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Some officers take them away: good guard, Until their greater pleasures first be known That are to censure them.
Some officers, take them away: guard them well, Until their higher authorities decide How they should be judged.
We are not the first Who, with best meaning, have incurr’d the worst. For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down; Myself could else out-frown false fortune’s frown. Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
We are not the first Who, with the best intentions, have brought about the worst. For you, oppressed king, I am brought low; I could otherwise show a stronger face than false fortune. Shall we not see these daughters and sisters?
No, no, no, no! Come, let’s away to prison: We two alone will sing like birds i’ the cage: When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down, And ask of thee forgiveness: so we’ll live, And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues Talk of court news; and we’ll talk with them too, Who loses and who wins; who’s in, who’s out; And take upon’s the mystery of things, As if we were God’s spies: and we’ll wear out, In a wall’d prison, packs and sects of great ones, That ebb and flow by the moon.
No, no, no, no! Come, let’s go to prison: We two alone will sing like birds in a cage: When you ask for my blessing, I’ll kneel, And ask for your forgiveness: we’ll live like this, And pray, and sing, and tell old stories, and laugh At the rich and powerful, and listen to poor criminals Talk about what’s happening at court; and we’ll join them too, Discussing who’s winning and who’s losing; who’s in, who’s out; And we’ll ponder the mysteries of things, As if we were God’s spies: and we’ll waste away, In a walled prison, watching the rise and fall of the powerful, Who come and go like the tides.
Take them away.
Take them away.
Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia, The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee? He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven, And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes; The good-years shall devour them, flesh and fell, Ere they shall make us weep: we’ll see ’em starve first. Come.
For such sacrifices, my Cordelia, The gods themselves send their blessings. Have I caught you? Whoever separates us will bring down a fire from heaven, And burn us like foxes. Wipe your eyes; The good years will consume them, flesh and bones, Before they make us weep: we’ll see them starve first. Come.
Come hither, captain; hark. Take thou this note;
Come here, captain; listen. Take this letter;
go follow them to prison: One step I have advanced thee; if thou dost As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way To noble fortunes: know thou this, that men Are as the time is: to be tender-minded Does not become a sword: thy great employment Will not bear question; either say thou’lt do ’t, Or thrive by other means.
Go follow them to prison: One step I’ve taken to promote you; if you do What I’ve told you to do, you’ll make your way To great fortune: know this, that men Are shaped by the times: being kind and gentle Doesn’t suit a sword: your big task Won’t be questioned; either say you’ll do it, Or succeed by other means.
I’ll do ’t, my lord.
I’ll do it, my lord.
About it; and write happy when thou hast done. Mark, I say, instantly; and carry it so As I have set it down.
Get on with it; and let me know when you’ve done. Pay attention, I’m serious; and carry it out Just as I’ve written it down.
I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats; If it be man’s work, I’ll do ’t.
I can’t pull a cart, nor eat dry oats; But if it’s a man’s job, I’ll do it.
Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant strain, And fortune led you well: you have the captives That were the opposites of this day’s strife: We do require them of you, so to use them As we shall find their merits and our safety May equally determine.
Sir, you’ve shown your bravery today, And fortune has favored you: you’ve captured The enemies of today’s battle: We ask you for them, to use them As we see fit, so that their value and our safety May guide our decision.
Sir, I thought it fit To send the old and miserable king To some retention and appointed guard; Whose age has charms in it, whose title more, To pluck the common bosom on his side, An turn our impress’d lances in our eyes Which do command them. With him I sent the queen; My reason all the same; and they are ready To-morrow, or at further space, to appear Where you shall hold your session. At this time We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend; And the best quarrels, in the heat, are cursed By those that feel their sharpness: The question of Cordelia and her father Requires a fitter place.
Sir, I thought it best To send the old and helpless king To some prison or appointed guard; His age gives him influence, and his title more, To sway the hearts of the common people, And turn our sharpened weapons against us, Which command them. With him, I sent the queen; My reasoning is the same; and they’re ready To appear tomorrow, or at another time, Wherever you’ll hold your meeting. Right now We suffer and bleed: friends have turned against each other; And the most honorable fights, in the heat, are cursed By those who feel their sting: The issue of Cordelia and her father Needs a more appropriate place.
Sir, by your patience, I hold you but a subject of this war, Not as a brother.
Sir, with all due respect, I consider you only a participant in this war, Not a brother.
That’s as we list to grace him. Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded, Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers; Bore the commission of my place and person; The which immediacy may well stand up, And call itself your brother.
That’s for us to decide. It seems our judgment should’ve been asked, Before you spoke this far. He led our forces; Held the authority of my position and person; Which might rightfully stand on its own, And call itself your brother.
Not so hot: In his own grace he doth exalt himself, More than in your addition.
Not so fast: He raises himself higher by his own actions, Than by any title you give him.
In my rights, By me invested, he compeers the best.
By my authority, He ranks with the best.
That were the most, if he should husband you.
That would be true, if he were to manage you.
Jesters do oft prove prophets.
Fools often turn out to be right.
Holla, holla! That eye that told you so look’d but a-squint.
Holla, holla! The one who told you that was just looking sideways.
Lady, I am not well; else I should answer From a full-flowing stomach. General, Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony; Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine: Witness the world, that I create thee here My lord and master.
Lady, I’m not well; otherwise I would respond With a clear mind. General, Take my soldiers, prisoners, wealth; Do with them and me as you see fit; the walls are yours: Let the world bear witness, that I make you here My lord and master.
Mean you to enjoy him?
Are you planning to be with him?
The let-alone lies not in your good will.
It’s not up to your kindness to leave him alone.
Nor in thine, lord.
Nor to yours, my lord.
Half-blooded fellow, yes.
You’re a half-blood, yes.
[To EDMUND] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.
[To EDMUND] Let the drum sound, and make my claim yours.
Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee On capital treason; and, in thine attaint, This gilded serpent
Wait, hear me out. Edmund, I charge you With high treason; and, in your punishment, This golden snake
For your claim, fair sister, I bar it in the interest of my wife: ’Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord, And I, her husband, contradict your bans. If you will marry, make your loves to me, My lady is bespoke.
For your claim, dear sister, I block it because of my wife: She is already promised to this man, And I, her husband, reject your marriage. If you want to marry, come to me, My wife is already spoken for.
An interlude!
A performance!
Thou art arm’d, Gloucester: let the trumpet sound: If none appear to prove upon thy head Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons, There is my pledge;
You’re armed, Gloucester: let the trumpet blow: If no one comes to prove against you Your terrible, obvious, and many betrayals, Here is my challenge;
I’ll prove it on thy heart, Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less Than I have here proclaim’d thee.
I’ll prove it on your heart, Before I eat, you’ll be just as guilty As I’ve accused you of being.
Sick, O, sick!
How sick, oh, how sick!
[Aside] If not, I’ll ne’er trust medicine.
[Aside] If not, I’ll never trust medicine.
There’s my exchange:
There’s my challenge:
what in the world he is That names me traitor, villain-like he lies: Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach, On him, on you, who not? I will maintain My truth and honour firmly.
What in the world is he Who calls me a traitor, lying like a villain: Call out with your trumpet: whoever dares to come forward, To him, to you, to no one? I will stand by My truth and honor without wavering.
A herald, ho!
A herald, hey!
A herald, ho, a herald!
A herald, hey, a herald!
Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers, All levied in my name, have in my name Took their discharge.
Trust in your own virtue; because your soldiers, All enlisted in my name, have in my name Been discharged.
My sickness grows upon me.
My illness is getting worse.
She is not well; convey her to my tent.
She’s not well; get her to my tent.
Come hither, herald,--Let the trumpet sound, And read out this.
Come here, herald,--Let the trumpet sound, And read this out loud.
Sound, trumpet!
Sound, trumpet!
[Reads] ’If any man of quality or degree within the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund, supposed Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet: he is bold in his defence.’
[Reads] ‘If anyone of rank or status within the army’s ranks will prove that Edmund, the supposed Earl of Gloucester, is a complete traitor, let him come forward at the third blast of the trumpet: he is bold to defend himself.’
Sound!
Sound!
Again!
Again!
Again!
Again!
Ask him his purposes, why he appears Upon this call o’ the trumpet.
Ask him what he’s here for, why he’s responding To the call of the trumpet.
What are you? Your name, your quality? and why you answer This present summons?
Who are you? What’s your name, your rank? And why are you answering This summons right now?
Know, my name is lost; By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit: Yet am I noble as the adversary I come to cope.
Know this, my name is lost; By treason’s bite, chewed up and poisoned: But I’m still as noble as the enemy I’ve come here to fight.
Which is that adversary?
Who is that enemy?
What’s he that speaks for Edmund Earl of Gloucester?
Who speaks for Edmund, the Earl of Gloucester?
Himself: what say’st thou to him?
I do. What do you want from me?
Draw thy sword, That, if my speech offend a noble heart, Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine. Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours, My oath, and my profession: I protest, Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence, Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune, Thy valour and thy heart, thou art a traitor; False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father; Conspirant ’gainst this high-illustrious prince; And, from the extremest upward of thy head To the descent and dust below thy foot, A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou ’No,’ This sword, this arm, and my best spirits, are bent To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak, Thou liest.
Draw your sword, So if my words offend a noble heart, Your sword can do justice: here’s mine. Look, it’s my privilege, my oath, my duty: I swear, No matter your strength, youth, rank, or fortune, Despite your victorious sword and luck, You are a traitor; False to your gods, your brother, and your father; Conspiring against this great prince; And from the top of your head To the dust beneath your feet, You are a treacherous, toad-spotted traitor. If you say ’No,’ This sword, this arm, and all my energy will prove, That I speak the truth, and you are lying.
In wisdom I should ask thy name; But, since thy outside looks so fair and warlike, And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes, What safe and nicely I might well delay By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn: Back do I toss these treasons to thy head; With the hell-hated lie o’erwhelm thy heart; Which, for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise, This sword of mine shall give them instant way, Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak!
I should ask your name wisely, But since you look so noble and ready for battle, And your speech suggests you’re well-bred, I won’t delay it, even though by knightly rules I could: I reject that and scorn it: I throw these lies back at you, With the hellish lie that will destroy your heart; Which, since it barely touches you, won’t hurt much, But my sword will finish it now, And they’ll rest forever in your heart. Trumpets, sound off!
Save him, save him!
Save him, save him!
This is practise, Gloucester: By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish’d, But cozen’d and beguiled.
This was just practice, Gloucester: According to the rules of war, you weren’t required to fight Someone you didn’t know; you aren’t defeated, Just tricked and deceived.
Shut your mouth, dame, Or with this paper shall I stop it: Hold, sir: Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil: No tearing, lady: I perceive you know it.
Shut up, woman, Or I’ll seal your mouth shut with this paper: Hold on, sir: You’re worse than anything I could call you, read your own evil: No tearing, lady: I can see you know it.
Say, if I do, the laws are mine, not thine: Who can arraign me for’t.
If I do, the laws are mine, not yours: Who can accuse me for it?
Most monstrous! oh! Know’st thou this paper?
That’s monstrous! Oh! Do you know this paper?
Ask me not what I know.
Don’t ask me what I know.
Go after her: she’s desperate; govern her.
Go after her: she’s desperate; control her.
What you have charged me with, that have I done; And more, much more; the time will bring it out: ’Tis past, and so am I. But what art thou That hast this fortune on me? If thou’rt noble, I do forgive thee.
What you told me to do, I’ve done; And more, much more; time will show it: It’s over, and so am I. But who are you That brings this fate upon me? If you’re noble, I forgive you.
Let’s exchange charity. I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund; If more, the more thou hast wrong’d me. My name is Edgar, and thy father’s son. The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices Make instruments to plague us: The dark and vicious place where thee he got Cost him his eyes.
Let’s share in charity. I’m no less of noble blood than you, Edmund; If anything, I’m more, and you’ve wronged me more. My name is Edgar, and I am your father’s son. The gods are just, and use our pleasures and vices As tools to punish us: The dark and evil place where he fathered you Cost him his sight.
Thou hast spoken right, ’tis true; The wheel is come full circle: I am here.
You’ve spoken the truth; The wheel has turned full circle: I’m here.
Methought thy very gait did prophesy A royal nobleness: I must embrace thee: Let sorrow split my heart, if ever I Did hate thee or thy father!
I thought your walk itself predicted A royal nobleness: I must embrace you: Let sorrow tear my heart if I ever Hated you or your father!
Worthy prince, I know’t.
Noble prince, I know it.
Where have you hid yourself? How have you known the miseries of your father?
Where have you been hiding? How did you know the suffering of your father?
By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale; And when ’tis told, O, that my heart would burst! The bloody proclamation to escape, That follow’d me so near,--O, our lives’ sweetness! That we the pain of death would hourly die Rather than die at once!--taught me to shift Into a madman’s rags; to assume a semblance That very dogs disdain’d: and in this habit Met I my father with his bleeding rings, Their precious stones new lost: became his guide, Led him, begg’d for him, saved him from despair; Never,--O fault!--reveal’d myself unto him, Until some half-hour past, when I was arm’d: Not sure, though hoping, of this good success, I ask’d his blessing, and from first to last Told him my pilgrimage: but his flaw’d heart, Alack, too weak the conflict to support! ’Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief, Burst smilingly.
By living through it, my lord. Listen to a brief story; And when it’s told, oh, I wish my heart would burst! The bloody proclamation to escape, That followed me so closely,--oh, the sweetness of life! That we’d rather die bit by bit every day Than die all at once!--taught me to change Into the rags of a madman; to take on a look That even dogs rejected: and in this disguise I met my father, with his bleeding rings, The precious stones now lost: I became his guide, Led him, begged for him, saved him from despair; Never--oh, what a mistake!--revealed myself to him, Until just half an hour ago, when I was armed: Not sure, though hopeful, of this good outcome, I asked for his blessing, and from start to finish Told him my journey: but his broken heart, Alas, too weak to handle the strain! Between two extremes of emotion, joy and grief, He died with a smile.
This speech of yours hath moved me, And shall perchance do good: but speak you on; You look as you had something more to say.
Your speech has moved me, And may perhaps do some good: but keep speaking; You look like you have more to say.
If there be more, more woeful, hold it in; For I am almost ready to dissolve, Hearing of this.
If there’s more, more sorrowful, keep it in; For I can barely stand to hear any more, Hearing this.
This would have seem’d a period To such as love not sorrow; but another, To amplify too much, would make much more, And top extremity. Whilst I was big in clamour came there in a man, Who, having seen me in my worst estate, Shunn’d my abhorr’d society; but then, finding Who ’twas that so endured, with his strong arms He fastened on my neck, and bellow’d out As he’ld burst heaven; threw him on my father; Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him That ever ear received: which in recounting His grief grew puissant and the strings of life Began to crack: twice then the trumpets sounded, And there I left him tranced.
This would have seemed an end To those who don’t love sorrow; but another, To elaborate further, would only make it worse, And make the pain unbearable. While I was crying out, a man came in, Who, having seen me in my worst condition, Avoided my hateful company; but then, seeing Who I was, and what I had endured, with his strong arms He grabbed me by the neck, and yelled out As if he would tear heaven apart; threw me on my father; Told the most tragic story of Lear and him That anyone has ever heard: and as he told it His grief became so intense that the very strings of life Started to snap: twice the trumpets sounded, And then I left him, unconscious.
But who was this?
But who was this?
Kent, sir, the banish’d Kent; who in disguise Follow’d his enemy king, and did him service Improper for a slave.
Kent, sir, the exiled Kent; who in disguise Followed his enemy king, and helped him In ways that were too noble for a servant.
Help, help, O, help!
Help, help, oh, help!
What kind of help?
What kind of help?
Speak, man.
Speak, man.
What means that bloody knife?
What’s with that bloody knife?
’Tis hot, it smokes; It came even from the heart of--O, she’s dead!
It’s hot, it’s smoking; It came right from the heart of—oh, she’s dead!
Who dead? speak, man.
Who’s dead? Speak, man.
Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister By her is poisoned; she hath confess’d it.
Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister Poisoned by her; she’s confessed it.
I was contracted to them both: all three Now marry in an instant.
I was promised to both of them: all three Now marry in an instant.
Here comes Kent.
Here comes Kent.
Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead: This judgment of the heavens, that makes us tremble, Touches us not with pity.
Bring their bodies here, whether they’re alive or dead: This punishment from heaven, which makes us shudder, Does not move us to mercy.
O, is this he? The time will not allow the compliment Which very manners urges.
Oh, is this him? The moment won’t allow the usual greetings That politeness demands.
I am come To bid my king and master aye good night: Is he not here?
I’ve come To wish my king and master a good night: Isn’t he here?
Great thing of us forgot! Speak, Edmund, where’s the king? and where’s Cordelia? See’st thou this object, Kent?
We’ve forgotten something important! Speak, Edmund, where is the king? And where is Cordelia? Do you see this, Kent?
Alack, why thus?
Oh no, why is this happening?
Yet Edmund was beloved: The one the other poison’d for my sake, And after slew herself.
Yet Edmund was loved: One of them poisoned the other for my sake, And then killed herself.
Even so. Cover their faces.
Just like that. Cover their faces.
I pant for life: some good I mean to do, Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send, Be brief in it, to the castle; for my writ Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia: Nay, send in time.
I’m gasping for life: I mean to do something good, Even though it’s against my nature. Quickly send, Be quick about it, to the castle; because my order Is on the life of Lear and Cordelia: No, send quickly.
Run, run, O, run!
Run, run, oh, run!
To who, my lord? Who hath the office? send Thy token of reprieve.
To who, my lord? Who has the job? Send Your sign of pardon.
Well thought on: take my sword, Give it the captain.
Good idea: take my sword, Give it to the captain.
Haste thee, for thy life.
Hurry, for your life.
He hath commission from thy wife and me To hang Cordelia in the prison, and To lay the blame upon her own despair, That she fordid herself.
He has orders from your wife and me To hang Cordelia in the prison, and To blame her death on her own despair, Claiming that she killed herself.
The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile.
The gods protect her! Take him away for a while.
Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones: Had I your tongues and eyes, I’ld use them so That heaven’s vault should crack. She’s gone for ever! I know when one is dead, and when one lives; She’s dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass; If that her breath will mist or stain the stone, Why, then she lives.
Howl, howl, howl, howl! Oh, you’re heartless people: If I had your voices and eyes, I’d use them in such a way That the heavens would crack open. She’s gone forever! I know when someone is dead, and when they’re alive; She’s as dead as the earth. Give me a mirror; If her breath fogs or stains the glass, Then she’s still alive.
Is this the promised end
Is this the final end
Or image of that horror?
Or just a reflection of that nightmare?
Fall, and cease!
Fall silent, and stop!
This feather stirs; she lives! if it be so, It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows That ever I have felt.
This tiny movement means she lives! If that’s true, It’s a miracle that makes up for all the grief I’ve ever felt.
[Kneeling] O my good master!
[Kneeling] Oh, my dear master!
Prithee, away.
Please, go away.
’Tis noble Kent, your friend.
It’s noble Kent, your friend.
A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all! I might have saved her; now she’s gone for ever! Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha! What is’t thou say’st? Her voice was ever soft, Gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman. I kill’d the slave that was a-hanging thee.
Damn you, murderers, all of you traitors! I could have saved her; now she’s gone forever! Cordelia, Cordelia! Stay just a moment. Ha! What did you say? Her voice was always soft, Gentle and low, a wonderful trait in a woman. I killed the man who was about to hang you.
’Tis true, my lords, he did.
It’s true, my lords, he did.
Did I not, fellow? I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion I would have made them skip: I am old now, And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you? Mine eyes are not o’ the best: I’ll tell you straight.
Didn’t I, fellow? I’ve seen the day when, with my trusty sword, I would have made them jump: but now I’m old, And these troubles are breaking me down. Who are you? My eyes aren’t the sharpest anymore: I’ll tell you the truth.
If fortune brag of two she loved and hated, One of them we behold.
If fortune boasts of two people she loved and hated, One of them is standing right here.
This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?
This is a dull sight. Are you Kent?
The same, Your servant Kent: Where is your servant Caius?
Yes, it’s me, Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius?
He’s a good fellow, I can tell you that; He’ll strike, and quickly too: he’s dead and rotten.
He’s a good man, I’ll tell you that; He’ll strike quickly, and hard: but he’s dead and gone.
No, my good lord; I am the very man,--
No, my lord; I’m the very man,—
I’ll see that straight.
I’ll take care of that right away.
That, from your first of difference and decay, Have follow’d your sad steps.
That, since you first started to lose your mind and strength, Has led you down this sorrowful path.
You are welcome hither.
You’re welcome here.
Nor no man else: all’s cheerless, dark, and deadly. Your eldest daughters have fordone them selves, And desperately are dead.
No one else is welcome: everything’s cold, dark, and fatal. Your oldest daughters have ruined themselves, And in a hopeless way are gone.
Ay, so I think.
Yes, I think so too.
He knows not what he says: and vain it is That we present us to him.
He doesn’t know what he’s saying: it’s pointless For us to show ourselves to him.
Very bootless.
Completely useless.
Edmund is dead, my lord.
Edmund is dead, my lord.
That’s but a trifle here. You lords and noble friends, know our intent. What comfort to this great decay may come Shall be applied: for us we will resign, During the life of this old majesty, To him our absolute power:
That’s nothing important right now. You lords and noble friends, know our plans. Whatever comfort might come to ease this great ruin Will be given: as for us, we’ll give up our power, As long as this old king lives, To him we’ll hand our full authority:
you, to your rights: With boot, and such addition as your honours Have more than merited. All friends shall taste The wages of their virtue, and all foes The cup of their deservings. O, see, see!
You, take back your rights: With rewards, and any honors your worth has earned. All friends will enjoy the rewards of their goodness, and all enemies Will face the consequences of their actions. Oh, look, look!
And my poor fool is hang’d! No, no, no life! Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, And thou no breath at all? Thou’lt come no more, Never, never, never, never, never! Pray you, undo this button: thank you, sir. Do you see this? Look on her, look, her lips, Look there, look there!
And my poor fool is hanged! No, no, no life! Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, And you have no breath left? You won’t come back, Never, never, never, never, never! Please, undo this button: thank you, sir. Do you see this? Look at her, look, her lips, Look there, look there!
He faints! My lord, my lord!
He’s fainting! My lord, my lord!
Break, heart; I prithee, break!
Break, heart; I beg you, break!
Look up, my lord.
Look up, my lord.
Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him much That would upon the rack of this tough world Stretch him out longer.
Don’t trouble his spirit: Oh, let him go! He hated him so much That he would never want to live longer in this harsh world.
He is gone, indeed.
He’s gone, truly.
The wonder is, he hath endured so long: He but usurp’d his life.
The surprising thing is that he lasted this long: He only stole his life.
Bear them from hence. Our present business Is general woe.
Take them away from here. Our current task Is shared grief.
Friends of my soul, you twain Rule in this realm, and the gored state sustain.
You two, friends of my heart, Rule this kingdom and keep the state from falling apart.
I have a journey, sir, shortly to go; My master calls me, I must not say no.
I have a journey to take, sir, soon; My master calls for me, I can’t refuse.
The weight of this sad time we must obey; Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. The oldest hath borne most: we that are young Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
We must endure the weight of this sad time; Speak what we truly feel, not what we’re supposed to say. The oldest have suffered the most: we who are young Will never face as much nor live as long.