William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear

ACT V. 3. Scene III. The British Camp near Dover. (continued)

Alb.
If there be more, more woeful, hold it in;
For I am almost ready to dissolve,
Hearing of this.

Edg.
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 a man
Who, having seen me in my worst estate,
Shunn'd my abhorr'd society; but then, finding
Who 'twas that so endur'd, with his strong arms
He fastened on my neck, and bellow'd out
As he'd burst heaven; threw him on my father;
Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him
That ever ear receiv'd: 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 tranc'd.

Alb.
But who was this?

Edg.
Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise
Follow'd his enemy king and did him service
Improper for a slave.

[Enter a Gentleman hastily, with a bloody knife.]

Gent.
Help, help! O, help!

Edg.
What kind of help?

Alb.
Speak, man.

Edg.
What means that bloody knife?

Gent.
'Tis hot, it smokes;
It came even from the heart of--O! she's dead!

Alb.
Who dead? speak, man.

Gent.
Your lady, sir, your lady: and her sister
By her is poisoned; she hath confess'd it.

Edm.
I was contracted to them both: all three
Now marry in an instant.

Edg.
Here comes Kent.

Alb.
Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead:--
This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble
Touches us not with pity. [Exit Gentleman.]

[Enter Kent.]

O, is this he?
The time will not allow the compliment
That very manners urges.