No Fear Shakespeare

King Lear

William Shakespeare

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Act 2, Scene 2, Page 7

Original Text

Modern Text



The king his master needs must take it ill,
That he, so slightly valued in his messenger,
Should have him thus restrained.
of punishment you propose is more suited to petty shoplifters than to royal attendants.
The king will be offended to find out that his messenger is so badly treated.

CORNWALL
     I’ll answer that.
CORNWALL
I’ll take responsibility for that.

140

REGAN
My sister may receive it much more worse
To have her gentleman abused, assaulted
For following her affairs.—Put in his legs.
REGAN
My sister would be much more offended to have her trusted messenger abused and assaulted just for carrying out her orders.—Put his legs in the stocks.
KENT is put in the stocks
KENT is put in the stocks.

CORNWALL
(to GLOUCESTER) Come, my good lord, away.
CORNWALL
(to GLOUCESTER) Let’s go, my lord.
Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER and KENT
Everyone exits except GLOUCESTER and KENT.


145
GLOUCESTER
I am sorry for thee, friend. 'Tis the duke’s pleasure,
Whose disposition, all the world well knows,
Will not be rubbed nor stopped. I’ll entreat for thee.
GLOUCESTER
I’m sorry, my friend. The duke always gets it his way, and everyone knows you can’t budge him once he’s made up his mind. I’ll try talking to him again.




150
KENT
Pray you do not, sir. I have watched and traveled hard.
Some time I shall sleep out. The rest I’ll whistle.
A good man’s fortune may grow out at heels.
Give you good morrow.
KENT
Please don’t, sir. I’ve been up for a long time and have done a lot of traveling recently. This punishment will be a good chance to catch up on my sleep. The rest of the time I’ll whistle to entertain myself. Even good men have bad luck. Have a good morning.

GLOUCESTER
The duke’s to blame in this. 'Twill be ill taken.
GLOUCESTER
It’s wrong for the duke to do this. The king will be angry with him.
Exit GLOUCESTER
GLOUCESTER exits.

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