King Lear : Act 3, Scene 1
Storm still. Enter KENT [disguised as Caius]
and a Gentleman, severally.
severally: at separate doors.
KENT
1
Who's there, besides foul weather?
Gentleman
2
One minded like the weather, most unquietly.
KENT
3
I know you. Where's the king?
Gentleman
4
Contending with the fretful element:
5
Bids the winds blow the earth into the sea,
6
Or swell the curled water 'bove the main,
6. main: mainland.
7
That things might change or cease; tears his white hair,
7. things: all things.
8
Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage,
9
Catch in their fury, and make nothing of;
9. make nothing of: blow about disdainfully.
10
Strives in his little world of man to out-scorn
11
The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.
12
This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,
12. This . . . couch: this night, in which even the hungriest mother bear, sucked dry by her cubs, would stay in her den.
13
The lion and the belly-pinched wolf
14
Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,
14. unbonneted: bare-headed.
15
And bids what will take all.
15. bids what will take all: This is a cry of desperate defiance; "take all" is the cry of a gambler staking his last.
KENT
But who is with him?
Gentleman
16
None but the fool; who labours to out-jest
16. out-jest: relieve by jesting.
17
His heart-struck injuries.
KENT
Sir, I do know you;
18. upon . . . note: on the strength of what I know.
18
And dare, upon the warrant of my note,
19
Commend a dear thing to you. There is division,
19. Commend . . . you: entrust a precious undertaking to you.
20
Although as yet the face of it be cover'd
21
With mutual cunning, 'twixt Albany and Cornwall;
22
Who haveas who have not, that their great stars
23
Throned and set high?servants, who seem no less,
22-23. as who . . . set high?: i.e., as has everyone favored by destiny. who . . . less: i.e., who appear to be loyal servants.
24
Which are to France the spies and speculations
24. speculations: scouts.
25
Intelligent of our state; what hath been seen,
25. Intelligent of: supplying intelligence.
26
Either in snuffs and packings of the dukes,
26. snuffs and packings: quarrels and intrigues.
27
Or the hard rein which both of them have borne
27. rein: treatment.
28
Against the old kind king; or something deeper,
29
Whereof perchance these are but furnishings;
29. furnishings: outward signs.
30
But, true it is, from France there comes a power
30. a power: an army.
31
Into this scatter'd kingdom; who already,
31. scatter'd: divided.
32
Wise in our negligence, have secret feet
32. Wise in: aware of. feet: footholds.
33
In some of our best ports, and are at point
34
To show their open banner. Now to you:
34. at point . . . banner: on the verge of declaring war.
35
If on my credit you dare build so far
35. credit: trustworthiness. so far: so far as.
36
To make your speed to Dover, you shall find
37
Some that will thank you, making just report
37. making just report: i.e., for making an accurate report.
38
Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow
38. bemadding: maddening.
39
The king hath cause to plain.
39. plain: complain.
40
I am a gentleman of blood and breeding;
41
And, from some knowledge and assurance, offer
41. from . . . assurance: i.e., from my assured knowledge of the situation.
42
This office to you.
42. office: role; assignment; duty.
Gentleman
43
I will talk further with you.
43. I will talk further with you: i.e., I'll think it over and get back to you.
KENT
No, do not.
44
For confirmation that I am much more
45
Than my out-wall, open this purse, and take
45. out-wall: outward appearance.
46
What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia,
47
As fear not but you shall,show her this ring;
47. fear not but: be assured that.
48
And she will tell you who your fellow is
48. fellow: your present companion, me.
49
That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm!
50
I will go seek the king.
Gentleman
51
Give me your hand: have you no more to say?
KENT
52
Few words, but, to effect, more than all yet;
52. to effect: in importance.
53
That, when we have found the king,in which your pain
54
That way, I'll this,he that first lights on him
54. in which your pain / That way: i.e., in the course of your diligent search, go that way.
55
Holla the other.
Exeunt.