 's a good block.[4371][4375] It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe[4371][4376] A troop of horse with felt: I'll put 't in proof;[4371][4377] And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law,[4371][4378] 185 Then, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill![4371]
Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants.[4379]
Gent. O, here he is: lay hand upon him. Sir,[4371][4380] Your most dear daughter--[4371][4381]
Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even[4371][4382] The natural fool of fortune. Use me well;[4371] 190 You shall have ransom. Let me have a surgeon;[4371][4383] I am cut to the brains.[4371][4384]
Gent. You shall have any thing.[4371]
Lear. No seconds? all myself?[4371] Why, this would make a man a man of salt,[4371][4385] To use his eyes for garden water-pots,[4371][4386] 195 Ay, and laying autumn's dust.[4371][4387]
Gent. Good sir,--[4371][4387]
Lear. I will die bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What![4371][4387][4388] I will be jovial: come, come; I am a king,[4371][4387] My masters, know you that.[4371][4387] 200
Gent. You are a royal one, and we obey you.[4371]
Lear. Then there's life in't. Nay, if you get it, you[4371][4389][4390] shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa.[4371][4389]
[Exit running; Attendants follow.[4391]
Gent. A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,[4371] Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one daughter,[4371][4392] 205 Who redeems nature from the general curse[4371] Which twain have brought her to.[4371][4393]
Edg. Hail, gentle sir.
Gent. Sir, speed you: what's your will?
Edg. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?[4394]
Gent. Most sure and vulgar: every one hears that,[4395][4396] 210 Which can distinguish sound.[4395][4397]
Edg. But, by your favour,[4398] How near's the other army?[4398][4399]
Gent. Near and on speedy foot; the main descry[4400] Stands on the hourly thought.
Edg. I thank you, sir: that's all.[4401]
Gent. Though that the queen on special cause is here, 215 Her army is moved on.
Edg. I thank you, sir. [Exit Gent.[4402]
Glou. You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;[4403] Let not my worser spirit tempt me again To die before you please!
Edg. Well pray you, father.[4404]
Glou. Now, good sir, what are you? 220
Edg. A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows;[4405] Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,[4406] Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand, I'll lead you to some biding.
Glou. Hearty thanks:[4407] The bounty and the benison of heaven[4407][4408] 225 To boot, and boot![4407]
Enter OSWALD.[4409]
Osw. A proclaim'd prize! Most happy![4410][4411] That eyeless head of thine was first framed flesh[4410][4412] To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor,[4410][4413] Briefly thyself remember: the sword is out[4410] That must destroy thee.[4410]
Glou. Now let thy friendly hand[4410][4414] 230 Put strength enough to't. [Edgar interposes.[4410][4415]
Osw. Wherefore, bold peasant,[4410] Darest thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence![4410][4416] Lest that the infection of his fortune take[4410][4417] Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.[4410]
Edg. Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'casion.[4418] 235
Osw. Let go, slave, or thou diest!
Edg. Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor volk[4419] pass. An chud ha' been zwaggered out of my life, 'twould[4420] not ha' been zo long as 'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not[4421] near th' old man; keep out, che vor ye, or I'se try whether[4422] 240 your costard or my ballow be the harder: chill be plain[4423] with you.
Osw. Out, dunghill! [They fight.[4424]
Edg. Chill pick your teeth, zir: come; no matter vor[4425] your foins. [Oswald falls.[4426] 245
Osw. 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[4427] To Edmund earl of Gloucester; seek him out[4428] Upon the British party. O, untimely death![4428][4429][4430] 250 Death! [Dies.[4430][4431]
Edg. I know thee well: a serviceable villain, As duteous to the vices of thy mistress[4432] As badness would desire.
Glou. What, is he dead?
Edg. Sit you down, father; rest you.[4433][4434][4435] 255 Let's see these pockets: the letters that he speaks of[4433][4434][4436] May be my friends. He's dead; I am only sorry[4433][4437][4438] He had no other deathsman. Let us see:[4433][4437] Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not:[4433][4439][4440] To know our enemies' minds, we'ld rip their hearts;[4440][4441] 260 Their papers, is more lawful.[4442]
[Reads] 'Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You[4443][4444][4445] have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want[4444] not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is[4444] nothing done, if he return the conqueror: then am I[4444][4446] 265 the prisoner, and his bed my gaol; from the loathed[4444][4447] warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your[4444][4448] labour.
'Your--wife, so I would say--affectionate servant,[4449] 'GONERIL.' 270 O undistinguish'd space of woman's will![4450] A plot upon her virtuous husband's life; And the exchange my brother! Here, in the sands,[4451] Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified[4452] Of murderous lechers; and in the mature time[4453] 275 With this ungracious paper strike the sight Of the death-practised duke: for him 'tis well[4454] That of thy death and business I can tell.[4455]
Glou. The king is mad: how stiff is my vile sense,[4456] That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling 280 Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract: So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs,[4457] And woes by wrong imaginations lose[4458] The knowledge of themselves. [Drum afar off.[4459]
Edg. Give me your hand:[284, 285] Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum:[4460] 285 Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. [Exeunt.[4461]
SCENE VII. A tent in the French camp. LEAR on a bed asleep, soft music playing; Gentleman, and others attending.
Enter CORDELIA, KENT, and Doctor.[4462]
Cor. O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work,[4463] To match thy goodness? My life will be too short,[4463][4464] And every measure fail me.[4463]
Kent. To be acknowledged, madam, is o'erpaid.[4465] All my reports go with the modest truth, 5 Nor more nor clipp'd, but so.
Cor. Be better suited:[4466] These weeds are memories of those worser hours:[4466] I prithee, put them off.[4466]
Kent. Pardon me, dear madam;[4467] Yet to be known shortens my made intent:[4468] My boon I make it, that you know me not 10 Till time and I think meet.
Cor. Then be't so, my good lord. [To the Doctor] How does the king?[4469]
Doct. Madam, sleeps still.[4470][4471]
Cor. O you kind gods,[4472][4473] Cure this great breach in his abused nature![4473] 15 The untuned and jarring senses, O, wind up[4474] Of this child-changed father!
Doct. So please your majesty[4470][4475][4476] That we may wake the king: he hath slept long.[4476][4477]
Cor. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed I' the sway of your own will. Is he array'd?[4478] 20
Gent. Ay, madam; in the heaviness of his sleep[4479] We put fresh garments on him.
Doct. Be by, good madam, when we do awake him;[4480] I doubt not of his temperance.[4481]
Cor. Very well.[4482]
Doct. Please you, draw near. Louder the music there![4482] 25
Cor. O my dear father! Restoration hang[4483][4484] Thy medicine on my lips, and let this kiss[4483][4485] Repair those violent harms that my two sisters[4483] Have in thy reverence made![4483]
Kent. Kind and dear princess![4486]
Cor. Had you not been their father, these white flakes[4487] 30 Had challenged pity of them. Was this a face[4488] To be opposed against the warring winds?[4489] To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?[4490][4491] In the most terrible and nimble stroke[4490] Of quick, cross lightning? to watch--poor perdu!--[4490][4492] 35 With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog,[4490][4493][4494][4495] Though he had bit me, should have stood that night[4494] Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father,[4494] To hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn, In short and musty straw? Alack, alack![4496] 40 'Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once[4497] Had not concluded all. He wakes; speak to him.[4498]
Doct. Madam, do you; 'tis fittest.[4499]
Cor. How does my royal lord? How fares your majesty?[4500]
Lear. You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave:[4501] 45 Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears Do scald like molten lead.
Cor. Sir, do you know me?[4502]
Lear. You are a spirit, I know: when did you die?[4503]
Cor. Still, still, far wide! 50
Doct. He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile.[4504]
Lear. Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight?[4504] I am mightily abused. I should e'en die with pity,[4505] To see another thus. I know not what to say.[4506] I will not swear these are my hands: let's see; 55 I feel this pin prick. Would I were assured[4507] Of my condition![4507]
Cor. O, look upon me, sir,[4508][4509] And hold your hands in benediction o'er me.[4508][4510] No, sir, you must not kneel.[4508]
Lear. Pray, do not mock me:[4511] I am a very foolish fond old man, 60 Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;[4512] And, to deal plainly,[4513] I fear I am not in my perfect mind.[4514] Methinks I should know you and know this man; Yet I am doubtful; for I am mainly ignorant[4515] 65 What place this is, and all the skill I have Remembers not these garments, nor I know not[4516] Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me;[4517] For, as I am a man, I think this lady To be my child Cordelia.
Cor. And so I am, I am.[4518] 70
Lear. Be your tears wet? yes, faith. I pray, weep not:[4519] 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:[4520] You have some cause, they have not.[4521]
Cor. No cause, no cause. 75
Lear. Am I in France?
Kent. In your own kingdom, sir.
Lear. Do not abuse me.[4522]
Doct. Be comforted, good madam: the great rage,[4523] You see, is kill'd in him: and yet it is danger[4523][4524][4525][4526] To make him even o'er the time he has lost.[4523][4525][4527] 80 Desire him to go in; trouble him no more[4523][4528] Till further settling.[4523]
Cor. Will't please your highness walk?[4529]
Lear. You must bear with me. Pray you now, forget[4530] and forgive: I am old and foolish.[4530] 85
[Exeunt all but Kent and Gentleman.[4531]
Gent. Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall[4532][4533][4534] was so slain?[4532][4533]
Kent. Most certain, sir.[4532][4533]
Gent. Who is conductor of his people?[4532][4533]
Kent. As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.[4532][4533][4535] 90
Gent. They say Edgar, his banished son, is with the[4532][4533] Earl of Kent in Germany.[4532][4533][4536]
Kent. Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about;[4532][4536][4537] the powers of the kingdom approach apace.[4532][4536][4537]
Gent. The arbitrement is like to be bloody. Fare you[4532][4536][4537][4538] 95 well, sir. [Exit.[4532][4536][4537][4539]
Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought,[4532] Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. [Exit.[4532][4540]
FOOTNOTES:
[3996] The heath.] Capell. An open Country. Rowe.
[3997] Yet] Yes, Collier (Collier MS.)
and known] unknown Collier, ed. 2 (Johnson conj.)
[3998] flatter'd. To be worst,] Pope. flattered to be worst, Qq. flatter'd, to be worst: Ff. flatter'd to be worse. Tyrwhitt conj.
[3999] and] om. Pope.
dejected] deject F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4000] esperance] Ff. experience Qq.
[4001] laughter.] Ff. laughter, Qq.
[4002] Welcome ... blasts.] Omitted in Qq.
[4003] thy] my Rowe.
But ... here?] Ff. Who's here, Qq.
[4004] But ... world!] Divided as in Capell. Two lines, the first ending led? in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4005] Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man.] Qq, after age, line 12. Transferred by Pope to follow blasts, line 9. Enter Glouster, and an Oldman. F₁ F₂, after blasts. Enter Gloster led by an old man. F₃ F₄, after blasts.
[4006] poorly led?] F₃ F₄. poorely led? F₁ F₂. poorely led, Q₁ Q₃. poorlie, leed, Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). parti, eyd, Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).
[4007] hate,] wait Theobald. bate Sewel conj.
[4008] Life would not] Life would ill or Loath should we or Life would not but reluctant Hanmer conj. MS. See note (XVII).
[4009] O, my ...] Prose in Qq. Two lines, the first ending your tenant, in Ff. Three lines, ending lord, ... father's tenant ... years, in Johnson.
[4010] these fourscore years.] this fourescore-- Q₁ Q₃. this forescore-- Q₂.
[4011] Alack, sir,] Qq. om. Ff.
[4012] Our means secure] F₃ F₄. Our meanes secure Qq F₁ F₂. Our mean secures Pope. Our means ensnare Theobald conj. (withdrawn). Meanness secures Hanmer. Our means seduce or Our maims secure Johnson conj. Our means recuse Brae conj. Our wants secure Collier (Collier MS.) Our meanness succours Hunter conj. Our needs secure Singer (ed. 2). Our means secures Arrowsmith conj. Our harms secure Jervis conj.
[4013] Ah] Qq. Oh Ff.
[4014] Who's] whose Q₂.
[4015] [Aside] Johnson.
[4016] I am at the] Qq F₁ F₃ F₄. I am at F₂. I'm at the Pope.
[4017] I am] I'm Pope.
e'er] Rowe. ere Qq Ff.
[4018] So long] As long Qq.
[4019] He] A Q₂.
[4020] I' the] In the Qq.
[4021] Was ... since.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
I have] I've Pope.
[4022] to wanton] F₁ F₂. to th' wanton F₃ F₄. are to'th wanton Q₁ Q₃. are toth' wanton Q₂.
[4023] kill] bit Q₁ Q₃. bitt Q₂. bite Anon. MS. See note (V). hit Delius conj.
[4024] How ... master!] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4025] this] their F₂.
[4026] that must play fool to] F₁. that must play the foole to Qq. that must play to foole F₂. that must play the fool to F₃ F₄. Must play the fool to Pope.
[4027] Angering itself] Anguishing't self Hanmer. Ang'ishing it self Warburton.
[4028] Then ... gone] Qq. (gon Q₂). Get thee away Ff.
[4029] hence] here Qq.
[4030] toward] Q₂ Ff. to Q₁ Q₃.
[4031] this] his Rowe (ed. 2).
[4032] Who] Qq. Which Ff. Whom Pope.
[4033] 'Tis ... blind.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
times'] Capell. times Qq Ff. time's Rowe.
[4034] thee] om. Pope.
[4035] 'parel] 'parrel Rowe. parrell Qq F₁ F₂ F₃. parrel F₄.
[4036] [Exit.] Ff. om. Qq.
[4037] Sirrah,] Sirrah, you Hanmer. Sirrah, thou Keightley.
fellow,--] Capell. fellow. Qq Ff.
[4038] daub it] dance it Qq. dally Hanmer.
further] farther Qq.
[4039] And yet I must.] Omitted in Qq.
And ... bleed.] One line in Capell. Two in Ff.
[4040] Both ... fiend!] Prose in Ff. Three lines in Qq.
[4041] scared] scard Qq. scarr'd F₁ F₂. scar'd F₃ F₄.
[4042] thee, good man's son,] the good man Qq. thee, good man, Pope.
[4043] Five ... master!] As prose by Pope. Five lines in Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[4044] at once] in once Capell (corrected in Errata).
of lust, as Obidicut;] Omitted by Pope. as Obidicut, of lust; S. Walker conj.
Hobbididence] Qq. Hobbididen Pope. Hobbididdance Capell.
[4045] dumbness] darkness Capell (corrected in Errata).
Modo] Mohu Pope.
Flibbertigibbet] Pope. Stiberdigebit Qq. and Flibbertigibbet Theobald.
[4046] mopping and mowing;] Theobald. Mobing, and Mohing Q₁ Q₃. Mobing, & Mohing Q₂ (Mohing in italics in all). _moping, and Mowing_ Pope (Mowing in italics).
[4047] So ... master!] Omitted by Pope.
[4048] heavens'] heaven's Hanmer.
plagues] plagues. Q₂.
[4049] Have ... Makes thee] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4050] and] and the Rowe.
lust-dieted] lust-dieting Capell.
[4051] slaves] Ff. stands Qq. braves Hanmer (Warburton). staves Jackson conj. slights Anon. conj.
[4052] doth] Q₁ Q₃. does Q₂. do's Ff.
[4053] undo] F₃ F₄. undoo F₁. undoe F₂. under Qq.
[4054] fearfully] firmely Q₁ Q₂. firmly Q₃.
in] on Rowe.
[4055] With ... need.] As in Ff. The first line ends me, in Qq.
[4056] I shall] shall I Q₁ Q₃.
leading] lending F₃ F₄.
[4057] Give ... thee.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4058] [Exeunt.] Ff. om. Qq.
[4059] Before....] The Duke of Albany's Palace. Rowe. Before Albany's Palace. Capell. A Courtyard of the Duke of Albany's Palace. Eccles conj.
Enter....] Enter Gonorill and Bastard. Qq. Enter Gonerill, Bastard, and Steward. Ff. Enter Goneril, and Edmund; Steward meeting them. Capell.
[4060] Enter Oswald] Enter Steward. Theobald. Enter Steward. Qq (after master?).
[4061] Madam ... offensive.] Arranged as in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4062] most ... dislike] hee should most desire Qq. hee should most dislike Anon. MS. See note (V).
[4063] [To Edm.] Hanmer.
shall you] thou shalt Jennens.
[4064] terror] Ff. terrer Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). curre Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃.
[4065] Our ... Edmund, to] that our wishes On th' way may prove effects, back, to Hanmer.
[4066] Edmund] Edgar Q₂.
[4067] arms] armes Qq. names Ff.
[4068] ere ... hear] you ere long shall hear Pope.
[4069] venture] Q₂ Ff. venter Q₁ Q₃.
[4070] command] Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2) Ff. coward Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃.
this; spare] Ff. this, spare Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). this spare Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃.
[Giving a favour.] Johnson. Gives him a ring. Hanmer. om. Qq Ff.
[4071] fare thee well] Ff. faryewell Q₁ Q₃. far you well Q₂.
[4072] My ... man!] One line in Keightley.
[4073] [Exit Edmund.] Exit Bastard. Rowe. Exit. Ff (after death). om. Qq.
[4074] O, ... man!] Omitted in Qq, which read My ... due as one line.
O,] om. Seymour conj. In a separate line, S. Walker conj., ending lines 26-28 with Steevens (1793). But O, transposing lines 26, 27. Anon. conj.
difference] strange difference Pope.
[4075] The lines end thee ... fool in Steevens (1793).
[4076] a] Ff Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). om. Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃.
[4077] My fool ... body.] F₃ F₄. My foole usurpes my body. F₁ F₂. My foote ... head. Q₁. My foote ... body. Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). A foole ... bed. Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). My foot ... head. Q₃. My fool ... bed. Malone.
[Exit.] Exit Steward. Qq om. Ff.
Enter Albany.] Ff. Enter the Duke of Albeney. Q₁ Q₃. om. Q₂.
[4078] whistle] whistling Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).
[4079] O ... wind] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4080] rude] om. Q₁ Q₃.
[4081] I fear ... deep.] Omitted in Ff.
[4082] its] Q₃. it Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). ith Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).
[4083] border'd] Pope. bordered Qq. order'd Bailey conj.
[4084] sliver] shiver Pope. silver Jennens (a misprint).
[4085] material] maternal Theobald.
[4086] the text is] tis Pope.
[4087] Filths ... done?] Omitted by Pope.
[4088] Whose ... lick,] Omitted by Pope.
reverence ... bear] reverend head the rugged bear Capell.
even] Q₂. om. Q₁ Q₃.
[4089] benefited] benifited Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). beneflicted Q₁ Q₃. beniflicted Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1).
After this Warburton conjectures that there is an omission of a line or two.
[4090] Send ... come,] Arranged as in Malone. One line in Qq.
[4091] these vile] Jennens. this vild Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). the vilde Q₁ Q₃. the vild Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1).
[4092] It will come,] Omitted by Pope. 'Twill come, Jennens, reading 'Twill ... prey on as one line. 'Twill come, in a separate line, Steevens (1793).
[4093] Humanity ... deep.] Arranged as in Pope. One line in Qq.
[4094] Humanity] Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). Humanly Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃. that humanity Keightley, reading It ... deep as two lines, the first ending perforce.
[4095] bear'st] Ff. bearest Qq.
[4096] Who ... honour] Arranged as in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4097] not] now Grant White.
eye discerning] Rowe. eye-discerning Ff. eie deserving Q₁. eye deserving Q₂ Q₃.
[4098] that ... so?] Arranged as by Theobald. The first three lines end pity ... mischiefe, ... noiselesse, in Q₁ Q₃. They end pitty ... mischiefe, ... land, in Q₂. Omitted in Ff.
[4099] know'st Fools do] know'st, Fools do Theobald, know'st fooles, do Q₁. know'st fools, do Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃. know'st, fools do Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).
[4100] those] Q₂. these Q₁ Q₃.
[4101] noiseless] noystles Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). noyseles Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).
[4102] plumed] a plumed Q₃.
thy state begins to threat] Staunton (Eccles conj.) thy state begins thereat Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). thy slaier begins threats Q₁ Q₃. thy slayer begin threats Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). thy slayer begins his threats Theobald. the slayer begins his threats Hanmer.
[4103] Whiles] Q₁ Q₃. Whil's Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). Whil'st Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).
moral] mortall Q₃.
sit'st ... criest] sit'st ... cry'st Theobald, sits ... cries Qq.
[4104] See ... woman.] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4105] deformity] deformiry Q₁ Q₃.
seems] shewes Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2).
[4106] Thou ... mew] Omitted in Ff.
[4107] changed] Q₂. chang'd Q₁ Q₃.
self-cover'd] self-converted Theobald. self-convict Becket conj. self-govern'd Collier conj. self-discover'd Cartwright conj.
[4108] Were't] Were it Capell.
[4109] Keightley ends the lines feature ... blood ... tear, reading Were it.
[4110] To] As man to Anon. conj.
hands] hands of mine Anon. conj.
blood] boiling blood Theobald. blood's behest Anon. conj.
[4111] They are] They're Theobald.
dislocate] Q₃. dislecate Q₁ Q₂. dissecate Anon. MS. See note (V).
[4112] howe'er] Theobald, how ere Qq.
[4113] manhood mew.] Edd. manhood mew-- Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). man-hood now-- Q₁ Q₃. manhood now-- Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1). manhood now!-- Theobald.
Enter a Messenger.] Ff, after foole, line 61. Enter a Gentleman. Q₁ Q₃. Enter a Gentleman (after news?) Q₂.
[4114] Alb. What news?] Omitted in Ff.
[4115] Mess.] Mes. Ff. Gent. Qq.
[4116] O ... Gloucester.] Arranged as in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4117] thrill'd] Ff. thrald Qq.
[4118] against ... his sword To] _the act, bending aside the sword Of_ Eccles conj.
[4119] thereat enraged] threat-enrag'd F₁.
[4120] fell'd him] fell he Capell conj.
[4121] not] now Warburton (a misprint).
[4122] which ... after.] As in Q₂ Ff. One line in Q₁ Q₃.
[4123] This ... eye?] Arranged as in Ff. Three lines, ending Iustisers (or Iustices) ... venge ... eye? in Qq.
[4124] above, You justicers] Steevens, 1778 (Capell conj.) above you Iustisers Q₂ (Mus. per. and Bodl. 2). above your Iustices Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. imp. and Bodl. 1) Q₃. above You Justices Ff.
[4125] nether] neather Q₁ F₁ Q₃.
[4126] Both ... sister.] As in Ff. Two lines in Qq the first ending speedy in Q₁ Q₃, and answer in Q₂.
[4127] [Aside] Johnson.
[4128] being] she being Keightley.
[4129] in] Ff. on Qq. of Capell conj.
[4130] Upon ... tart] Ff. Upon ... tooke, Qq (in one line).
[4131] [Exit.] Qq. om. Ff.
[4132] Where ... eyes?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[4133] He is] He's Pope.
[4134] on purpose] Qq F₁ F₂. of purpose F₃ F₄.
their] there Q₂.
[4135] Gloucester ... eyes.] Marked as 'Aside' by Johnson.
[4136] Gloucester ... know'st.] Arranged as in Ff. Three lines in Qq, the first two ending love ... eyes; in Q₁ Q₃, and king, ... friend, in Q₂.
[4137] show'dst] shew'dst F₁ F₃ F₄. shewdst F₂. shewedst Qq.
[4138] thine] Ff. thy Qq.
[4139] know'st] F₁ F₃ F₄. knowst F₂. knowest Qq.
[Exeunt.] Ff. Exit. Qq.
[4140] SCENE III.] Pope. The whole of this Scene is omitted in Ff and Rowe. SCENE IV. Eccles, who here inserts SCENE V.
The French....] Steevens. French Camp under Dover. Capell. om. Pope. Dover. Theobald.
[4141] Why ... back] The King of France so suddenly gone back! Pope.
Why ... reason?] Prose in Q₂. Two lines, the first ending backe, in Q₁ Q₃.
[4142] the] Q₁ Q₃. no Q₂.
[4143] Something ... necessary] As in Qq. Four lines, ending state, ... which ... danger, ... necessary. in Pope.
[4144] to] om. Pope.
[4145] personal] om. Pope.
[4146] Who] Whom Warburton.
[4147] Marshal] Mareschal Pope.
La Far] Qq. le Far Pope. le Fer Capell.
[4148] Did ... of grief?] Well; say, sir, did ... of her grief? Capell, reading as two lines of verse. But tell me, did ... of grief? Seymour conj.
[4149] Ay, sir;] I, sir, Theobald. I say Qq.
them ... them] 'em ... 'em Pope.
[4150] Her ... her.] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending passion, in Qq.
[4151] Over] over Q₂. ore Q₁ Q₃.
who] which Pope.
[4152] Not to a rage] Not to rage Q₃. But not to rage Pope.
strove] Pope. streme Qq.
[4153] Who] Which Pope.
[4154] her ... way:] Omitted by Pope.
[4155] like] linked Jackson conj.
a better way:] a better way, Q₁ Q₃. a better way Q₂. a wetter May. Theobald (Warburton). an April day. Heath conj. a better day. Steevens. a better May: Malone. a chequer'd day. Dodd conj. the better day. Becket conj. like; a better way. Singer (Boaden conj.) a bitter May. Lloyd conj. 'em;--a better way. Keightley.
happy] happiest Pope (ed. 2).
smilets] smiles Pope.
[4156] seem'd] Pope, seeme Qq.
[4157] As pearls ... it.] As in Qq. Capell, reading In brief, sir, ends the lines at sorrow ... all ... it. Steevens (1778), omitting sir, follows Capell's arrangement.
[4158] dropp'd] dropping Steevens conj.
[4159] question] quests Hanmer. quest Warburton.
[4160] Faith,] om. Pope, ending line 24 at twice. Yes, Theobald.
[4161] Shame ... father! sisters!] Omitted by Pope.
[4162] In Q₁ Q₃ Kent is printed in italics with full stop.
Kent!... What] Ken. Father Sisters Gen. What Capell.
storm? i' the night] storme ith night Qq. storm of night Pope.
[4163] pity not be believed] pitty not be beleev'd Q₁ Q₃. pitie not be beleeft Q₂. pity ne'er believe it Pope. it not be believed Capell. pity not believe it Jennens.
There] Then Pope.
[4164] And clamour moisten'd:] Capell. And clamour moistened her, Qq. And, clamour-motion'd, Theobald. And clamour motion'd her. Becket conj. And, clamour-moisten'd, Grant White. And clamour-moistened: S. Walker conj. And clamour softend: Cartwright conj. And choler masterd her: Anon. conj.
And ... started] And then retired Pope, reading And ... alone as one line.
[4165] It is the stars,] Omitted by Pope.
[4166] It ... conditions:] Arranged as by Theobald. One line in Qq.
[4167] self mate] self-mate Pope. and mate] Q₁ Q₃. and make Q₂.
[4168] You spoke not] Spoke you Pope.
since?] Q₁ Q₃. since. Q₂.
[4169] Well, sir] om. Pope.
Lear's i' the] Lear's ith Qq. Lears in Pope. Lear is i the Capell. Lear is in Hanmer.
[4170] sometime] Q₁ Q₃. some time Q₂. sometimes Pope.
tune] lune Becket conj.
[4171] What ... daughter.] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Qq.
[4172] so elbows him: his own] so so bows him, his Pope. so bows him: his own Capell. so awes him, his own Seymour conj. soul-bows him: his own Jackson conj. so embows his own Badham conj. sole bars him: his own Bailey conj.
[4173] from his] from her Johnson (1771).
[4174] To ... Cordelia] Arranged as by Johnson. Two lines, the first ending minde, in Qq.
[4175] sting His mind] sting him Pope, ending the lines him ... him ... Cordelia.
[4176] from] From his Pope.
[4177] not?] Q₁ Q₃. not. Q₂.
[4178] so;] so, Pope. so Qq. said Warburton. so deliver'd me: Seymour conj.
afoot] Q₃. afoote Q₁. a foote Q₂.
[4179] Lending ... me.] Arranged as by Steevens (1778). One line in Qq. Two lines, the first ending acquaintance, in Delius.
I ... Along] Pray along Pope, reading Lending ... with me as one line. Pray you, along Capell, reading as one line.
[4180] [Exeunt.] Pope. Exit. Qq.
[4181] SCENE IV.] Pope. Scena Tertia. Ff. SCENE V. Eccles.
The same. A tent.] Capell. A Camp. Rowe. A tent in the Camp at Dover. Steevens (1773).
Enter....] Enter ... Cordelia, Gentlemen, and Souldiours. Ff. Enter Cordelia, Doctor, and others. Qq. Enter Cordelia, Physician, and Soldiers. Pope.
[4182] mad as] made F₃ F₄.
vex'd] vext Ff. vent Qq.
[4183] fumiter] fumiterr Theobald, femiter Qq. Femitar Ff. fumitory Hanmer.
furrow-weeds] farrow weeds Boucher conj.
[4184] bur-docks] Hanmer. hor-docks Qq. Hardokes F₁ F₂. Hardocks F₃ F₄. harlocks Steevens, 1778 (Farmer conj.) charlocks Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LVI. 214). hoar-docks Collier, hediokes Nicholson conj.
nettles] nettle Johnson.
[4185] sustaining corn.] sustaining, Corne, Q₁ Q₃. sustayning, corne, Q₂.
A ... forth;] Send forth a cent'ry: Pope.
century] Q₁ Q₃ F₃ F₄. centurie Q₂. centery F₁ F₂. sen'try Johnson.
send] Ff. is sent Qq.
[4186] And ... worth.] Arranged as by Pope. The lines end wisedome do ... helpe him ... worth in Q₁ Q₃. They end wisdome ... helpe him ... worth in Q₂. They end wisedome ... helpes him ... worth in Ff. Four lines, ending eye ... restoring ... him, ... worth, in Capell.
[4187] our eye] us Seymour conj.
[Exit....] Malone. To an Officer, who goes out. Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[4188] What ... sense?] Do, what man's wisdom can, In ... sense. Boswell conj.
[4189] man's] om. Seymour conj.
[4190] In] do In Q₁ Q₃. do, in Capell.
his] Of his Capell.
[4191] helps] can helpe Qq.
[4192] Doct.] Qq. Gent. Ff.
is] are Rowe.
[4193] lacks: that] F₃ F₄. lackes: that F₁ F₂. lackes, that Q₁ Q₃. lackes that Q₂.
[4194] All ... earth,] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4195] remediate] remediant Johnson.
[4196] distress] distresse Qq. desires F₁ F₂ F₃. desire F₄.
[4197] Enter a Messenger.] Q₁ Ff Q₃. Enter Messenger. Q₂.
[4198] News ... hitherward.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4199] It ... France] Arranged as by Johnson. One line in Qq Ff.
[4200] mourning and] om. Hanmer, reading Therefore ... pitied as one line.
important] Qq. importun'd Ff. importunate Capell.
[4201] incite] Ff. insite Q₁ Q₃. in sight Q₂.
[4202] and our aged] to our dear Johnson (1771).
right] Qq F₃ F₄. Rite F₁ F₂.
[4203] Soon ... him!] om. Seymour conj.
[Exeunt.] Ff. Exit. Qq. om. Jennens.
[4204] SCENE V.] Pope. Scena Quarta Ff. SCENE III. Eccles, who transfers it to follow SCENE II.
Gloucester's castle.] A room in Gloster's Castle. Capell. Regan's Palace. Rowe.
Oswald.] Steward Qq Ff.
[4205] But ... Himself] Marked as one line in Capell MS.
[4206] there] Ff. om. Qq.
Madam,] om. Pope.
[4207] Madam ... soldier.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4208] sister is] Q₂ Ff. sister's Q₁ Q₃.
[4209] lord] Ff. lady Qq.
[4210] letter] letters Q₂.
[4211] serious] Q₂ Ff. a serious Q₁ Q₃.
[4212] Edmund] Ff. and now Qq.
[4213] In ... enemy.] In ... army. Qq, in two lines, the first ending life.
[4214] o' the enemy] o' th' Enemy F₁. oth' Enemy F₂ F₃ F₄. of the Army Q₁ Q₃. at'h army Q₂.
[4215] madam] om. Qq.
letter] Ff. letters Qq.
[4216] troops set] F₃ F₄. troopes set F₁ F₂. troope sets Qq.
[4217] I may ... business.] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4218] Might ... Belike,] Arranged as in Qq. One line in Ff.
[4219] by word? Belike,] Ff. by word, belike Qq. by word? Pope. by word of mouth? Hanmer.
[4220] Something--] Pope. Something, Qq. Some things, Ff.
[4221] I had] Ff. Ide Q₁ Q₃. I'de Q₂.
[4222] I am] I'm Pope.
[4223] gave strange] gave Warburton (in text). gave him Warburton (in note).
œillades] aliads Qq. Eliads F₁. Iliads F₂ F₃ F₄. œiliads Rowe. eylids Anon. MS. See note (V).
[4224] you are] you're Pope.
[4225] madam?] Ff. madam. Qq.
[4226] you are; I know't] Rowe (ed. 2). Y'are: I know't Ff. _for I know't_ Qq. you're; I know't Rowe (ed. 1). you are, I know it Capell.
[4227] this note:] note of this, Grey conj.
[4228] lady's] Rowe. ladies Qq Ff.
[4229] do find] so find Quoted thus by Grey.
[4230] So, fare you well] Ff. so farewell Qq, reading I ... farewell as one line. Omitted by Hanmer.
[4231] him] om. F₁.
should] Ff Q₃. would Q₁ Q₂.
[4232] party] Ff. lady Qq.
[Exeunt.] Ff. Exit. Qq. Exeunt severally. Capell.
[4233] SCENE VI.] Pope. Scena Quinta. Ff.
Fields ...] Capell. The Country. Rowe. The Country, near Dover. Theobald.
Enter] ... Enter Glo'ster, and Edgar as a Peasant. Theobald. Enter Gloucester, and Edgar. Ff. Enter Gloster and Edmund. Qq.
[4234] we] Qq. I Ff.
[4235] up it] Ff. it up Qq.
[4236] Horrible] Horribly Collier MS.
[4237] Horrible ... sea?] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4238] Hark, do you] Hark, hark; do you not Capell.
No, truly.] No truly, not Hanmer.
[4239] alter'd] Ff. altered Qq.
speak'st] speakest Q₂.
[4240] In] Ff. With Qq.
[4241] You're] Rowe. Y'are Q₁ Ff Q₃. Y'ar Q₂.
[4242] Methinks] Sure Pope.
you're] Rowe. y'are Q₁ Ff Q₃. y'ar Q₂. you are Capell.
[4243] Come ... fearful] As in Qq. Two lines, the first ending sir, in Ff.
[4244] dizzy] F₃ F₄. dizy Q₁ F₂ Q₃. dizi Q₂. dizie F₁.
[4245] that] who So quoted by Wordsworth (Preface: Ed. 1815).
samphire] samphier Q₃. sampire Q₁ Q₂ Ff.
[4246] walk] walke Qq. walkd Ff.
beach] Q₂ Ff. beake Q₁ Q₃.
[4247] yond] Ff Q₃. yon Q₁ Q₂.
[4248] a buoy] Ff. a boui Q₂. aboue Q₁. above Q₃.
[4249] pebbles chafes] Pope. peebles chafe Q₁ Q₃. peeble chaffes Q₂. pebble chafes Ff.
[4250] heard ... I'll] F₄. heard ... Ile F₁ F₂. heard ... I'le F₃. heard: it is so hie Ile Q₁. heard, its so hie ile Q₂. heard it is so: hie Ile Q₃.
[4251] Give ... upright.] As in Qq. Three lines, ending hand: ... verge: ... upright,, in Ff.
[4252] you are] you're Pope.
[4253] beneath] below Pope.
[4254] upright] outright Hanmer (Warburton).
[4255] fairies]fairiegs Q₃.
[4256] farther] Qq. further Ff.
[4257] you] Qq. ye Ff.
[Seems to go. Rowe.
[4258] Why I do ... despair Is] Q₂ F₁ F₂, substantially. Why I do ... dispaire, tis Q₁ Q₃. Why do I ... despair, 'Tis F₃ F₄. Why do I ... despair? 'Tis Rowe.
Why ... it.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4259] [Kneeling] He kneels. Qq. om. Ff.
[4260] snuff] snurff Q₂.
[4261] him] Ff. om. Qq.
[4262] [He ...] He falles. Qq. Omitted in Ff. He leaps and falls along. Rowe. Gloster leaps, and falls along. Knight (Jackson conj.), after farewell.
[4263] Gone ... sir?] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4264] Gone, sir:] Gon sir, Qq. Gone sir, F₁. Good sir, F₂ F₃ F₄. Gone, sir? Jennens. Gone, sir. Knight. Go on, sir; Jackson conj. Going, sir, Grant White conj.
[4265] And yet ... past.] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.
[4266] may] my Q₂.
[4267] treasury] treasure F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4268] had thought] thought had Q₁ Q₃.
[4269] Ho, ... speak!] Hoa, you, hear you, friend! Sir! Sir! speak! Theobald. Ho, you sir, you sir, friend! Hear you, sir? Speak: Capell.
friend] om. Qq.
Hear] heare Qq F₁. here F₂ F₃ F₄.
speak] speak, speak Keightley.
[4270] Thus ... revives.] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.
[4271] Hadst ... air,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
gossamer] goss'mer Pope. gosmore Qq. gozemore Ff. gossemeer Capell.
feathers,] feathers and F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4272] Thou'dst] F₁. Thoud'st F₂ F₃ F₄. Thou hadst Qq.
[4273] not;] not? Jennens.
speak'st] F₁ F₂. speakst Q₁ Q₃. speakest Q₂. speak F₃ F₄.
sound.] sound? F₄.
[4274] at each] Qq Ff. at least Rowe. attacht Pope. on end Johnson conj. a-stretch Jennens conj. at reach Steevens conj. at end Jackson conj. at eche Singer (ed. 2). at eke Grant White conj. at length Jervis conj. at lash Anon. conj.
[4275] fell] fallen Rowe.
[4276] no?] no I Q₂.
[4277] summit] Rowe (ed. 2). summet F₂ F₃ F₄. somnet F₁. summons Q₁ Q₃. sommons Q₂.
bourn.] bourn! Pope. bourn F₃ F₄. bourne F₁ F₂. borne, Qq.
[4278] a-height] Hyphened by Warburton.
shrill-gorged] shrill-gorg'd F₁. shrill gorg'd Qq. shrill-gor'd F₂ F₃. shrill gor'd F₄.
[4279] up.] up? Q₂.
[4280] death? 'Twas] death twas Q₂.
[4281] arm:] arme? Q₂.
[4282] How is't? Feel] how feele Qq.
[4283] o' the] o' th' F₁. oth' F₂ F₃ F₄. of the Qq.
cliff, what] cliffe, what Q₁ Q₃. cliffe what Q₂. cliffe. What Ff.
[4284] unfortunate] unfortune F₂.
beggar] bagger Q₂.
[4285] methought] Q₁. me thought Ff Q₃. me thoughts Q₂.
[4286] he had] Ff. a had Qq.
[4287] whelk'd] Hanmer. welkt Q₁ Q₃. welk't Q₂. wealk'd F₁ F₂. walk'd F₃ F₄.
enridged] Qq. enraged Ff.
[4288] clearest] F₃ F₄. cleerest Qq F₁ F₂. clarest Pope.
make them] Ff. made their Qq.
[4289] die] dye (in italics) Capell.
die. That] die that Q₂.
[4290] 'twould] Ff. would he Q₁ Q₃. would it Q₂.
[4291] 'The fiend, the fiend:' he] The fiend, the fiend--he Rowe. The fiend, the fiend, he Q₁ Ff. The fiend the fiend, he Q₂. The fiend, the fiend he Q₃.
[4292] Bear ... here?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
Bear free] F₃ F₄. Beare free F₁ F₂. Bare, free Q₁ Q₃. Bare free Q₂.
Enter Lear ...] Capell. Enter Lear mad. Qq (after thus, line 82). Enter Lear. Ff (after thoughts). Enter Lear, drest madly with Flowers. Theobald (after thoughts).
[4293] SCENE VII. Pope.
[4294] The ... thus.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4295] safer] sober Warburton. saner Johnson conj.
will] would Hanmer.
[4296] coining] coyning Qq. crying Ff.
[4297] side-piercing] Hyphened in Ff.
[4298] Nature's] F₁. Nature is Qq. Natures F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4299] crow-keeper] cow-keeper Rowe (ed. 2).
[4300] piece of] om. Qq.
do't] doo't Ff. do it Qq.
[4301] well flown, bird] well-flown bird Eccles conj.
[4302] bird! i' the clout, i' the clout:] bird: i' th' clout, i' th' clout: Ff (ith' F₂ F₃ F₄). birde in the ayre, Qq (bird Q₂). barb! i' th' clout, i' th' clout: Theobald (Warburton).
[4303] hewgh] Ff. hagh Qq.
[4304] with ... They with a white beard? They Ff. ha Regan, they Qq.
[4305] white] Qq. the white Ff. three white Anon. conj.
[4306] every thing that] Ff. every thing Q₂. all Q₁ Q₃.
said!... too was] saide: I and no too was Q₁ Q₃. saide, I and no toe, was Q₂. said: I, and no too, was Ff. said ay and no to, was Grant White (Anon. apud Pye conj.)
[4307] the wind] wind F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4308] 'em ... 'em] them ... them Qq.
[4309] men] women Upton conj.
o' their] F₁ F₃ F₄. otheir F₂. of their Qq.
[4310] ague-proof] F₄. agu-proofe F₁ F₂. agu-proof F₃. argue-proofe Qq.
[4311] The ... king?] Prose in Qq F₄.
[4312] Ay ... cause?] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4313] every] ever Q₂.
[4314] quakes] quake S. Walker conj.
[4315] I pardon ... Adultery?] What was the cause? Adultery. I pardon that man's life. Eccles conj.
[4316] thy] the Pope.
[4317] Adultery?] om. Seymour conj.
[4318] Adultery?... soldiers.] Arranged as in Johnson. Six lines, ending for adultery?... fly ... thrive: ... father, ... sheets ... souldiers, in Ff. Prose in Qq. Capell ends the lines Adultery.-- ... No: ... fly ... thrive: ... father, ... sheets ... soldiers.
[4319] die: die for] F₃ F₄. dye: dye for F₁ F₂. dye for Q₁. die for Q₂ Q₃.
[4320] Does] do's Ff. do Q₁ Q₃. doe Q₂.
[4321] than] Than were Capell.
[4322] sheets.] sheets, were unto me. Keightley.
[4323] Behold ... inherit,] Arranged as by Johnson. Prose in Qq Ff.
[4324] yond] F₁ F₂. yon Qq F₃. you F₄.
[4325] presages] Ff. presageth Qq.
[4326] minces] mimics Collier (Collier MS.)
does] do's F₁ F₃ F₄. dos F₂. do Qq.
[4327] To hear] heare Qq. hearing Anon. MS. See note (V).
[4328] name; The] name. The Ff. name to Qq.
[4329] soiled] soyled Qq Ff. stalled Warburton. spoiled Daniel conj. soil'd Keightley, reading To hear ... appetite as two lines, the first ending nor.
[4330] waist] waste Q₁ Ff Q₃. wast Q₂.
they are] tha're Q₂. they're Johnson.
[4331] Beneath ... pit,] Arranged as in Globe ed. Prose in Qq Ff. Johnson reads Beneath ... darkness as one line.
[4332] is all] it is all Warburton.
fiends'] Capell. fiends Qq Ff. fiend's Johnson.
[4333] there's the sulphurous] Edd. (Globe ed.) theres the sulphury Qq (ther's Q₂). there is the sulphurous Ff.
[4334] Burning] there's burning Keightley, ending the lines stench, ... me ... apothecary ... there's ... thee.
consumption] Ff. consummation Q₁ Q₃. consumation Q₂.
[4335] Give ... thee.] Prose in Qq Ff. Two lines, the first ending apothecary, in Johnson.
civet, good apothecary, to sweeten] Punctuated as in Qq. Civet; good Apothecary sweeten Ff.
[4336] Let me ... mortality] Two lines in Ff. Here ... mortality. Qq (as one line).
[4337] O ... me?] As in Rowe. Three lines in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4338] Shall] Ff. shold Q₁. should Q₂ Q₃.
nought] naught Qq Ff.
Dost thou] Do'st thou Ff. do you Qq.
[4339] thine] Ff. thy Qq.
[4340] squiny] squint Q₃.
at me] Ff. on me Qq.
[4341] this] Ff. That Qq.
but] Ff. om. Qq.
on't] Q₁ Q₃. oft Q₂. of it Ff.
[4342] the letters] Qq. thy letters Ff.
one] om. F₁ F₂.
[4343] I would ... at it] As in Theobald. Prose in Qq. Two lines, the first ending report, in Ff. Marked as 'Aside' by Hanmer.
[4344] the case] this case Rowe.
[4345] nor no] nor Q₁ Q₃.
[4346] a heavy] heavy F₃ F₄.
[4347] light] light one Keightley.
[4348] goes.] Q₂ Ff. goes? Q₁ Q₃.
[4349] this] Ff. the Qq.
[4350] thine] Ff. thy Qq.
[4351] yond ... yond] Ff. yon ... yon Qq.
[4352] thine] Ff. thy Qq.
[4353] change places, and] Omitted in Qq.
[4354] justice ... thief] theefe ... Iustice Qq.
[4355] Ay,] I Qq F₁ F₂. om. F₃ F₄.
[4356] dog's obeyed] dogge, so bad Q₁ Q₃. dogge, so bade Q₂.
[4357] Thou ... cozener.] Arranged as in Pope. Prose in Qq Ff.
[4358] thine] Qq. thy Ff.
[4359] Thou hotly lust'st] Rowe. thou hotly lusts Ff. thy blood hotly lusts Qq (bloud Q₂).
[4360] cozener] cosioner Q₂.
[4361] Through ... not.] Arranged as in Rowe. Prose in Qq Ff.
[4362] Through] Qq. Thorough Ff.
tatter'd] F₁ F₂. tattered Q₁ Q₃. tottered Q₂. and tatter'd F₃ F₄.
clothes] ragges Q₁ Q₃. raggs Q₂.
small] Q₁ Q₃. smal Q₂. great Ff.
[4363] hide] Ff. hides Qq.
Plate sin] Theobald (ed. 2). Plate sins Pope. Place sinnes F₁ F₂. Place sinns F₃. Place sins F₄.
[4364] Plate ... lips.] Omitted in Qq.
[4365] in rags] with rags Jennens.
a] and Rowe.
does] F₂. do's F₁. doth F₃ F₄.
[4366] offend, none,] offend, Hanmer.
able] absolve Hanmer.
'em] them Capell MS.
[4367] Now, now, now, now] Ff. No, now Q₁ Q₃. no now Q₂.
harder, harder] pull harder, harder Keightley.
[4368] Now ... so.] One line of verse in Pope (ed. 2). Capell reads Pull ... so as one line.
[4369] O ... madness!] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4370] impertinency mix'd!] Impertinency mixt, Ff. impertinency, mixt Q₁. impertinencie mixt Q₂.
[4371] If ... her to. Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4372] fortunes] Ff. fortune Qq.
[4373] know'st] knowest Q₂.
[4374] wawl] wawle Ff. waile Q₁ Q₃. wayl Q₂.
mark.] marke me. Qq. _mark--_Rowe.
[4375] This's a good block.] Edd. This a good blocke. Qq. This a good blocke: F₁ F₂. This a good block: F₃ F₄. This a good block!-- Rowe. This a good flock!-- Johnson conj. This a good block? Steevens (1778). Tis a good block. Ritson conj. This' a good block:-- Dyce (S. Walker conj.) 'Tis a good plot. Collier (Collier MS.)
[4376] shoe] shoo F₁. shooe F₂ F₃ F₄. shoot Qq. suit Anon. conj.
[4377] felt] Ff. fell Qq.
I'll ... proof;] Omitted in Qq.
put't] put it Capell.
[4378] I have] I've Pope.
stol'n] stole Qq.
sons-in-law] sonnes in law Q₁ Q₃. sonne in lawes Q₂. son in lawes F₁. sonnes in lawes F₂. sons in laws F₃. sons-in-laws F₄.
[4379] Enter ... Attendants.] Rowe. Enter three Gentlemen. Qq. Enter a Gentleman. Ff. Enter Gentleman, Attendants of Cordelia; and Guard. Capell.
[4380] SCENE VIII. Pope.
hand] Ff. hands Qq.
him. Sir,] him; sir, Rowe. him sirs. Q₁ Q₃. him sirs, Q₂. him, sir. Ff.
[4381] Your ... daughter--] Ff. Omitted in Q₁ Q₃. your most deere Q₂ (at the end of line 187).
[4382] even] Ff. eene Qq.
[4383] ransom] a ransom Q₁ Q₃.
a surgeon] Capell. a chirurgeon Q₁ Q₃. a churgion Q₂. surgeons Ff.
[4384] to the] Q₂. to 'th Q₁ Q₃. to'th' F₁. toth' F₂. to th' F₃ F₄.
[4385] a man a man] Ff. a man Qq.
[4386] garden] garding Q₃.
[4387] Ay, ... that.] See note (XVIII).
[4388] die] bid Becket conj.
[4389] Then ... sa.] Prose in Qq and Capell. Two lines, the first ending get it, in Ff.
[4390] Nay, if] nay if Q₁ Q₃. nay and Q₂. Come, and Ff. Come, an Pope. Nay, an Capell. Nay, come, an Jennens.
[4391] by] Ff. with Qq.
Sa, sa, sa, sa.] Omitted in Qq.
[Exit ...] Exit, running; Attendants and Guard follow. Capell. Exit King running. Qq. Exit. Ff.
[4392] one] Qq. a Ff.
[4393] have] Ff. hath Qq. had Anon. conj.
[4394] sir,] Ff. om. Qq.
[4395] Most ... sound.] Divided as in Q₂. The first line ends at heares in Q₁ Q₃; at vulgar in Ff.
[4396] one] ones Q₁ Q₃.
hears that] F₃ F₄. heares that F₁ F₂. heares Q₁ Q₃. here's that Q₂.
[4397] Which ... sound] That ... sense Q₁. That ... sence Q₂ Q₃.
[4398] But ... army?] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4399] near's] F₃ F₄. neeres Q₁ F₂ Q₃. neer's Q₂. neere's F₁.
[4400] speedy foot] Ff. speed for't Q₁ Q₃. speed fort Q₂.
descry] Ff. descries Q₁. descryes Q₂. discries Q₃.
[4401] Stands] Standst Q₂.
thought] Ff. thoughts Qq.
that's all] om. Q₁.
[4402] Her] Ff. His Q₁ Q₃. Hir Q₂.
Edg. I ... sir.] Omitted by Pope.
[Exit Gent.] Johnson. Exit. Qq. Exit. Ff (after on).
[4403] ever-gentle] Hyphened by Capell.
[4404] Well pray] Well, pray Q₂ F₄.
[4405] tame to] Ff. lame by Qq.
[4406] known] knowing Hanmer.
[4407] Hearty ... boot!] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4408] bounty] bornet Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
the benison] beniz Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
[4409] To ... boot] Ff. to boot, to boot Q₁ Q₂ (Mus. imp.) Q₃. to saue thee Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2). to boot Pope, reading The bounty ... to boot as one line. To boot Hanmer, reading as a seperate line.
Enter Oswald.] Collier. Enter Steward. Qq Ff.
Act IV, Scene IX — Pope
[4410] A ... arm.] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4411] Most] this is most Hanmer.
happy!] happy; Q₁ Q₃. happy, Q₂. happie F₁. happy: F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4412] first] Omitted in Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
[4413] Thou] om. Pope.
old] Ff. most Qq.
[4414] Now] om. Pope.
[4415] to 't] Qq F₃ F₄. too 't F₁ F₂. to it Johnson.
[Edgar interposes.] Collier. Edgar opposes. Johnson. om. Qq Ff.
[4416] Darest] darst Q₁ Q₃. durst Q₂. Dar'st F₁. Darst F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4417] that] om. Qq.
[4418] Chill ... 'casion.] Two lines in Ff. Capell ends line 234 Ch'ill not.
zir] Ff. sir Qq.
vurther] om. Qq. further Jennens.
'casion] cagion Qq.
[4419] and] om. Qq.]
volk F₃ F₄. volke Q₁ F₁ F₂ Q₃. voke Q₂.
[4420] An] Capell. and Qq Ff.
ha'] Ff. have Qq.
zwaggered] zwaggar'd Q₁ Q₃. swaggar'd Q₂. zwaggerd F₁. zwagged F₂ F₃ F₄.
'twould] it wold Q₁. it would Q₂ Q₃.
[4421] zo] so Q₂.
as 'tis] om. Qq.
vortnight] fortnight Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
[4422] th'] Ff. the Qq.
che vor ye] che vor 'ye Ff. chevore ye Qq.
I'se] ice Ff. ile Qq. iz Capell.
whether] Qq. whither Ff.
[4423] costard] Q₁ Ff Q₃. coster Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2). costerd Q₂ (Mus. imp.)
ballow] Ff. bat Q₁ Q₂ (Mus. imp.) Q₃. battero Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
chill] ile Q₂.
[4424] [They fight.] Qq. om. Ff.
[4425] zir] sir Q₂.
vor] Ff. for Qq.
[4426] [Oswald falls.] Edd. Edgar knocks him down. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[4427] letters] letter Rann (Smith conj.)
[4428] To ... out Upon] Divided as in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4429] Upon the British] Qq. Upon the English Ff. On th' English Hanmer.
[4430] Upon ... death!] Capell arranges as two half-lines.
death! Death!] Edd. death! death. Qq. death, death. Ff. death,-- Pope.
[4431] [Dies.] He dyes. Q₁. He dies. Q₂ Q₃. om. Ff.
[4432] As duteous ... desire.] One line in Q₂.
[4433] Sit ... not:] As in Ff. Four lines, ending pockets, ... friends, deathsman ... not, in Qq.
[4434] you. Lets] Ff. you, lets Q₁ Q₂ (Mus. imp.) Q₃. you lets Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
[4435] [seating him at a Distance. Capell.
[4436] these] Ff. his Qq.
the letters] Ff. These letters Qq. this letter Rann (Smith conj.)
[4437] of May] Ff. of may Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2) Q₃. of, May Q₂ (Mus imp.)
[4438] I am] I'm Pope.
sorry] sorrow Q₂.
[4439] Leave] By your leave Rowe.
manners, blame] manners blame Qq. manners: blame Ff. manners--blame Rowe.
[4440] not: To] Pope. not, To Q₁ Q₃. not To Q₂ Ff.
[4441] we'ld] wee'd Qq. we Ff.
[4442] is] Qq F₁. are F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4443] [Reads] Reads the Letter. Ff. A Letter. Q₁ Q₂ (Mus. imp.) Q₃. om. Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
[4444] Let ... labour.] Prose in Q₂ Ff. Seven lines in italics in Q₁ Q₃.
[4445] our] Ff. your Qq.
[4446] done, if] done, If Q₂. done: If Q₁. done. If Ff. done; If Q₃.
conqueror: then] conqueror. Then Pope, conqueror, then Qq Ff.
[4447] gaol] F₄. gaole F₁. goale F₂. goal F₃. Iayle Q₁ Q₃. gayle Q₂.
[4448] for your] of our F₃ F₄.
[4449] --wife ... say--] Put in parentheses in Ff. _wife (so ... say) & your_ Q₁ Q₃. wife (so ... say) your Q₂.
servant,] servant and for you her owne for Venter, Q₂. servant and for you her owne for Ventering Anon. MS. See note (V). servant, and for you her own foventer Becket conj. servant, and your own for ever Mitford conj. (from Q₁).
[4450] O] Qq. Oh F₁. Of F₂ F₃ F₄.
undistinguish'd] undistinguisht Q₁ Q₃. Indistinguisht Q₂. indinguish'd F₁ F₂ F₃. indistinguish'd F₄. unextinguish'd Collier (Collier MS.) undistinguishable Staunton conj.
undistinguish'd ... will] undisguised scope of woman's will or undisguised scape of woman's wit Singer conj.
space] scope Theobald conj. blaze Collier (Collier MS.) sense Staunton conj. maze Bailey conj.
will Ff. wit Qq.
[4451] in the] i' th' Pope.
[4452] post] most Anon. conj. MS.
[4453] the mature] mature Pope.
[4454] death-practised] Hyphened in Ff.
[4455] thy] Ff. his Q₁ Q₃.
[4456] The king ... sense,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
vile] F₄. vilde Q₁ F₁ F₂ Q₃ F₃. vild Q₂.
[4457] sever'd] Ff. fenced Qq.
[4458] imaginations] imagination Johnson.
[4459] [Drum afar off.] A Drumme afarre off. Q₁ Q₃. A drum a farre off. Q₂. Drum afarre off. Ff (after line 282).
[4460] Give ... drum:] One line in Q₂.
[4461] Come, father] Come further Johnson.
[Exeunt.] Ff. Exit. Qq.
[4462] SCENE VII.] SCENE VI. Rowe. SCENE X. Pope.
A tent ... camp.] Steevens, after Capell. A Chamber. Rowe.
Lear ... asleep,] Steevens, after Capell.
soft music playing,] Dyce.
Gentleman ...] Edd. (Globe ed.) Physician, Gentleman, ... Capell.
Enter ... and Doctor.] Qq. Enter ... and Gentleman. Ff. Enter Cordelia and Kent. Capell.
[4463] O ... me.] Arranged as in Rowe. Three lines, ending Kent, ... goodnesse, ... me, in Q₁ Q₃. Two lines, the first ending goodnes, in Q₂. Five lines, ending Kent, ... worke ... goodnesse?... short, ... me, in Ff.
[4464] My life] Life Pope.
[4465] is] 'tis Eccles conj.
[4466] Be ... off.] Arranged as in Q₁ Ff Q₃. Two lines, the first ending those, in Q₂.
[4467] me] Qq. om. Ff.
[4468] made] laid Warburton. main Collier (Collier MS.)
[4469] Then ... king?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff. Pope ends line 11 at so.
be't] Ff. beet Q₂. be it Q₁ Q₃.
so, my good lord. How] so my good lord: How Ff. so: my lord how Q₁ Q₃. so, my good lord how Q₂. so. My lord, how Pope (ed. 1). _so My lord--how_ Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald).
[To the Doctor] To the Physician. Theobald. om. Qq Ff.
[Going towards the Bed. Capell.
[4470] Doct.] Qq. Gent. Ff.
[4471] sleeps] he sleeps Keightley.
[4472] O you kind] Kind Capell.
[4473] O ... nature] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4474] and jarring] Ff. and hurrying Q₁ Q₂. hurrying Q₃.
[4475] child-changed] Hyphen omitted in Q₂.
So please] Please Pope.
[4476] So ... king:] Divided as in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4477] That] om. Q₁ Q₃.
king: he ... long.] king, He ... long. Q₂. king He ... long. Q₁ Q₃. king, he ... long? Ff. king? he ... long. Hanmer.
[4478] array'd?] arayd, Q₂.]
[Soft music. Grant White.
[Enter Lear in a chaire carried by Servants. Ff. om. Qq.
[4479] Gent.] Ff. Doct. Qq.
his] Qq. om. Ff.
[4480] Doct.] Edd. (Globe ed.) Phy. Capell. Continued to Phy. by Pope. Kent. Q₁ Q₃. Gent. Q₂. Continued to Gent. in Ff.
Be by, good madam] Good madam be by Qq.
[4481] not] Omitted in F₁ F₂.
[4482] Cor. Very well. Doct. Please ... there!] Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[4483] O ... made!] Arranged as in Ff. Four lines, ending father, ... lippes, ... harmes ... made, in Q₁ Q₃. Three lines, ending lips, ... sisters ... made, in Q₂.
[4484] father! Restoration] Pope. father, Restoration Q₁ Q₃. father restoratiō Q₂. father, restauratian F₁. father, restauration F₂ F₃ F₄.
Restoration hang] Restauration, hang Theobald.
[4485] Thy] Her Hanmer.
[4486] dear] dearest Theobald.
[4487] you] he Anon. MS. See note (V).
[4488] Had challenged] Did challenge Ff.
a face] face F₃ F₄.
[4489] opposed] oppos'd Ff. exposd Qq.
warring] Qq. iarring F₁. jarring F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4490] To stand ... helm?] Omitted in Ff.
[4491] dread-bolted] Hyphened by Theobald.
[4492] lightning? to] Pointed as in Theobald. lightning, to Q₁ Q₃. lightning to Q₂.
watch--poor perdu!--] watch, poor perdu! Warburton. _watch poore Per du,_ Qq. watch poor perdue: Theobald. watch pour perdu Pye conj.
[4493] helm? Mine] Pointed as in Q₁ Q₃. helme mine Q₂.
[4494] Mine ... father,] Arranged as in Qq. Three lines, ending me, ... fire, ... father) in Ff. Three, ending shou'd ... fire: ... father, in Pope.
[4495] Mine enemy's] Mine Enemies Ff. Mine iniurious Q₁ Q₂. Mine injurious Q₃. My very enemy's Theobald. Mine injurer's Capell.
dog] dog, even Keightley. furious dog Mitford conj.
[4496] Alack, alack] Alack Hanmer, ending lines 36-42, Mine ... him, at shou'd ... wast ... swine ... straw?... wits, ... wakes, ... him.
[4497] thy] my F₃ F₄.
[4498] concluded all. He] Q₁ Ff Q₃. concluded all, he Q₂. concluded.--Ah! he Warburton.
[4499] Doct.] Qq. Gen. F₁. Gent. F₂ F₃ F₄.
do you;] do you speak, Hanmer.
[4500] How does ... majesty?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[4501] o' the] o' th' F₁. oth' F₂ F₃ F₄. a'th Q₁ Q₃. ath Q₂.
[4502] scald] scal'd F₁.
do you know me?] Ff. know ye me? Q₁ Q₃. know me. Q₂. know you me? Anon. MS. See note (V).
[4503] You are] Ff. Y'are Q₁ Q₃. Yar Q₂.
when] Q₁ Q₃ F₃ F₄. where Q₂ F₁ F₂.
[4504] He's ... daylight?] Two lines in Qq. Four in Ff.
[4505] I am] I'm Pope.
mightily] much Hanmer.
e'en] ene Qq. ev'n F₁ F₂. even F₃ F₄.
[4506] what to say] what Hanmer.
[4507] I feel ... condition] Arranged as in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4508] O ... kneel.] Arranged as in Q₁ Ff Q₃. Prose in Q₂.
[4509] upon] on Hanmer.
[4510] hands] Qq. hand Ff.
[4511] No, sir,] Omitted in Ff.
me] Omitted in Q₂.
[4512] Fourscore ... less;] One line in Knight. Two, the first ending upward, in Ff. Capell ends the lines upward ... plainly, reading with Ff.
Fourscore] Fourscore years Keightley, reading the rest as Qq.
not ... less;] Omitted in Qq, which read Fourscore ... plainly as one line.
[4513] plainly] plainly with you Hanmer, reading the rest as Qq.
[4514] in my perfect] Q₂ Ff. perfect in my Q₁ Q₃.
[4515] for I am] for I'm Pope.
[4516] nor I] nay I Pope.
[4517] not] Q₂ Ff. no Q₁. noe Q₃.
[4518] I am, I am] I am Qq.
[4519] Be ... not:] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending wet? in Ff.
pray] pray you Rowe.
[4520] me] we F₂.
[4521] not] none Hanmer.
[4522] me.] me? Q₂.
[4523] Be ... settling.] Arranged as in Theobald. Prose in Qq. Three lines, ending rage ... go in, ... setling, in Ff.
[4524] kill'd in him] Ff. cured in him Qq. cur'd Hanmer. quell'd in him Collier conj.
[4525] and yet ... lost.] Omitted in Ff.
[4526] it is] Qq. 'tis Steevens. 'twere Theobald.
[4527] make him even o'er] wake him even, o'er Jackson conj.
even] even go Keightley.
[4528] trouble] And trouble Pope, arranging as Ff.
[4529] Will't] Rowe. Wilt Qq Ff.
your] you F₂.
[4530] You ... foolish.] Prose, apparently, in Q₂. Three lines, ending me: ... forgive, ... foolish, in Q₁ Ff Q₃. Two lines, the first ending me: in Capell.
[4531] [Exeunt ... Gentleman.] Exeunt. Manet Kent and Gentleman. Q₁. Exeunt. Manet Kent and Gent. Q₂. Exeunt. Manet Kent and Gentlemen. Q₃. Exeunt. Ff.
[4532] Gent. Holds ... fought. [Exit.] Omitted in Ff.
[4533] Holds ... Germany.] Prose in Qq. Verse, the lines ending sir, ... sir ... said, ... Edgar, ... Kent, in Capell.
[4534] that] om. Capell.
[4535] As 'tis] 'Tis Capell.
[4536] in Germany ... sir.] Prose in Theobald. Four lines, ending changeable ... kingdom ... arbitrement ... sir, in Capell.
[4537] Report ... sir.] Three lines, ending about, ... apace ... sir, in Qq.
[4538] The] And the Capell.
bloody] most bloody Capell. a bloody Steevens (1793), reading The ... a bloody as one line.
[4539] [Exit.] Exit Gent. Theobald. om. Qq.
[4540] battle's] Theobald. battels Qq.
[Exit.] Exit Kent. Theobald. om. Qq.
Act V, Scene I — The British camp near Dover.
Enter, with drum and colours, EDMUND, REGAN, Gentlemen, and Soldiers.[4541]
Edm. Know of the duke if his last purpose hold, Or whether since he is advised by aught To change the course: he's full of alteration[4542] And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure.
[To a Gentleman, who goes out.[4543]
Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. 5
Edm. 'Tis 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,[4544] Do you not love my sister?
Edm. In honour'd love.[4545]
Reg. But have you never found my brother's way[4546] 10 To the forfended place?[4546]
Edm. That thought abuses you.[4546][4547]
Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct[4546][4547][4548] And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.[4546][4547][4548]
Edm. No, by mine honour, madam.[4546][4549]
Reg. I never shall endure her: dear my lord,[4550] 15 Be not familiar with her.[4550]
Edm. Fear me not.--[4551][4552] She and the duke her husband![4551]
Enter, with drum and colours, ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers.[4553]
Gon. [Aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister[4554][4555] Should loosen him and me.[4554][4556]
Alb. Our very loving sister, well be-met.[4557] 20 Sir, this I hear; the king is come to his daughter,[4558] With others whom the rigour of our state Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest,[4559] I never yet was valiant: for this business,[4559][4560] It toucheth us, as France invades our land,[4559] 25 Not bolds the king, with others, whom, I fear,[4559][4561] Most just and heavy causes make oppose.[4559]
Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.[4559][4562]
Reg. Why is this reason'd?
Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy; For these domestic and particular broils[4563] 30 Are not the question here.[4564]
Alb. Let's then determine[4565] With the ancient of war on our proceedings.[4565][4566]
Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent.[4567]
Reg. Sister, you'll go with us?
Gon. No. 35
Reg. 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.[4568]
Gon. [Aside] O, ho, I know the riddle.--I will go.
As they are going out, enter EDGAR disguised.[4569]
Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor,[4570] Hear me one word.
Alb. I'll overtake you. Speak.
[Exeunt all but Albany and Edgar.[4571]
Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. 40 If you have victory, let the trumpet sound For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,[4572] I can produce a champion that will prove What is avouched there. If you miscarry, Your business of the world hath so an end, 45 And machination ceases. Fortune love you![4573]
Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.[4574]
Edg. I was forbid it.[4575] When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,[4575] And I'll appear again.[4575]
Alb. Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper. 50
[Exit Edgar.
Re-enter EDMUND.[4576]
Edm. The enemy's in view: draw up your powers.[4577] Here is the guess of their true strength and forces[4578] By diligent discovery; but your haste[4579][4580] Is now urged on you.[4579]
Alb. We will greet the time. [Exit.[4581]
Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love;[4582] 55 Each jealous of the other, as the stung[4583][4584] Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?[4583] Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,[4583][4585] If both remain alive: to take the widow Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril; 60 And hardly shall I carry out my side,[4586] 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[4587] His speedy taking off. As for the mercy[4588] 65 Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,[4589] The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon; for my state[4590] Stands on me to defend, not to debate. [Exit.
Act V, Scene II — A field between the two camps.
Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, Lear, CORDELIA, and Soldiers, over the stage; and exeunt.
Enter EDGAR and GLOUCESTER.[4591]
Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree[4592] For your good host; pray that the right may thrive: If ever I return to you again,[4593] I'll bring you comfort.[4593]
Glou. Grace go with you, sir! [Exit Edgar.
Alarum and retreat within. Re-enter EDGAR.[4594]
Edg. Away, old man; give me thy hand; away! 5 King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en: Give me thy hand; come on.
Glou. No farther, sir; a man may rot even here.[4595]
Edg. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure[4596] Their going hence, even as their coming hither: 10 Ripeness is all: come on.
Glou. And that's true too. [Exeunt.[4597]
Act V, Scene III — The British camp near Dover.
Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, EDMUND; LEAR and CORDELIA, as prisoners; Captain, Soldiers, &c.[4598]
Edm. Some officers take them away: good guard, Until their greater pleasures first be known[4599] That are to censure them.
Cor. We are not the first[4600][4601] Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst.[4600] For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down;[4600][4602] 5 Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown.[4603] Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison:[4604] We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage: When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down 10 And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live, And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh[4605] At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too,[4606] Who loses and who wins, who's in, who's out;[4607] 15 And take upon's 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[4608] That ebb and flow by the moon.
Edm. Take them away.
Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia, 20 The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?[4609] He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven, And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes;[4610] The good-years shall devour them, flesh and fell,[4611][4612] Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see 'em starve first.[4612][4613] 25 Come. [Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded.[4613][4614]
Edm. Come hither, captain; hark.[4615] Take thou this note: go follow them to prison:[4616] One step I have advanced thee; if thou dost[4617][4618] As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way[4618] 30 To noble fortunes: know thou this, that men[4618] Are as the time is: to be tender-minded[4618][4619] Does not become a sword: thy great employment[4618][4620] Will not bear question; either say thou'lt do 't,[4618][4621] Or thrive by other means.[4618]
Capt. I'll do 't, my lord. 35
Edm. About it; and write happy when thou hast done.[4622] Mark; I say, instantly, and carry it so[4623] As I have set it down.
Capt. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats;[4624] If it be man's work, I'll do't. [Exit.[4624] 40
Flourish. Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, REGAN, another Captain, and Soldiers.[4625]
Alb. Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant strain,[4626] And fortune led you well: you have the captives[4627] That were the opposites of this day's strife:[4628] We do require them of you, so to use them[4629] As we shall find their merits and our safety 45 May equally determine.
Edm. Sir, I thought it fit[4630] To send the old and miserable king[4631][4632] To some retention and appointed guard;[4631][4633] Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,[4634] To pluck the common bosom on his side,[4635] 50 And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes Which do command them. With him I sent the queen:[4636] My reason all the same; and they are ready[4636][4637] To-morrow or at further space to appear[4637][4638] Where you shall hold your session. At this time[4637][4639][4640][4641] 55 We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend;[4640][4641] And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed[4641] By those that feel their sharpness.[4641][4642] The question of Cordelia and her father[4641] Requires a fitter place.[4641]
Alb. Sir, by your patience, 60 I hold you but a subject of this war,[4643] Not as a brother.[4643]
Reg. That's as we list to grace him. Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded,[4644] Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers, Bore the commission of my place and person; 65 The which immediacy may well stand up[4645] And call itself your brother.
Gon. Not so hot:[4646] In his own grace he doth exalt himself[4646] More than in your addition.[4646][4647]
Reg. In my rights,[4648][4649] By me invested, he compeers the best.[4649] 70
Gon. That were the most, if he should husband you.[4650]
Reg. Jesters do oft prove prophets.
Gon. Holla, holla![4651][4652] That eye that told you so look'd but a-squint.[4652][4653]
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:[4654] Witness the world, that I create thee here My lord and master.
Gon. Mean you to enjoy him?[4655]
Alb. The let-alone lies not in your good will.[4656] 80
Edm. Nor in thine, lord.
Alb. Half-blooded fellow, yes.
Reg. [To Edmund] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.[4657]
Alb. Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee[4658] On capital treason; and in thine attaint[4659] This gilded serpent [pointing to Gon.]. For your claim, fair sister,[4660] 85 I bar it in the interest of my wife;[4661] 'Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord,[4662] And I, her husband, contradict your bans.[4663] If you will marry, make your loves to me;[4664] My lady is bespoke.
Gon. An interlude![4665] 90
Alb. Thou art arm'd, Gloucester: let the trumpet sound:[4665][4666] If none appear to prove upon thy person[4667] Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons, There is my pledge [throwing down a glove]: I'll prove it on thy heart,[4668][4669] Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less 95 Than I have here proclaim'd thee.
Reg. Sick, O, sick!
Gon. [Aside] If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine.[4670]
Edm. [Throwing down a glove] There's my exchange: what in the world he is[4668][4671] That names me traitor, villain-like he lies: Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach,[4672] 100 On him, on you,--who not?--I will maintain[4673] My truth and honour firmly.
Alb. A herald, ho!
Edm. A herald, ho, a herald![4674]
Alb. Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,[4675] All levied in my name, have in my name[4676] 105 Took their discharge.[4676][4677]
Reg. My sickness grows upon me.
Alb. She is not well; convey her to my tent.
[Exit Regan, led.
Enter a Herald.[4678]
Come hither, herald,--Let the trumpet sound,--[4679][4680] And read out this.[4679]
Capt. Sound, trumpet! [A trumpet sounds.[4681] 110
Her. [Reads] 'If any man of quality or degree within[4682][4683] the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed[4683] Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him[4684] appear by the third sound of the trumpet: he is bold in[4685] his defence.' 115
Edm. Sound! [First trumpet.[4686]
Her. Again! [Second trumpet.[4687]
Her. Again! [Third trumpet.
[Trumpet answers within.
Enter EDGAR, _at the third sound, armed, with a trumpet before him_.[4688]
Alb. Ask him his purposes, why he appears Upon this call o' the trumpet.
Her. What are you?[4689] 120 Your name, your quality? and why you answer[4689][4690] This present summons?[4689]
Edg. Know, my name is lost;[4691][4692][4693] By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit:[4692][4693] Yet am I noble as the adversary[4692][4694] I come to cope.[4692][4695]
Alb. Which is that adversary? 125
Edg. What's he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
Edm. Himself: what say'st thou to him?
Edg. Draw thy sword, That if my speech offend a noble heart,[4696] Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine.[4696][4697] Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours,[4698] 130 My oath, and my profession: I protest, Maugre thy strength, youth, place and eminence,[4699] Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune,[4700] Thy valour and thy heart, thou art a traitor, False to thy gods, thy brother and thy father,[4701] 135 Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince,[4702] And from the extremest upward of thy head To the descent and dust below thy foot,[4703] A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou 'No,' This sword, this arm and my best spirits are bent[4704][4705] 140 To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak,[4704] Thou liest.[4704]
Edm. In wisdom I should ask thy name,[4706] But since thy outside looks so fair and warlike And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes,[4707] What safe and nicely I might well delay[4708] 145 By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn:[4709] Back do I toss these treasons to thy head;[4710] With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart;[4711] Which for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise,[4712] This sword of mine shall give them instant way, 150 Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!
[Alarums. They fight. Edmund falls.[4713]
Alb. Save him, save him![4714]
Gon. This is practice, Gloucester:[4715][4716] By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer[4715][4717] An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish'd,[4715] But cozen'd and beguiled.[4715]
Alb. Shut your mouth, dame,[4718][4719] 155 Or with this paper shall I stop it. Hold, sir;[4718][4720] Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil.[4718][4721] No tearing, lady; I perceive you know it.[4718][4722]
Gon. Say, if I do, the laws are mine, not thine:[4723] Who can arraign me for't?[4723][4724]
Alb. Most monstrous![4725] 160 Know'st thou this paper?[4725]
Gon. Ask me not what I know. [Exit.[4726]
Alb. Go after her: she's desperate; govern her.[4727]
Edm. What you have charged me with, that have I done;[4728] And more, much more; the time will bring it out: 'Tis past, and so am I. But what art thou[4729] 165 That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble,[4729][4730] I do forgive thee.[4729]
Edg. Let's exchange charity.[4731] I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund; If more, the more thou hast wrong'd me.[4732] My name is Edgar, and thy father's son. 170 The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices[4733] Make instruments to plague us:[4734][4735] The dark and vicious place where thee he got[4734][4736] Cost him his eyes.[4734]
Edm. Thou hast spoken right, 'tis true;[4737][4738] The wheel is come full circle; I am here.[4737][4739] 175
Alb. Methought thy very gait did prophesy[4740] A royal nobleness: I must embrace thee: Let sorrow split my heart, if ever I[4741] Did hate thee or thy father![4741]
Edg. Worthy prince, I know't.[4742]
Alb. Where have you hid yourself?[4743] 180 How have you known the miseries of your father?[4743][4744]
Edg. By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale;[4745] And when 'tis told, O, that my heart would burst![4745][4746] The bloody proclamation to escape[4745][4746] That follow'd me so near,--O, our lives' sweetness![4745][4747] 185 That we the pain of death would hourly die[4745][4748] Rather than die at once!--taught me to shift[4745] Into a madman's rags, to assume a semblance[4745] That very dogs disdain'd: and in this habit[4745][4749] Met I my father with his bleeding rings,[4745] 190 Their precious stones new lost; became his guide,[4750] Led him, begg'd for him, saved him from despair; Never--O fault!--reveal'd myself unto him,[4751] Until some half-hour past, when I was arm'd;[4752] Not sure, though hoping, of this good success, 195 I ask'd his blessing, and from first to last Told him my pilgrimage: but his flaw'd heart,--[4753][4754] Alack, too weak the conflict to support!--[4754] 'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,[4754][4755] Burst smilingly.[4756]
Edm. This speech of yours hath moved me, 200 And shall perchance do good: but speak you on; You look as you had something more to say.
Alb. If there be more, more woful, hold it in;[4757] For I am almost ready to dissolve, Hearing of this.[4758]
Edg. This would have seem'd a period[4759][4760][4761][4762] 205 To such as love not sorrow; but another,[4759][4760][4762][4763][4764] To amplify too much, would make much more,[4759][4760][4762][4764][4765] And top extremity.[4759][4760] Whilst I was big in clamour, came there in a man,[4759][4766] Who, having seen me in my worst estate,[4759][4767] 210 Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding[4759][4768] Who 'twas that so endured, with his strong arms[4759][4769] He fasten'd on my neck, and bellow'd out[4759][4770] As he'ld burst heaven; threw him on my father;[4759][4771] Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him[4759][4772] 215 That ever ear received: which in recounting[4759] His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life[4759][4773] Began to crack: twice then the trumpets sounded,[4759][4774] And there I left him tranced.[4759]
Alb. But who was this?[4759]
Edg. Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise[4759] 220 Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service[4759][4775] Improper for a slave.[4759]
Enter a Gentleman, with a bloody knife.[4776]
Gent. Help, help, O, help![4777][4778]
Edg. What kind of help?[4779]
Alb. Speak, man.
Edg. What means this bloody knife?[4779]
Gent. 'Tis hot, it smokes;[4780][4781] It came even from the heart of--O, she's dead![4781][4782] 225
Alb. Who dead? speak, man.[4783]
Gent. Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister By her is poisoned; she hath confess'd it.[4784]
Edm. I was contracted to them both: all three Now marry in an instant.
Edg. Here comes Kent.[4785] 230
Alb. Produce the bodies, be they alive or dead.
[Exit Gentleman.[4786]
This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble,[4787] Touches us not with pity.
Enter KENT.
O, is this he?[4788][4789] The time will not allow the compliment[4789][4790] Which very manners urges.[4789][4791]
Kent. I am come[4792][4793] 235 To bid my king and master aye good night:[4793] Is he not here?
Alb. Great thing of us forgot![4794][4795][4796] Speak, Edmund, where's the king? and where's Cordelia?[4795] See'st thou this object, Kent?[4795]
[The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in.[4797]
Kent. Alack, why thus?
Edm. Yet Edmund was beloved:[4798] 240 The one the other poison'd for my sake,[4798][4799] And after slew herself.[4798][4800]
Alb. Even so. Cover their faces.[4794]
Edm. I pant for life: some good I mean to do,[4801] Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send,[4801][4802] 245 Be brief in it, to the castle; for my writ[4801][4803] Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia:[4801][4804] Nay, send in time.[4801]
Alb. Run, run, O, run![4794][4805]
Edg. To who, my lord? Who hath the office? send[4806][4807] Thy token of reprieve.[4806] 250
Edm. Well thought on: take my sword,[4808] Give it the captain.[4808]
Alb. Haste thee, for thy life. [Exit Edgar.[4794][4809]
Edm. He hath commission from thy wife and me[4810] To hang Cordelia in the prison, and[4810] To lay the blame upon her own despair,[4810] 255 That she fordid herself.[4810][4811]
Alb. The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile.[4794]
[Edmund is borne off.[4812]
Re-enter LEAR, with CORDELIA dead in his arms; EDGAR, Captain, and others following.
Lear. Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones:[4813] Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever![4814] 260 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,[4815][4816] Why, then she lives.[4815][4817]
Kent. Is this the promised end?
Edg. Or image of that horror?
Alb. Fall and cease.[4794][4818] 265
Lear. This feather stirs; she lives. If it be so,[4819] It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows[4819][4820] That ever I have felt.[4819]
Kent. [Kneeling] O my good master![4821]
Lear. Prithee, away.
Edg. 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
Lear. A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all![4822][4823] 270 I might have saved her; now she's gone for ever![4822] Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha![4822][4824] What is't thou say'st? Her voice was ever soft,[4822][4825] Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.[4822][4826] I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee.[4822] 275
Capt. 'Tis true, my lords, he did.[4827]
Lear. Did I not, fellow?[4828] I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion[4828][4829] I would have made them skip: I am old now,[4828][4830] And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you?[4828] Mine eyes are not o' the best: I'll tell you straight.[4828][4831] 280
Kent. If fortune brag of two she loved and hated,[4832] One of them we behold.[4833]
Lear. This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?[4834]
Kent. The same,[4835] Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius?[4835]
Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that;[4836] 285 He'll strike, and quickly too: he's dead and rotten.[4837]
Kent. No, my good lord; I am the very man--[4838]
Lear. I'll see that straight.
Kent. That from your first of difference and decay[4839] Have follow'd your sad steps.
Lear. You are welcome hither.[4840] 290
Kent. Nor no man else: all's cheerless, dark and deadly.[4841] Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves.[4842] And desperately are dead.
Lear. Ay, so I think.[4843]
Alb. He knows not what he says, and vain is it[4794][4844] That we present us to him.
Edg. Very bootless. 295
Enter a Captain.[4845]
Capt. Edmund is dead, my lord.[4846]
Alb. That's but a trifle here.[4847][4848] You lords and noble friends, know our intent.[4847] What comfort to this great decay may come[4847][4849] Shall be applied: for us, we will resign,[4847] During the life of this old majesty,[4847] 300 To him our absolute power: [To Edgar and Kent] you, to your rights;[4847][4850] With boot, and such addition as your honours[4847][4851] Have more than merited. All friends shall taste[4847][4852] The wages of their virtue, and all foes[4852] The cup of their deservings. O, see, see![4852][4853] 305
Lear. And my poor fool is hang'd! No, no, no life![4854][4855] Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life,[4854][4856] And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,[4854][4857] Never, never, never, never, never![4854][4858] Pray you, undo this button: thank you, sir.[4854][4859][4860] 310 Do you see this? Look on her, look, her lips,[4860][4861] Look there, look there! [Dies.[4860]
Edg. He faints. My lord, my lord![4862]
Kent. Break, heart; I prithee, break!
Edg. Look up, my lord.[4863]
Kent. Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him[4864][4865] That would upon the rack of this tough world[4864][4866] 315 Stretch him out longer.[4864]
Edg. He is gone indeed.[4867]
Kent. The wonder is he hath endured so long: He but usurp'd his life.[4868]
Alb. Bear them from hence. Our present business[4869] Is general woe. [To Kent and Edgar] Friends of my soul, you twain[4870] 320 Rule in this realm and the gored state sustain.[4871]
Kent. I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;[4872] My master calls me, I must not say no.[4872][4873]
Alb. The weight of this sad time we must obey,[4872][4874] Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.[4872] 325 The oldest hath borne most: we that are young[4872][4875] Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
[Exeunt, with a dead march.[4872][4876]
FOOTNOTES:
[4541] The British......] Camp of the British Forces, near Dover. Capell. A Camp. Rowe.
Enter ...] Ff. Enter Edmund, Reagan, and their powers. Qq. Enter Bastard, Regan, Gentlemen, and Soldiers. Rowe. Enter Edmund, Regan, Gentleman and Soldiers. Warburton.
[4542] alteration] Q₁ Q₂ (Mus. imp.) Ff Q₃. abdication Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
[4543] self-reproving] Hyphened in Q₁ Q₃.
self-reproving: bring] self-reproving brings Pope.
[To ...] Edd. (Globe ed.) To an Officer; who bows, and goes out. Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[4544] me, but truly,] me--but truly-- Johnson, me but truly, Q₂ Ff. me truly Q₁ Q₃.
[4545] In] Ff. I Q₁ Q₃. I, Q₂. Ay, in Anon. conj.
[4546] Reg. But ... madam.] Omitted by Johnson.
[4547] Edm. That ... hers.] Omitted in Ff.
[4548] I am ... hers.] As in Q₁ Q₃. Prose in Q₂.
[4549] madam] om. Pope.
[4550] I never ... her.] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending endure her in Q₁ Q₃. Prose in Q₂.
[4551] Fear ... husband!] As in Capell. One line in Qq Ff.
[4552] me] Qq. om. Ff.
[4553] husband!] husband. Qq Ff. husband-- Rowe.
Enter ... and Soldiers.] Enter ... soldiers. Ff. Enter Albany and Gonorill with troopes. Qq (troupes. Q₂. Troops. Q₃).
[4554] Gon. I ... me.] Arranged as in Theobald. Two lines, the first ending battell, in Q₁ Q₃. Prose in Q₂. Omitted in Ff.
[4555] [Aside] First marked by Theobald.
I had] I'd Theobald.
lose] Theobald, loose Q₁ Q₂. loos Q₃.
[4556] loosen] cosin Q₃.
[4557] be-met] be met Q₃.
[4558] Sir, this I hear] Theobald. For this I heare Q₁ Q₂. Sir, this I heard Ff. For this I hear Q₃. 'Fore this, I hear, Malone conj.
[4559] Where ... nobly.] Omitted in Ff.
[4560] for] 'fore Theobald.
[4561] Not ... others] Not the old king with others, or Not holds with the king, and others or Upholds the king and others Mason conj.
bolds] holds Pope. holds to Hanmer. holds for Capell. See note (XIX).
[4562] Edm. Sir, ... nobly.] Omitted by Pope, reading the rest as Qq.
nobly] odly or coldly Mason conj.
[4563] and particular broils] doore particulars, Q₁. dore particulars Q₂. door particulars, Q₃. in-door particulars, Collier conj. (from Q₁). poore particulars, Mitford conj. (from Q₁).
[4564] the] Ff. to Qq.
Let's] Ff. Let us Qq.
[4565] Let's ... proceedings.] Arranged as in Q₁ Q₃. Prose in Q₂. In Ff the first line ends warre.
[4566] the ancient] the Ancient Q₁ Q₃. the auntient Q₂. th' ancient Ff. th' ancients Hanmer. the ancient men S. Walker conj. the argument Anon. conj.
proceedings] Qq. proceeding Ff.
[4567] Edm. I shall ... tent.] Omitted in Ff. Transferred by Theobald to follow here, line 31.
[4568] pray you] Qq. pray Ff.
[4569] O ... riddle.] First marked as 'Aside' by Capell. Hanmer marks the whole line as 'Aside.'
As ... disguised.] Theobald. Exit. Enter Edgar. Q₁. Enter Edgar. Q₂. Exit. Enter Edgare. Q₃. Exeunt both the Armies. Enter Edgar. Ff. Exeunt. SCENE II. Manet Albany. Enter Edgar. Pope. As they are going out, and Albany last, Enter Edgar. Capell.
[4570] had] did Q₃.
man] Q₂ Ff. one Q₁ Q₃.
[4571] [Exeunt ...] Exeunt Edm. Reg. Gon. and Attendants. Theobald. om. Q₁ Ff Q₃. Exeunt. Q₂ (after word).
[4572] wretched] Qq F₁. wretch F₂ F₃ F₄.
though] thoughts Q₃.
[4573] And ... ceases.] Omitted in Qq.
love] Qq. loves Ff.
[4574] I have] I've Pope.
[4575] I was ... again.] Prose in Q₂.
[4576] o'erlook] looke ore Q₁. look ore Q₃.
thy] Ff. the Qq.
[Exit Edgar.] Dyce. Exit. Qq Ff (after again, line 49).
Re-enter ...] Theobald. Enter ... Qq Ff.
[4577] enemy's] enemies Q₂.
[4578] Here] Hard Qq.
guess] quesse Q₂. conquest Anon. MS. See note (V). guise Becket conj.
true] great Qq.
[Showing a Paper. Collier (Collier MS.)
[4579] By ... you.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4580] [giving a paper. Jennens.
[4581] [Exit.] om. Q₁ Q₃.
[4582] SCENE III. Pope.
sisters] sister Q₂.
[4583] Each ... enjoyd.] As in Ff. Three lines, ending adder, ... one ... enjoyd, in Q₁ Q₃. Two lines, the first ending adder, in Q₂.
[4584] stung] Ff. sting Qq.
[4585] Both? one?] Ff. both one Qq.
[4586] side] suite S. Walker conj.
[4587] who] Ff. that Qq.
[4588] the] Ff. his Qq.
[4589] intends] Ff. entends Q₂. extends Q₁ Q₃.
[4590] Shall never] They shall ne'er Hanmer. They shall never Keightley.
[4591] SCENE II.] SCENE IV. Pope.
A field ...] Fields between the camps. Capell. A Field. Rowe. Another open Field. Theobald.
Alarum within. Enter ...] Ff. Alarum. Enter the powers of France over the stage, Cordelia with her Father in her hand. Qq.
[4592] tree] Ff. bush Qq.
[4593] If ... comfort.] One line in Q₂.
[4594] go] be F₃ F₄.
[Exit Edgar.] Pope. Exit. Ff. Exit. Qq (after comfort).
Alarum ...] Ff. Alarum and retreat. Qq.
Re-enter ...] Theobald. Enter ... Qq Ff.
[4595] farther] Qq. further Ff.
[4596] What ... endure] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
again? Men] againe men Q₂.
[4597] all: come] all; come Rowe (ed. 2). all, come F₂ F₃ F₄. all come Qq F₁.
Glou. And ... too.] Omitted in Qq.
[Exeunt.] Ff. Exit. Q₁ Q₃. om. Q₂.
[4598] SCENE III.] SCENE V. Pope. Theobald continues the Scene.
The British ... near ...] Malone. The British ... under ... Capell. A Camp. Rowe.
Enter ... Captain, Soldiers, &c.] Enter ... Souldiers, Captaine. Ff. Enter Edmund, with Lear and Cordelia prisoners. Qq.
[4599] first] Ff. best Qq.
[4600] We ... down;] Two lines, the first ending incurd, in Q₂.
[4601] We are] We're Pope.
[4602] am I] Q₁ Q₂. I am Ff Q₃.
[4603] out-frown] out-face Anon. conj.
[4604] No, no, no, no] Ff. No, no Qq.
[4605] and sing] Q₂ Ff. om. Q₁ Q₃.
[4606] talk] talk'd F₂.
too] to Q₂.
[4607] loses] F₄. looses The rest.
who's ... who's] whose ... whose Qq. whos ... whos F₂.
[4608] sects] sets Johnson conj.
[4609] The ... thee?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[4610] eyes] Qq F₁. eye F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4611] good-years] good yeares F₁. good yeeres F₂. good years F₃ F₄. good Qq. good-jers Theobald. goujeres Hanmer. gougers Bubier conj.
flesh] Ff. fleach Qq.
[4612] fell, Ere ... starve first.] fell: E'er ... weep, ... starve. Seymour conj.
[4613] Ere ... Come.] as in Pope. One line in Q₂. Two, the first ending weepe? in Ff.
weep:] weep; Pope, weepe? Qq Ff. weep, Rowe (ed. 2).
'em] Q₃ F₃ F₄. em Q₁, vm Q₂. e'm F₁ F₂. them Capell.
starve] Qq. starv'd Ff.
[4614] Come.] om. Q₁ Q₃.
[Exeunt ...] Theobald. Exit. Q₁ Ff Q₃. om. Q₂. Ex. Lear and Cordelia. Pope.
[4615] Come hither] Come thou hither Hanmer.
[Whispering. Rowe.
[4616] [Giving a paper. Malone.
[4617] One] Q₁ Q₂ (Mus. imp.) Ff Q₃. And Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
step I] step, I Q₂.
[4618] One ... means.] As in Q₂ Ff. Six lines, ending thee, ... fortunes: ... is; ... sword, ... question, ... meanes, in Q₁ Q₃.
[4619] tender-minded] Hyphened by Rowe (ed. 2).
[4620] thy] my Theobald.
[4621] thou'lt] Ff. thout Qq.
[4622] thou hast] Qq. th' hast F₁ F₂. th'ast F₃ F₄.
[4623] Mark; I] Mark, I Rowe. Marke I Qq Ff.
[4624] Capt. I cannot ... do't.] Omitted in Ff.
[4625] If ... do't] But if it be a man's work, I will do it Keightley.
If it] If't S. Walker conj.
I'll] I will Steevens.
[Exit.] Exit Captaine. Ff. om. Qq.
Flourish.] F₁. om. Qq F₂ F₃ F₄.
Enter....] Enter Albany, Gonerill, Regan, Soldiers. Ff. Enter the Duke, the two Ladies, and others. Qq (Enter Duke Q₂). Enter Albany, Regan, Goneril, Officers, and Attendants. Capell.
[4626] SCENE VI. Pope.
shown] shewne Q₁. showne Q₃. shewed Q₂. shew'd Ff.
[4627] the] them Keightley.
[4628] That] Qq. Who Ff.
[4629] We] Qq. I Ff.
require them] Ff. require then Qq.
[4630] Sir ... fit] I thought fit Pope.
[4631] To send ... retention] As in Q₁ Q₃. One line in Q₂.
[4632] send] saue Q₂.
[4633] and appointed guard] Q₁ Q₂ (Mus. imp.) Q₃. Omitted in Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2) Ff.
[4634] has] Qq. had Ff.
[4635] common bosom] F₄. common bosome F₁ F₂ F₃. common bossome Q₂ (Mus. imp.), common blossomes Q₁ Q₃. coren bossom Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2). common bosoms Pope.
on] Ff. of Qq.
[4636] queen: My reason all] queen My reason, all Q₂.
[4637] My ... session.] Arranged as in Ff. The lines end to morrow, ... hold in Qq.
[4638] further] Q₂ Ff. a further Q₁ Q₃.
[4639] you ... your] we ... our Hanmer.
[4640] session ... time We] Theobald. session at this time: we Q₁ Q₃. session at this time, wee Q₂ (Mus. imp.) session at this time, mee Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
[4641] At ... place.] Arranged as in Theobald. The lines end bleed, ... quarrels ... sharpenesse ... father ... place in Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[4642] sharpness] sharpenesse Q₁ Q₃. sharpnes Q₂ (Mus. imp.), sharpes Q₂ (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2).
[4643] I hold ... brother.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4644] might] Ff. should Qq.
[4645] immediacy] F₂ F₃ F₄. immediacie F₁. immediate Qq.
[4646] Not ... addition.] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending himselfe, in Q₁ Q₃. Prose in Q₂.
[4647] addition] Ff. advancement Qq.
[4648] In ... best.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4649] rights] Ff. right Qq.
[4650] Gon.] Qq. Alb. Ff.
[4651] Holla, holla] F₂ F₃ F₄. Hola, hola Qq F₁.
[4652] Holla ... a-squint.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4653] a-squint] Rowe. a squint Qq Ff.
[4654] Dispose ... thine.] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
the walls are] F₂ F₃ F₄. the walls is F₁. they all are Hanmer (Theobald conj.) thy will is Jennens. the whole is Anon. conj. the laws are] Anon. conj.
[4655] him] Ff. him then Qq.
[4656] let-alone] Hyphened by Capell.
[4657] Reg.] Ff. Bast. Qq.
[To Edmund] Malone. om. Qq Ff. To the Bast. They offer to go out. Hanmer.
thine] Ff. good Qq.
[4658] Stay yet; hear reason.] Stay hear my reason: Hanmer.
[4659] thine attaint] Qq. thy arrest Ff.
[4660] [pointing to Gon.] Johnson.
sister] Qq. sisters Ff.
[4661] bar] Rowe (ed. 2). bare Qq Ff.
[4662] this] Q₂ Ff. her Q₁ Q₃.
[4663] your bans] Malone. your banes Ff. the banes Qq.
[4664] loves] Ff. love Qq.
[4665] Gon. An interlude! Alb.] Omitted in Qq, which read My lady ... Gloster as one line.
[4666] Thou ... sound:] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.
armd] Qq. armed Ff.
let ... sound:] Omitted in Qq.
[4667] person] Ff. head Qq.
[4668] [throwing ...] Malone. om. Qq Ff.
[4669] prove it] Qq. ma ke it F₁. make it F₂ F₃ F₄. mark it Anon. conj. make good Collier MS.
[4670] Gon. [Aside] If ... medicine.] om. Seymour conj.
[Aside] Marked first by Rowe.
medicine] Ff. poyson Qq.
[4671] he is] hes F₁.
[4672] thy] Qq. the Ff.
[4673] who] whom Hanmer.
[4674] Edm. A ... herald!] Omitted in Ff.
[4675] virtue] vertues F₃ F₄.
[4676] All ... discharge.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4677] My] Ff. This Qq.
[4678] [Exit Regan, led.] Theobald. om. Qq Ff. Exit Reg. Rowe.
Enter a Herald.] As in Collier. After firmly, line 102, in Ff. Omitted in Qq. After ho! line 103, in Theobald. After me, line 106, in Capell. After herald! line 103, in Jennens.
[4679] Come ... this.] Divided as in Q₂ Ff. One line in Q₁ Q₃. Pointed as by Capell. herald, let ... sound, Qq Ff.
[4680] trumpet] Trumper F₁.
[4681] Capt. Sound, trumpet!] Omitted in Ff.
[A trumpet sounds.] Ff. om. Qq.
[4682] Her. [Reads] Herald reads. Ff. Her. Qq.
[4683] within the lists] Ff. in the hoast Qq.
[4684] he is] Ff. he's Qq.
[4685] by] Ff. at Qq.
[4686] Edm. Sound!] Capell. Bast. Sound. Q₁ Q₃. Bast. Sound? Q₂. Omitted in Ff. Continued to Herald by Jennens.
[First trumpet.] 1 Trumpet. Ff. om. Qq.
[4687] Her. Again!] Ff. Againe. Q₁ Q₃. Againe? Q₂.
[Second trumpet.] 2 Trumpet. Ff. om. Qq.
[4688] Her. Again!] Ff. om. Qq.
[Third trumpet.] 3 Trumpet. Ff. om. Qq.
[Trumpet answers within.] Ff. om. Qq.
Enter ... him.] Enter Edgar at the third sound, with a trumpet before him. Qq (with om. Q₂). Enter Edgar armed. Ff.
[4689] What ... summons?] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending quality? in Qq.
[4690] your quality] and quality Q₁ Q₃. and qualitie Q₂.
why you] why do you Keightley.
[4691] Know] Ff. O know Qq.
[4692] Know ... cope.] As in Ff. Three lines, ending tooth: ... canker-bit, ... wilh all? in Q₁ Q₃. The lines end tooth ... mou't ... with all, in Q₂.
[4693] lost; By ... tooth] Pointed as in Theobald. lost by treasons tooth: Q₁ Q₃. lost by treasons tooth. Q₂. lost By treasons tooth: Ff.
[4694] Yet am I noble as] Ff. Where is Q₁ Q₃. _yet are I mou't Where is_ Q₂.
[4695] cope.] Ff. cope with all? Q₁ Q₃. cope with all. Q₂.
[4696] That ... arm] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4697] Thy] thine Q₃.
thee] the Q₃.
[4698] the ... honours] Pope. the priviledge of my tongue Qq (tougne Q₃). my priviledge, The priviledge of mine honours Ff.
[4699] youth, place] Qq. place, youth Ff. skill, youth Collier MS.
[4700] Despite] Despight Qq. Despise Ff. Spite of Pope.
victor sword] Capell. victor-sword Ff. victor, sword Qq.
fire-new fortune] Rowe. fire new fortune Ff. fire new fortun'd Qq (fier Q₃).
[4701] thy gods] the gods Q₁ Q₃.
[4702] Conspirant] Ff. Conspicuate Qq. Conspirate Capell. Conspirator Anon. MS. See note (V).
illustrious] illustirous F₁.
[4703] below] Ff. beneath Qq.
foot] F₃ F₄. foote F₁ F₂. feet Qq.
[4704] This ... liest.] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending spirits, in Qq.
[4705] are] Ff. Is Q₁ Q₃. As Q₂.
[4706] should] sholud Q₂.
[4707] tongue] Ff. being Qq.
some say] Qq. (some say) Ff. some 'say Pope. somewhat Anon. MS. See note (V).
[4708] What ... delay] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
well delay] claim, delay, Eccles conj.
[4709] By rule] Ff. By right Qq. My right Anon. MS. See note (V).
[4710] Back ... head;] Ff. Omitted in Q₁ Q₃. Heere do I tosse those treasons to thy head. Q₂.
[4711] With] May Eccles conj.
hell-hated lie] hell hatedly Qq.
o'erwhelm] ore-turn'd Q₁ Q₃. oreturnd Q₂.
[4712] Which ... and scarcely bruise] To which ... scarcely bruising Hanmer.
scarcely] scarely F₁.
[4713] they shall] thou shalt Theobald.
[Alarums. They fight. Edmund falls.] Capell. Alarum. Fight. Bastard falls. Hanmer. Alarums. Fights. Ff (after him! line 152). Omitted in Qq.
[4714] Alb.] Amb. (i.e. Both Ladies) or Lad. Theobald conj.
Alb. Save.... Gon. This] Gon. O, save him, save him; This Theobald. Gon. Save him, O save him; this Hanmer. Gon. Save him, save him; this Jennens.
[4715] This ... beguiled.] Arranged as in Ff. Three lines, ending armes ... opposite, ... beguil'd, in Qq.
[4716] practice] Ff. meere practise Qq. mere practice Jennens.
[4717] arms] armes Qq. warre Ff.
wast] Ff. art Qq.
answer] Ff. answere Q₂. offer Q₁ Q₃.
[4718] Shut ... know it] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4719] Shut] Ff. Stop Qq.
[4720] stop] stople Q₂.
Hold, sir] Ff. om. Qq. Given to 'Gon.' by Jennens.
[To Edg. Capell MS. and Grant White.
[4721] name] Ff. thing Qq.
[4722] No] Ff. Nay, no Q₁ Q₃. nay no Q₂.
No tearing, lady:] No tearing.--Lady, Johnson.
know it] Ff. know't Qq.
[Gives the letter to Edmund. Johnson.
[4723] Say ... for't?] As in Ff. One line in Q₂. Prose in Q₁ Q₃.
[4724] can] Ff. shal Q₁ Q₂. shall Q₃.
for't] for it Q₁ Q₃.
[4725] Most ... paper?] As in Capell. One line in Qq Ff.
Most monstrous! Know'st] Most monstrous knowst Q₂. Monster, knowst Q₁ Q₃. Most monstrous! O, know'st Ff.
[4726] Gon.] Qq. Bast. Ff.
know] do know Hanmer.
[Exit.] Exit Gonorill. Qq. Exit. Ff (after for't? line 160).
[4727] [To an Officer, who goes out after her. Capell.
[4728] SCENE VIII. Pope.
What ... done;] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending with, in Ff.
have I] I have Rowe (ed. 2).
[4729] 'Tis ... thee.] As in Q₂ Ff. Prose in Q₁ Q₃.
[4730] thou'rt] Ff. thou beest Q₁ Q₃. thou bee'st Q₂.
[4731] Let's] Let us Capell.
charity] our charity Pope.
[4732] more, the more] more than thou, the more then Anon. conj.
thou hast] Qq. th' hast Ff.
hast wrong'd] then hast wronged Grant White conj.
[4733] vices] Ff. vertues Q₁ Q₃. vertues. Q₂.
[4734] Make ... eyes.] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending place, in Q₁ Q₃. Two, the first ending vitious, in Q₂.
[4735] plague us] Ff. scourge us Qq. plague and punish us Hanmer. plague us in their time Keightley. scourge us and to plague us Anon. conj.
[4736] thee he] Q₂ Ff. he thee Q₁ Q₃.
[4737] Thou ... here.] Prose in Q₂.
[4738] Thou hast] Qq. Th' hast Ff.
right] Ff. truth Qq.
'tis true] Ff. om. Qq.
[4739] circle] Ff. circkled Q₁. circled Q₂. cirkled Q₃.
[4740] [To Edgar. Jennens.
gait] Johnson. gate Qq Ff.
[4741] Let ... father!] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
ever I Did] Ff. I did ever Qq.
[4742] know't] know it Q₁ Q₃. know it well Hanmer, ending the line prince.
[4743] Where ... known] As one line, S. Walker conj., reading the previous line with Hanmer.
[4744] How have you known] how known, S. Walker conj., reading I know't ... known as one line.
[4745] By ... rings,] Arranged as in Ff. The lines end lord, ... told ... proclamation ... neere, ... death ... once ... rags, ... disdaind: ... rings, in Qq.
[4746] burst! The] burst. The Q₁ Ff Q₃. burst the Q₂.
[4747] follow'd] Ff. followed Q₁ Q₂. followeth Q₃.
[4748] we ... would] Ff. with ... Would Qq. with ... wed Jennens.
hourly die] hourly bear Pope. hourly fly Jervis conj.
[4749] That] The Pope.
[4750] Their] Ff. The Qq.
stones] gems Pope.
lost; became] lost became Q₂.
[4751] O fault!--] (O fault) Ff. (O father) Qq.
[4752] arm'd] armed Q₂.
[4753] my] Qq. our Ff.
his] this F₄.
flaw'd] flawed Q₂.
[4754] heart,--Alack ... support!--'Twixt] heart, Alack ... support 'Twixt S. Walker conj.
[4755] two] too Hanmer
[4756] smilingly] smillingly Q₂.
[4757] be more, more] Q₂ Ff. any] more more Q₁. any more Q₃.
[4758] Hearing of this] As in Ff. At the end of line 204 in Q₂. Omitted in Q₁ Q₃.
[4759] Edg. This ... slave.] Omitted in Ff.
[4760] This ... extremity.] Arranged as by Theobald. Three lines, ending such ... too much, ... extremity in Qq.
[4761] period] pyramid Jackson conj.
[4762] period ... too much,] period. But such, As love to amplify another's sorrow, To much, Warburton.
[4763] but another,] but--another, Steevens (1773), reading to make with Capell. but, another;-- Steevens (1778).
[4764] another, To amplify ... more] another To amplify, would make much more too much Mitford conj.
[4765] too] to Q₃. truth Jackson conj.
too much] Hyphened by Capell.
would make] to make Capell, putting To amplify ... extremity in parentheses.
[4766] came there in] came there Theobald. eagerly came in Seymour conj., ending line 208 at big.
[4767] worst estate] worser state Theobald.
[4768] then] now Theobald.
[4769] that] had Theobald.
[4770] fasten'd] Theobald. fastened Qq.
bellow'd] bellowed Q₂.
[4771] threw him] Theobald. threw me Qq.
[4772] Told the most] Q₂. And told the Q₁ Q₃.
[4773] puissant] piersant S. Walker conj.
[4774] crack: twice] crack.--Twice Theobald. cracke twice, Qq.
trumpets] trumpet Johnson.
[4775] Follow'd] Theobald. Followed Qq.
[4776] Enter ...] Enter one with a bloody knife. Qq. Enter a Gentleman. Ff. Re-enter Officer hastily, with a bloody knife. Capell.
[4777] Gent.] Off. Capell.
[4778] SCENE IX. Pope.
O, help!] Omitted in Qq.
[4779] Edg. What kind ... knife?] Ff. Alb. What kind of helpe? what meanes that bloody knife? Qq. Edg. What means that bloody knife? Capell.
[4780] 'Tis] Ff. Its Q₁ Q₂. It's Q₃.
[4781] 'Tis ... dead!] Arranged as in Capell. One line, ending of--, in Qq. Prose in Ff. Rowe ends the first line heart.
[4782] It came] it came Qq. came Ff.
O, she's dead!] Omitted in Qq.
[4783] Who dead? speak, man.] F₁ F₂ F₃, substantially. Who man? speake. Q₁ Q₃. Who man, speake? Q₂. Who's dead? Speak man. F₄.
[4784] poisoned] poysoned Q₂. poyson'd Q₁ Ff Q₃.
hath confess'd] hath confest Q₂. has confest Q₁ Q₃. confesses Ff.
[4785] Edg. Here comes Kent.] Ff. Edg. Here comes Kent sir. Qq, after pity, line 233.
[4786] the] Ff. their Qq.
alive] live F₃ F₄.
dead.] F₃ F₄. dead; Q₁ Q₃. dead, Q₂. dead; F₁. dead i F₂.
[Exit Gentleman.] Edd. To Atten. Capell MS. Exit Gent. Malone, after pity, line 233. om. Qq Ff.
[4787] judgement] iustice Qq.
tremble,] Qq. tremble. Ff.
[4788] us] om. Q₁ Q₃.
Enter Kent.] Qq. Enter Kent (after Kent, line 230). Ff.
O, is this he?] F₁. Alb. O tis he, Qq. O is this she? F₂ F₃ F₄. O! it is he. Steevens (1793).
[4789] O, ... urges.] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending allow, in Qq.
[4790] [To Kent. Hanmer.
[4791] Which] Ff. that Qq.
urges] urge Rowe.
[4792] I ... night:] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4793] I am] Sir, I am Hanmer.
[4794] Alb.] Duke. Q₂.
[4795] Great ... Kent?] Arranged as in Q₂ Ff. Prose in Q₁ Q₃.
[4796] thing] things Q₁ Q₃.
forgot!] forgot. Q₁ Q₃. Forgot, Q₂ Ff.
[4797] [Pointing to the dead bodies. Hanmer.
[The ... in.] Qq. Transferred by Dyce to follow line 238. Gonerill and Regans bodies brought out. Ff, after line 231.
[4798] Yet ... herself.] As in Q₂ Ff. Prose in Q₁ Q₃.
[4799] poison'd] poysoned Q₂.
[4800] after] om. Q₃.
[4801] I pant ... time.] As in Q₂ Ff. Prose in Q₁ Q₃.
[4802] mine] Ff. my Qq.
[4803] Be brief in it, to the] (Be briefe in it) to' th' Ff. bee briefe, into the Q₁ Q₃. Be briefe, int toth' Q₂.
castle; for my writ] Theobald. castle, for my writ F₁. castle for my writ, Qq. (write, Q₃). chastle for my writ F₂. castle for my writ F₃ F₄.
[4804] Is] Q₂ Ff. tis Q₁. ti's Q₃. It's Anon. MS. See note (V).
and on] and Hanmer.
[4805] O, run!] O run, make haste. Hanmer.
[4806] Divided as in Q₂. The first line ends office? in Q₁ Ff Q₃.
[4807] To who] Qq F₁. To whom F₂ F₃ F₄.
hath] Qq. has Ff.
[4808] Well ... captain.] As in Ff. One line Q₁ Q₃.
sword, Give] sword the captaine, Give Q₂. sword, The captain--give Jennens.
[4809] Alb.] Q₁ Q₃. Duke. Q₂. Edg. Ff.
[Exit Edgar.] Malone. Exeunt Edgar, and Others. Capell. Exit Messenger. Theobald. om. Qq Ff.
[4810] He ... herself.] As in Ff. Prose in Q₁ Q₃. Four lines, ending me, ... lay ... despaire ... her selfe, in Q₂.
[4811] That ... herself.] Omitted in Q₁ Q₃.
[4812] [Edmund ... off.] Theobald om. Qq Ff.
Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Qq Ff.
Lear ...] Lear with Cordelia in his armes. Qq Ff (arms. F₄).
dead] Rowe.
Edgar ... following.] Edgar, and the rest, return. Capell. Edgar, Officer, and Others. Malone.
[4813] SCENE X. Pope.
Howl,] Four times in Qq. Thrice in Ff.
you] Qq F₃ F₄. your F₁ F₂.
stones] stone Pope.
[4814] She's] O, she is Q₁ Q₃.
[4815] If ... lives.] As in Q₂ Ff. One line in Q₁ Q₃.
[4816] or] Q₂ Ff. and Q₁ Q₃.
stone] shine Collier MS. same Singer conj.
[4817] Why, then she] she then Q₁ Q₃.
[4818] Edg. Or ... cease.] Omitted by Pope.
Or ... horror?] Q₁ Q₃. Or ... horror. Q₂ Ff. Or ... horror-- Johnson. O ... horror! Capell. O image of true honour! Jennens.
Fall and cease.] Fair and chaste! Jennens.
[4819] This ... felt.] As in Q₂ Ff. Prose in Q₁ Q₃.
[4820] which] that Q₁ Q₃.
[4821] [Kneeling] Theobald.
O my] A my Qq. Ah! my Jennens.
[4822] A plague ... thee.] As in Q₂ Ff. Prose in Q₁ Q₃.
[4823] you,] your Q₂.
murderers,] Murderors, F₁. murtherers, F₂ F₃ F₄. murdrous Q₁ Q₃. murderous Q₂.
[4824] Ha!] om. Q₁ Q₃.
[4825] say'st] sayst Q₁ sayest Q₂. saist Ff. stay Q₃.
[4826] woman] Ff. women Qq.
[4827] Capt.] Cap. Qq. Gent. Ff. Off. Capell.
[4828] Did ... straight.] As in Ff. Prose in Q₁ Q₃. The lines end day, ... would ... now, ... you?... straight in Q₂.
[4829] I have] Q₂ Ff. I ha Q₁ Q₃. I've Pope.
with my good] Q₂ Ff. that with my Q₁ Q₃.
falchion] fauchion Q₁ Q₃. fauchon Q₂. faulchion Ff.
[4830] them] Qq. him Ff.
[4831] not o' the] not othe Q₂. not o' th' F₁. none o'th Q₁ Q₃. o'th F₂. o' th' F₃ F₄.
[4832] brag] Ff. bragd Qq.
and] Ff. or Qq.
[4833] we] you Jennens.
[4834] This is a dull sight] Ff. Omitted in Qq. This is a dull light Jennens. This sight of mine Is a dull sight Capell, ending line 282 at mine.
This is] This' S. Walker conj., reading lines 282-284 One ... servant Kent as two lines, the first ending sight.
you not] Ff. not you Qq.
[4835] The same, ... Caius?] Arranged as in Capell. One line in Qq. Two, the first ending Kent, in Ff.
[4836] He's a] He's F₂. 'Twas a Theobald.
you] om. Qq.
[4837] He'll] He'd Theobald.
[4838] man--] Pope. man. Qq Ff.
[4839] first] Ff. life Qq.
[4840] Have] Hane F₂.
follow'd] Ff. followed Qq.
steps.] steps-- Rowe.
You are] You'r Q₂. You're ne Nicholson conj.
hither] hether Q₁.
[4841] Nor] 'Twas Pope.
Nor ... deadly.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
else:] Qq Ff. else.-- Delius, reading steps-- in line 290 with Rowe.
all's] als Q₂.
deadly] dead Theobald.
[4842] fordone] fore-done Ff. foredoom'd Q₁ Q₃. foredoome Q₂.
[4843] Ay, so I think.] So I thinke too. Q₁ Q₃. So thinke I to. Q₂.
[4844] says] saies F₁. sayes F₂ F₃ F₄. sees Qq.
is it] Ff. it is Qq.
[4845] Enter....] Enter Captaine. Qq. Enter a Messenger. Ff (after him). Enter an Officer. Capell.
[4846] Capt.] Q₂. Cap. Q₁ Q₃. Mess. F₁. Mes. F₂ F₃ F₄. Off. Capell.
[4847] That's ... merited.] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4848] here] om. Pope.
[4849] great] om. Qq.
[4850] [To Edgar and Kent] Malone. To Edg. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
you, to your] to you, your Pope.
[4851] honours] honor Q₂.
[4852] All ... see!] Arranged as in Pope. The first line ends shall in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4853] O, see, see!] Given to Lear by Hanmer.
[4854] And ... sir.] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[4855] poor fool] poor soul Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LX. 402). pure soot (i.e. sweet) Becket conj.
No, no, no] Ff. no, no Qq.
[4856] have] of Q₂.
[4857] Thou'lt] Ff. O thou wilt Qq.
[4858] Never] Five times in Ff. Thrice in Qq.
Never] No, never Seymour conj.
[4859] you] om. Q₁ Q₃.
[4860] sir. Do ... there!] sir, O, o, o, o, o. Q₁ Q₃. sir, O, o, o, o. Q₂.
[4861] on her,] F₂ F₃ F₄. on her? F₁.
look, her lips,] Johnson. Looke her lips, F₁. Looke on her lips, F₂. look on her lips, F₃ F₄.
[4862] [Dies.] H e dis. F₁ (Capell's copy). He dyes. F₂. He dies. F₃ F₄. om. Qq.
My lord, my lord!] my lord. F₄.
[4863] Kent.] Ff. Lear. Qq.
up,] up Qq F₁. to F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4864] Vex ... longer.] As in Ff. The lines end passe, ... wracke ... longer in Qq.
[4865] hates him] Q₂ Ff. hates him much Q₁ Q₃.
[4866] rack] F₄. wracke Qq F₁ F₂. wrack F₃.
tough] rough Q₃ and Pope. See note (XX).
[4867] He] Ff. O he Qq.
[4868] He ... life.] om. Seymour conj.
[4869] Alb.] Ff. Duke. Qq.
[4870] Is] Ff. Is to Qq.
[To Kent and Edgar] Johnson.
[4871] realm] kingdome Qq.
gored state] gor'd state Ff. good state Q₁. goard state Q₂. good Q₃.
[4872] Kent. I ... long.] om. Jennens conj.
[4873] calls me, I] cals, and I Qq.
[Dyes. F₂. Dies. F₃ F₄. om. Qq F₁.
[4874] Alb.] Pope. Duke. Qq. Edg. Ff.
[4875] hath] Ff. have Qq.
[4876] nor live] live e'er Hanmer.
[Exeunt ... march.] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
NOTES.
NOTE I.
Act I, Scene 1 — The acts and scenes are marked throughout in the Folios, but not in the Quartos
NOTE II.
I. 1. 25, 26. There is a curious example of careless printing here in the third Quarto, which reads:
'Bast. No my Lord.
Glo. My services to your Lordship. unrable friend.
Kent. I must loue you &c.'
NOTE III.
I. 1. 36. 'and tis our fast intent.' 'This,' says Warburton, 'is an interpolation of Mr Lewis Theobald, for want of knowing the meaning of the old reading in the Quarto of 1608, and first folio of 1623; where we find it--and 'tis our FIRST intent, which is as Shakespear wrote it.' Warburton's error was corrected by Johnson.
NOTE IV.
I. 1. 80-84. The reading given in the text is that of the Folios, except as otherwise stated in the foot note. The first Quarto, which is followed, except in the spelling of a word or two, by the rest, has:
'but now our ioy, Although the last, not least in our deere loue, What can you say to win a third, more opulent Then your sisters.'
Pope reads:
'Now our joy, Although our last, not least; to whose young love, The vines of France, and milk of Burgundy, Strive to be int'rest: what say you to draw A third, more opulent than your sisters? speak.'
Capell:
'Now, our joy, Although the last, not least in our dear love, What can you say, to win a third more opulent Than your two sisters?'
Malone first gave the passage exactly as it stands in our text.
NOTE V.
I. 1. 114. This and other anonymous conjectures are found in MS. in an imperfect copy of the second Quarto of 1608, now in the British Museum (C. 34. k. 17). Besides those which we have quoted there are many others made by the MS. corrector which agree either with the other Quartos or with the Folios.
NOTE VI.
I. 1. 220. Hanmer, adopting Rowe's alteration, reads the whole passage thus:
'Sure th' offence Must be of such unnatural degree, As monsters it; or your fore-voucht affection Could not fall into taint; which to believe Of her must be a faith reason without A miracle should never plant in me.'
The next lines he also alters thus:
'Cor. I yet beseech your Majesty, (if so I want that glib and oily art, to speak And purpose not, since what I well intend, I'll do't before I speak) that you make known &c.'
NOTE VII.
I. 4. 225-228. In this passage Rowe followed the Folios. Pope introduced some of the lines of the Quartos, making verse of them thus:
'Lear's shadow? I would learn, for by the marks Of sovereignty, of knowledge, and of reason, I should be false persuaded I had daughters. Your name, fair gentlewoman?'
Theobald and Hanmer followed Pope. So did Warburton, except that in the second line he read 'Of sovereignty of knowledge, &c.' Johnson and Capell followed the Folios. Steevens in his edition of 1773 read as in the text, but in 1778 recurred to the reading of Pope: except that he transferred 'Lear's shadow?' to the end of the previous line, and for 'learn' read 'learn that.' Mr Dyce, in his first edition, arranged lines 225-228 thus:
'Lear. I would learn that; for by the marks of sovereignty, Knowledge, and reason, I should be false persuaded I had daughters.'
In his second edition he reads:
'Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty, Knowledge, and reason, I should be false-persuaded I had daughters.'
Mr Staunton reads 'I would ... reason' as prose, and the next line as verse. He suggests that "possibly the meaning may be restored by simply omitting the comma after sovereignty, 'by the marks of sovereignty knowledge and reason,' i.e. of supreme or sovereign knowledge, &c." But his later conjecture is that for 'Of sovereignty, of knowledge' we should read 'Of sovereignly knowledge.' Mr Keightley, adopting some of the readings of the Quartos, arranges the whole passage as follows:
'Lear. Does any here know me?--Why, this is not Lear. Does Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes? Either his notion weakens, or his discernings Are lethargied.--Sleeping or waking?--Ha! Sure '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 I had daughters.'
Becket proposes:
'Who is it that can tell me who I am? Lear's shadow? I would learn that; for by the marks Of sov'reignty, I should be false persuaded.-- Of knowledge and of reason I had daughters.'
NOTE VIII.
I. 4. 338. In the imperfect copy of Q₂ in the British Museum 'attaskt for' was the original reading, but the first two letters of the word have been erased. In II. 1. 123, 'lest,' the original reading, has been altered to 'best.'
NOTE IX.
II. 1. 76. We take this opportunity of stating that we have not thought it worth while, either in this play or in Hamlet, to notice the few inaccuracies which occur in Steevens's reprints.
NOTE X.
II. 2. 40. Mr Dyce first suggested that 'Part' was intended as a stage-direction.
NOTE XI.
II. 2. 136-142. The first Quarto, followed substantially by the others, reads here:
'His fault is much, and the good King his Master Will checke him for't; your purposd low correction Is such, as basest and temnest wretches for pilfrings And most common trespasses are punisht with, The King must take it ill, that hee's so slightly valued In his Messenger, should haue him thus restrained.'
The Folios have only the following lines:
'The King his Master, needs must take it ill That he so slightly valued in his Messenger, Should haue him thus restrained.'
In the last line the fourth Folio reads 'this' for 'thus.' Rowe followed the Folios. Pope first introduced the lines from the Quartos, and gave the arrangement adopted in our text. In the third and the last lines he introduced readings which we have given in the foot notes. The passage was first given in Capell's edition as it actually stands in our text.
NOTE XII.
II. 2. 163. The first Quarto here reads:
'Of my obscured course, and shall finde time From this enormious state, seeking to giue Losses their remedies, all weary &c.'
The other Quartos differ only in spelling. The first Folio, followed substantially by the rest, has:
'Of my obscured course. And shall finde time From this enormous State, seeking to giue Losses their remedies. All weary &c.'
Rowe reads:
'Of my obscured course. I shall find time For this enormous State, and seek to give Losses their Remedies. All weary &c.'
Pope followed him, but restored 'From' in the second line, and this reading was silently adopted by Theobald and Warburton, and by Hanmer in his margin. Johnson thinks the passage very obscure if not corrupt. Jennens prints it as follows:
[Sidenote: [Reading parts of the letter.]
'Of my obscured course--_and shall find time From this enormous state--seeking to give Losses their remedies_.--All weary &c.'
Steevens (1773) gives as his own conjecture what Jennens had already published.
Singer (ed. 1) read thus:
'Of my obscured course; and shall find time From this enormous state,--seeking,--to give Losses their remedies:--All weary &c.'
Dr Delius adopts nearly the same punctuation:
'Of my obscured course; and shall find time From this enormous state,--seeking to give Losses their remedies--All weary &c.'
He supposes that Kent overcome with drowsiness leaves his sentences unfinished. Mr Bailey (On the Received Text of Shakespeare's Dramatic Writings, &c. II. 91) proposes to read:
'and shall find balm For this enormous state, seeking to give Losses their remedies &c.'
NOTE XIII.
III. 1. 53-55. The first Folio, followed substantially by the rest, reads thus:
'That when we have found the King, in which your pain That way, Ile this: He that first lights on him, Holla the other.'
The Quartos thus:
'That when we have found the King, Ile this way, you that, he that first lights On him, hollow the other.'
Pope:
'That, when we have found the King, (in which you take That way, I this:) he that first lights on him, Hollow the other.'
Hanmer follows Pope, reading however 'for which' instead of 'in which' in the first line. Steevens, in his edition of 1773, reads with the Quartos, adopting the following strange punctuation, and dividing the lines thus:
'That when we have found the King. I'll this way, You that: he that first lights on him, Halloo the other.'
NOTE XIV.
III. 2. 2. Both Capell and Jennens agree in giving 'Your' as the reading of the Quartos in this line for 'You,' but Capell's own copies and all others that we have seen read 'You.'
NOTE XV.
III. 4. 112, 113. In the imperfect copy of the second Quarto in the British Museum, it is impossible to say whether the reading was & the pin-queues or the pin-queues, on account of an erasure by which it is made he pin-queues. Jennens quotes it as the pin-queues, and this is the reading of the copy in the Bodleian Library which we have called 'Bodl. 1.'
NOTE XVI.
III. 6. 101-114. Every editor from Theobald downwards, except Hanmer, has reprinted this speech from the Quartos. In deference to this consensus of authority we have retained it, though, as it seems to us, internal evidence is conclusive against the supposition that the lines were written by Shakespeare.
NOTE XVII.
IV. 1. 12. These conjectures of Hanmer's are derived from a letter of his to Warburton, still unpublished, which is now in the British Museum (Egerton, 1957).
NOTE XVIII.
IV. 6. 196-200. The first Quarto has in this passage:
'... water-pottes, I and laying Autumnes dust.
Gent. Good Sir.
Lear. I will dye brauely like a Bridegroome. What, I will bee iouiall: Come, come, I am a King my masters, know you that?'
The second Quarto omits 'Gent. Good Sir.'
The first Folio has:
'To vse his eyes for Garden water-pots. I wil die brauely, Like a smugge Bridegroome. What? I will be Iouiall: Come, come, I am a King, Masters, know you that?'
The second and following Folios put a full stop at 'King.'
Pope combines the readings of the Folios and second Quarto thus:
'To use his eyes for garden-water-pots, And laying autumn's dust. I will die bravely, Like a smug bridegroom. What? I will be jovial: Come, come, I am a King. My masters know you that?'
He is followed by Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton and Johnson.
Capell altered the last line thus:
'Come, come; I am a king, my masters; Know you that?'
The arrangement adopted in our text is that which Steevens gave in his edition of 1778. Jennens, from whom Steevens borrowed as usual without acknowledgement, had given in 1770 the same arrangement, omitting the word 'smug.' In his edition of 1793 Steevens reads 'Ay and for laying autumn's dust,' making 'Ay ... sir' one line.
Mr Collier prints 'I will die bravely;' in a line by itself, adopting in the former line the arrangement of Steevens, and in what follows that of the Folios. Keightley reads 'Ay, and laying autumn's dust ... bravely' as one line.
NOTE XIX.
V. 1. 26. 'Not bolds the king' is usually interpreted as an elliptical phrase for 'Not as it emboldens the king.' This is however a very harsh construction, and the word 'bolds' occurs nowhere else in Shakespeare with this meaning, though we have, according to the most probable reading, 'dear'd,' for 'endear'd,' in Antony and Cleopatra, I. 4. 44. Possibly these words are corrupt and a line has dropped out before them. Albany ought to say something of this kind: 'I should be ready to resist any mere invader, but the presence in the invader's camp of the king and other Britons, who have just cause of enmity to us, dashes my courage.'
NOTE XX.
V. 3. 315. Capell reads 'rough' in his text, believing that he had the authority of the first Quarto for it; but in his own copy and that of the Duke of Devonshire, the reading is plainly 'tough,' though the 't' is broken.
OTHELLO.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[D].
DUKE OF VENICE. BRABANTIO, a senator. Other Senators. GRATIANO, brother to Brabantio. LODOVICO, kinsman to Brabantio. OTHELLO, a noble Moor in the service of the Venetian state. CASSIO, his lieutenant. IAGO, his ancient. RODERIGO, a Venetian gentleman[E]. MONTANO, Othello's predecessor in the government of Cyprus. Clown, servant to Othello.
DESDEMONA, daughter to Brabantio and wife to Othello. EMILIA, wife to Iago. BIANCA, mistress to Cassio[F].
Sailor, Messenger, Herald, Officers, Gentlemen, Musicians, and Attendants.
SCENE[G]: Venice: a seaport in Cyprus.
[D] DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.] THE NAMES OF THE ACTORS. At the end of the play in F₁ F₂ F₃ (THE ACTORS NAMES. F₂ F₃). THE ACTORS NAMES. Prefixed to the play first in F₄.
[E] RODERIGO....] RODORIGO, a gull'd Gentleman. Ff.
[F] mistress to Cassio.] a Curtezan. Ff.
[G] SCENE:] First given by Rowe.
THE TRAGEDY OF
OTHELLO,
THE MOOR OF VENICE.
Act I, Scene I — Venice. A street.
Enter RODERIGO and IAGO.[4877]
Rod. Tush, never tell me; I take it much unkindly[4878] That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse[4879] As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this.[4880]
Iago. 'Sblood, but you will not hear me:[4881][4882][4883] If ever I did dream of such a matter,[4882][4884] 5 Abhor me.[4882][4884][4885]
Rod. Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate.[4886]
Iago. Despise me, if I do not. Three great ones of the city,[4887][4888][4889] In personal suit to make me his lieutenant,[4888] Off-capp'd to him: and, by the faith of man,[4888][4890] 10 I know my price, I am worth no worse a place:[4888][4891] But he, as loving his own pride and purposes,[4888][4892] Evades them, with a bombast circumstance[4888][4893] Horribly stuff'd with epithets of war;[4888][4894] And, in conclusion,[4888][4895][4896] 15 Nonsuits my mediators; for, 'Certes,' says he,[4896][4897] 'I have already chose my officer.'[4896][4898][4899] And what was he?[4896][4898] Forsooth, a great arithmetician,[4896] One Michael Cassio, a Florentine,[4900] 20 A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife;[4900][4901] That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows More than a spinster; unless the bookish theoric,[4902] Wherein the toged consuls can propose[4903] 25 As masterly as he: mere prattle without practice[4904] Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had the election:[4905] And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus and on other grounds[4906] Christian and heathen, must be be-lee'd and calm'd[4907] 30 By debitor and creditor: this counter-caster,[4908] He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, And I--God bless the mark!--his Moorship's ancient.[4909]
Rod. By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman.
Iago. Why, there's no remedy; 'tis the curse of service,[4910] 35 Preferment goes by letter and affection,[4911] And not by old gradation, where each second[4912] Stood heir to the first. Now, sir, be judge yourself[4913] Whether I in any just term am affined[4914] To love the Moor.
Rod. I would not follow him then. 40
Iago. O, sir, content you; I follow him to serve my turn upon him: We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly follow'd. You shall mark[4915] Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave, 45 That doting on his own obsequious bondage Wears out his time, much like his master's ass, For nought but provender, and when he's old, cashier'd:[4916] Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are[4917] Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty,[4917][4918] 50 Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves,[4917] And throwing but shows of service on their lords[4917] Do well thrive by them, and when they have lined their coats[4919][4920] Do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul,[4919][4921] And such a one do I profess myself.[4922] 55 For, sir,[4923] It is as sure as you are Roderigo, Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago: In following him, I follow but myself; Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,[4924] 60 But seeming so, for my peculiar end:[4924] For when my outward action doth demonstrate[4925] The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, 'tis not long after[4926] But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve 65 For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.[4927]
Rod. What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe,[4928] If he can carry't thus![4929]
Iago. Call up her father,[4930] Rouse him: make after him, poison his delight,[4930] Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen,[4931] 70 And, though he in a fertile climate dwell,[4932] Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy, Yet throw such changes of vexation on't[4933] As it may lose some colour.
Rod. Here is her father's house; I'll call aloud. 75
Iago. Do; with like timorous accent and dire yell[4934] As when, by night and negligence, the fire[4935] Is spied in populous cities.[4936]
Rod. What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho!
Iago. Awake! what, ho, Brabantio! thieves! thieves! thieves![4937] 80 Look to your house, your daughter and your bags![4938] Thieves! thieves![4939]
BRABANTIO appears above, at a window.[4940]
Bra. What is the reason of this terrible summons?[4941] What is the matter there?[4941]
Rod. Signior, is all your family within? 85
Iago. Are your doors lock'd?[4942]
Bra. Why, wherefore ask you this?
Iago. 'Zounds, sir, you're robb'd; for shame, put on your gown;[4943] Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul;[4944] Even now, now, very now, an old black ram[4945] Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise; 90 Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you:[4946] Arise, I say.[4946][4947]
Bra. What, have you lost your wits?
Rod. Most reverend signior, do you know my voice?
Bra. Not I: what are you? 95
Rod. My name is Roderigo.
Bra. The worser welcome:[4948] I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors:[4949] In honest plainness thou hast heard me say My daughter is not for thee; and now, in madness,[4950] Being full of supper and distempering draughts, 100 Upon malicious bravery, dost thou come[4951] To start my quiet.[4952]
Rod. Sir, sir, sir,--[4953]
Bra. But thou must needs be sure My spirit and my place have in them power[4954] To make this bitter to thee.
Rod. Patience, good sir.[4955] 105
Bra. What tell'st thou me of robbing? this is Venice;[4956][4957] My house is not a grange.[4956]
Rod. Most grave Brabantio, In simple and pure soul I come to you.
Iago. 'Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not[4958] serve God, if the devil bid you. Because we come to do 110 you service and you think we are ruffians, you'll have your[4959] daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you'll have your nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers for cousins, and gennets for germans.[4960]
Bra. What profane wretch art thou? 115
Iago. I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter[4961] and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.[4962]
Bra. Thou art a villain.
Iago. You are--a senator.[4963]
Bra. This thou shalt answer; I know thee, Roderigo.[4964]
Rod. Sir, I will answer any thing. But, I beseech you,[4965] 120 If't be your pleasure and most wise consent,[4966] As partly I find it is, that your fair daughter,[4966] At this odd-even and dull watch o' the night,[4966][4967] Transported with no worse nor better guard[4966][4968] But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier,[4966][4969] 125 To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor,--[4966] If this be known to you, and your allowance,[4966][4970] We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs;[4966][4971] But if you know not this, my manners tell me[4966] We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe[4966] 130 That, from the sense of all civility,[4966] I thus would play and trifle with your reverence:[4966] Your daughter, if you have not given her leave,[4966] I say again, hath made a gross revolt,[4966] Tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortunes,[4966][4972] 135 In an extravagant and wheeling stranger[4966][4972][4973] Of here and every where. Straight satisfy yourself:[4966][4974] If she be in her chamber or your house,[4975] Let loose on me the justice of the state For thus deluding you.[4976]
Bra. Strike on the tinder, ho! 140 Give me a taper! call up all my people! This accident is not unlike my dream: Belief of it oppresses me already. Light, I say! light! [Exit above.[4977]
Iago. Farewell; for I must leave you: It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place,[4978] 145 To be produced--as, if I stay, I shall--[4979] Against the Moor: for I do know, the state, However this may gall him with some check,[4980] Cannot with safety cast him; for he's embark'd[4981] With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars,[4982] 150 Which even now stand in act, that, for their souls,[4983] Another of his fathom they have none[4984] To lead their business: in which regard,[4985] Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains,[4986] Yet for necessity of present life, 155 I must show out a flag and sign of love,[4987] Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him,[4987][4988] Lead to the Sagittary the raised search;[4989] And there will I be with him. So farewell. [Exit.
Enter, below, BRABANTIO, in his night-gown, and Servants with torches.
Bra. It is too true an evil: gone she is;[4990] 160 And what's to come of my despised time[4991] Is nought but bitterness. Now, Roderigo,[4992] Where didst thou see her? O unhappy girl! With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a father![4993] How didst thou know 'twas she? O, she deceives me[4994] 165 Past thought! What said she to you? Get more tapers.[4995] Raise all my kindred. Are they married, think you?[4996]
Rod. Truly, I think they are.[4997]
Bra. O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood![4998] Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds 170 By what you see them act. Is there not charms[4999] By which the property of youth and maidhood[5000] May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo, Of some such thing?
Rod. Yes, sir, I have indeed.[5001]
Bra. Call up my brother. O, would you had had her![5002] 175 Some one way, some another. Do you know Where we may apprehend her and the Moor?
Rod. I think I can discover him, if you please To get good guard and go along with me.
Bra. Pray you, lead on. At every house I'll call;[5003] 180 I may command at most. Get weapons, ho! And raise some special officers of night.[5004] On, good Roderigo; I'll deserve your pains. [Exeunt.[5005]
Act I, Scene II — Another street.
Enter OTHELLO, IAGO, and Attendants with torches.[5006]
Iago. Though in the trade of war I have slain men, Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience[5007] To do no contrived murder: I lack iniquity[5008] Sometimes to do me service: nine or ten times[5009] I had thought to have yerk'd him here under the ribs.[5010] 5
Oth. 'Tis better as it is.[5011]
Iago. Nay, but he prated And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms[5012] Against your honour,[8, 9] That, with the little godliness I have,[5013] I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir,[5014] 10 Are you fast married? Be assured of this,[5015] That the magnifico is much beloved, And hath in his effect a voice potential As double as the duke's: he will divorce you,[5016] Or put upon you what restraint and grievance[5017] 15 The law, with all his might to enforce it on,[5018] Will give him cable.[5019]
Oth. Let him do his spite: My services, which I have done the signiory,[5020] Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know-- Which, when I know that boasting is an honour,[5021] 20 I shall promulgate--I fetch my life and being[5022] From men of royal siege, and my demerits[5023] May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune[5024] As this that I have reach'd: for know, Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, 25 I would not my unhoused free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea's worth. But, look! what lights come yond?[5025]
Iago. Those are the raised father and his friends:[5026] You were best go in.
Oth. Not I; I must be found: 30 My parts, my title and my perfect soul,[5027] Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?[5028]
Iago. By Janus, I think no.
Enter CASSIO, and certain Officers with torches.[5029]
Oth. The servants of the duke, and my lieutenant.[5030] The goodness of the night upon you, friends![5031] 35 What is the news?[5032]
Cas. The duke does greet you, general, And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance,[5033] Even on the instant.
Oth. What is the matter, think you?[5034]
Cas. Something from Cyprus, as I may divine; It is a business of some heat: the galleys 40 Have sent a dozen sequent messengers[5035] This very night at one anothers heels;[5036] And many of the consuls, raised and met,[5037] Are at the dukes already: you have been hotly call'd for;[5038] When, being not at your lodging to be found, 45 The senate hath sent about three several quests[5039] To search you out.
Oth. 'Tis well I am found by you. I will but spend a word here in the house,[5040] And go with you. [Exit.[5040][5041]
Cas. Ancient, what makes he here?
Iago. Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carack:[5042] 50 If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever.
Cas. I do not understand.
Iago. He's married.
Cas. To who?
Re-enter OTHELLO.[5043]
Iago. Marry, to--Come, captain, will you go?
Oth. Have with you.[5044]
Cas. Here comes another troop to seek for you.
Iago. It is Brabantio: general, be advised;[5045] 55 He comes to bad intent.
Enter BRABANTIO, RODERIGO, and Officers with torches and weapons.
Oth. Holla! stand there![5046]
Rod. Signior, it is the Moor.
Bra. Down with him, thief!
[They draw on both sides.[5047]
Iago. You, Roderigo! come, sir, I am for you.
Oth. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.[5048][5049] Good signior, you shall more command with years[5048] 60 Than with your weapons.[5048]
Bra. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter?[5050] Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her;[5051] For I'll refer me to all things of sense,[5052] If she in chains of magic were not bound,[5053] 65 Whether a maid so tender, fair and happy, So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd The wealthy curled darlings of our nation,[5054] Would ever have, to incur a general mock,[5055] Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom[5056] 70 Of such a thing as thou, to fear, not to delight.[5057] Judge me the world, if 'tis not gross in sense[5058][5059] That thou hast practised on her with foul charms,[5058] Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals[5058][5060] That weaken motion: I'll have 't disputed on;[5058][5061] 75 'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking.[5058][5062] I therefore apprehend and do attach thee[5058] For an abuser of the world, a practiser[5063] Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.[5064] Lay hold upon him: if he do resist, 80 Subdue him at his peril.
Oth. Hold your hands,[5065] Both you of my inclining and the rest: Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it[5066] Without a prompter. Where will you that I go[5067] To answer this your charge?[5068]
Bra. To prison, till fit time[5069] 85 Of law and course of direct session[5069] Call thee to answer.[5070]
Oth. What if I do obey? How may the duke be therewith satisfied, Whose messengers are here about my side, Upon some present business of the state 90 To bring me to him?[5071]
First Off. 'Tis true, most worthy signior; The duke's in council, and your noble self, I am sure, is sent for.[5072]
Bra. How! the duke in council! In this time of the night! Bring him away:[5073] Mine's not an idle cause: the duke himself, 95 Or any of my brothers of the state, Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own; For if such actions may have passage free, Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. [Exeunt.[5074]