Act III. Scene III. Shakespeare, William. 1909-14. The Tragedy of King Lear. The Harvard Classics

William Shakespeare (1564–1616). The Tragedy of King Lear.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Act III

Scene III


[Gloucester’s castle] Enter GLOUCESTER and EDMUND Glou. Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural dealing. When I desired their leave that I might pity him, they took from me the use of mine own house; charg’d me, on pain of perpetual displeasure, neither to speak of him, entreat for him, or any way sustain him.
Edm. Most savage and unnatural!
Glou. Go to; say you nothing. There is division between the Dukes, and a worse matter than that. I have received a letter this night; ’tis dangerous to be spoken; I have lock’d the letter in my closet. These injuries the King now bears will be revenged home; 1 there is part of a power already footed. 2 We must incline to the King. I will look him, and privily relieve him. Go you and maintain talk with the Duke, that my charity be not of him perceived. If he ask for me, I am ill, and gone to bed. If I die for it, as no less is threat’ned me, the King my old master must be relieved. There is strange things toward, 3 Edmund; pray you, be careful. Exit.
Edm. This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the Duke	4
Instantly know; and of that letter too.
This seems a fair deserving, 4 and must draw me
That which my father loses; no less than all.
The younger rises when the old doth fall. Exit.	8

Note 1. Fully. [back]

Note 2. Army already on the march. [back]

Note 3. About to happen. [back]

Note 4. An action deserving reward. [back]