(to himself) What's going on? I hate pretending I'm a wandering beggar when all I want to do now is comfort my poor father.—Bless you, master.
GLOUCESTER
Is that the naked fellow?
GLOUCESTER
Is that the naked guy?
OLD MAN
Ay, my lord.
OLD MAN
Yes, my lord.
GLOUCESTER
Then prithee, get thee gone. If for my sake
Thou wilt o'ertake us hence a mile or twain
I' th' way toward Dover, do it for ancient love.
50
And bring some covering for this naked soul,
Which I'll entreat to lead me.
GLOUCESTER
(to the OLD MAN) Then please go. If you're willing to do me a favor, as an old friend, then catch up to us a mile or two further on the way to Dover, and bring some clothes for this poor beggar. I'll ask him to be my guide.
OLD MAN
Alack, sir, he is mad.
OLD MAN
But sir, he's crazy.
GLOUCESTER
'Tis the time's plague when madmen lead the blind.
Do as I bid thee. Or rather, do thy pleasure.
Above the rest, be gone.
GLOUCESTER
It's the tragedy of our times that lunatics must lead the blind. Do as I asked you. Or rather, do what you feel like doing. But above all, get out of here.
OLD MAN
55
I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have,
Come on 't what will.
OLD MAN
I'll bring the crazy beggar the best clothes I have, no matter what happens.
Exit OLD MAN
He exits.
GLOUCESTER
Sirrah, naked fellow—
GLOUCESTER
Hey, naked guy—
EDGAR
Poor Tom's a-cold.
(aside) I cannot daub it further.
EDGAR
Poor Tom's chilly. (to himself) I can't play this role any longer.
GLOUCESTER
Come hither, fellow.
GLOUCESTER
Come here, man.
EDGAR
60
(aside) And yet I must.—Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed.
EDGAR
(to himself) But I must.—Bless you, sir. Your dear eyes are bleeding.
