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THE

IISTO

O F

King L E A R:

R A G E D Y:

As it is now A£led at fhe

i.1^ g's Theatre.

Revived with Alterations.

By N. T.A T £.

L 0 N V 0 N :

Printed in the Y S A R, 1729.

fiisoh

rfl l^

TO

My Efteem'd F R i i h d rnOMAS BOTELER.

O U have a natural Right to this "Piece ^ fines by your Advice I attempted the Revival of it zoith Alterations. 'Nothing but the Pozv'r of your Perfuafions, and my Zeal for ali the Remains of Shakefpear, tetH have wrought me to fo bold an Undertaking, I nind that the New-modelling of this Story, wou^d force \e fometimes on the difficult "task of making the chiefeji, \erfons fpeak fomething like their CharaSlers, on Matter 'hereof I had no Ground in my Author. LearV real nd EdgarV pretended Madnefs have fo much of extra va- ant Nature, (I know not how elfe to exprefs it,) as P«V never have farted, but from our Shakefpear'j Crea' 'hig Taney. The Images and Language are fo odd and krprizing, and yet fo agreeable and proper, that whiljf \e grant that none but Shakefpear cou'd have form" dfuch Conceptions ; yet we are fat is fed that they were the only 'hings in the World that ought to be faid on tho/e Occa- ons. I found the Whole to anfwer your Account of it, a leap of Jewels, unftrung, and impolip'd ; yet fo daz- ing in their Diforder, that I focn perceived I had feiz'd \ Treafure. ""Twas my good Fortune to light on one Ex- yient to re£lify what was wanting in the Regular it '^ nd Probability of the Tale, which was to run through he Whole, as Love betwixt Edgar and Cordelia ; that fver chang'd Word with , each other in the Original, 'his renders CordeliaV Indifference, and her Father's 'ajjion in the fir ft Scene, probable. It like wife gives [ountenance to EdgarV Difguife, making that a generous hfign that was before a poor Shift to fave his Life. The >iftrefs of the Story is evidently heightened by it ', and ' particularly gave Qccafion of a new Scene, or Twe, [ more Succef (perhaps) than Merit. This Method ne- A 2 ceffarily

DEDICATION,

ceffarily threw me on iv.nking the Tale coyulude in a Su cefs to the imiocent dejirejl Perfons : Otherzvife I mi have incmnbered the Stage with dead Bodies, tvhi. Co}-du£t makes many Tragedies conclude with unfeafenai jfejis. Yet was I wrack''d with no fmall Fears for fo bo a Change, ""till I found it well receiv'd by my Audienc^ and if this will not fatisfy the Reader, I can produce . j4uthority that queftionlefs will. Neither is it of fo T; vi.il an Undertaking to make a Tragedy end happily, for 'tis more difficult to Mr. Dryd fave than 'tis to kill : the Dagger and Pref to t Cup of Poyfon are always in Readinefs ; Spanifh Fryt but to bring the Aftion to the laft Ex- tremity, and then by probable Means to recover A' will require the Art and Judgment of a Writer, and a him many a Pang in the Performance.

/ have one Thijig more to apologize for, zvhich is th I have us''d lefs ^aintnefs of ExpreJJion even in t neweji Parti of this Play. I confefs, Uzvas Defign me, partly to comply with my Author s Style, to make ti Scenes of a Piece, and partly to give it fome Refemblan of the Time and Perfons here reprefented. This, Sir, fubmit zvholly to you, who are both a Judge and Maji of Style. Nature had exempted you before you we, ' Abroad frofn the Morofe Suturnine Humour of our Cou try, and you brought Home theRefinednefs ofTraveJ^wit out the AffeSlation. Majiy Faults I fee in the followi,. Pages, and queftion not but you will dif cover more ; y I zuill prefume fofar on your Friendjhip, as to make tl Whole a Prefent to you, arid Subfcribe my felf.

Your obliged Friend and humble Servant,

A^. TaU

PRO

PROLOGUE.

SINCE hy Mi flakes your hefi Delights are rnadel {For e'en your Wives canpleafe in Mafquerade^ ^Tvcere worth our While toave drawn you in this LSy a nevD Name to our old hone ft Play ; (D^y

But he that did this Evening^ s Treat prepare "y Bluntly refolv'd before' hand to declare ^

Tour Entertainment jhould be mo ft old Fare. ^ Tet hopesyfince in rich Shakefpear'j Soil it gretQ^ Twill rehjljyety with thofe whofe Tafts are true^^ And his Ambition is to pleafe a Few. jf

If then this Heap of Flowers Jliall chance to wear Frep} Beauty in the Order they now beary Even this Shake fpear'j Fraife ; each RufticJk knows ^Morigji plenteous Flowrs a Garland to compofe. Which ft rung by this cozirfe Hand may fairer fhowl But "'twas a Power Divine fir ft made 'em grow ^ Why jhou'^d thefe Scenes lie hid, in which we find What may at once divert and teach the Mind \ Morals were always proper for the St age ^ But are evn necejfary in this Age. Poets muft take the Churches teaching Trade^ Since Priefls their Province of Intrigue invade \ But we the Worft in this Exchange have got y In vain our Poets preachy whilft Churchmen ploti

A 3 The

The Persons.

IT Jx.

I N G Leary Mr. Bettertm, ' Glojier, Mr. Gilh.

Kjnty		Mr. Wilt(hire.
Edgar^		Mr. Smitk
Bajlardy.		Mr. 5^, Williams
Cornwall^		Mr. Norris,
Albany^	--	Mr. Bowman,
Burgundy^
Gentleman	y UJher^	Mr. y^^'c;?»
Gonertl^.		Mrsk ShadiveL. \
Regan^		1 Lady Slingsbj, \
Cordelia y		Mrs. B^rrj)', 1
Gjiardsy	Officers,	MejfengerSy Attendants T H I

T H E

i I S TO R

O F

King LEAR,

>$• ^--fi" ^ -^ •$•-$••$••$•*$••$• ^ •$• ^ 4*4* 4" 4* "^ 4* '^ -^ •^* A C T I.

Enter Baftard falus.

/

H O U Nature art my Goddef^j

to thy Law My Services are bound ; why

am I then Depriv'd of a Son's Right-,

becaufe J came not In the dull Road that Cuftom has prefcrib'd ? 'hy Baftard, wherefore Bafe, when I can boait Mind as gen'rous, and a Shape as true 5 honeft Madam's Iflue ? Why are we eld Bafe, who in the lufty Stealth of Nature. ^ ake fiercer Qualities than what compound ! he fcanted Births gf the Itale Marriage-bed ;

Well

8 r/'^ H I S T O R Y <?/

Well then, legitimate Edgar, to thy Right Of Law I will oppofe a Baflard's Cunning. Our Father's Love is to the Baftard Edmund As to legitimate Edgar ', with Succefs I've praftis'd yet on both their eafy Natures : Here comes the old Man chaf 't with th' InformatioiB Which laft I forg'd ?.gainft my Brother Edgar, ;

A Tale fo plaufible, lb boldly utter'd, And heightned by fuch lucky Accidents, That now the flighteft Circumftance confirms him. And bafe-born Edmund fpight of Law inherits. Enter Kent and Gloiler.

Gloft. Nay, good my Lord, your Charity O'er (hoots it felf to plead in his Behalf ; \

You are your felf a Father, and may feel ^

The Sting of Difobedience from a Son Firft- born and bell belov'd: Oh Villain 5^^<!7r .'

Kent. Be not too ralh, all may be Forgery, And Time yet clear the Duty of your Son.

Gloft. Plead with the Seas, and reafon down t Yet Ihall thou ne'er convince me, I have feen [Wini His foul Defigns through all a Father's Fondnefs ; But be this Light and thou my WitnelTes , That I difcar'd him here from my Poffeffions, Divorce him from my Heart, my Blood, and Name.

Baft. It works as I cou'd wilh ; I'll Ihew my felf.

Gleft. Ha ! Edmund! welcome Boy ; O Kent / fee hi Inverted Nature, Glofter''z Shame and Glory, This by-born, the wild fally of my Youth, Purfues me with all filial Offices, Whilll Edgar, beg'd of Heaven, and born in Honouii Draws Plagues on my white Head, that urge me ftilll To curfe in Age the Pleafure of my Youth. Nay, weep not, Edmund, for thy Brother's Crimes j O generous Boy ! thou Ihar'ft but half his Blood, Yet lov'll beyond the Kindnefs of a Brother : \\

But I'll reward thy Virtue, Follow me. |/

My Lord, you wait the King, who comes refolv'd To quit the Toils of Empire, and divide His Realms amongft his Daughters j Heaven fucceed 1 But much I fear the Change.

m

Kjng LEAR. 9

Kent. I grieve to fee him With fuch wild Starts of PafTion hourly feiz'd. As render Afajefty between itfelf.

Glofi. Alas ! 'tis the Infirmity of his A^s, Yet has his Temper even been uniixt, ChoFrick and fudden ; hark, they approach

[Exeunt Gloft. and Baft. Flourijh. Enter Lear, Cornwall. Albany, Burgundy,

Edgar, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, 'E.A.^^x fpeaklng te

Cordelia at Entrance.

Edgar. Cordelia, Royal Fair, turn yet once more. And e'er fuccefsful Burgundy receive The Treafure of thy Beauties from the King, E'er happy Bttrgtmdy for ever fold Thee, Caft back one pitying Look on wretched Edgar.

Cord. Alas ! What wou'd the wretched Edgar with The more unfortunate Cordelia ? Who in Obedience to a Father's Will Flies from her Edgar''?, Arms to Burgundf^ ?

Lear. Attend my Lords of Albany and Cornwall, With. Princely Burgundy.

Alb. We doj my Leige.

Lear. Give me this Map Know, Lords, we have

[n Three, our Kingdom, having now refolv'd [divided fTo difengage from our long Toil of State, Conferring all upon your younger Years ; K^ou Burgundy, Cornwall zxv^ Albany , Long in our Court have made yoiu* amorous fojourny j\nd now are to be annver'd — Tell me, my Daughters, tVhich of you loves us moft, that we may place 3ur largeft Bounty with our largeft Merit.

Goneril, Our Eldeft-born, fpeak firft.

Gon. Sir, I do love you more than Words can utter, Jeyond what can be valu'd Rich, or Rare ; ^or Liberty, nor Sight, Health, Fame, or Beauty, Ire half fo dear, my Life for you were vile. Is much as Child can love the beft of Fathers.

Lear. Of all thcfe Bounds, e'en from this Line to this, Vith fhady Forefts, and wide-skirted Meads, Ve make thee Lady ; to thine and Albany''^ HTue Je this perpetual. What fays our Second Daughter >

lo T^^ Hi ST OR y <?/

Reg. My Sifter, Sir, in Part, expreft my Love, For fuch as hers, is mine, though more extended ; Senfc has no other Joy that J can relifli, I have my AH in my dear Liege's Love.

Lear. Therefore to thee and thine Hereditary Remain this ample Third of our fair Kingdom.

Cord. Now comes my Trial, how am I diftreft, [JJtdi That muft with cold Speech tempt the Chorrick Kin Rather to leave me Dowerlefs, then condemn me To loath'd Embraces.

Lear. Speak now our laft, not leaft in our dear Lov< So ends my Task of State, ■ ■ ■ Cordelia, fpeak ; What canil thou fay to win a richer Third "•Than what thy Sifters gain'd ?

Cord. Now muft myLove, inWords, fall Ihort of theiri As much as it exceeds in Truth,— Nothing, my Lore

Lear. Nothing can come of Nothing, fpeak again.

Cord. Unhappy am I that I cannot Diffemble, Sir, as I ought I love your Majefty, No more, nor lefs.

Lear. Take heed, Cordelia. Thy Fortunes are at ftake, think better on't,. And mend thy Speech a little.

Cord. O my Liege ! You gave me Being, bred me, dearly love mc, And I return my Duty as I ought ; Obey you, love you, and moft honour you ; Why have my Sifters Husbands, if they love you All ' Haply when I Ihall wed, the Lord whofe Hand Shall take my Plight, will carry half my Love ; For I fhall never marry like my Sifters, To love my Father all.

Lear. And goes thy Heart with this ? 'Tis faid that I am Chol'rick, Judge me, Gods, Is there not caufe .? Now Minion, I perceive The Truth of what has been fuggefted to us ', Thy Fondnefs for the Rebel Son of Glojier, Falfe to his Father, as thou art to my Hopes : And, oh ! take heed, rafii Girl, left we comply With thy fond Wifties, which thou wilt too late Repent ; for know our Nature cannot brook A Child fo young, and fo ungentile. Cora

Kjng LEAR. .II

\ Cord. So Young, my Lord, and True.

! Lear. Thy Truth then be thy Dow'r ;

for by the facred Sun, and folemn Night,

I here difclaim all my paternal Care,

ind from this Minute hold thee as a Stranger,

loth to my Blood and Favour.

i Kent. This is Franzy.

tonfider, good my Liege, .■

I Lear. Peace, Kent ;

Come not between a Dragon and his Rage ;

l lov'd her moft, and in her tender Truft

Defign'd to have beftow'd my Age at Eafe :

)0 be my Grave my Peace, as here I give

^y Heart from her, and with it all my Wealth :

\Jiy Lords of Cornwall, and of JIbany,

[do inveft you jointly in full Right

[n this fair Third, Cordelia's forfeit Dow'r.

'k'lark me, my Lords, obferve our laft Refolve,

Dur Self, attended with an hundred Knights,

Will make Abode with you in monthly Courfe;

rhe Name alone of King remain with me,

Vours be the Execution and Revenues ;

This is our final Will ; and to confirm it.

This Coronet part between you.

Kent. Royal Lear, Whom I have ever honour'd as my King, Lov'd as my Father, as my Mailer foUow'd, And, as my Patron, thought on in my Prayers,

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

Kent. No, let it fall and drench within my Hearty Be Ke?it unmannerly when Lear is mad : Thy youngeft Daughter i ^

Lear. On thy Life no more.

Kent. What wilt thou do, old Man ?

Lear. Out of my Sight.

Kent. See better firft. '■

Lear. Now by the Gods, ■

Kent. Now by the Gods, rafli Kmg, thou fwear'ft in

Lear. Ha, Traitor ! (vain.

Kent, Dos kill thy Phyfician Lear ; Strike thro' my Throat, yet with my latell Breath

I'll

1 2 The History of

I'li thunder in thine Ear my jufl: Complaint, And tell Thee to thy Face that thou doft ill.

Lear. Hear me, rafh Man ; on thy Allegiance hear me Since thou haft ftriv'n to make Us break our Vow, And preft between our Sentence and our Pow'r, Which nor our Nature, nor our Place can bear. We banifh thee for ever from our Sight And Kingdom ; if when three Days are expir'd. Thy hated Trunk be found in our Dominions, That Moment is thy Death ; Away.

Kent. Why fare thee well. King ; iince thou art re-: I take thee at thy Word, and will not ftay, (folv'd

To fee Thy Fall t The Gods proteft the Maid That truly thinks, and has moft juftly faid. Thus to new Climates my old Truth I bear, Friendfhip lives hence, and Banilhment is here. [Exit

Lear. Now, Burgundy, you fee her Price is fain. Yet if the Fondnefs of your PafTion ftill AfFefts her as fhe ftands, Dow'riefs, and loft In our Efteem, Ihe's your's ; take her, or leave her.

Burg. Pardon me. Royal Lear, I but demand TheDow'r yourfelf propos'd, and here I take Cordelia by the Hand, Dutchefs of Burgundy.

Lear. Then leave her. Sir, for by a Father's Rage I tell you all hef Wealth. Away.

Burg. Then, Sir, be pleas'd to charge the Breach Of our Alliance on your own Will, Not my Inconftancy.

[Exeu?it. Manet Edgar and Cordelia.

Edg. Has Heaven then weigh'd the Merit of my Love, Or is't the Raving of my fickly Thought? Cou'd Burgundy forgo lo rich a Prize, And leave her to defparing Edgar a Arms ? Have I thy Hand Cordelia P Do I clafp it? The Hand that was this Minute to have join'd My hated Rival's ? Do I kneel before thee. And ofler at thy Feet my panting Heart ? Smile, Princefs, and convince me ; for as yet I doubt, and dare not truft the dazling Joy.

Cord. Some Comfort yet, tliat 'twas no vicious Blot That has depriv'd me of a Father's Grace,

But:

Kjng LEAR, 1^

lit meerly want of that which makes me Rich 1 wanting it ; a fmooth profeffmg Tongue : I Sillers ! I am loth to call your Fault s it deferves ; but ufe our Father well, nd wrong'd Cordelia never fhall repine. Edg. O heav'nly Maid ! that art thyfelf thy Dow'r, icher in Virtue than the Stars in Light, Edgars humble Fortunes may be grac't ^ith thy Acceptance, at thy Feet he lays 'em. ' a, my Cordelia ! doft thou turn away > '''hat have I done t' offend thee ? Cord. Talk't of Love. Edg. Then I've offended oft, Cot^elia too as oft permitted me fo to offend. Cord. When, Edgar, I permitted your AddreiTcs, was the darling Daughter of a King, 'or can I now forget my Royal Birth, nd live dependant on my Lover's Fortune ; cannot to fo low a Fate fubmit; nd therefore ftudy to forget your Paffion, nd trouble me upon this Theme no more Edg. Thus Majefty titles moft State in Diflrefs f ow are we toft on Fortune's fickle Flood ! he Wave that with furprizing Kindnefs brought he dear Wreck to my Arms, has fnatcht it backj - nd left me mourning on the barren Shoar. -Cord.^ This Bafenefs of th' ignoble Burgundy, {Jfide. raws juft Sufpicion on the Race of Men ; is Love was Int'reft, fo may Edgars be, nd He, but with more Complement, diflemble j h, I ffiall obhge him by denying 4 at if his Love be fixt, fuch conllant Flame s warms our Breafts, if fuch I find his Paffion, ■y Heart as grateful to his Truth fhall be, nd could Cordelia prove as kind as He, [Exit,

Enter Baftard bajiily. Baji. Brother, I've found you in a lucky Minute, y and be fafe, fome Villain has incens'd |ur Father againft your Life. Edg. Dilb-eft Cordelia ! but oh ! more Cruel. Baft, Hear me, Sir, your Life, your Life's in danger. S Edg.

14 The Hi s T o r y of

Edg. A Refolve (o fudden, And of fuch black Importance !

Bafi. 'Twas not fudden. Some Villain has of long Time laid the Train.

Edg. And yet perhaps 'twas but pretended Coldnefs, To try how far my Paflion would purfue. BaJ}. He hears me not ; wake, wake^ Sir. Edg. Say ye. Brother ? ■

No Tears, good Edmund, if thus bring'fl me TydiHgs To ftrike me dead, for Charity delay not, ThatPrefent will befit fo kind a Hand.

Baft. Your Danger, Sir, comes on fo faf!:. That I want Time t' inform you ; but retire, Whilfl: I take Care to turn the prelTmg Stream. O Gods ! For Heaven's Sake, Sir.

Edg. Pardon me. Sir, a ferious Thought Had feiz'd me, but I think you talk'd of Danger, And wilht me to retire ; Muft all our Vows End thus ? — Friend, I obey you. — O Cordelia. [Exh Bafi. Ha ! ha ! fond Man, fuch credulous Honefty ' LelTens the Glory of my Artifice ; His Nature is fo far from doing Wrongs, That he fufpecls none : If this Letter fpeed. And pafs for Edgar'^ as himfelf wou'd own The Counterfeit, but for the foul Contents, Then my Defigns are perfeft. — — Here come; G/j/7t' Enter Gloller. Gloft. Stay, Edmund, turn ; What Paper were y( Bafi. A Trifle, Sir. [reading:

Glofi. What needed then that terrible Difpatch of i Into your Pocket ? Come, produce it. Sir.

Baft. A Letter from my Brother, Sir, I had Juft broke the Seal, but knew not the Contents j Yet, fearing they might prove too blame, Endeavour'd to conceal it from your Sight.

G/oft. ^Tis Edgar\Cha.r3L&.er. [Rea^:

T'his Policy of Fathers is intollerable, that keeps c Fortunes from us ""till Age willnot fufferus to enj ''em ; / a7n weary of the Tyranny : Come to that cf this I may /peak more. If our Father woi jleep ''till I %oak''d hi7n, you Jhoii'd enjoy half FoJfe£ions, andliz-c helsv'd of your Brother Ed^

K^ng LEAR. i^

5Jeep 'till I wak'd him f you fhou'd enjoy

flalf his PofTeffions ! Edgar to write this

Gainft his indulgent Father ! Death and Hell ! ?ly, Edmund, ieek him out, wind me into him, Fhat I may bite the Tray tor's Heart, and fold ^is bleeding Entrails on my vengeful Arm.

Bafl. Perhaps 'twas writ, my Lor J, to prove my Vir- ^ Gloji. Thefe late Eclipfes of the Sun and Moon [tue, l^an bode no lefs ; Love cools, and Friendlhip f^ils, n Cities Mutiny, in Countries Difcord, rhe Bond of Nature crackt 'twixt Son and Father t i'ind out the Villain ; do it carefully, iind it ihall lofe thee Nothing. ' tExii,

^ BaJI, So now my Projeft's firm ', but to m.ake fure '11 throw in one Proof more, and that 3 bold one I 'Jl place old Ghfier where he fhall e'er^hear wi Jonfer of this Defigix 5 whilil, tg his thmklog, ?eliided Edgar fliall aceufe himiW. le Honeily my Int'reft, and I can le Honeft too : And what Saint: fo Divine, rhat will fuccefsf^jl Vlllany decline ? iMiilt,

Enter li.mxdifguu'd.

Km, Now banifht Kent, if thou canft pay i'hj Duty n this Difguife, where thou doft ftand condemn^i, . hy Mafter Lear Ihall find thee full of Laboirs. E?iter Lear attended.

Lear. In there, and tell our Daughter we are here, «Iow, What art thou ?

Kent'. A Man, Sir.

Lear. What doft thou profefs, or ^vou'dll with us ? _ Ke?it. I do profefs to be no lefs than I feem, to ferve im truly that puts me in Truft, to love him that's oned:, to converfe with him that's wife and' fpeaks ttle, to fight when I can't chufe j and to eat no Fiih,

Lear. I fay, what art thou ?

Kent. A very honeft-hearted Fellow, and as poor as le King. ^

Lear. Then art thou poor indeed. What canll

nou do ? "^

^^J^^-J-^^"^ ^^^P ^°ne^ Council, mar a curious Tale I- the Tellmg, deliver a plain Meffage bluntly ; that

which

i6 The Hi ST o KY of

which ordinary Men are fit for, I am qualified in ; ar the bell of me is Diligence.

Lear. Follow me ; thou fhalt ferve me.

Ei;ter one of GonerilV Gentlemen. Now, Sir?

Gerit. Sir .-- ■ \Exit ; Kent runs after hh

Lear. What fays the Fellow ? Call me the Clodpole bac

Att. My Lord, I know not ; but methinks yo Highnefs is entertained with flender Ceremony.

Servant. He fays,, my Lord, your Daughter is m welL

Lear. V/hy came not the Slave back when I calll him ?

Serv, My Lord, he anfwered me i'th' furlieft Mann(; That he wou'd not. '

Re-enter Gentleman brought in by Kent.

Lsar. I hope our Daughter did not fo inllruft him. Kow, who am' I, Sir?

Gent. My Lady's Father.

Lear. My Lord's Knave, n,,^,., ■ , ,^ \Btrihs. ht Goneril at the Entrance.

Gov. By Day and Night ; this is infufferable,. Twill not bear it. ,

Lear. Now, Daughter, why that Frontlet on ? | Speak, dees that Frown become our Prefence ?

Gent. I'll not be ftruck, rny Lord.

Kent. Nor tript neither, thou vile Civet-box.

\ftrikes up his Heett

Gon. Sir, this licentious Infolence of your Servants Is mofi: unfeemly, hourly they break out In Quarrels bred ; by making this known to you, I thought to have had a Redrefs, but find too late That you proteft and countenance their Outrage j And therefore, Sir, I take this Freedom, which Neceffity makes difcreet.

Lear. Are you our Daughter ?

Gon. Come, Sir, let me entreat you to make ufe Of your Difcretion, and put oiF betimes This Difpofition that of late transforms you From whatyou rightly are,

Lear. Does any here know" me ? Why, this is not Lm

• Del.

I King LE JR. i-j

Does Lear walk tKus ? Speak thus ? Where are his Eyes ? I Who is it that can tell me who I am ?

Gon. Come, Sir, this Admiration's much o'th' Savour bf other your new Humours ; I befeech you, To underftand my Purpofes aright ; As you are old, you Ihou'd be ftaid and wife : Efere do you keep an hundred Knights and Squires, Men fo debauch'd and bold, that this our Palice Shews like a riotous Inn, a Tavern, Brothel ; Be then advis'd by her that elfe will take [That which Ihe begs, to leflen your Attendance, ""ake half away, and fee that the Remainder e fuch as may befit your Age, and know "hemfelves and You.

Lear. Darknefs and Devils ! Saddle my Horfes, call my Train together^ Degenerate Viper, I'll not ftay with Thee ! I yet have left a Daughter _ Serpent, Moniler ! Leffen my Train, and call 'em riotous ? All iVfcn approv'd, of choice and rareft Parts That each Particular of Duty know, i iHow fmall, Cordelia, was thy Fault ? O Lear, Beat at this Gate that let thy Folly in. And thy dear Judgment out ; Go, go, my People.

Going off meets Albany entri?ig, Ingrateful Duke, was this your V/ill ?

Jib. What, Sir?

Lear. Death ! fifty of my Followers at a Clap !

Jib. The Matter, Madam ?

Gon. Never afflidl yourfelf to know the Caufe, But give his Dotage Way,

Lear. Blafts upon thee, Th' untented Woundings of a Father's Curfe Pierce e-v^y Senfe about thee ; old fond Eyes, Lament this Caufe again, I'll pluck ye out. And call ye with the Waters that ye lofe

To temper Clay. No, Gorgon, thou fhalt find

That ril refume the Shape which thou doll think I have caft off for ever.

Gon. Mark ye that,,

Lear, Hear Nature !

B 3 Dear

ig^^: 7^^ H 1 S TO R Y of

Dpar Goddefs hear ; and if thou doft intend

To make that Creature Fruitful, change thy Purpofe j -

Pronounce upon her Womb the Barren Curfe,

That from her blafted Body never fpring

A Babe to honour her ; — But if fhe muft bring forth.

Defeat her Joy with fome diftorted Birth,

Or monft'rous Form, the Prodigy o' th' Time ;

And fo perverfe of Spirit, that it may live

Her Torment as ''twa.s born, to fret her Cheeks

With conftant Tears, and w^rinkle her young Brow» .

Turn all her Mother's Pains to Shame and Scorn,

That fhe may curfe her Crime too late, and feel

How fharper than a Serpent's Tooth it is

To have a thanklefs Child : Away, away. [Exit cumfuii,

Go?i. Prefuming thus upon his numerous Train, He thinks to play the Tyrant here, and Jiold Our Lives at Will.

Jib. Wellj you may bear too far. [Exit.

End of the Firfl AB,:

ACT ir.

SCZt^E Gkfter'sRoure. Enter Bailard.

(HE Duke comes here toNight, I'llt the Advantage , Of his Arrival to complete my Projeftl Brother, a Word, come forth; 'tis your Friend, [Enter Edgari

My Father watches- for you, fly this Place, Intelligence is giv'n where you're' hid ; Take the Advantage of the Night ; bethink ye, .

Havi

Kjng

LEAR.

19

fve you not fpoke againft the Duke of Cormval

mething might fhew you a Favourer of

[ike Albany\ Party ?

'^dg. Nothing ; why ask you ?

'^aft. Becaufe he's coming here to Night in hafte,

\d.Regan with him — Heark! the Guards; away.

'^dg. Let 'em come on, Fll flay and clear myfelf.

'Baft. Your Innocence at Leifure may be heard,

it Glofter's ftorming Rage as ytt is deaf,

lid you may perilh e'er allow'd the Hearing {Ex. Edo-ar;

Mer comes yonder : Now to my feign'd Scuffle —

eld, come before my Father ! Lights here. Lights .'

me Blood drawn on me wou'd beget Opinion^ \Stal)s

f our more fierce Encounter. — I have feen [hisJrm,

runkards do more than this in Sport.

Efiter Glofter a?id Servants.

\Gloft. Now, Edmund, where's the Traitor ?

\Baft. That Name, Sir,

rikes Horror through me; but my Brother, Sir,

ood here i' th' Dark.

Gloft. Thou bleed'fl ! purfue the Vilain,

nd bring him Piece-meal to me.

Baft. Sir, he's fled.

Gloft. Let him fly far, this Kingdom (hall not hide him :

he Noble Duke, my Patron comes to Night j

Y his Authority I will proclaim

ewards for him that brings him to the Stage,

nd Death for the Concealer.

hen of my Lands, loyal and natural Boy,

11 work the Means to make thee capable. [Exeunt,

titer Kent (difguis'd ftill) a?td Goneril'j- Gentleman, -

fever ally. Gent. Good-morrow, Friend, belongfl: thou to this Kent. Ask them will anfwer thee. [Houfe ?

Gent. "Where may we fet our Horfes ? ^ent. I'th' Mire.

Gent. I am in hafle, prithee an' thou lov'li me, tell Kent. Hove thee not. Imc.

Gent. Why then I care not for thee. ^ ' Kent. An' I had thee- in Iz))/^i^rj Pinfold, I'd make

liee care for me.^

' Gent,

i

20 The History of

Gent. What do'il thou mean, I know thee not?

Kent. But, Minion, I know thee.

Ge72t. What doft thou know me for ?

Kent. For a bafe, proud, beggarly, white-liver glafs-glazing, fuper-ferviceable, finical Rogue ; Or* that wou'd be a Pimp in Way of good Service, ar art nothing but a Compofition of Knave, Begga Coward, Pandar. .

Gent. What a monft'rous Fellow art thou to rail ; One that is neither known of thee, nor knows thee ? ''

Kent. Impudent Slave ! not know me, who but tvji Days fmce tript up thy Heels before the King : Drai Mifcreant, or I'll make the Moon fhine through thee.

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

Ke-nt. I know your Roguelhip's Office ; you con with Letters againit the King, taking my young Laci F^;^zVy's Part againft her Royal Father : Draw, Rafcal. ,

Gent. Murder, Murder, help. \Exit. K.tnt after hh Flourip. Enter Duke cf Cornwal, Regan, attended: Glofter, Baftard.

G'lojl. All Welcome to yourGraces, you do meHonou

Duke. Glofter, We'ave heard with Sorrow that yoi; Has been attempted by your impious Son; [Li]

But Edmund here has paid you ftrifteft Duty. '

Gloft. He did betray his Praftice, and receiv'd The Hurt you fee, ftriving to apprehend him.

Duke. Is he purfu'd ?

Glojl. He is, my Lord.

Reg. Ufe our Authority to apprehend The Traitor, and do Juftice on his Head ; For you, Edmund, that have fo fignahz'd Your Virtue, you from henceforth ftall be ours; Natures of fuch firm Truft we much Ihall need, A charmingYouth, and worth my fartherThought. \_Afid

Duke. Lay Comforts, noble Glofter, to your Breafl, As we to ours. This Night be fpent in Revels : We chufe you, Glofter, for our Hoft to Night, \

A troublefome Expreffion of our Love. On, to the Sports befcte us. —— Who are thefe I

Ent

Kjng LEAR, 21

Enter the Gentleman purfud by Kent.

G-Ioft. Now, what's the Matter'?

Duke. Keep Peace upon your Lives, he dies that V^hence, and what are ye ? [ftrikeso

Jtt. Sir, they are MeiTengers, the one from your ' lifter, the other from the King.

Duke. Your Difference ? Speak.

Gent. I'm fcarce in Breath, my Lord.

Kent. No Marvel, you have fo beftir'd your Valour. >Iature difclaims the Daftard ; a Taylor made him.

Duke. Speak yet, how grew you Quarrel ?

Gent. Sir, this old Ruffian here, whofe Life I fpar'dy n Pity to his Beard. ■

Kent. Thou Effence Bottle !

n Pity to my Beard Your Leave my Lord,-

bid I will tread the Muff-cat into Mortar.

Duke. Know'ft thou our Prefence ?

Kent- Yes, Sir, but Anger has a Privilege.

Duke. Why art thou angry ?

Kent. That fuch a Slave as this fliou'd wear a Swori'j Ind have no Courage ; Office, and no Honefty ; ' ^ot Fr6ft and Fire hold more Antipathy Phan I and fuch a Knave.

Gloji. Why doft thou call him Knave ?

Kent. His Countenance likes me not.

Duke. No more perhaps does Mine, nor His,- or Hers.

Kent. Plain Dealing is my Trade, and to be plain, Siry [ have feen better Faces in my Time, rhan ftands on any Shoulders now before me.

Reg. This is fome Fellow, that having once been prais'd ?or Bluntnefs, llnce affeds a faucy Rudenefs ; But I have known one of thefe furly Knaves, rhat in his Plainnefs harbour'd more Defign rhan twenty cringing complementing Minions.

Duke. What's the Offence you gave him ?

Gent. Never any. Sir ; [t pleas'd the King, his Mafter, lately Fo ftrike me on a flender Mifconftrudtion, Whilft watching his Advantage, this old Lurcher, Tript me behind, for which the King extoll'd him r ■ And, llufht with the Honour of this bold Exploit, Drew on me here again. Duke,

22 The History of

t>uke. Bring forth the Stocks, we'll teach you.

Ker.t. Sir, I'm too old to learn ; Call not the Stocks for me, I ferve the King ; On whole Employment I was fent to you ; •You'll Ihew too fmdl Refpeft, and too bold Malice Againft the Perfon of my Royal Mafter, Stocking his Meflenger.

Duke. Bring forth the Stocks, as I have Life and H(l There fhall he fit 'till Noon. [nou

Reg. 'Till Noon, my Lord ! 'Till Night, and a Night too.

Kent. Why Madam, if I were your Father's Dog You wou'd not ufe me fo.

Reg. Sir, being his Knave, I will,

Giojf, Let me befeech your Graces to forbear him i His Fault is much, and the good King lili Maftty Will check him for't, but needs muft takf it ill To be thus flighted in his Meflenggr.

Dtike. We'll anfwer that ,* Our Sifter may receive it worfe, to havg U^t GentletTian afi'aulted: To our Bufinefs lead. [Exl

Glofl, I am forry for thee. Friend, 'tli thf Duke WhofePifpofuionwill not be controul'd, [Pleafurd But I'll entreat for thee.

JCent. Pray do not. Sir , I have watch'd and travcll'd hard. Some Tim.e I Ihali fleep out, the reft I'll whiftle: Farewel t'ye. Sir, {Ex. GM

All weary, and o'er-watcht, I fed the drowzy Gueft fteal on me ; take Advantage heavy Eyes on this kind Slumber, Not to behold this vile and fhameful Lodging. [Sleepi Enter Edgar.

Edg. I heard myfelf proclaim'd. And by the friendly Hollow of a Tree, Efcape the Hunt, no Port is free, no Place Where Guards and moft unufual Vigilance

Do not attend to take me. How eafy now

'Twere to defeat the Malice of my Trale,

And leave the Griefs on my Sword's reeking Point ;

But Love detains me from Death's peaceful Call,

rr-^' • sti

Kjng L E J R. 2 J

11 whilpering me, Cordelia^ in Diflrefs ;

ikind as fhe is, I cannot fee her wretched,

t muft be near to wait upon her Fortune.

ho knows but the white Minute yet may come,

hen Edgar may ^o Service to Cordelia.

lat charming Hope ftill ties me to the Oar

• painful Life, and makes me to fubmit

) th' humbleft Shifts to keep that Life a-Foot ;

^ Face I will befmear, and knit my Locks,

le Country gives me Proof and Prefident

■^^e-^/^^z Beggars, who, with roaring Voices

•ike in their numm'd and mortify'd bare Arms

IS, Iron-fpike?, Thorns, Sprigs of Rofemarv,

id thus from Sheep-coats, Pillages, and Mills,

metim^es with Prayers, fometimes with Lunatick Bans,

force their Charity, poor T)'rligod, poor Tom,

lat's fomething yet, Edgarl^m no more. [Ex.

Kent in the Stocks ftill; Enter Lear attended. Lear. 'Tis ftrange that they ihould fo depart from id not fend back cur MelTenger. [Home.

Kent. Hail, noble Mailer.

Lear. How ! Mak'ft thou this Shame thy Pailime ? hat's he that has fo mu:h miftook thy Place, ) fet thee here ?

Kent. It is both He and She, Sir, your Son and lUghter. Lear. No. Kent. Yes. Lsar. No, I fiy. Kent. I fiy, yea. Lear. By Jupiter I hve.ir no. Kent. By yuno I fwe.u-, I fwear ay. Lear. They durft not do't ;

^ey cou'd not, wou'dnot do't; 'tisworfe thanMurder^ D do upon Refpefl fuch violent Out-r.ige. ;folve me with all modeft Haftc, which W;iy lou mayft deferve, or they impofe this Ulage ? Kent. My Lord, when at their Home iid commend your Highnefs Letters to them, re I was ris'n arriv'd another Poll, eer'd in his Halle, breathlels and panting forth

From

24 T^^^^ History of

From Goneril, his Miftrefs, Salutations,

Whofe Meffage being deliver'd, they took Horfe,

Commanding me to follow, and attend

The Leifuie of their Anfwer; which I did;

But meeting that other MefTenger,

Whofe Welcome I perceivM had poifon'd mine;

Being the very Fellow that of late

Had Ihewn fuch Rudenefs to your Highnefs, I

Having more Man than Wit about me, drew ;

On which he rais'd the Houfe with Coward's Cries : ||

This was the Trefpafs which yoiir Son and Daughterl|

Thought worth the Shame you fee it fufter here.

Lear. Oh ! how this Spleen fwells upward to m.yHearJi And heaves for PafTage. ■ Down climbing Rage ;

Thy Element's below ; where is this Daughter ? Ke}it. Within, Sir, at a Mafque. Enter Glofter. Lear. Now Glofter? ■ Ha?

Deny to fpeak with me ; th'are fick, th'are weary. They have travell'd hard to Night ; — mere Fetches ; Bring me a better Anfwer.

Glofi. My dear Lord, You know the fiery Quality of the Duke. ■. ■

Lear. Vengeance, Death, Plague, Confufion;

Fiery ! what Quality, .. Why Glofter, Glofter,

I'd fpeak with the Duke of Cornwal, and his "Wife. Gloft. I have inform'd 'em fo. Lear. Inform'd 'em ! doft jthcu underftand me. Mar

I tell thee, Glofter,

Gloft. Ay, my good Lord. [Fathf

Leer. The King wou'd fpe^k with Ccr^a'^/, thedej. Wou'd with his Daughter fpeak, commands her Service Are they inform'd of this ? My Breath and Elood !

Fiery ! the fiery Duke ! tell the hot Duke

No, but not yet, may be he is not well. Infirmity does fcill negleft all Office ; I beg his Pardon, and I'll chide m.y Rafnnefs That took the indifpos'd and fickly Fit

For the found Man: • But wherefore ilts hetliercl

Death on my State, this Aft convinces me That this Retiredncfs of the Duke and her

Kjng LEAR, 25

plain Contempt ; give me my Servant forth ; ) tell the Duke and his Wife I'd fpeak with 'em ; )w, inftantly, bid 'em come forth and hesr me; • at their Chamber Door I'll beat the Drum, ill it cry flcep to Death. —»—«._«,

Enter Cornwal and Regan. \ \ Are you come ? Duke. Health to the King. Reg. I am glad to fee your Highnefs. LeiJr. Regan, I think you are, I know Avhat Caufe have to chink (o ; fhou'd'ft thou not be glad vou'd divorce me from thy Mother's Tomb ? loved Regan, thou wilt fhake to hear hat I fhall utter : Thou cou'd'ft ne'er h' thought it, ay Sifter's naught, O Rtgan, ihe has ty'd

Kent here Jet at liberty. gratitude like a keen Vulture here, :arce can fpeak to thee.

V.eg. Ipray you, Sir, take Patience ; I have Hope Lat you know lefs to value her Defer t, pn fhe to flack her Duty, Lear. Ha ! Ho^v's that ?

^eg. I cannot think my Sifter in the leafi:

3uld fail in her Refpefts ; but if perchance

s has reftrain'd the Riots of your Followers,

s on fuch Grounds, and to fuch wholefome Ends,

clear her from all Blame.

ear. My Curfes on her. -

leg. O Sir, you're old,

d fhou'd content you to be rul'd and led,

fome Defcretion that difcerns your State

ter than yourfelf ; therefore. Sir,

;urn to our Sifter, and fay you have wrong'd her.

\ear. Ha ! Ask her Forgivenefs ?

no, 'twas my Miftake, thou didft not mean fo .'

ir Daughter, I confefs that I am old j -

; is unneceflary, but thou art good,

1 wilt difpence with my Infirmity.

leg. Good Sir, no more of thefe unfighdyPalTions ; :: urn back to our Sifter,

25 The History cf

Lear. Never, Regan, She has abated me of Half my Train, Look'd black upon me, ftab'd me with her Tongue.-: All the ftor'd Vengeances of Heav'n fall On her ingrateful Head j ftrike her young Bones Ve taking Airs with Lamenefs.

Reg. O the bleft Gods ! Thus will you wilh on m When the rafti Mood ..

Lear. No, Regan, Thou fhalt never have my Curf Thy tender Nature cannot give thee o'er To fuch Impiety ; Thou better know'il The Offices of Nature, Bond of Child- hood. And Dues of Gratitude ; thou bear'ft in Mind The Half o'th' Kingdom, which our Love conferr'd On thee and thine.

Reg. Good Sir, to the Purpofe.

Lear. Who put my Man i'th' Stocks? |

Duke. What Trumpet's that ?

Reg. I know't, my Sifters, this confirms her Letter Sir, is your Lady come ?

Enter GonerilV Gentleman.

Lear. More Torture ftill : This is a Slave, whofe eafy borrow'd Pride Dwells in the fickle Grace of her he follows ; A Fafhion-fop, that fpends the Day in dreffing. And all to bear his Lady's flatt'ring Meffage, That can deliver with a Grace her Lye, And with as bold a Face bring back a greater. Out, Varlet, from my Sight.

Duke. What means your Grace ?

Lear. Who ftock'd my Servant ? Regan, I have ho] Thou didft not know it.

Enter Goneril. Who comes here? Oh Heav'ns ! I

If you do love old Men; if you fweet, Sir, Allow Obedience ; if yourfelves are Old, Make it your Caufe, fend down and take my Part ? Why, Gorgon, doft thou come to hunt me here ? Art not alham'd to look upon this Beard ? Darknefs upon my Eyes, they play me faife, Q Regan) wilt thou take her by the Hand ?

Gi.

Kjng LE J Rl 27

Gon. Why not'bv th' Hand, Sir ? How have I oiFendcd? ^ll's not Offence that Indifcreticn finds, \nd. Dotage terms fo.

Lear. Heart, thou art too tough.

Re^. I pray you. Sir, being old, confefs you are Co, f 'till the Expiration of your Month, ''ou will return and fojourn with our Sifter, )ifmi{ring half your Train, come then to me i

am no^v from Home, and out of that Provilion f'hat fhall be needful for your Entertainment,

Lear. Return with her, and fifty Knights difmifs'dj ^o, rather FU forfwear all Roofs, and chufe ^o be Companion to the Midnight Wolf. iy naked Head expos'd to th' merc'Iefs Aic, 'han have my fmallell Wants fupply'd by her-

Gjk. At your Choice, Sir.

Lear. Now, I prithee Daughter, do not make me mad j

will not trouble thee, my Child, farewel. i^e'll meet no more, no more fee one another ; let Shame come when it will, I do not call it, do not bid the Thunder-bearer ftrike, [or tell Tales of thee to avenging Heav'n ; [end when thou canil, be better at thy Leifurc> can be patient, I can ftay with Regan, and my hundred Knights.

Reg. Your Pardon, Sir, look'd not for you yet, nor am provi l.d or your fit Welcome.

Lear. Is this well fpoken now ?

Reg. My Sifter treats you fair ; what ! fifty Followers ?

it not well ? What fhould you need of more ?

Gsfi. Why might not you, my Lord, receive Attendance rom thofe whom (he calls Servants, or from mine ?

Reg. V/hy not, my Lord ? If then they chance to flack ''e cou'd controul 'em. — If you come to me, [you, Drnow I fee the Danger, I entreat you o bring but Five and Twenty ; to no more ''ill I give Place.

Lear. Hold now, my Temper, Hand this Bolt un- hd I am Thunder-Proof; [mov'd,

he wicked, when compar'd with the more Wicked, C 2 Seciu

28 The History of

Seem beautiful, and not to be the Worll:, Stands infome Rank of Praife; no^v, Goneril, Thou art Innocent agen, I'll go with thee ; Thy Fifcy yet does double Five and Twenty, And thou art twice her Love.

Gon. Hear me, my Lord. What need you Five and Twenty, Ten, or Five, To follow in a Houfe, where twice fo many Have a Command t' attend you ?

Reg. What need one ?

Lear. Blood ! Fire ! here ~ Leprofies and blu(

Room, room for Hell to belch her Horrors up [Plague And drench the Circes in a Stream of Fire ; Heark, how th' Infernal s eccho to my Rage Their Whips and Snakes. —_—__«

P^eg. How lead a Thing is Paifion !

Goti, So Old and Stomachful,

[Lightening and Thunde

Lear. Heav'ns drop your Patience down ; You fee me here, ye Gods, a poor old Man, As full of Grief as Age, wretched in both ■ . ■ ril bear no more: No, you unnatural Haggs, I will have fuch Revenges on you both. That all the World fliall — -^ J will do fuch Things, What they are yet I know not, but they fhall be The Terrors of the Earth; you think I'll weep, [Thuna This Heart Ihall break into a thoufand Pieces \_agai Before ril weep O Gods ! I fliall go mad. [Exi

Duke. 'Tis a wild Night, come out o' th'- Storm, [E,

End of the Second A^.

A c ':

KJng LEAR.

29

ACT IIL

SCENE, A Defert Heath, Enter Lear and Kent in the Storm*

Lear.\

LOW Winds, and burll your Cheeks^ rage louder yet, I^LU^ Fantaftick Lighfning finge, linge my *ft#^3 white Head ;

Spout Catarafts, and Hurricanocs fall. Til] you have drown'd the Towns and Palaces Of proud ingrateful Man.

Kent. Not all my beft Intreaties can perfuade him Into fome needful Shelter, or to bide This poor flight Cov'ring on his aged Head, ExposM to this wild War of Earth and Heav'n,

Lear. Rumble thy Fill, fight Whirlwind, RainandFire.; Not Fire, Wind, Rain, or Thunder are my Daughters: ' tax not you, ye Elements, with Unkindnefs ; I never gave you Kingdoms, call'd you Children J Vou owe me no Obedience, then let fall Vour horrible Pleafure, here I ftand your Slave, A poor, infirm, weak, and defpis'd old Man j Vet will I call you fervile Miniflers, That have with two Perniiious Daughters join'd Their high engender'd Battle againft a Head So Old and White as mine ; Oh f oh ! 'tis Foul. Kent. Hard by, Sir, is a Hovel, that will lend Some Shelter from this Tempell.

Lear. I will forget my Nature, what ! fo kind a Fa- Ay, there's the Point. fther ? Kent. Confider, good my Liege. Things that love ¥'^^^>~ Love

JO The His Tory of^

Love not fuch Nights as this ; thefe wrathful Skies Frighten the very Wanderers o' th' Dark, And make 'em keep their Caves ; fuch drenching Rain, Such Sheets of Fire, fuch Claps of horrid Thunder, Such Groans of roaring Winds have ne'er been known,

Lear. Let the great Gods, That keep the dreadful Pudder o'er our Heads, Find out their Enemies now. Tremble thou Wretch, That haft within thee undifcover'd Grimes ! Hide, that bloody Hand, ■ ■

Thou perjur'd Villain, holy Hypocrite, That drink'ft the Widows Tears, figh now, and cry: ^ Thefe dreadful Summoners Grace, I am a Man More fm'd againft, than finning.

Kefit. Good Sir,- to th' Hovel.

Lear. My Wit begins to burn. Come on my Boy, how doft my Boy ? Art cold ? I'm cold myfelf ; ftiew this Straw, my Fcllov/, The Art of our Neceffity is ftrange. And can make vile Things precious ; my poor Knave,- Cold as I am at Heart, I've one Place there [Lond. Storm That's forry yet for Thee. [Exii

Glofter's Palace. Enter Baflard.

Bafi. The Storm is in our louder Rev'lings drown'd^ Thus wou'd I Reign, cou'd I but mount a Throne. The Riots of thefe proud imperial Sifters Already have impos'd the galling Yoke Of Taxes, and hard ImpofTitions, on The drudging Peafant's Neck, who bellow out Their loud Complaints in vain — Triumphant Queens !, With what Aflurance do they treat the Crowd. O for a Tafte of fuch Majeftick Beauty, Which none but my hot Veins are fit t' engage j. Islor are my Wifties defp'rate, for even now. During the Banquet, I obferv'd their Glances Shot thi:k at me ; and, as they left the Room, Each caft, by ftealth, a kind inviting Smile, The happy Earneft . ha !

Two Servants, from fever al Entrances, deliver him each

a Letter, and Ex. Where Merit is fo tranfparent, not to behold it [Reads.

Were

—Kj^g LEAR, I J

re Bllndnefs, and not to reward it Ingratitude.

Goneril.

mgh ! Blind and Ingreatful fhould I be t to obey the Summons of this Oracle. n for a Second Letter. {Opens the other.

Vlodefty be not your Enemy, doubt not to \Reads^ d me your Friend.

Regan.

:ellent 5^bil ! O my glowing Blood ! n already fick of Expeftation,

I pant for the Poffeflion. Here Glofter comes

:h. Bufinefs on his Brow ; be hufh'd my Joys.

Mofi. I come to feek thee, Edmund, to impart a Bu- fs of Importance ; I knew thy loyal Heart is touch'd ee the Cruelty of thefe ungreatful Daughters againft

royal Mailer

aft. Moll lavage and unnatural.

toft. This Change in the State fits uneafy. The: nmons repine alound at their female Tyrants, already -<f cry out for the Re-Inftalment of their good old- ig, whofe Injuries, I fear, will inflame 'em into Mu-

r:.

'iaft. 'Tis to be hop'd, not fear'd. '^jlaft. Thou haft it Boy, 'tis to be hop'd indeed ',- me they caft their Eyes, and hourly court me lead 'em on ; and whilft this Head is mine, theirs. A little covert Craft, my Boy, d then for open Adlion ; 'twill be Employment )rthy fuch honeft daring Souls as thine. ou, Edmund, art my trufty EmilTary, flie on the Spur, at the firft Break of Day, \_Gwes hint- th thefe Difpatches to theDuke oiCambray ; Letters. - w knov/ what mortal Feuds have always flam'd :ween this Duke of CorfizvaPs Family, and his ;

II Twenty Thoufand Mountaineers

' inveterate Prince will fend to our A.ffiftance. [patch 5 commend us to his Grace, and profper. aft. Yes, credulous old Man, ill commend you to his Grace, Grace the Duke of Cornwal . i .i. inftantly > Ihew him thefe Contents in thy own Charader,

And

g2 The History of

And fearl'd with thy own Signet ; then forthwitH' The ChoPrick Duke gives Sentence on thy Life ; And to my Hand thy vaft Revenues, To glut my Pleafure that 'till now has ftarv'd.

Qlo^tx going off^ is fnet by Cordelia en f ring, Baftani obfervi?ig at a Dijlance.

Cord. Turn, Glojler, turn, by the facred Pow'rs I do conjure you, give my Griefs a Hearing ; You mufl:, you fhall, nay, lam. fure you will, , j

For you were alwavs flyl'd the juil and Good. '\

Glofi. "What wou'dft thou, Princefs ? rife-, andfpeaki

Cord. Nay, you fhall proniife to redrefs 'em too, [Grii| Or here I'll kneel for ever ; I entreat j

Thy Succour for a Father, and a King, An injur'd Father, and an injur'd King.

Bnjl. O charming Sorrow \ How her Tears adorn 1: Like Dew on Flow'rs, but fhe is virtuous. And I muft quench- this hopelefs Fire i' th' kindling.-|.

Gloft. Confider, Princefs, \

For whom thou beg'll, 'tis for the King that wrong'd th'

Cord. O name not that ; he did not, cou'd not wrc Nay, mufe not, Glofter, for it is too likely (r

This injured King e'er this, is paft your Aid, And gone diflrafted with his favage Wrongs

Baft. I'll gaze no more, — and yet my Eyes are channi

Cord. Or, what if it be worfe ? As 'tis too probable, this furious Night Has pierc'd hi* tender Body, the bleak Winds. And cold Rain chill'd, or Light'ning ftruck him dea Vi it be fo, your Promife is difcharg'd,, And I have only one poor Boon to beg. That you'd convey me to his breathlefs Trunk, With my torn Robes to wrap his hoary Head, With my torn Hair to bind his Hands and Feet, Then with a Show'r of Tears To wafh his Clay-fmear'd Cheeks, and die befiie hh

Ghft. Rife, fair Cordelia, thou hal'- Piety Enough t' attone for both thy Sifters Crimes. I have already plotted to reftore My injur'd Mafter, and thy Virtue tells me We fhall fucceid, and fuddenly. [£'

Cor

IQng LEAR. 5 J

Cord. Difpatch, J r ante,

rovide me a Difguife, we'll inftantly

0 feek the King, and bring him fome Relief.

j^r. Ho^v, Madam ! Are you ignorant

f what your impious Sifters have decreed ? iimediate Death for any that relieve him.

Cord. I cannot dread the Furies in this Cafe.

Jr. In fuch a Night as this ? Confider Madam, Dr many Miles about there's fcarce a Bufh o fhelter in.

Cord. Therefore no fhelter for the King,

nd more our Charity to find him out :

''hat have not Women dar'd for vicious Love ?

nd we'll be Ihining Proofs that they can dare

or Piety as much. BlowWinds, and Light'nings fall,

)ld in my Virgin Innocence, I'll fly

[y Royal Father to relieve, or die. [Exit.

Baft. Provide me a Difguife, we'll inflantly

o feek the King j ha ! ha ! A lucky Change,

hat Virtue which I fear'd would be my Hind'rance, ^as prov'd the Bond to my Defign j 11 bribe two Ruffins ihall at Diftance follow, nd feife 'em in fome defert Pla:e ; and there l^'hilft one retains her, t' other Ihall return " inform me where fhe's lodg'd ; I'll be difguis'd too, ^hilft they are poching for me, I'll to the Duke /"ith thefe Difpatches, then to th' Field, ^here, like the vig'rous Jove, I will enjoy 'his Semele in a Storm, 'twill deaf her Cries ike Drums in Battle, left her Groans fhould pierce [y pittying Ear, and make the amorous Fight lefs fierce.

\Exit, Stor^nftill. The Field Scene. Enter Lear and Kent,

Ketit. Here is the Place my Lord ; good my Lord enter i 'he Tyranny of this open Night's too rpugh or Nature to endure.

Lear. Let me alone.

Kent. Good my Lord ; enter.

Lear. Wilt break my Heart I

Kent. Befeech you. Sir.

Lear.

54 The History of

Lear. Thou thinis'il 'tis mucli that this contentioi Invades us to the Skin ; fo 'tis to thee ; (Stor;

But where the greater Malady is fixt, The lefler is fcarce felt : The Tempell in my Mind Does from my Senfes take all feeling elfe; Save what beats there. Filial Ingratitude ! Is it not as this Mouth fhould tear this Hand For lifting Food toh ? 'But I'll punifh ; Home; No, I will no rnore ; in fuch a Night To fhut me out. , Pour on, I will endure In fuch a Night as this : O Regan, Generil ! Your old kind Father, Avhofe frank Heart gave all j O that Way madnefs lies ; let me fhun that ; No more of that.

Ke7!t; See, my Lord, here's the Entrance-,

Lear. Well, I'll go in And pafs it all, I'll pray, and then I'll fleep : Poor naked Wretches, wherefoe'er you are. That 'bide the pelting of this pittilefs Storm, How fhall your houfelefs Heads and unfed Sides Suftain this Stock ? Your raggednefs defend you From Seafons fuch as thefe. O ! I have ta'en too little Care of this. Take Phyfick, Pomp,

E'xpofe thy felf to feel what Wretches feel. That thou may'ft caft the Superflux to them,. And fhew the Heav'ns more juft.

Edgar in the Hovel, Five Fathom and a. half, poor Tom.

Kent. What art thou that doft grumble there i'"t] Gome forth. (Straw

Edgar. Away ! The foul Fiend follows me— Throug the fharp Haw-Thorn blows the cold Wind.. .Mun

go to the Bed and warm thee. Ha ! What do

fee ? By all my Griefs the poor old King bareheaded. And drench'd in this fow Storm, profeflmg Syren, Are all your Proteftations come to this ?

Lear. Tell me, Felbw, did'fl thou give all to th

(Daughters

Edgar. Who gives any Thing to poor To?n, whoi

Shefoul Fiend li:is led thro' Fire, and thro' Flame, thrc

Bulhe!

Kjng LEAR, 55

u'fhes, and Bogs ; that has laid Knives under his Pillow, id Halters in his Pue ; that his made him proud of [eart to ride on a Bay-trotdng Horle over four inched

ridges, to courfe his own Shadow for a Traitor. —

lefs thy five Wits . Totus a cold. [Sbivers.'} Elefs lee from Whirl-Winds, Star-blafling, and taking : Do oor Tom fome Charity, whom the foul Fiend vexes.— a, fa ; there I could have him nov/, and there, and lere agen.

Lear. Have his Daughters brought him to this pa's .? iou'dfi thou f^vc nothing ? Didll thou give them all ?

KerJ. He has no Daughter!, Sir. ,L-'a". Death, Traytor, nothing cou'd have fubdu'd 'o fach a Lownets, but h's unkind Daughters. (Nature

Sdg. Pillicock fat upon Pillicock Hill ; hallo, hallo,

Lt'ar. Is it the Fafhion that difgarded Fathers (hallo, hould have fuch little Mercy on their Flefh ? idicious Puniihment, 'twas hisFhfh begot 'hofe Pelican Daughters.

EJg. Take heed of the fow Fiend ; obey thy Parents, eep thy Word juilly ; fwear not ; commit not with ian's fworn Spoufe ; fet not thy fweet Heart on proud- irray ; Toni^ a cold.

Lear. What haft thou been ? ^ •

Edg. A ferving Man proud of Heart, that curl'd my lair, us'd Perfume and Wafhes ; thit ferv'd the Luft of ly Miftreffes Heart, and did the A61 of Darknefs with er; fwore as many Oaths as I fpoke Words ; and roke 'em all in the fweet Fare of Heaven : Let not iie Paint, nor the Patch, nor the Rufhing of Silks be- ray thy poor Heart to Woman ; keep thy Foot out of irothels, thy Hand out of Plackets, thy Pen from Cre-

itors Books, and defy the foul Fiend Still through

he Haw-Thorn blows the cold Wind Sefs, Suum,

/lun, Nonny, Dolphin, my Boy ! ~ Hift, the B07 tie Boy ! Sefey ! Soft, let him trot by.

Lear, Death ! thou wert better in thy Grave, then hus to anfwer with thy uncover'd Body, this JExtremi- y of the Sky, And yet confider him. well, and Man's 10 m.ore than this ; thou art indebted to the Worm for io Silk, to the Beaft for no Hide, to the Cat for no

Perfume,

36 The History of

Perfume.— ——-Ha ! here's two of us are fophillicated thou art the Thuig itfelf, unaccomodated Man is no mon than fuch a poor bare fork'd Animal as thou art. Off, off, ye vain Difguifes, empty Lendings, I'll be my original felf, quick, quick, uncafe me. Kent. Defend his Wits, good Heaven I Lear. One Point I had forgot ; what's your Name Edg. Poor Tofn, that eats the fwiming Frog, th< Wall-Nut and the Water Nut ; that in the Fury of hi' Heart, when the foul Fiend rages, eats Cow-Dung foi Sallat?, fwallows the old Rat, and the Ditch-Dog, tha drinks the green Mantle of the Handing Pool, that', whipt from Tithing to Tithing, that has three Suits tc his Back, fix Shirts to his Body.

Horfe to ride, and Weapon to wear. But Rats and Mice, and fuch fmall Deer, Have been Tarn's Food for feven long Year. Beware, my Follower ; Peace, Smulk'n, Peace, tho^ foul Fiend.

Lear. One V/ord more, but be fure true Counfel tell m.e, is a Madman a Gentleman, or a Yeoman ?

Kent. I fear'd 'twou'd come to this ; his Wits ari gone.

Edg. Frdterreto calls me, and tells me, Nero, is :a Angler in the Lake of Darknefs. Pray, Innocent, anc beware the foul Fiend.

Lear. Right, ha ! ha ! Was it not Pleafant to hav a Thoufand with red hot Spits come hizzing in upon 'em

Edg. My Tears begin to take his Part fo much They mar my Counterfeiting. {Afidt

Lear. The little Dogs and all. Tray, Blanch, an( Sweet-Heart, fee they bark at me. ^Edg. Tom will throw his Head at 'em ; avaunt, y e Car; Be thy Mouth, or black, or white. Tooth that poyfons if it bite ; Maftiff, Grey-Hound, Mungrel, Grim, Hound, or Spanial, Brach, or Hym ; Bob-Tail, Hight, or Trundle-Tail, Tom will make 'em weep and wail j For with throwing thus my Head, Dogs leap the Hatch, and all are fled.

U(

Kjng LEAR, 37

Ud, de, de, de. Sec, fee, fee. Come, march to

iiVakes, and Fairs, and Market-Towns, Poor TorSf

:hy Horn is dry.

Lear. You, Sir, I entertain you for one of my Hun- Ired, only I do not like the Fafliionof your Garments ; you'll fay they're Perfian, but no Matter, let 'em be :hang'd.

Enter Glofter. Edg. This is the foul Flibertigibet ; he begins at Cur- "evv, and walks at firft Cock , he gives the Web, and the Pin ; knits the Elflock ; fquints the Eye, and makes the h[air-Lip ; mildews the white Wheat, and hurts the poor Creature of the Earth. 0 v

Swithin footed thrice the Cold^ . '.-V ,/J • He met the Night-Mare and her Nine-Fold^ '

'Twas there he did appoint her ; He bid her alight, and her Troth plight. And arroynt the Witch, arroynt^her. Glofi. What, has your Grace no better Company ? ' Edg. The Prince of Darknefs is a Gentleman ; 'Modo le is call'd, and Mahu.

Gloft. Go with me. Sir, hard by I have a Tcnent. Ay Duty cannot fuffer me to obey in all your Daugh- ers hard Commands, who have enjoyn'd me to make ift my Doors, and let this tyrannous Night take hold pon you. _ Yet have I ventur'd to come to feek you •ut, and bring you where both Fire and Food is ready. Kent, Good my Lord take his Offer. Lear. Firll let me talk with this Philofopher; jay, Staggerite, what is the Caufe of Thunder. > Glofi. Befeech you, Sir, go with me. Lear. I'll take a Word with this fame learned Thebane. 7hat is your ftudy ? Edg. Hov/ to prevent the Fiend, and to kill Vermin. • Lear. Let me ask you a Word in private. Kent.^ His Wits are quite unfettled j good Sir, let's irce him hence.

Gloft. Can'ft blame him? His Daughters feeks his )eath ; this Bedlam but difturbs him the more. Fel- 'W, be gone. Edg., Child Rowland to the dark Tow'r came,

D His

g8 The History of

His Word, was ftill, Fi, Fo, and Fum,

Ifmell the Blood of a Britijh Man Oh! Torturel

[Exit.

Gloft. Now, I prethee Friend, let's take him in our Arms, and carry him where he (hall meet both Welcome, Good Sir, along with us. (and Proteaion.

Lear. You fay right, let 'em anatomize Regan, for what breeds about her Heart ; is there any Caufe in Nature for thefe liard Hearts ?

Kent. I befeech your Grace.

Lear. Hift ! Make no Noife, make no Noife

fo fo ; we'Jl to Supper i' th' Morning. [Exeunt.

Enter Cordelia and Arante.

Ar. Dear Madam, reft ye here, our Search is vain, Look, here's a Slied ; befeech ye, enter here.

Cord. Prethee go thy fdf, feek thy own Eafe, Where the Mind's free, the Body's delicate ; This Tempeft but diverts me from the Thought Of what would hurt me more.

Enter two Ruffians

1. Tiuff. We have dogg'd'em far enough, this Place I'll keep 'em Prifoners here within this Hovel, (private Whiift you return and bring Lord Edmund hither ; i But help me firft to Houfe 'em I

2. Rnff. Nothing but this, dear Devil, {Shows Goh Shou'd have drawn me through all this Tempeil ; But to our Work. .

IJhey feixe Cordelia and Arante. Tjho prick oM Soft Madam," we are Friends ; diipatch, I %.

Cord. Help, Murder, help -, Gods ! Some Icind Thu

To ftrike me dead. (derb

Enter Edgar.

Edg. What Crv was that r Ha, Women feiz

Is this a Place "and Time for Vilhny ? (by Ruffian

Avaunt, ve Blood-Hounds. ( Drives 'em zvith his ^i

^ (ter Sta

Both. The Devil, the Devil ! [R'l'i

Edg. O fpeak, what are ye that appear to be O' th' tender Sex, and yet unguarded wander Through the dread Mazes of this dreadful Night, H: Where (tho' at full) the clouded Moon fcnrcc darts Imperfed Glimmerings ? Cdi

k

Cord. Firft fay, what art thou ? Our Guardian Angel, that wer't pleas'd t' aflutne- That horrid Shape to fright the Ravifhers ? We'll kneel to thee.

Edg. O my tumiUtuous Blood ! By all my trembling Veins, Cordelias Voice I 'Tis fhe herfelf ! — — My Senfes fure confirm To my wild Garb, and I am mad indeed. {^Aftde.

Cord. What e'er thou art, befriend a wretched Virgin, "And, if thou canft, direft our weary Search.

Edg. Who relieves poor T^om, that fleeps on the Net- tle, with the Hedge-Pig for his Pillow. Whilft Smug ply'd the Bellows She truckt with her FellowSs, The Freckle-Fac'd Mab Was a Blouze, and a Drab,

Yet ^within made Obero7i jealous. Oh ! Torture.

Ar. ALick ! Madam, a poor wand''ring Lunatick. Cord. And yet his Language feem'd but now well temper'd.

Speak, Friend, to one more wretched than thy felf ; And if thou haft one Interval of Senfe, Inform us, if thou canft, where we may find A poor old Man, who through this Heath has ftray'd The tedious Night. — Speak, faweft thou fucli a one ?

Edg. The King her Father, whom fhe's come to feek ; Through all the Terrors of thi? Night : O Gods ! S^Aftde, That fuch amazing Piety, fuch Tendernefs Shou'd yet to me be cruel. Yes, fair one, fuch a one was lately here. And is vonvey'd by fome that came to feek him. To a neighb'ring Cottage ; but diftinftly where, I know not.

Cord. Bleffingson 'em; Let's find him out, Arante, for thou feeft We are in Heavens Protedlion. [Gohig off,

Edg. O Cordelia !

Cord. Ha ! •— Thou know'ft my Name, Edg. As you did once know Edgar %. Cord. Edgar !

Edg. The poor Remains of Edgar, what your Scorn Has left him, D z Cord.

40 Ihe HISTORY Of

Ccrd. Do we wake, Arante ?

Edg. My. Father feeks my Life, which I prcferv-d, In hopes of fome bleft Minute to oblige Diilrell Cordelia, and the Gods have giv'n it ; That Thought alone prevail'd with me to take 1

This frantick Dref=, to make the Earth my Bed, . I

With thefe bare Limbs all Change of Seafons bi.'e, '

. Noons fcorching Heat, and Midnights piercing Cold, To feed on Offals, and to drink with Herds, To combat with the Winds, and be the Sport Of Clowns, or what's more wretched yet, thsir Pity.

Ar. Was ever Tale fo full of Mifery !

Edg. But fuch a Fall as this I grant was due To my afpiring Love, for 'twas prefumptuous. Though not prefumtuoufly purfu'd ; For well you know I wore my Flames conceaPd, i^nd filent as the Lamps that burn in Tombs i

'Till you perceiv'd my Grief, with modefl: Grace Drew forth the Secret, and then feal'd my Pardon.

Cord. You had your Pardon, nor can you challenge

Edg. What do I challenge more ? (more.

Such Vanity agrees not with thefe Rags ; When in my profp'rous State, rich Glofter''s Heir, You filenc'd my Pretences, and enjoy n'd me To trouble you upon that Theme no more ; Then what Reception mull Loves Language find From thefe bare Limbs and Beggar's humble Weeds ?

Cord. Such as the Voice of Pardon to a Wretch con- Such as the Shouts (demn'dij Of fucc'ring Forces to a Town befieg'd. "i

Edg. Ah ! What new Method now of Cruelty ! ' . {

Cord. Come to my Arms, thou deareft, beft of MeriJ And take the kindeft Vows that e'er were fpoke By a protefting Maid.

Edg. Is'tpoffible?

Cord. By the dear Vital Stream that bathes my Heart, Thefe hallowed Rags of thine, and naked Virtue, Thefe abjeft Taflels, thefe fantaftick Shreds, (Ridiculous ev'n to the meaneft Clown) To me are dearer than the richeft Pomp Of purple Monarchy.

Eig.

KJng LEAR. 41

Edg. G^fteroas charming Maid, n ru -t-ifn,:'.!. A

he Gods alone that made, can rate thy Wortl\! I'his moft amazing Excellence Ihall be "ame's Triumph in fucceeding Ages, when

hy bright Example fhall adorn the Scene, ind teach the World Perfeftion.

Cord. Cold and weary, Ve'll reft a \vhile, Arante, on that Straw, Then forward to find out the poor old King.

Edg. Look, I have Flint and Steel, the Implements )f wand' ring Lunaticks ; I'll ftrike a Light, \ndmake a Fire beneath this Shed, to dry Thy Storm) drench'd Garments, 'ere thou lie to reft: thee; Then fierce and \vakeful as th' Hefperian Dragon, '11 watch befide thee to protedl thy Sleep ; VIean while the Stars (hall dart their kindeft Beams, ^nd Angels vifit my Cordelias Dreams. [Ex^uHf.

SCENE, the r dace.

Enter Cornwal, Regan, Baftard^^ Scrvafits. Cornwal tvith Glofter'j Letters.

Duke. I will have my Revenge 'ere I depart his Houfe, Rei[aii, fee here, a Plot upon our State ; 'Tis Glojlers. Charafter, that has betray'd His double Truft of Subjeft, and of Hoft.

Reg. Then double be our Vengeance, this canfirm? Th' Intelligence that we now receiv'd, , That he has been this Night to feek the King ; But who, Sir, was the kind Difcoverer ?

Duke. Our E-ag'e, quick to fpy, and fierce to fcize } Our trufty Edmund.

Reg. 'Twas a noble Service ; O Cornwal, t^ike him to thy deepeft Truft, And wear him as a Jewel at thy Heart.

Baft. Think, Sir, how hard a Fortune I fuftain. That makes me thus repent of ferving you ,• \_Weeps,

O that this Treafon had not been, or I Not the Difcoverer.

Duke. Edmund, thou fhairfind"

^ 3 A

4'2 The H I s T o R y of

A Father in our Love, and from this Minute We call thee Earl of Glofter % but there yet Remains another Juftice to be done, And that's to punilh this difcardei Traitor ; But left thy tender Nature fhould relent At his juft Sufferings, nor bj-ooji.thei Sight, We wifh thee to withdraw.

Reg. The Groip^ Sir, within the lower Grove f Has Privacy tp; fait aMourner's Thought. (Edmund afia

Baft. And there I may ex:pe61; a Comforter, Ha, Madam?

Reg. What may happen. Sir, I know not, But 'twas a Friend's Advice. {Ex. Ballar

Duke. Bring in the Tray tor.

G\l:^^&x brought in. Sind fail his Arms.

Gloft. What mean your GracQs ? You are my Guefts, pray do me no foul Play.

Duke. Bind, him,, I fay, hard, harder yet.

Reg. Now,. Tray tor, thou fhalt find

Duke. Speak, Rebel, where haft thou fent the King Whom, fpight of our Decree, thou faw'ft laft Night.

Gloft. I'm ty'd to th' Stake, and muft ftand the Courf

Reg. Say where, and v/hy thou haft conceal'd him

Gloft. Becaufe I wou'd not fee thy cruel Hands Tear out his poor old Eyes, nor thy fierce Sifter Carve his anointed Flefh j but I fliall fee The fwift winged Vengeance overtake fuch" Children

Duke. See'tthou fhalt never, Slaves perform yourWorl Out with thofe treacherous Eyes ; difpatch, I fay.

If thou feek Vengeance. '.

: Gloft. He that will think to live 'till he be old,

Give, me fome Help. O cruel ! oh ! ye Gods.

SJThey put out hi! Eye.

Serv. Hold, hold, my Lord, I bar your Cruelty, I cannot love your fafety, and give Way 1

T© fuch a barbarous Practice.. |

Duke, Ha ? my Villain. i

Serv. I have been your Servant from my Infancy^ Sut better Service have I never done you Thau with this Eoldncfs. ».■

Duki

KJiig LEAR. 4^

Duke. Take thy Death, Slave.

Serv. Nay, then revenge whilft yet my Blood is warm.

[Fight. Reg. Help here. — Are you not hurt, my Lord ? G/j/?. Edmund, enkindle all the Sparks of Nature To quit this horrid Aft.

Reg. Out treacherous Villian, Thou cairn on him that hates thee, it was he That broach'd thy Treaibn, fhew'd us thy Difpatches ; There, — - read, and lave the Cambrian Prince a La- If thy Eyes fail thee, call for Speftacles. (hour

Ghji. O my Folly ! Then Edgar, was abus'd, kind Gods, forgive me that. Reg, How is't, my Lord ?

Duke, Turn out that Eye-lefs Villain, let him fmell His Way to Cambray, throw thris Slave upon a Duno'hil^ Regaj;, I bleed a pace, give me your Arm.

Gloji. All dark, and comfortlefs .' Where are thole various Objefts, that, but now. Employ 'd my bufy Eyes ? Where thofe Eyes I Dead are their piercing Rays tbit lately fliot D'er flow'ry Vales to dillant Snowy Hills, ^nd drew with Joy the vaft Horizon in. rhefe groping. Hands ard now my only Guides, ^nd feehng all my Sight.

y Mifery ! What Words can found my Grief .? )hutfrom the Living whilft amongft the Living ; Oark as the Grave am.idll the. jDuitling World. iVt once from Bufinefs, and from Pleafure bar'd : "Jo more to view the Beauty of the Spring, >Jor fee the Face oi Kindred, or of Friend ;• ''et ftiil one Way th' extreameft Fate affords, ind ev'n the Blind can find the Way to Death, luft I then tamely die, and unreveng'd ? 0 Lear may fall : N(i, with thefe bleeding Rings will prefcnt me to the pitying Croud, .nd with the Rhetorick of thefe dropping Veins nflame 'em to revenge their King and me ; 'hen when the glorious Mifchief is on Wing, 'his Lumber from fome Precipice I'll throw, nd dafli it oiv the ragged Flint below ;

Whencs

44 Tk History of

Whence my freed Soul to her bright Sphere {hall" fly,

Through boundlefs Orbs, eternal Regions fpy.

And, like the Sun, be all one glorious Eye. [Ex.

\

End of the Third ASl.

ACT rv.

J GROTTO.

Edmund ^nd Regan amoronjl'j feated, lijfeiiing to Mujick.

H Y were thofe Beauties made anq

ther's Right, Which none can prize like me r Charn; ing Queen, Take my blooming Youth, for ever fb In thofe foft Arms, lull me in endlefs Sleep, That I may dream of Eleafures too tranfporting For Life, to bear.

^^'^0-. Live, live, my Glofie}\ And feel no Death, but that of fwooning Joy ? I yield the Blifles on no harder Terms Than that thou continue to be happy.

Ba.ft. This Jealoufy is vet more kind, is't poffible That I fhould wander from a Paradife To feed on fickly V/eeds ? Such Sweets live here That Conilancy will be no Virtue in me : And y«-t mufl I forthwith go meet her Siller, \,-^fi\ To whom, I muft proteft as much, .. Suppofe it be the lame ; why, bell of all,

Ml

h

Kj^g LEA R. ' 45

.nd I have then my Leflbn already conn'd.

Reg, Wear this Remembrance of me I dare now

{Gives him a Ring, bfent my felf no longer from the Duke, /■hofe Wound grows dangerous, I hope mortal. Baj?. And let this happy Image of your G/oJIer,

[Pulling out a Piaure, drop a Note. Ddge m that Breaft where all his Treafure lies. [Exit, Reg. To this brave Youth a Woman's blooming Beauties

re due ; my Fool ufurps my Bed What's here ?

wifufion on my Eyes. [Reads.

Where Merit is tranfparent, not to behold it were Blifidnefs; and not to reward ity Ingratiude.

Goneril. exatious Accidest ! Yet fortunate too, y Jealoufy's confirm'd, and I am taught 0 call for my Defence . [Enter an Officer.

ow, what mean thofe Shouts ? And that thy hally En- Off. A moft furprizing and a fuddenChange; (trance? he Peafants are all up in Mutiny, ad only want a Chief to lead 'em on 3 Ilorm your Palace. P^eg. On what Provocation ? Off. At laft Day's publick Feftival, to which - le Yeomen from all Quarters had repair'd, .d Glofter, whom you late depriv'd of Sight, :is Veins yet ftreaming frefh,) prefents himfelf, oclaims your Cruelty, and their Oppreffion, ith the King's Injuries; which fo enrag'd 'em, lat now that Mutiny, which long had crept, ikes Wing, and threatens your beft Pow'rs. Reg. White-liver'd Slave .' . ar Forces rais'd, and led by valiant Edmund, .all drive this Monfter of Rebellion bact ) her dark Cell ; young Glofter s Arm allays le Storm, his Father's feeble Breath did raife. [Exit.

The Field SCENE, Enter Edgar. Edg. The loweft and moft abjeft Thing of Fortune mds ftill in Hope, and is fecure from Fear ; le lamentable Change is from the Beft,

le woril; returns to better. Who comes here ?

Enter

40 ifye ni ST o KY Of

Enter Glofter, led h an old Mm. My Father poorly led ! depriv'd of Sight ! The precious Stones torn from their bleeding Rings ! Something I heard of this inhuman Deed, But disbeliev'd it, as an Aft too horrid For the hot Hell of a curft Woman's Fury ; When will the Meafure of my Woes be full ?

Glojl. Revenge, thou art on foot, Succefs attend th Well have I fold my Eyes, if the Event Prove happy for the injur'd King.

Old M. O, my good Lord, I have been your Tena and your Father's' Tenant thefe Fourfcore Years.

Ghft. Away, get thee away, good Friend be gone, Thy Comforts can do me no good at all. Thee they may hurt;

Old M. You cannot fee your Way.

Ghjl. I have no Way, and therefore want no Eyes, I Humbled when I faw : O dear Son Edgar^ The Food of thy abufed Father's Wrath, Might I but live to fee thee in my Touch, I'd fay, I had Eyes agen.

Edg. Alas, he's fenfible that I was wrong'd. And fhou'd I own my felf, his tender Heart Would bteak betwixt the Extreams of Grief and Joy.

Old M. How now, who's there ?

Edg. A Charity for poor Tom. Play fair, and d< the foul Fiend.

O Gods ! And muft Iftill purfue this Trade, IM

Trifling beneath fuch Loads of Mifery ?

Old M. 'Tis poor mad Tom. \

Gloft. In the late Storm, I fuch a Fellow faw. Which made me think a Man a Worm, Where is the Lunatick ?

Old M. Here, my Lord.

Ghji. Get thee now away, if for my Sake Thou wilt o'er-take us hence a Mile, or two, I' th' Way to Dover ^ do''t for antient Love, And bring fome Cov'ring for this naked Wretch, Whom I'll intreat to lead me. Old M. Alack, my Lord, he's mad-. (Blii

Gloji. 'Tis the Time's Plague when mad-Men lead Do as I bid thee. (|i

Ki»g LEAR, 47

X)ld M. I'll bring him the beft 'Parrel that I have, ome on't what will. [^Exit,

Gloji. Sirrah, naked Fellow.

Edg. Poor Tornh a cold ; I cannot fool it longer,

nd yet I mud. — — Blefs thy fweet Eyes, they bleed » elieve't poor Tojn ev'n weeps his blind to fee 'em.

Gloji. Know' ft thou the Way to Dover ?

Edg. Both Stile and Gate, Horfe Way and Foot-Path; 3or Tom has been fcar'd out of his good Wits ; blefs >ery true Man's Son from the foul Fiend.

Gloji. Here take this Purfe ; that I am wretched [akes thee the happier, Heav'n deal fo ftill. 'hus let the griping Uferers Hoard be fcatter'd, D Diitribution fhall undo Excefs

nd eacli Man have enough. Doft thou know Dover? .-Edg, Ay, Mafter.

'Gloji. There's a Cliff, whofe high and bending Heal ooks dreadfully down on the roaring Deep ; ring me but to the very Brink of it, .nd I'll repair the Poverty thou bear'ft i^ith fomething rich about me, from that Place fliall no lea -ling need. ■ '

Edg. Give me thy Arm : Poor Tom fhall guide thee.

GloJl. Soft, for I hear the Tread of Paflengers. Enter Kent and Cordelia.

Cord. Ah me ! your Fear's too true, it was the King j

fpoke but now with fome that met him

.3 mad as the vex'd Sea fmging aloud,

!rown'd with rank Feiniter, and Furrow Weeds,

7ith Berries, Burdocks, Violets, Dazies, Poppies,

Lnd all the idle Flowers that grow

1 our fuftaining Corn ; conduft me to him,

md Heav'n fo profper thee.

Kent. I will, good Lady. [a, Glojler here ! ■ Turn, poor dark Man, and hear

L Friend's Condolement, who at Sight of thine orgets his own Diilrefs, thy old true Kent.

Qlojl. Hov/, Kent ? From whence return'd ?

Kent. I have not fmce my Banifhment been abfent, ut in Difguife follow'd th' abandon'd King : Pwas me tliou faw'll with him in the late Storm-

GM.

48 T/'^ H I S T O R Y <?/ !

Gloji. Let mc embrace thee, had I Eyes, I now Should weep for Joy ; but let this trickling Blood Suffice inftead of Tears.

Cord. O Mifery ! ^ _

To whom Ihall I complain, or in what Language ? Forgive, O wretched Man, the Piety That brought thee to this Pafs, 'twas I that caus'd it ; I caft me at thy Feet and beg of thee To crufh thefe weeping Eyes to equal Darknefs, If that will give thee any Recompence.

Edg. Was ever Seafon fo diftreft as this ? [4fi('

Gloft. I think Cordelia'^ Voice ! rife pious Princeis,

And take a dark Man's Bleffing.

Cord. O, my Edgar ! My Virtue's nov/ grown guilty, works the Bane Of thofe that do befriend me, Heav'n forfakes me. And when you look that Way, it is but juft That you fliou'd hate me too.

Edg. O wave this cutting Speech, and fpare to Wou! A Heart that's on the Rack.

GloJl. No longer cloud thee, Kent in that Difguife, There's Bufmefs for thee, and of nobleft Weight j Our injur'd Country is at length in Arms, Urg'd by the King's inhuman Wrongs and Mine, And only want a Chief to lead 'em on. That Task be thine. |

Edg. Brave Britnins, then there's Life in't yet. \^AJici Kent. Then have we one Caft for our Fortune yet. | Come, Princefs, I'll be{lo\v you with the King, Then on the Spur to head thefe Forces. Farewel, good Glojier, to our conduft truft.

GloJ}. AndbeyourCaufe asprofp'rons as'tis juft. [£

GonerilV Palace. Enter Goneril, Attendants. Gon. It was great Ignorance, Glojier s Eyes being 01 To let him live, where he arrives he moves All Hearts againft us ; Edmumd I think is gone. In Pity to his Mifery, to difpatch him.

Gent. No, Madam, he's return'd on fpeedy Summc Back to your Sifter.

Gon. Ha ! I like not that, (ban-^

Such fpeed muft have the Wings of Love ; where's j.

Ge.

Kjng LEAR, 4^

Genf. Madam, within, but never Man fo changM i I told him of the Uproar of the Peafants, He fmil'd at it, when I inform'd him Of G/opr's Treafon. ,

Gsn. Trouble him no farther, [t is his coward Spirit ', back to our Siller, Haften her Mufters, and let her know I have giv'n the Diftaff into my Husband's Hand?. That done, with fpecial Care deliver thefe Dilpatches In private to young Glofter.

Enter a MeJJenger.

Mcjf. O Madam, moft unfeafonable News, The Duke of CormvaPs dead of his late Wound^ Whofe Lofs your Sifter has in Part fupply'd, Making brave Edjmmd General of her Forces.

Gon. One Way I like this Avell ; But being a Widow, and my Glojler with her. May blaft the promis'd Harveft of our Love. A. Word more. Sir, add Speel to your Journev,

!\nd if you chance to meet with that blinl Traitor, Preferment falls on him that cuts him off. {Ex.

ne Field SCENE, Glofter and Edgar.

Gloft. When fhall Ave come to th' Top of that lame

Edg. We climb it now, mark how we labour. (Hill?

Glofi. Methinks the Ground is even.

Edg. Horrible fteep ; heark, do you hear the Sea ?

Glojt. No truly.

Edg. Why then your other Senfes grow imperfeft 5y your Eyes Anguifh.

Glofi. So may it be indeed, /lethinks thy Voice is alter'd, and thou fpeak'il n better Phrafe and Matter than thou didft.

Edg. You are much deceived, in nothing am I altef d iut in my Garments.

Glofi. Methinks y' arc better fpoken.

Edg. Come on, Sir, here's the Place, hov/ fearful ind dizzy 'tis to caft o;ie's Eyes fo low. 'he Crows and Choughs that Wing the mid- Way Air hew fcarce fo big as Beetles ; half Way down [angs one that gathers Samphire, dreadful Trade ! "he Fiflier-Men that walk upon the Beach

E Appe.w

.

;^o 77;^ H I s T O R Y pf

Appear like Mice ; and yon tall anch'ring Bark Seems lefTen'd to her Cock, her Cock a Buoy, Almoft too fmall for Sight ; the murmuring Surge Cannot be heard fo high ; FU look no more Left my Brain turn, and'the Diforder make me ' Tumble down head-long.

Gloji. Set me where youftand. Edg. You are now within a Foot of th' extraam Verg« For all beneath the Moon I wouM not now Leap forward.

Glofl. Let go my Hand ; Here, Friend, is another Purfe, in it a Jewel Well worth a poor Man's Taking ; get thee farther, Bid me farewel, and let me hear thee going.

Edg. Fare you well, Sir. That I do trifle thus

With this his Defpair, is with Defign to cure it.

Gloji. Thus, mighty Gods, this World I do renouno And in your Sight fhake my Afflidtions off; If I cou'd bear 'em longer, and not fall To quarrel with your great oppofelefs Wills, My Snuff and feebler P-art of Nature fhou'd Burn itfelf out ; if Edgar liv'd, O, blefs him. Now, Fellow, fare thee well.

Edg. Gone, Sir, farewel. And yet I know not how Conceit may rob The Treafury of Life , had he been where he though

By this had Thought been pall. ^ Alive, or Dead

Hoa, Sir, Friend ; hear you. Sir, fpeak. — ^ •

Thus might he pafs indeed, . yet he revives.

What are you. Sir ?

GloJ}. Away, and let me die. Edg. Hadft thou been ought but Gofmore Feathe: Falling fo many Fathom down, (A:

Thou hadft fliiver'd like an Egg ; but thou doft breath Haft heavy Subftance, bleed'li ? Not fpeak ! Art foum Thy Life's a Miracle.

Gloji. But have I fal'n, or no ? Edg. From the dread Summit of this chalky Bour Look up, an Height, the {hrilltun'd Lark fo high Cannot be feen, or heard ; do but look up. Cloji. Alacl:, I have no Ejes.

B Wretchednefs depriv'dthat Benefit Fo end itfelf by Death ?

Edg. Give me your Arm. Jp ; fo, how is't ? Feel you your Legs ? You ftand. G/ofi. Too well, too well.

Edg. Upon the Brow o' th' CIIiF, wl\at Thing Wiis yhich parted from you ? (that

Glojl. A poor unfortunate Beggar. Edg, As I flood here below, methought his Eyes Vere two full Moons, wide Noftrils breathing Fire. t was fome Fiend, . therefore thou happy Father, ^'hink that th' all powerful Gods, who make them Ho- )f Mens Jmpoffibilities, have preferv'd thee. (noyr$~

GhJ}. 'Tis. wonderful; henceforth I'll bear Affliftion rill it expire ; the Goblin which you fpeak of, tO(?k for a Man ; oft-times t'would fay, 'he Fiend, the Fiend : He led me to that Place, (here ? Edg. Bear free and patient Thoughts? But who comes E,iterLtSiY, a Coronet of Flozvers on his Head', ^ Wreaths, and Gar/ands about him. Lear. No, no ; they cannot toacli me for corning i am the King himfelf. Edg. O piercing Sight.

Lear. Nature's -above Art in that Refpedl ; there's •ur Prefs-Money : That Fellow handles his irow like a

|)vv-Keeper : Draw me a Clothier's Yard. A

oufe, a Moufe, peace, hoa ! There's my Gauntlet ; 1 prove it on a Giant: Bring up the brown Bills: O ^11 flown Bird ; i' th' White, i' th' White, „„

!ugh ! Give the Word, Edg. Sweet Marjorum, Lear. Pals.

■/(?/?. f know that Voice.

Lear. Ha! Go/zmV with a white Beard ! They flat- _d me like a Dog, and told me I had white Hairs on my m, before the black ones were there ; to fay ay and to every Thing that I faid : Ay and no too-was no »d i3ivmity. When the Rain came once to wet me, ■ the Wmds to make me chatter ; when the Thunder u d not peace at my bidding. There I found 'em, re 1 fmelt 'em out ; go too, they are not Men of E 2 their

^ 2 The H 1 S T O R .Y <9f

their Words ; they told me I was a King ; ^tis a Ly< I ahi not Ague proof.

Glofl. That Voice Twellremember, is't not the King'i

Lear. Ay, every Inch a King, when I do Stare See how the Subjefl quakes. J pardon that Man's Life ; what was the Caufe ? Adultery ? Thou fhalt not die. Die for Adultery \ ■ The Wren goes to't, and the fmall gilded Flie Engenders in my Sight ; Let Copulation thrive i For Glojlers Bafiard Son was kinder to his Father Than were my Daughters got i' th'^ Lawful Bed. To't Luxury, Pell-Mell, for I lack Soldiers.

GloJ}. Not all my Sorrows paft fo deep have touchM mi As the fad Accents : Sight were now a Torment .

Lear. Behold that fimp'ring Lady, (he that ftarts At PleafuresName, and thinks her Ear profan'd With theleaft wanton Word ; wou'd you believe it. The Fitch er, nor the pamper'd Steed goes to't With fuch a riotous Appetite : Down from the Wai they are Centaurs, though Women all above ; but to t] Girdle do the Gods inherit, beneath is all the Fiend there'^ Hell, there's Darknefs, the fulphurous unfathom'd..

Fie ! Fie! Pah ! An Ounce oi Civet, good Ap

thecary, to fweeten my In-.aginatiou. —— There's M jiey for thee.

Glojl. Let me kifs that Hand .

Lear. Let me wipe it firft ; it fmells of Mortality.

Glofi. Speak, ^ir, do you know me ?

Lear. I remember thy Eyes well enough : Nay,

ihy worll, blind Cupid, I'll not love. Read me t

Challenge, mark but the penning of it.

Gloji. Were all the Letters Suns, I cou'd not fee,

Edg. I wou'd not take this from Report ; wretcl What will thy Virtue do when thou Ihalt iind (Cordelt This frefh Amiftion added to the Tale Of thy unparallell'd Griefs.

Lear. Read.

Gloft. What ! with this Cafe of Eyes ?

Lear. O ho I Are you there with me ? No Eyeaj your Head, and no Money in your Purfe ? Yet you liow this World goes* i

Gt

Kjng LEA R, 5^^

GIoJ}, I fee it feelingly.

__ Lear.' What ! Art mad ! A Man may fee how this

World goes with no Eyes. Look with thy Ears ; fee

how yon Juftlce rails on that fimple Thief; fhake 'em

together, and the iirft that Drops, be it Thief, or Juftice,

is a Villian. Thou haft feen a Farmer's Dog bark at

a Beggar.

Gloji Ay, Sir.

Lear. And' the Man ran from the Cur ; there thou might'ft behold the great Image of Authority, a Dog's obey'd in Office. Thou Rafcal, Beadle, hold up thy bloody Hand, why doft thou lafh that Strumpet ? Thou hotly luft'rt to enjoy her in that Kind for which thou whip'ilher ; do, do, the Judg€ that fenteac'd her has been before-hand with thee.

Gkft. How ftifF is my vile Senfe, that yields not yet I

Lear. I tell thee the Ufurer hangs the Couz'ner, -■ -

through tatter'd Robes fmall Vices do appear ; Robes, and Fur- Gowns hide all : PIcKTc Sins with Gold; why there 'tis for thee, my Friend, make much of it ; it has the Power to feal the Accufer's Lips'. <Get thee ^h^s Eyes, and like a fcurvy Politickn, feem to fee%h«- Things thou doft not. Pull, pull off my Boots ; hard harder ; fo, h. . *

Gkjl. O Matter and Impertinency mixt ? Reafon in Madnefs.

Lear. If thou wilt w'^ep my Fortunes, take my Eyes r know thee well enough, thy Name is Glofter, Thou mufl be patient, we come crying hither Thou know'il, the iirft Time that we tafte theAir i^e wail and cry, I']] preach to thee, marit.

Edg. Break lab'ring Heart.

Lear. When we are born we cry that we are come •

To this great Stage cf Fools. «„

Enter Two or Three Gentlg^nen.

Gent O ! here he is ; lay Hand upon him. Sir - Your deareft Daughter fends-

Lear. No Refcue ? What ! A Prifoner ? I am even lie natural Fool of Fortune ; Ufe me ^'^d\, you iha I

lave Ranfom. Let me have Surgeoas ? O ' I -,m

ut to th' Brains. * ^ • -i am

^ i Gent.

«(^4 The History of

Gent. You fliall have any Thing.

Lear No Seconds ? All my felf I I will die bravely like a fniug Bridegroom, flufh'd and pamper'd as aPrieft's ,Whore. I am a King, my Mafters, know ye that ?

G^nt. You are a Royal One, and we obey you ?

Lear. It were an excellent Stratagem to flioe a Troop

of Horfe with Felt, I'll put in proof. noNoife, no

Jsloife Now will we ileal upon thefe Sons-in-Law,

and then Kill, kill, kill, kill ! [^Ex. Rujting.

Gloft. A Sight moft moving in the meaneft Wretch, Paft fpeaking in a King. Now, good Sir, what are you ?

Edg. A moft poor Man made tame to Fortune's Strokes, And prone to pity by experienc'd Sorrows ; give me your

(Hand. ^loft. You ever gentle Gods take my Breath from me, And let not my ill Genius tempt me more To die before you pleafe.

Enter GonerilV Gentlefnan-UJher.

Gent. A proclaim'd Prize, O moft happily met. That Eye-lefs Head of thine was iirft fram'd Flefli To raife my Fortunes ; thou old unhappy Traitor, j

The Sword is out that muft deftroy thee. |

" Gkji. Now let thy friendly Hand put Strength enough!

Gent. Wherefore bold Peafant, (to't

Dar'ft thou fupport a pubHfti'd Traitor ? Hend'e, Left I deftroy thee too. Let go his Arm.

Edg. Chili not let go, Zir, without Vurther 'Cafion.

Gent. Let go. Slave, or thou dyeft.

Edg. Good Gentleman go yt)ur Gate, and let pooj Volk pafs ; and chu'd ha' bin' zwagger'd out of mj Life, it wou'd not a bin zo long as 'tis by a Vort-Night 1

«^ . Nay, an' thou com'ft near th' old Man, I'ft trj \

•^'hether your Coftard, or my BaUow be th' harder. f

Gent. Out Dunghil.

Edg. Chill pick your Teeth, Zir ; come, no Matter Voines.

Gent. Slave, thou haft flain me ; oh, untimely Death

Edg. I know thee well, a ferviceable Villian, As duteous to the Vices of thy Miftrefs, As Luft con'd wifli.

Glojl. What ! Is he dead .?

Kjrig LEAR, 55

Edg. Sit you. Sir, and reft you. 'his is a Letter Carrier, and may have ome Papers of Intelligence, that may ftand >ur Party in good ftead to knew. -■■— What's here ? [Takes a Letter sut cf his Pocket ; epens, and reads. 'o.Edmund^dirlo? GioJJer.

Let our miitiinl Loves be remember d,jou havetna?iy Opportunities to cut him off. If he return the Conqueror, then I am fiill a Pri/oner, and his Bed wy Goal; from the loath' d Warmth of which deliver me, andfupply the Place for jour Labour.

GoneriL . Plot upon her Husband's Life,

.nd the Exchange my^ Brother ! — - Here i' th' Sands 11 rake thee \Tp, thou Meilenger of Lull:, rriev'd only that thou hadft no other Deaths-Man. 1 Time and Place convenient I'll produce 'hefe Letters to the Sight of th' injar'd Duke, .s beft fhall ferve our Purpofe ; come, your Hand, ar oft' methinks I hear the beaten Drum, !ome. Sir, I will beftow you with a Friend. [Exeunt, A Cba??iber. Lear afeep on a Couch ; Cordelia, a7id

Attendants ftanding by him. Cord. His Sleep is found, and may have goodEftedt 'o cure his jarring Senfes, and repair 'his Breach of Nature.

Ph^f. We have employ'd the utmoft Pow'r of Art, ind this deep Reft willperfe£l our Defign, Cord. O Regan, Goneril ! Inhuman Sifters, [ad he not been your Father, thefe white Hairs fad challeng'd fure fome Pity ? Was this a Face ""o be expos'd againft the jarring Winds ? ly Enemy's Dog, though he had bit me, fliou'd (to him,' lave ftood that Night againft my Fire. >— ' He wakes, fpeak Gent. Madam, do you, 'tis litteft. (jefty ?

Cord. How do's my royal Lord .? How fares your Ma- Lear. You do me Wrong to take me out o' th' Grave, la ! Is this too a World of Cruelty ? know my Privilege, think not that I will »e us'd like a wretched Mortal ? No, ^0 more of that. Cord^

t^6 The Hi STORY of

Cord. Speak to me, Sir, whom am I ?

Lear. You are a SoTil in Blifs, but I am bound Upon a Wheel of Fire, which my own Tear? Do fcald like molten Lead.

Cord. Sir, do you know me?

Lear. You are a Spirit, I know ; where did you die

Cord. Still, ftill, far wide. (compos' d

Phtf. Madam he's fcarce aWake ; he'll foon grow mor

Lear. Where have I been ? Where am I ? Fair Day I am mightily abus'd, I Ihou'd even die with Pity (Light To fee another thus. I will not fwear^ Thefe are my Hands.

Cord. O look upon me. Sir, And hold your Hands in Blcffing over me ; nay. You muil not knetl.

Lear. Pray do not mock me. I am a very foolifh fond old Man, Fourfcore and upward ; and to deal plainly with you, I fear I am not in my perfefi: Mind.

Cord. Nay, thenfarewel to Patience : Witnefs for mi Ye" mighty Pow'rs, I ne'er complain'd 'till now !

Lear. Methinks Ifhou'dknowyou, and know this Mar y*et I am doubtfvil, for I am mainly ignorant What Place this is, and all the Skill I have Remembers not thefe Garments; nor do I know

Where I didfleep laft Night. Pray do not mock me

For, as I am a Man, I think that Lady To be my Child Cordelia.

Cord. O my dear, dear Father !

Lear BeyourTearswet ? Yes faith j pray do not weep, I know I have giv'n thee Caufc, and am fo humbled- With Croffes lince, that I cou'd ask Forgivenefs of thee, were it poffible That thou eou'dfi: grant it ; but I'm well affur'd Thou can'ft not ; therefore I do Hand thy Juftice i : If thou hail Poyfon for me I will drink it, - Blefs thee, and die.

Cerd. Opity, Sir, a bleeding Heart, and ceafe This killing Language.

Lear. Tell me. Friends, where am I ?

Cent. In your ov;n Kingdom, Sir.

Lea^

Kjng LEAR.

57

Ler,r. Do not abufe me.

Gent. Be comforted, good Madam, for the Violence Of his DiRemper's paft ; we'll lead him in. Nor trouble him, 'till he is better fettled. Wil't pleafe you. Sir, walk into freer Air ?

Lear. You mull: bear with me, I am Old and Foolifh.

[They lead him of.

Cord. The Gods rellore you. Heark, I hear afar

The beaten Drum, Old Kenfa a Man of 's Word.

0 for an Arm

Like the fierce Thunderer's, when the Earth-born Sons

Storm'd Heav'n, to fight this injur'd Father's Battle 1

That I cou'd fhift my Sex, and die me deep

[n his Oppofer's Blood ! But as I may,

with Womens "Weapons, Piety and Pray'rs,

I'll aid his Caufe. . You ne\^er erring Gods ■

Fight on his Side, and Thunder on his Foes Such Tempells as his poor ag'd Head fufta in'd. Your Image fuffers when a Monarch bleeds. 'Tis your own Caufe, for that your Succors bring. Revenge joxxr felves, and right an injur'd King.

End of the Fourth A^. .

ACT V.

Gon.

At my Tent ?

SCENE, ACamf, Enter Goneril and Attendants,

U R Siller's Pow'rs already are arriv'd. And Ihe herfelf has promis'd to prevent The Night with her Approach : Have

you provided The Banquet I befpoke for her Receptl-

(on

58 The Hist o RY (^

Att, So, pleafe your Gnce, we have.

Gon. But thou, my Prifoner, muft prepare the Bow- That Crowns this Banquet, when our Mirth is High, . The Trumpets founding, and the Flutes replying, Then is the Time to give this fatal Draught To this Imperious Sifter ; if then our Arms fucceed, Edminid, more dear then Victory, is mine. But if Defeat, or Death it felf attend me, 'Twill charm my Ghoft to think I've left behind me, No'hgppy Rival. Heai-k, ihe comes. [Trumpet. [Exeunt-. Enter Baftard in hi: Tent.

Baft. To both thefe Sifters have I fvsrorn my Lov%., Each jealous of the other, as the Stung Are of the Adder ; neither can be held If both remain alive ; where fhall I fix ? Corfiwal is dead, and Regan'' s empty Bed Seems caft by Fortune for me, but already , I have enjoy'd ker, and bright Goncril With equal Charms brings dear Variety, And yet untafted Beauty : I will ufe Her Husband's Countenance for the Bftttle, then Ufurp at once his Bed and Throne. {Enter Officers-. My trufty Scouts y'are well return'd ; have ye defcry!d The Strength and Pofture of the Enemy ? "

Off, We have, and wore furpriz'd to find The banifh'd Kent f eturn'd, and at their Head 5 Your Brother Edgar on the Rear ; old Glofter (A moving Speftacle) led through their Ranks, Whofe pow'rful Tongue, and more prevailing Wrongs, Havefo enrag'd their ruftick Spirits, that with Th' approaching Dawn we muft exped their Battle.

Baft. You bring a welcome Hearing ; each to his Charge. Line well your Ranks, and ftand on your Award, To Night repofe you, i' th' Morn we'll give 'I^e Sun a Sight that fhall be worth his rifing. [Exeunt .

S C E N B . a Valley near the Camp,

Enter Edgar and Glofter.

Edg. Here, Sir,, you take the Shadow of this Tree

For

isjng I. t. Ji K. 59

For your. good Hoft ; pray that the Right may thrive :

If ever I return to you again

I'll bring you Comfort. ' lExit.

Gloji. Thanks, friendly Sir ; The Fortune your good Caufe deferves betide yoii.

An Alarm ; after which GiQ^tx /peaks. The Fight grows hot ; the whole War's now at work. And the goar'd Battle bleeds in every Vein. Whilll: Drums andTrurapets drown loud Slaughters Roar : Where's Giojler now that us'd to head the Fray, And fcour the Ranks where deadliell Dang«r lay ? Here, like a Shepherd, in a lonely Shade, Idle, unarm'd, and liftening to the Fight ; Yet the difabled Courfer, maim'd and blind. When to the Stall he hears the rathng War, Foaming with Rage, tears up the batter'd Ground, And tugs for Liberty,

No more of Shelter, thou blind Worm, but forth To th' open Field, the War may come this Way, And crufh thee into Reft. ■■ ■ — Here lie thee down. And tear the Earth, thit Work befits a Mole. O dark Defpair ! When, Edgar, wilt thou come To pardon, and difmifs me to the Grave .? [A Retreat Heark 1 A Retreat, the King has loft, or won. (fsunded. Re-enter Edgar, bloody.

Bdg. Away, old Man, give me your Hand, away f King Lear has loft ; he and his Daughter ta'en, And this, ye Gods, is all that I can fave Of this raoft precious Wreck ; give me your Hand.

Glofi. No farther. Sir, a Man may rot, even here.

Edg. What ! In ill Thoughts again? Men muft en- Their going hence, ev'n as their coming hither, (dure

Gloft. And that's true too. \Exemit.

Flourijh. Enter in Csnquefi, Albany, Goneril, Regan=, Baftard. — =- Lear, Kent, Cordelia, Prifoners.

Alb. It is enough to h;we conquer'd. Cruelty Shou'd ne'er furvive the Fight. Captaui o^th'Guards;, Treat well your royal Prifoners 'till you have Our farther Orders, as you hold our Pleafure.

Gon, Heark! Sir, nptsks you hold our Husband's Pka- #Lire. [fo the Captain afide.

But

6o The H I s T o R Y <>/

But as you hold your Life, difpatch your Pris'ners. Our Empire can have no fure Settlement But in their Death, the Earth that covers them Binds faft"our Throne. Let me hear they are dead.

Capt. t fhall obey your Orders.

Bajl. Sir, I approve it fafeft to pronounce Sentence of Death upon this wretched King, Whofe Age has Charms in it, his Title more. To draw the Commons once more to his Side, 'Twere beft prevent i

Jib. Sir, by your Favour, I hold you but a Subjedl of this War, Not as a Brother.

Reg. That's as we lift to grace him. Have you forgot that he did lead our Pow*rs ; Bore the Commiffion of our Place and Perfon ? And that Authority may well ftand up. And call it felf your Brother.

Gon. Not fo hot. In his own Merits he exalts himfelf More than in your Addition.

Enter Edgar difguis^A.

Alb. What art thou ?

Edg. Pardon me. Sir, that I prefume -to ftop A Prince and Conqueror, yet 'ere you Triumph, Give Ear to what a Stranger can deliver Of what concerns you more than Triumph can. I do impeach your General there of Treafon, Lord Edmund, that ufurps the Name of Glofter, Of fouleft Praftice 'gainit your Life and Honour ; This Charge i? true, and wretched though I feem, I can produce a Champion that will prove In jfingle Combat what I do avouch : If Edmund daresiut truft his Caufe and Sword. '•

Baji. What will not Edmund dare ! ]\ly Lord, I b^ The Favou'r that you'd inftantly appoint The Place where I may meet this Challenger, Whom I will facriiice to my urong'd Fame > Remember, Sir, that injur'd Honour's nice. And cannot brook delay.

Alb. Anon, before our Tent, i'th' Army's View,' There let the Herald cry. Ed^,

Kjng LEAR. 6t

Edg. I thank your Highnefs in my Champion's Name,

;'ll wait your Trumpet's Call.

/i/&. iLead. \Exeunt,

Manent Lear, Kent, Cordelia, guarded. Lear. O Kent, Cordelia f u are the only Pair that I e'er wrong'd, id the juft Gods have made you WitnelTes

my Difgrace, the very Shame of Fortune, ) fee me chain'd and fhackl'd at thefe Years ! t were you but Speftators of my Woes, )t Fellow- Sufferers, all were well ! Cord. This Language, Sir, adds yet to our Affll(n;ion.' Lear. Thou, Kerif, didll head the Troops that fought pos'd thy Life and Fortunes for a Mailer (my Battle, lat had (as I remember) banilh'd thee. Kent. Pardon me. Sir, that once I broke your Orders j lilh'd by you, I kept me. here difguis'd ) watch your Fortunes, and proteft your Perfon ; lu know you entertain'd a rough blunt Fellow, le Cajus, and you thought he did you Service. Lear. My trufty Cajus, I have loft him too ! \JVeeps, was a rough Honefty. Kent. I was that Cajus, fguis'd in that courfe Drefs, to follow- you. Lear. My Cajus too ! V/er't thou my trufty Cajus ? ough, enough. ■ '2ord. Ah me, he faints ! his Blood forfakes his Cheek,

;lp, Kent.

Lear. No, no, they (hall not fee us weep,

s'll fee them rot firil. — Guards, lead away to Prifon i

me Kent, Cordelia, come ;

I two will fit alone, like Birds i' th' Cage,

hen thou doft ask me Bleffing, I'll kneel down

d ask of thee Forgivenefs ; thus we'll live,

d pray, and ling, and tell old Tales, and laugh

gilded Butter-Flies, hear Sycophants

Ik of Court News, and we'll talk with them too,

10 lofes and who wins, who's in, who's o^.;t,

d take upon us the Myftery of Things

if we were Heav'ns Spies.

Zj3rd. Upon fuch Sacrilices

F ' The

6z The History of

The Gods themfelves throw Incenfe.

Lear. Have I caught ye ? He that parts us muft bring a Brand from Heav'n : Together we'll out- toil the Spight of Hell, And die the Wonders of the World ; away.

[Exeunt guardet Tlourijh. Enter before the Tents, Albany, Goneri Regan, Guards and Attendants ; Goneril /peaking c fart to the Captain of the Guards enfring, (man Gon. Here's Gold for thee, thou know 'ft our late Con Upon your Pris'ners Lives ; about it ftreight, and at Our Ev'ning Banquet let it raife our Mirth, To hear that they are dead.

Capt. I Ihall not fail your Orders. \E:,

Albany, Goneril, Regan, take their Seats.

Alb. Now, Glofter, truft to thy fingle Virtue, for tl:

AH levied in my Name, have in my Name (Soldie

Took their Difcharge ; now let our Trumpets fpeak.

And Herald read out this. [Herald read

Jf a?jy Man of ^ality, within the Lifts of ti

Army, will maintain upon Edmund, fuppos

EarlofGloRer, that he is a manifold Traitc

let him appear by the third Sound of the Trur

fet i he is bold in his Defence. Age

agen. [Trumpets anfwers from withi

Enter Edgar arm^d. Ali- Lord Edgar ! Baft. Ha ! My Brother ? This is the only Combatant that I cou'd fear ? For in my Breaft Guilt duels on his Side, But, Confcience, what have I to do with thee ? Awe thou thy dull legitimate Slaves, but I Was born a Libertine, and fo I keep me.

Edg. My noble Prince, a Word ; 'ere we enga

Into your Highnefs's Hands I give this Paper, It will the Truth of my Impeachment prove. Whatever be my Fortune in the Fight. Alb. We fhall perufe it. Edg. Now Edmund, draw thy Sword, That if my Speech has wrong'd a noble Heart, Thy Arm may do thee Jultice : Here i' th' Prelence

(

KjngLEAR: <5j

)f this high Prince, thefe Queens, and this crown'd Lift,' brand thee with the fpotted Name of Traitor. 'alfe to thy Gods, thy Father, and thy Brother, Ind what is more, thy Friend , falfe to this Prince : i then thou fhar'ft a Spark of Glojlerh Virtue, Icqiiit thy felf ; or if thou fliar'lt his Courage, deet this Defiance bravely.

Baft. And dares Edgar, rhe beaten routed Edgar, brave his Conquerour ? 'rom all thy Troops and Thse I forc'd the Field, rhou hsft loft the gen'ral Stake, and art thou now i^ome with thy petty fmgle Stock to play rhis after Game ?

Edg. Half-blodded Man, r'hy Father's Sin firrt, then his Punifhment ; r'he dark and vicious Place where he begot thee- ^oft him his Eyes ; from thy licentious Mother ^'hou dravv^'ft thy Villany ; but for thy Part )f Glofter''s Blood, I hold thee worth my Sword.

Baft. Thou bear'fl th^e on thy Mother's Piety, 7hich I deipife j thy Mother being chafte ""hou art affur'd thou art but Glofter''s Son j ut mine, difdaining Conftancy, leaves me 'o hope that I am fprung from nobler Blood, tnd poiTibly a King might be my Sire :

ut be my Birth's uncertain Chance as 'twill, 7ho 'twas that had the Hit to Father me

know not ; 'tis enough that I am I :

•f this one Thing I'm certain, that I have

daring Soul, and fo have at thy Heart.

ound Trumpet. [F^g^^t Bd&3xd.falfs.

Can. and Reg. Save him, fave him.

Go?i. This was Praftice, Glofter,

'hou won'ft the Field, and waft not bound to fight

. vanquifh'd Enemy. Thou art not con^uer'd,

ut couz'ned and betray'd.

Alb- Shut your Mouth, Lady,

•r with this Paper I fliall ftop it Hold, Madam,

'hou worfe than any Name, read thy own Evil ;

To Tearing, Lady, I perceive you know it, Gon. Say, if I do, who Ihall arraign me fgr't ? d F z Thf

^4 T/^^ H 1 S T O R Y of

The Laws are mine, not thine.

Alb. Moft monft'rous ! Ha ! Thou know'ft it too

Baft. jAsk me not what I know, I have not Breath to anfwer idle Queftions.

Abl. I am refolv'd » your Right, brave Sir, h;

conquer'd. [T(? Edga

Along with me, I muft confult your Father. '[Ex. Alban

Reg. Help every Hand to fave a noble Life ; (and Ed] My half o'th' Kingdom for a Man of Skill To flop this precious Stream.

Baft. Away ye Empyricks, Torment me not with your vain Offices ; The Sword has pierc'd too far ; Legititriaej At laft has got it.

Reg. The Pride of Nature dies.

Gon. Away, the Minutes are too precious, Difturb us not with thy impertinent Sorrow.

Reg. Art thou my Rival then profeft ?

Go7i. Why, was our Love a Secret ? Cou'd there b( Beauty like mine, and Gallantry like his. And not a mutual Love ? Juft Nature then Had err'd. Behold that Copy of Perfedion, That Youth whofe Story will have no foul Page, But where it fays he ftoopt to Regan s Arms : Which yet was but Compliance, not Aftedlion. ; A Charity to begging, ruin'd Beauty ! i

Reg. Who begg'd when <?(7/i'm/writ that ? Expofeil

[Throws hsr a Lettk And let it be your Army's Mirth, as 'twas i

This charming Youth's and mine, when in the Bow'r He breath'd the v/armeft Exftafies of Love ; Then panting on my Breaft, cry'd, matchlefs Regan That Goneril and thou fhou'd e'er be kin !

Gon. Die, Circe, for thy Charms are at an End, Expire before my Face, and let me fee How well thafboafted Beauty will become Congealing Blood, and Death's convulfive Pangs : . Die and be hufh'd, for at my Tent laft Night Thou drank'ft thy Bane, amidft thy rev'ling Bowls Ha! Doft thou fmile ? Is then thy Death thy Sport Or has the trufty Potion made thee mad ?.

R£\

Kjng LEAR. %

Reg. Thou com*Il as fhort of me in thy Revenge, is in my Glofter'% Love ; my Jealoufy ifpir'd me to prevent thy feeble Malice, ,nd poifon thee at thy own Banquet.

Gon. Ha !

Baft. No more, my Queen^s, of this untimely Strife, ou both deferv'd my Love, and both poiTeil it. bme. Soldiers, bear me in ; and let our Royal Prefence grace my lall Minutes % low, Edgar, thy proud Conqueft I forgive i i^ho wou'd not.chufe, liVeme, to yield his Breath " have Rival Queens contend for him in Death ? [2a^

SCENE, AFrifon,

Lear ajteep, with his Head on Cordelia'/ Lap,

Cord. What Toils, thou wretched King, haft thou en- ro make thee draw, in Chains, a Shep fo found ? (dur^d ["hy better Angel charm thy ravifh'd Mind Vith fancy'd Freedom ; Peace is us'd to lodge )n Cottage Straw. Thou haft the Beggar'^s'Bed, i'herefore fhoud'ft have the Beggar's carelefs Thought, khd now, my Edgar, T remember thee, Vh.t Fjte has feiz'd thee ia this general Wreck ;now not, but I know thou miift be wretched, jecauie Cordeli'i holds thee Jear. (Image

) Gods! A fuiden Gloom o'^V-whelms me, and the

)fDeatho'er-lpreads the Place Ha! Who are thefe f

Enter Laptain and Olhcers with Cords. Capt. Now, Sirs, diipatch, already you are paid n Part, the Be . of your .RciVard's to come.

Lear. Charg'^, charge upon their Flank, their lail Wing 'ufh, pufli the Battle, and the Day's our own. (hilts, ["heir Ranks are broke, down with Albany.

Vho holds my Hands ? O thou deceivLng Sleep,

was this very Minute on the Chace ; in\ now a Prifoner here. -— — What mean the Slaves ? ou will not murther me ?

F 3 . Cord.

66 The H I s T o R y of

Cord. Help, Earth and Heaven \ For your Soul's Sake, dear Sirs, and for the Gods.

Ojffi. No Tears, good Lady, no pleading againft Gold Come, Sirs, make ready your Cords. (and Preferment,

Csrd. You, Sir, I'll feize. You have a human Form, and if no Prayer's Can touch your Soul to fpare a poor King's Life, If there be any Thing that you hold dear. By that I beg you to difpatch me firft.

Capi. Comply with her Requeft ; difpatch her firft.

Lear. Off Hell-Hounds, by the Gods I charge you fpare *Tis my Cordelia, my ttue pious Daughter ; (her »

No Pity ? Nay, then take an old Man's Vengeance.

Snatches a Partifan, and fir ikes dozvn tzuo of them ',

the Refi quit Cor^tYiz, and turn upon him.

Enter Edgar -^nd Albany.

Edg. Death! Hell! Ye Vultures, hold your impious Or take a fpeedier Death than you wou'd give. (Hands,^

Cupt. By whofe Command-?^

Edg. Behold the Duke, your Lord. i

Mb. Guards, feize thoie Inflruments of Cruelty. ,1

Cord. My Edgar, O !-

Edg. My dear Cordelia ! Lucky was the Minute Of our Approach, the Gods have weigh'd our Suff 'rings ;il W are paft the Fire, and now muft fhine to Ages. ,i

Gent. Look here, my Lord, fee where tiie generous'] Has flain two of 'em. (Kingjj

Lear. Did I not. Fellow ? Il

I've feen the Day, with my good biting Faukhion S

I cou'd have made 'em skip : I am Old now, j

And thefe vile Croffes fpoil me ; out of Breath. Fie, oh ! quite out of Breath, and fpent.

Ali. Bring in old Kent ; and, Edgar, guide you hither Your Father, whom you faid was near, \_Exit Edgar. He may be an Ear-Witnefs at the leaft Of our Proceedings. [Kent brought in here;

Lear. Who are you ? My Eyes are none o'th' Beft, I'll tell you ftreight j Oh Albany ! Well, Sir, we are your Captives, ^

A»nd you are come to fee Leath pafs upon us. Why this Delay . — — Or is't your Highnefs's Pleafure fc

To,

Kjng LEAR. 6j

To give us firft the Torture ? Say ye fo?

Why here's old Ke^t and I, as tough a Pa'r

As e'er bore Tyrants Stroke. — — But my Cordelia^

My poor Cordelia here, O pity. --___^

Jl^. Ta':e off their Chains ^Thou injur'd Majelly,

The Wheel of Fortune now has made her Circle, And Bleffings yet ftand 'tvvixt thy Grave and thee. . Lear. Com'ft thou inhuman Lord, to footh us back To a Fool s Paradice of Hope, to make Our Doom more wretched .? Go to, we are too well Acquainted with Misfortune to be gull'd With lying Hope ; no, we will hope no more.

u^lb. I have a Tale, t' unfold fo full of Wondes As cannot meet an eafy Faith i But by that Royal injur''d Head 'tis true.

Kent. What wouM your Highnels .?

Alb. Know, the noble Edgar fmpeach'd Lord Edminid, fmce the Fight, of Treafon, And dar'd him for the Proof to fmgle Combat, fn which the Gods confirm'd his Charge by Conqueft ;;

left ev'n now the Traitor wounded mortally ?

Lear. And whether teiods this Story ?

Jib . 'Ere they fought

iOrd Edgar %2Nt into my Hands this Paper, \. blacker Scrowl of Treafon, and of Luft, Than can be found in the Records of Hell ; There, facred Sir, behold the Ch.ira'fler )f Goneril, the worll of Daughters, but /lore vicious Wife.

Cord. Cou'd there be yet Addition t& their Guilt ? Vhat will not they that wrong a Father do ?

Alb. Since then my Injuries, Lear, fall in with-thine^

have refolv'd the fame Redrefs for both.

Kent. What fays my Lord ?

Cord. Speak, for methought I heard The charming Voice of a deicending God.

Alb. The Troops, hy Edmund r2i\sd, I have disbanded f ""hofe that remain are under my Command. Vhat Comfort may be brought to chear your Age, md heal your favage Wrongs, 'fhall be apply'd, or to your Majefty we do refiga

Your

68 The History of

Your Kingdom, fave what Part your felf conferr'd On us in Marriage. « ^

Kent. Hear you that, my Liege ?

Cord. Then they are Gods, and Virtue is their Care.

lear. B'tpoffible ?. Let the Spheres flop their Courfe, the Sun make halt^. The Winds be hufh'd, the Seas and Fountains reft ; All Nature paufe, and liften to the Change. Whereis my Kent, my Cajus ?

Kent. Here, my Liege.

Lear. Why I have News that will recal thy Youth ; Ha ! Didft thou hear't, or did th' infpiring Gods Whifper to me, alone ? Old Lear ihall be A Xing again.

Kent. The Prince, that like a God has Pow'r, has faid

Lear. Cordelia then fhall be a Queen, mark that : (it. Cordelia ihall .be; a Queen; Winds catch the Sound, , And bear it on your rofy Wings to Heav'n. . Cordelia is a Queen.

Ke-enter Edgar with Glofter.

Alb. Look, Sir, where pious £^^^r comes. Leading his Eye-lefs Father ; O my Liege ! His wond'rous Story will deferve your Leifure; What he has done and fuffer'd for your Sake, What for the fair Cordelia'^.

Gloji. Where's my Liege ? Condu£l me to his Knees, His fecond Birth of Empire ; my dear Edgar (to hail Has, with himfelf, reveal'd the King's bleft Reftauration.

Lear. My poor dark Glofier.

Giojl. O let me kifs that once more fceptred Hand 1 '

Lear. Hold, thou miftak'ft the Maiefty^ kneel here; Cordelia has our Pow'r, Cordelias Queen. Speak, is not that the noble fuii'ring Edgar ?

Gloji. My pious Son, more dear than my loft Eyes.

Lear. Iwrong'dhim too, but here's the fair amends.

Edg. Your Leave, my Liege, for an unwelcome Mef- Edmund (but that's a Triik) is expir'd ; ('Hb®'*-i

What more will touch you, your imperious Daughters^ . ', Goneril and haughty lie. an, both are dead, , j

Each by the other poiion'd at a Banq[uet i This, dying, they confeft.

CorL

King LEAR, 69

Cord. O fatal Period of ill govern'd Life !

Lear. Ingrateful as they were, my Heart feels yet A Pang of Nature for their wretched Fall ; — — , But, Edgar, I defer thy Joys too long : Thou ferv'dfl: diftreft Cordelia ; take her crown'd ; Th' imperial Grace frefh blooming on her Brow ; Nay, Glefler, thou haft here a Father's Right, Thy helping Hand t' heap Bleflings on their Heads.

Kent. Old Kejjt throws in his hearty Wifhes too.

Edg. The Gods and you too largely Recompence What I have done ; the Gift ftrikes Merit dumb.

Cord. Nor do I blufh to own my felf o'er-paid For all my Suft"'rings paft.

Glofi. Now, gentle Gods, give G/^^r his Difcharge,

Lear. No, Glojier, thou haft Bufinefsyet for Life ; Thou, Ke?it, and I, retir'd to fome clofe Cell Will gently pafs our fhort Referves of Time In calm Reflexions on our Fortunes paft, Cheer'd with Relation of the profperous Reign- Of this coeleftial Pain thus our Remains Shall in an even Courfe of Thought be be paft. Enjoy the prefent Hour, nor fear the laft.

Edg. Our drooping Country now erefts her Head^ Peace fpreads her balmy Wings, and Plenty blooms. Divine Cordelia, all the Gods can witnefs How much thy Love to Empire 1 prefer ! Thy bright Example ftiall convince the World (Whatever Storms of Fortune are dacreed) That Truth and Virtue ihall at laft fucceed.

{Ex. Omm^

E P I L O G U E,

Spoken by Mrs. Barry.

"XNconfimcyj the reigning Sin o'th' jige^

Will fcarce endure true Lovers on the St age ^ 7ou hardly ev'n in Flays with fuch difpence^ jind Poets hlHem in their own Defence, Tet one hold Proof I was refolvd to give ^ That I cou'd three Hours Conjlancy out-live. You fear J perhaps y whilfl on the Stage rp^are made Such Saints, we [hall indeed take up the Trade j Sometimes we threaten, — hut our Virtue may Tor Truth I fear with your Pit -Valour weigh : For (not to flatter either) J much douht Wien we are off the Stage, and you are out. We are not quite fo Coy, mr you fo Stout.

We talk of Nunneries, but to he fin cere

Whoever lives to fee us cloyfier^d there. May hope to meet our Criticks at Tangier.

For

EPILOGUE,

For Shame give over this Inglorious Trade

Of worry wg Poets, and go tnaulth* Alcade.

'Veil — fincey^are all for hluft''rwgin the Pit^

The Play's Reviver humbly do^s admit

Tout ahs'lute Povd'r to damn his Part of it.

But fiillfo many Mafler-Touches jhine

Of that vafl Hand thatfirfi laid this Deflgn,

That in great Shakefpear'/^?^k, he''3 bold to fay, .

If you like nothing you have feen to Day,

The Play your Judgment damns, not you the Play.

FINIS.

>«

RICE INSTITUTE LIBRARY P O. Box 1892 Houston, Texas