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肯特、格洛斯特及埃德蒙上。
肯特 我想王上对于奥尔巴尼公爵，比对于康沃尔公爵更有好感。
格洛斯特 我们一向都觉得是这样；可是这次划分国土的时候，却看不出来他对这两位公爵有什么偏心；因为他分配得那么平均，无论他们怎样斤斤较量，都不能说对方比自己占了便宜。
肯特 大人，这位是令郎吗？
格洛斯特 他是在我手里长大的；我常常不好意思承认他，可是现在习惯了，也就不以为意啦。
肯特 我不懂您的意思。
格洛斯特 不瞒您说，这小子的母亲没有嫁人就大了肚子生下他来。您想这应该不应该？
肯特 能够生下这样一个好儿子来，即使一时错误，也是可以原谅的。
格洛斯特 我还有一个合法的儿子，年纪比他大一岁，然而我还是喜欢他。这畜生虽然不等我的召唤，就自己莽莽撞撞来到这世上，可是他的母亲是个迷人的东西，我们在制造他的时候，曾经有过一场销魂的游戏，这孽种我不能不承认他。埃德蒙，你认识这位贵人吗？
埃德蒙 不认识，父亲。
格洛斯特 肯特伯爵；从此以后，你该记着他是我的尊贵的朋友。
埃德蒙 大人，我愿意为您效劳。
肯特 我一定喜欢你，希望我们以后能够常常见面。
埃德蒙 大人，我一定尽力报答您的垂爱。
格洛斯特 他已经在国外九年，不久还是要出去的。王上来了。
喇叭奏花腔。李尔、康沃尔、奥尔巴尼、戈纳瑞、里甘、科迪莉亚及侍从等上。
李尔 格洛斯特，你去招待招待法兰西国王和勃艮第公爵。
格洛斯特 是，陛下。（ 格洛斯特、埃德蒙同下 ）
李尔 现在我要向你们说明我的心事。把那地图给我。告诉你们吧，我已经把我的国土划成三部分；我因为自己年纪老了，决心摆脱一切世务的牵萦，把责任交卸给年轻力壮之人，让自己松一松肩，好安安心心地等死。康沃尔和奥尔巴尼两位贤婿，为了预防他日的争执，我想还是趁现在把我的几个女儿的嫁奁分配清楚。法兰西和勃艮第两位君主正在竞争我的小女儿的爱情，他们为了求婚而住在我们宫廷里，也已经有好多时候了，现在他们就可以得到答复。孩子们，在我还没有把我的政权、领土和国事的重任全部放弃以前，告诉我，你们中间哪一个人最爱我？我要看看谁最有孝心，最有贤德，我就给她最大的恩惠。戈纳瑞，我的大女儿，你先说。
李尔 父亲，我对您的爱，不是言语所能表达的；我爱您胜过自己的眼睛，整个的空间和广大的自由；超越一切可以估价的贵重稀有的事物；不亚于赋有淑德，健康，美貌和荣誉的生命；不曾有一个儿女这样爱过他的父亲，也不曾有一个父亲这样被他的儿女所爱；这一种爱可以使唇舌失去能力，辩才失去效用；我爱您是不可以数量计算的。
科迪莉亚 （ 旁白 ）科迪莉亚应该怎么好呢？默默地爱着吧。
李尔 在这些疆界以内，从这一条界线起，直到这一条界线为止，所有一切浓密的森林，膏腴的平原，富庶的河流，广大的牧场，都要奉你为它们的女主人；这一块土地永远为你和奥尔巴尼的子孙所保有。我的二女儿，最亲爱的里甘，康沃尔的夫人，您怎么说？
里甘 我跟姐姐是一样的，您凭着她就可以判断我。在我的真心之中，我觉得她刚才所说的话，正是我爱您的实际的情形，可是她还不能充分说明我的心理：我厌弃一切凡是敏锐的知觉所能感受到的快乐，只有爱您才是我的无上的幸福。
科迪莉亚 （ 旁白 ）那么，科迪莉亚，你只好自安于贫穷了！可是我并不贫穷，因为我深信我的爱心比我的口才更富有。
李尔 这一块从我们这美好的王国中划分出来的三分之一的沃壤，是你和你的子孙永远世袭的产业，和戈纳瑞所得到的一份同样的广大，同样的富庶，也同样的佳美。现在，我的宝贝，虽然是最后的一个，却并非最不重要的；法兰西的葡萄和勃艮第的乳酪都在竞争你的青春之爱；你有些什么话，可以换到一份比你的两个姐姐更富庶的土地？说吧。
科迪莉亚 父亲，我没有话说。
李尔 没有？
科迪莉亚 没有。
李尔 没有只能换到没有；重新说过。
科迪莉亚 我是个笨拙的人，不会把我的心涌上我的嘴里；我爱您只是按照我的名分，一分不多，一分不少。
李尔 怎么，科迪莉亚！把你的话修正修正，否则你要毁坏你自己的命运了。
科迪莉亚 父亲，您生下我来，把我教养成人，爱惜我，厚待我；我受到您这样的恩德，只有恪尽我的责任，服从您，爱您，敬重您。我的姐姐们要是用她们整个的心来爱您，那么她们为什么要嫁人呢？要是我有一天出嫁了，那接受我的忠诚的誓约的丈夫，将要得到我的一半的爱，我的一半的关心和责任；假如我只爱我的父亲，我一定不会像我的姐姐们一样再去嫁人的。
李尔 你这些话果然是从心里说出来的吗？
科迪莉亚 是的，父亲。
李尔 年纪这样小，却这样没有良心吗？
科迪莉亚 父亲，我年纪虽小，我的心却是忠实的。
李尔 好，那么让你的忠实做你的嫁奁吧。凭着太阳神圣的光辉，凭着黑夜的神秘，凭着主宰人类生死的星球的运行，我发誓从现在起，永远和你断绝一切父女之情和亲属的关系，把你当作一个路人看待。啖食自己儿女的野蛮的塞西亚人，比起你，我的旧日的女儿来，也不会更令我憎恨。
肯特 陛下——
李尔 闭嘴，肯特！不要来批怒龙的逆鳞。她是我的最爱的一个，我本来想要在她的殷勤看护之下，终养我的天年。去，不要让我看见你的脸！让坟墓做我安息的眠床，我从此割断对她的天伦的慈爱了！叫法兰西王来！都是死人吗？叫勃艮第来！康沃尔，奥尔巴尼，你们已经分到我的两个女儿的嫁奁，现在把我第三个女儿那一份也拿去分了吧；让骄傲——她自己所称为坦白的——替她找一个丈夫。我把我的威力，特权和一切君主的尊荣一起给了你们。我自己只保留一百名武士，在你们两人的地方按月轮流居住，由你们负责供养。除了国王的名义和尊号以外，所有行政的大权，国库的收入和大小事务的处理，完全交在你们手里；为了证实我的话，两位贤婿，我赐给你们这一顶宝冠，归你们两人共同保有。
肯特 尊严的李尔，我一向敬重您像敬重我的君王，爱您像爱我的父亲，跟随您像跟随我的主人，在我的祈祷之中，我总把您当作我的伟大的恩主——
李尔 弓已经弯好拉满，你留心躲开箭锋吧。
肯特 让它落下来吧，即使箭镞会刺进我的心里。李尔发了疯，肯特也只好不顾礼貌了。你究竟要怎样，老头儿？你以为有权有位的人向谄媚者低头，尽忠守职的臣僚就不敢说话了吗？君主不顾自己的尊严，干下了愚蠢的事情，在朝的端人正士只好直言极谏。保留你的权力，仔细考虑一下你的举措，收回这一种鲁莽灭裂的成命。你的小女儿并不是最不孝顺你的一个；那两个有口无心的女儿，她们的柔和的低声反映不出她们内心的空虚，也绝不是真心爱你；我的判断要是有错，你尽管取我的命。
李尔 肯特，你要是想活命，赶快闭住你的嘴。
肯特 我的生命本来是预备向你的仇敌抛掷的；为了你的安全，我也不怕把它失去。
李尔 走开，不要让我看见你！
肯特 瞧明白一些，李尔，还是让我永远留在你的眼前吧。
李尔 凭着阿波罗起誓——
肯特 凭着阿波罗，老王，你向神明发誓也是没用的。
李尔 啊，可恶的奴才！（ 以手按剑 ）
奥尔巴尼公爵、康沃尔公爵 陛下请息怒。
肯特 好，杀了你的医生，把你的恶病养得一天比一天厉害吧。赶快撤销你的分土授同的原议；否则只要我的喉舌尚在，我就要声疾呼，告诉你你做了错事啦。
李尔 听着，逆贼！你给我按照做臣子的道理，好生听着！你想要耸动我毁弃我的不容更改的誓言，凭着你的不法的跋扈，对我的命令和权力妄加阻挠，这一种目无君上的态度，使我忍无可忍；为维护王命的尊严，不能不给你应得的处分。现在宽容你五天的时间，让你预备些应用的衣服食物，免得受饥寒的痛苦；在第六天上，你那可憎的身体必须离开我的国境；要是在此后十天之内，我们的领土上再发现了你的踪迹，那时候就要把你当场处死。去，凭着朱庇特发誓，这一个判决是无可改移的。
肯特 再会，国王；你既不知悔改，
囚笼里也没有自由存在。
（向科迪莉亚）
神明庇护你，善良的女郎！
你的正心谠论无愧纲常。
你心地纯洁，说话真诚！
（向里甘、戈纳瑞）
愿你们的夸口变成实事，
假树上会结下真的果子。
各位王子，肯特从此远去；
到新的国土走他的旧路。（ 下 ）
喇叭奏花腔。格洛斯特偕法兰西王、勃艮第及侍从等重上。
格洛斯特 陛下，法兰西国王和勃艮第公爵来了。
李尔 勃艮第公爵，您跟这位国王都是来向我的女儿求婚的，现在我先问您：您希望她至少要有多少陪嫁的奁资，否则宁愿放弃对她的追求？
勃艮第 陛下，照着您所已经答应的数目，我就很满足了；想来您也不会再吝惜的。
李尔 尊贵的勃艮第，当她为我所宠爱的时候，我是对她看得非常珍重的，可是现在她的价格已经跌落了。公爵，您瞧她站在那儿，一个小小的东西，要是除了我的憎恨以外，我什么都不给她，而您仍然觉得她有使您喜欢的地方，或者您觉得她整个儿都能使您满意，那么她就在那儿，您把她带去好了。
勃艮第 我不知道怎样回答。
李尔 像她这样一个一无可取的女孩子，没有亲友的照顾，新近遭到我的憎恨，诅咒是她的嫁奁，我已经立誓和她断绝关系了，您还是愿意娶她呢，还是愿意把她放弃？
勃艮第 恕我，陛下；在这种条件之下，决定取舍是一件很为难的事。
李尔 那么放弃她吧，公爵；凭着赋予我生命的神明起誓，我已经告诉您她的全部的价值了。（ 向法兰西国王 ）至于您，伟大的国王，为了重视你我的友谊，我断不愿把一个我所憎恶的人匹配给您；所以请您还是丢开了这一个为天地所不容的贱人，另外去找寻佳偶吧。
法兰西王 这太奇怪了，她刚才还是您的眼中的珍宝、您的赞美的题目、您的老年的安慰、您的最心爱的人儿，怎么一转瞬间，就会干下这么一件罪大恶极的行为，丧失了您的深恩厚爱！她的罪恶倘不是超乎寻常，您的爱心绝不会变得这样厉害；可是除非那是一桩奇迹，我无论如何不相信她会干那样的事。
科迪莉亚 陛下，我只是因为缺少娓娓动人的口才，不会讲一些违心的话语，凡是我心里想到的事情，我总不愿在没有把它实行以前就放在嘴里宣扬；要是您因此而恼我，我必须请求您让世人知道，我所以失去您的欢心的原因，并不是什么丑恶的污点、淫邪的行动，或是不名誉的举止；只是因为我缺少像人家那样的一双献媚求恩的眼睛，一条我所认为可耻的善于逢迎的舌头，虽然没有了这些使我不能再受您的宠爱，可是唯其如此，却使我格外尊重我自己的人格。
李尔 你不能讨我欢心，我还是不要把你生下来的好。
法兰西王 只是为了这一个元凶吗？为了生性不肯有话便说，不肯把心里想做到的宣之于口。勃艮第公爵，您对于这位公主意下如何？爱情里面要是掺杂了和它本身不相关涉的顾虑，那就不是真的爱情。您愿不愿意娶她？她自己就是一注无价的嫁奁。
勃艮第 尊严的李尔，只要把您原来已经允许过的那一份嫁奁给我，我现在就可以使科迪莉亚成为勃艮第公爵的夫人。
李尔 我什么都不给；我已经发过誓，再也不能挽回了。
勃艮第 那么抱歉得很，您已经失去一个父亲，现在必须再失去一个丈夫了。
科迪莉亚 愿勃艮第平安！他所爱的既然只是财产，我也不愿做他的妻子。
法兰西王 最美丽的科迪莉亚！你因为贫穷，所以是最富有的；你因为被遗弃，所以是最可宝贵的；你因为遭人轻视，所以最蒙我的怜爱。我现在把你和你的美德一起攫在我的手里；人弃我取是法理上所许可的。天啊天！想不到他们的冷酷的蔑视，却会激起我热烈的敬爱。陛下，您的没有嫁奁的女儿被命运交给了我，现在是我的分享荣华的王后，法兰西全国的女主人了；沼泽之邦的勃艮第所有的公爵，都不能从我手里买去这一个无价之宝的女郎。科迪莉亚，向他们告别吧，虽然他们是这样不良；你抛弃了故国，将要得到一个更好的家乡。
李尔 你带了她去吧。法兰西王，她是你的，我没有这样的女儿，也再不要看见她的脸，去吧，你们不要想得到我的恩宠和祝福。来，尊贵的勃艮第。（ 喇叭奏花腔。李尔、勃艮第公爵、康沃尔公爵、奥尔巴尼公爵、格洛斯特伯爵及侍从等同下 ）
法兰西王 向你的姐姐们告别吧。
科迪莉亚 父亲眼中的两颗宝玉，科迪莉亚用泪洗过的眼睛向你们告别。我知道你们是怎样的人；因为碍着姊妹的情分，我不愿直言指斥你们的错处。好好对待父亲；你们自己说是孝敬他的，我把他托付给你们了。可是，唉！要是我没有失去他的欢心，我一定不让他受你们的照顾。再会了，两位姐姐。
里甘 我们用不着你教训。
戈纳瑞 你还是去小心侍候你的丈夫吧，命运的慈悲把你交在他的手里；你自己忤逆不孝，今天空手跟了汉子去也是活该。
科迪莉亚 慢慢地总有一天深藏的奸诈会显出它的原形；罪恶虽然可以掩饰一时，免不了最后的出乖露丑。愿你们幸福！
法兰西王 来，我的科迪莉亚。（ 法兰西国王、科迪莉亚同下 ）
戈纳瑞 妹妹，我有许多对我们两人有切身关系的话必须跟你谈谈。我想我们的父亲今晚就要离开此地。
里甘 那是十分确定的事，他要住到你们那儿去；下个月他就要跟我们住在一起了。
戈纳瑞 你瞧他现在年纪老了，他的脾气多么变化不定；我们已经屡次注意到他的行为的乖僻了。他一向都是最爱我们妹妹的，现在他凭着一时的气恼就把她撵走，这就可以见得他是多么糊涂。
里甘 这是他老年的昏悖；可是他向来就是这样喜怒无常的。
戈纳瑞 他年轻的时候性子就很暴躁，现在他任性惯了，再加上老年人刚愎自用的怪脾气，看来我们只好准备受他的气了。
里甘 他把肯特也放逐了；谁知道他心里一不高兴起来，不会用同样的手段对付我们？
戈纳瑞 法兰西王辞行回国，跟他还有一番礼仪上的应酬。让我们同心合力，决定一个方策；要是我们的父亲顺着他这种脾气滥施威权起来，这一次的让国对于我们未必有什么好处。
里甘 我们还要仔细考虑一下。
戈纳瑞 我们必须趁早想个办法。（ 同下 ）
Enter Edmund the Bastard solus [1] ,with a letter.
Edm. Thou, Nature, art my goddess; to thy law My services are bound. Wherefore should I Stand in the plague [2] of custom, and permit The curiosity of nations to deprive me, For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines Lag of a brother? Why bastard? Wherefore base? When my dimensions are as well compact, My mind as generous, and my shape as true, As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us With base, with baseness, bastardy, base, base, Who, in the lusty [3] stealth [4] of nature, take More composition and fierce quality Than doth, within a dull, stale [5] , tired bed, Go to th' creating a whole tribe of fops [6] Got 'tween asleep and wake? Well then, Legitimate [7] Edgar, I must have your land. Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund As to th' legitimate. Fine word, 'legitimate'!Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed, And my invention thrive, Edmund the base Shall top th' legitimate. I grow; I prosper. Now, gods, stand up for bastards! Enter Gloucester.
Glou. Kent banish'd thus? And France in choler [8] parted? And the king gone tonight? Prescribed his pow'r, Confin'd to exhibition? All this done Upon the gad [9] ? Edmund, how now? What news?
Edm. So please your lordship, none. He hastily [10] puts the letter into his pocket.
Glou. Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?
Edm. I know no news, my lord.
Glou. What paper were you reading?
Edm. Nothing, my lord.
Glou. No? What needed then that terrible dispatch [11] of it into your pocket? The quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself. Let's see. Come, if it be nothing, I shall not need spectacles.
Edm. I beseech you, sir, pardon me. It is a letter from my brother that I have not all o'er-read; and for so much as I have perus'd [12] , I find it not fit for your o'er-looking.
Glou. Give me the letter, sir.
Edm. I shall off end, either to detain [13] or give it. The contents, as in part I understand them, are to blame.
Glou. Let's see, let's see.
Edm. I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote this but as an essay or taste of my virtue.
Glou. [ Read. ] ‘This policy and reverence [14] of age makes the world bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes from us till our oldness cannot relish [15] them. I begin to find an idle and fond bondage [16] in the oppression of aged tyranny [17] , who sways, not as it hath power, but as it is suff er'd. Come to me, that of this I may speak more. If our father would sleep till I wak'd him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live the beloved of your brother, EDGAR.' Hum! Conspiracy [18] ? ‘Sleep till I wak'd him, you should enjoy half his revenue.' My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? A heart and brain to breed it in? When came this to you? Who brought it?
Edm. It was not brought me, my lord: there's the cunning of it. I found it thrown in at the casement [19] of my closet.
Glou. You know the character to be your brother's?
Edm. If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear it were his; but in respect of that, I would fain [20] think it were not.
Glou. It is his.
Edm. It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is not in the contents.
Glou. Hath he never before sounded you in this business?
Edm. Never, my lord. But I have heard him oft [21] maintain it to be fit that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declining, the father should be as ward to the son, and the son manage his revenue.
Glou. O villain [22] , villain: his very opinion in the letter! Abhorred [23] villain! Unnatural, detested [24] , brutish [25] villain; worse than brutish! Go, sirrah [26] , seek him. I'll apprehend [27] him. Abominable [28] villain! Where is he?
Edm. I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please you to suspend [29] your indignation [30] against my brother till you can derive [31] from him better testimony [32] of his intent [33] , you should run a certain course; where, if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his purpose, it would make a great gap in your own honour, and shake in pieces the heart of his obedience. I dare pawn down my life for him that he hath writ [34] this to feel my aff ection to your honour, and to no other pretence of danger.
Glou. Think you so?
Edm. If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you shall hear us confer of this, and by an auricular [35] assurance have your satisfaction, and that without any further delay than this very evening.
Glou. He cannot be such a monster.
Edm. Nor is not, sure.
Glou. To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves him. Heaven and earth! Edmund, seek him out; wind me into him, I pray you; frame the business after your own wisdom. I would unstate myself to be in a due resolution.
Edm. I will seek him, sir, presently; convey the business as I shall find means, and acquaint you withal [36] .
Glou. These late eclipses [37] in the sun and moon portend [38] no good to us. Though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourg'd [39] by the sequent eff ects. Love cools, friendship falls off , brothers divide. In cities, mutinies [40] ; in countries, discord [41] ;in palaces, treason [42] ; and the bond crack'd 'twixt [43] son and father. This villain of mine comes under the prediction; there's son against father: the king falls from bias of nature; there's father against child. We have seen the best of our time. Machinations [44] , hollowness, treachery [45] , and all ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our graves. Find out this villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it carefully. And the noble and true-hearted Kent banish'd; his off ence, honesty! 'Tis strange.Exit.
Edm. This is the excellent foppery [46] of the world, that when we are sick in fortune, often the surfeit [47] of our own behaviour, we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars; as if we were villains on ne-cessity; fools by heavenly compulsion; knaves, thieves and treachers by spherical [48] predominance; drunkards [49] , liars, and adulterers [50] by an enforc'd obedience of planetary influence; and all that we are evil in by a divine thrusting on. An admirable evasion of whoremaster man, to lay his goatish [51] disposition on the charge of a star! My father compounded with my mother under the Dragon's Tail, and my nativity was under Ursa Major, so that it follows I am rough and lecherous [52] . Fut [53] ! I should have been that I am, had the maidenliest star in the firmament [54] twinkled on my bastardizing. Edgar— Enter Edgar. and pat! He comes like the catastrophe of the old comedy. My cue [55] is villainous melancholy [56] , with a sigh like Tom o' Bedlam. O, these eclipses do portend these divisions! Fa, sol, la, mi.
Edg. How now, brother Edmund? What serious contemplation are you in?
Edm. I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other day, what should follow these eclipses.
Edg. Do you busy yourself with that?
Edna. I promise you, the eff ects he writes of succeed unhappily: as of unna-turalness between the child and the parent; death, dearth [57] , dissolutions of ancient amities [58] ; divisions in state, menaces [59] and maledictions [60] against king and nobles; needless diffidences, banishment of friends, dissipation [61] of cohorts [62] , nuptial [63] breaches [64] , and I know not what.
Edg. How long have you been a sectary [65] astronomical?
Edm. Come, come! When saw you my father last?
Edg. The night gone by.
Edm. Spake [66] you with him?
Edg. Ay, two hours together.
Edm. Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure in him, by word or countenance [67] ?
Edg. None at all.
Edm. Bethink [68] yourself wherein you may have off ended him; and at my entreaty [69] forbear his presence until some little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure, which at this instant so rageth in him that with the mischief [70] of your person it would scarcely allay [71] .
Edg. Some villain hath done me wrong.
Edm. That's my fear. I pray you have a continent forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower; and, as I say, retire with me to my lodging [72] , from whence I will fitly bring you to hear my lord speak. Pray ye, go; there's my key. If you do stir abroad, go arm'd.
Edg. Arm'd, brother?
Edm. Brother, I advise you to the best. I am no honest man if there be any good meaning toward you. I have told you what I have seen and heard;but faintly, nothing like the image and horror of it. Pray you, away!
Edg. Shall I hear from you anon [73] ?
Edm. I do serve you in this business. Exit Edgar. A credulous [74] father! and a brother noble, Whose nature is so far from doing harms That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty My practices ride easy. I see the business. Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit;All with me's meet that I can fashion fit. Exit.
[1] solus [ˈsəuləs] a． 单独的，独自的（舞台指示语）
[2] plague [pleiɡ] n． 灾害，灾祸
[3] lusty [ˈlʌsti] a． 精力充沛的，活泼的
[4] stealth [stelθ] n． 隐秘的活动；鬼祟
[5] stale [steil] a． 乏味的；厌烦的
[6] fop [fɔp] n． 〈废〉 蠢人，傻瓜
[7] legitimate [liˈdʒitimət] a. 合法的，正当的
[8] choler [ˈkɔlə] n． 怒气
[9] upon the gad 游荡着，闲逛着
[10] hastily[ˈheistili] ad． 急忙地，急躁地
[11] dispatch [disˈpætʃ] n． 快信，急件
[12] peruse [pəˈru:z] v． 详细考察；细读
[13] detain [diˈtein] v. 〈古〉 扣留，不给
[14] reverence [ˈrevərəns] n． 尊敬，敬重
[15] relish [ˈreliʃ] v． 欣赏，玩味
[16] bondage [ˈbɔndidʒ] n． 奴役，束缚
[17] tyranny [ˈtirəni] n． 专制统治
[18] conspiracy [kənˈspirəsi] n. 密谋，阴谋
[19] casement [ˈkeismənt] n． 窗扉
[20] fain[fein] ad. 〈古〉热切地，乐意地，欣然（仅与would连用，后接动词原形）
[21] oft[ɔft;ɔ:ft] ad. 〈古〉〈诗歌〉 （= often）经常
[22] villain [ˈvilən] n． 恶棍，歹徒，流氓
[23] abhor [əbˈhɔ:] v． 憎恶；痛恨
[24] detest [diˈtest] v． 厌恶，憎恶
[25] brutish [ˈbru:tiʃ] a． 野兽般的；野蛮的，残忍的
[26] sirrah [ˈsirə] n. 〈古〉 小子，家伙
[27] apprehend [æpriˈhend] v. 逮捕，拘押
[28] abominable [əˈbɔminəbl] a. 可憎的，可恶的
[29] suspend [səˈspend] v． 延缓，推迟
[30] indignation [indiɡˈneiʃən] n． 愤慨，义愤
[31] derive [diˈraiv] v． 得到，取得
[32] testimony [ˈtestiməni] n． 证词，口供
[33] intent [inˈtent] n． 意图，目的
[34] writ [rit] v. 〈古〉 （write的过去式和过去分词）写
[35] auricular [ɔ:ˈrikjulə] a． 听觉的
[36] withal[wiˈðɔ:l;-ˈθɔ:l] ad. 〈古〉 以此
[37] eclipse [iˈklips] n. 〈天文〉食，食相
[38] portend [pɔ:ˈtend; pəu-] v. 预兆
[39] scourge [skə:dʒ] v． 严惩，重责
[40] mutiny [ˈmju:tini] n． 暴动
[41] discord [ˈdiskɔ:d; disˈkɔ:d] n． 不和，纷争
[42] treason [ˈtri:zən] n． 叛逆罪；谋反
[43] twixt [twikst] prep. 〈诗歌〉（=between）在……之间
[44] machination [mækiˈneiʃən] n． 阴谋，诡计
[45] treachery [ˈtretʃəri] n． 背叛，变节
[46] foppery [ˈfɔpəri] n． 愚蠢的行为
[47] surfeit [ˈsə:fit] n． 过量，过度
[48] spherical [ˈsferikəl; ˈsfiə-] a． 天球的，天体的
[49] drunkard [ˈdrʌŋkəd] n． 酒鬼，醉汉
[50] adulterer [əˈdʌltərə] n． 奸夫
[51] goatish [ˈɡəutiʃ] a． 好色的，淫荡的
[52] lecherous [ˈletʃərəs] a． 好色的，纵欲的
[53] fut [fʌt] n． 砰的一声
[54] firmament [ˈfə:məmənt] n. 天空，天穹
[55] cue [kju:] n． 信号；提词
[56] melancholy [ˈmelənkəli] n. 忧郁
[57] dearth [də:θ] n． 匮乏；饥荒
[58] amity [ˈæməti] n． 友好，和睦
[59] menace [ˈmenəs] n． 威胁，恐吓
[60] malediction [mæliˈdikʃən] n． 诅咒；中伤
[61] dissipation [disiˈpeiʃən] n. 驱散；分散，散开
[62] cohort [ˈkəuhɔ:t] n． 步兵队
[63] nuptial [ˈnʌpʃəl] a． 婚姻的
[64] breach [bri:tʃ] n． 破坏，违背
[65] sectary [ˈsektəri] n． 宗派成员
[66] spake [speik] v. 〈古〉（speak的过去式）说
[67] countenance [ˈkauntənəns] n． 面容，面部表情
[68] bethink [biˈθiŋk] v． 使想起，使思考
[69] entreaty [inˈtri:ti] n． 恳求，请求
[70] mischief [ˈmistʃif] n． 损害，危害
[71] allay [əˈlei] v． 平息；使镇静
[72] lodging [ˈlɔdʒiŋ] n． 住宿；寓所
[73] anon[əˈnɔn] ad． 不久
[74] credulous [ˈkredjuləs] a. 轻信的
埃德蒙持信上。
埃德蒙 大自然，你是我的女神，我愿意在你的法律之前俯首听命。为什么我要受世俗的排挤，让世人的歧视剥夺我的应享的权利，只因为我比一个哥哥迟生了一年或是十四个月？为什么他们要叫我私生子？为什么我比人家卑贱？我的壮健的体格，我的慷慨的精神，我的端正的容貌，哪一点比不上正经夫人的公子？为什么他们要给我加上庶出，贱种，私生子的恶名？贱种，贱种，贱种？难道在热烈兴奋的奸情里生下的孩子，倒不及拥着一个毫无欢趣的老婆，在半睡半醒之间制造出来的那一批蠢货？好，合法的埃德加，我一定要得到你的土地；我们的父亲喜欢他的私生子埃德蒙，正像他喜欢他的合法的嫡子一样。好听的名词，“合法”！好，我的合法的哥哥，要是这封信发生效力，我的计策能够成功，瞧着吧，庶出的埃德蒙将要把合法的嫡子罩在他的下面——那时候我可要扬眉吐气啦。神啊，帮助帮助私生子吧！
格洛斯特上。
格洛斯特 肯特就这样放逐了！法兰西王盛怒而去；王上昨晚又走了！他的权力全部交出，依靠他的女儿过活！这些事情都在匆促中决定，不曾经过丝毫的考虑！埃德蒙，怎么样！有什么消息？
埃德蒙 禀父亲，没有什么消息。（ 藏信 ）
格洛斯特 你为什么急急忙忙地把那封信藏起来？
埃德蒙 我不知道有什么消息，父亲。
格洛斯特 你读的是什么信？
埃德蒙 没有什么，父亲。
格洛斯特 没有什么？那么你为什么慌慌张张地把它塞进你的衣袋里去？既然没有什么，何必藏起来？来，给我看，要是那上面没有什么话，我也可以不用戴眼镜。
埃德蒙 父亲，请您原谅我；这是我哥哥写给我的一封信，我还没有把它读完，照我已经读到的一部分看起来，我想还是不要让您看见的好。
格洛斯特 把信给我。
埃德蒙 不给您看您要恼我，给您看了您又要动怒。哥哥真不应该写出这种话来。
格洛斯特 给我看，给我看。
埃德蒙 我希望哥哥写这封信是有他的理由的，他不过要试试我的德行。
格洛斯特 （ 读信 ）“这一种尊敬老年人的政策，使我们在年轻的时候不能享受生命的欢乐；我们的财产不能由我们自己处分，等到年纪老了，这些财产对我们也失去了用处。我开始觉得老年人的专制，实在是一种荒谬愚蠢的束缚；他们没有权力压迫我们，是我们自己容忍他们的压迫。来跟我讨论讨论这一个问题吧。要是我们的父亲在我把他惊醒之前，一直好好睡着，你就可以永远享受他的一半的收入，并且将要为你的哥哥所喜爱。埃德加。”——哼！阴谋！“要是我们的父亲在我把他惊醒之前，一直好好睡着，你就可以享受他的一半的收入。”我的儿子埃德加！他会有这样的心思，写这样的信吗？这封信是什么时候到你手里的？谁把它送给你的？
埃德蒙 它不是什么人送给我的，父亲；这正是他狡猾的地方；我看见它塞在我的房间的窗眼里。
格洛斯特 你认识这笔迹是你哥哥的吗？
埃德蒙 父亲，要是这信里所写的都是很好的话，我敢发誓这是他的笔迹；可是那上面写的既然是这种话，我但愿不是他写的。
格洛斯特 这是他的笔迹。
埃德蒙 笔迹确是他的，父亲；可是我希望这种话不是出于他的真心。
格洛斯特 他以前有没有用这一类话试探过你？
埃德蒙 没有，父亲；可是我常常听见他说，儿子成年以后，父亲要是已经衰老，他应该受儿子的监护，把他的财产交给他的儿子掌管。
格洛斯特 啊，混蛋！混蛋！正是他在这信里所表示的意思！可恶的混蛋！不孝的畜生！禽兽不如的东西！去，把他找来；我要依法惩办他。可恶的混蛋！他在哪儿？
埃德蒙 我不大知道，父亲。照我的意思，您在没有得到可靠的证据，证明哥哥确有这种意思以前，最好暂时收收您的怒气；因为要是您立刻就对他采取激烈的手段，万一事情出于误会，那不但大大妨害了您的名誉，而且他对于您的孝心，也要从此动摇了！我敢拿我的生命为他作保，他写这封信的用意，不过是试探试探我对您的孝心，并没有其他危险的目的。
格洛斯特 你以为是这样的吗？
埃德蒙 您要是认为可以的话，让我把您安置在一个隐僻的地方，从那个地方您可以听到我们两人谈论这件事情，用您自己的耳朵得到一个真凭实据；事不宜迟，今天晚上就可以一试。
格洛斯特 他不会是这样一个大逆不道的禽兽——
埃德蒙 他断不会是这样的人。
格洛斯特 对待他的父亲，这样全心全意疼爱他的父亲。天地良心！我从来没有亏待过他，他却这样对我。埃德蒙，找他出来；探探他究竟居心何在；你尽管照你自己的意思随机应付。我愿意放弃我的地位和财产，把这一件事情调查明白。
埃德蒙 父亲，我立刻就去找他，用最适当的方法探明这同事情，然后再来告诉您知道。
格洛斯特 最近这一些日食月食果然不是好兆；虽然人们凭着天赋的智慧，可以对它们作种种合理的解释，可是接踵而来的天灾人祸，却不能否认是上天对人们所施的惩罚。亲爱的人互相疏远，朋友变为陌路，兄弟化成仇雠；城市里有暴动，国家发生内乱，宫廷之内潜藏着逆谋，父不父，子不子，纲常伦纪完全破灭。我这畜生也是上应天数；有他这样逆亲犯上的儿子，也就有像我们王上一样不慈不爱的父亲。我们最好的日子已经过去；现在只有一些阴谋，欺诈，叛逆，纷乱，追随在我们的背后，把我们赶下坟墓里去。埃德蒙，去把这畜生查个明白；那对你不会有什么妨害的；你只要自己留心一点就是了。——忠心的肯特又放逐了！他的罪名是正直！怪事，怪事！（ 下 ）
埃德蒙 人们最爱用这一种愚蠢思想来欺骗自己，往往当我们因为自己行为不慎而遭逢不幸的时候，我们就会把我们的灾祸归怨于日月星辰，好像我们做恶人也是命运注定，做傻瓜也是出于上天的旨意，做无赖，做盗贼，做叛徒，都是受到天体运行的影响，酗酒，造谣，奸淫，都有一颗什么星在那儿主持操纵，我们无论干什么罪恶的行为，全都是因为有一种超自然的力量在冥冥之中驱策着我们。明明自己跟人家通奸，却把他的好色的天性归咎到一颗星的身上，真是绝妙的推诿！我的父亲跟我的母亲在巨龙星的尾巴底下交媾，我又是在大熊星底下出世，所以我就是个粗暴而好色的家伙。嘿！即使当我的父母苟合成奸的时候，有一颗最贞洁的处女星在天空眨眼睛，我也绝不会换个样子的。埃德加—— 埃德加上。
埃德蒙 一说起他，他就来了，正像旧式喜剧里的大团网一样；我现在必须装出一副忧愁煞人的样子，像疯子一般长吁短叹。唉！这些日食月食果然预兆着人世的纷争！法——索——拉——咪。
埃德加 啊，埃德蒙兄弟！你在沉思些什么？
埃德蒙 哥哥，我正在想前天读到的一篇预言，说是在这些日食月食之后，将要发生些什么事情。
埃德加 你让这些东西烦扰你的精神吗？
埃德蒙 告诉你，他所预言的事情，果然不幸被他说中了；什么父子的乖离、死亡、饥荒、友谊的毁灭、国家的分裂、对于国王和贵族的恫吓和诅咒、无谓的猜疑、朋友的放逐、军队的瓦解、婚姻的破坏，还有许许多多我所不知道的事情。
埃德加 你什么时候相信起星象之学来？
埃德蒙 来，来，你最近一次看见父亲在什么时候？
埃德加 昨天晚上。
埃德蒙 你跟他说过话没有？
埃德加 嗯，我们谈了两个钟头。
埃德蒙 你们分别的时候，没有闹什么意见吗？你在他的辞色之间，不觉得他对你有点恼怒吗？
埃德加 一点没有。
埃德蒙 想想看你在什么地方得罪了他；听我的劝告，暂时避开一下，等他的怒气平息下来再说，现在他正在大发雷霆，恨不得一口咬下你的肉来呢。
埃德加 哪一个坏东西搬弄是非？
埃德蒙 我也怕有什么人在暗中离间。请你千万忍耐忍耐，不要碰在他的火性上；现在你还是跟我到我的地方去，我可以想法让你躲起来听听他老人家怎么说。去吧；这是我的钥匙。你要是在外面走动的话，最好身边带些武器。
埃德加 带些武器，弟弟！
埃德蒙 哥哥，我这样劝告你都是为了你的好处；带些武器在身边吧；要是没有人在暗算你，就算我不是个好人。我已经把我所看到听到的事情都告诉你了；可是实际的情形，却比我的话更要严重可怕得多哩。请你赶快去吧。
埃德加 我不久就可以听到你的消息吗？
埃德蒙 我在这件事情上总是竭力帮你的忙就是了。（ 埃德加下 ）一个轻信的父亲，一个忠厚的哥哥，他自己从不会算计别人，所以也不疑心别人算计他；对付他们这样老实的傻瓜，我的奸计是绰绰有余的。该怎么下手，我已经想好了。饶你出身高贵，斗不过我足智多谋，夺到了这一份家私，我的志愿方酬。（ 下 ）
Enter Goneril and her steward Oswald.
Gon. Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding [1] of his fool?
Osw. Ay, madam.
Gon. By day and night, he wrongs me. Every hour He flashes into one gross crime or other That sets us all at odds. I'll not endure it. His knights grow riotous [2] , and himself upbraids [3] us On every trifle [4] . When he returns from hunting, I will not speak with him: say I am sick. If you come slack [5] of former services, You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer. Horns within.
Osw. He's coming, madam; I hear him.
Gon. Put on what weary negligence [6] you please, You and your fellows. I'd have it come to question. If he distaste it, let him to our sister, Whose mind and mine I know in that are one, Not to be overrul'd. Idle old man, That still would manage those authorities That he hath given away! Now, by my life, Old fools are babes again, and must be us'd With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abus'd. Remember what I have said.
Osw. Very well, madam.
Gon. And let his knights have colder looks among you. What grows of it, no matter. Advise your fellows so. I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall, That I may speak. I'll write straight to my sister To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner. Exeunt.
[1] chide [tʃaid] v． 责骂，责备
[2] riotous [ˈraiətəs] a． 暴乱的，骚动的
[3] upbraid [ʌpˈbreid] v． 责备，申斥
[4] trifle [ˈtraifl] n． 琐事，小事
[5] slack [slæk] a． 懈怠的，疏忽的
[6] negligence [ˈneɡlidʒəns] n. 疏忽，玩忽
戈纳瑞及管家奥斯维德上。
戈纳瑞 我的父亲因为我的侍卫骂了他的弄人，所以动手打他吗？
奥斯维德 是，夫人。
戈纳瑞 他一天到晚欺侮我；每一点钟他都要借端寻事，把我们这儿吵得鸡犬不宁。我不能再忍受下去了。他的武士们一天一天横行不法起来，他自己又在每一件小事上都要责骂我们。等他打猎回来的时候，我不高兴见他说话，你就对他说我病了。你也不必像从前那样殷勤侍候他；他要是见怪，都在我身上。
奥斯维德 他来了，夫人；我听见他的声音。（ 内号角声 ）
戈纳瑞 你跟你手下的人尽管对他装出一副不理不睬的态度；我要看看他有些什么话说。要是他恼了，那么让他到我妹妹那儿去吧，我知道我的妹妹的心思；她也跟我一样不能受人压制的。这老废物已经放弃了他的权力，还想管这个管那个！凭着我的生命发誓，年老的傻瓜正像小孩子一样，一味的姑息会纵容坏了他的脾气，不对他凶一点是不行的，记住我的话。
奥斯维德 是，夫人。
戈纳瑞 让他的武士们也受到你们的冷眼；无论发生什么事情，你们都不用管；你去这样通知你手下的人吧。我要造成一些借口；和他当面说个明白。我还要立刻写信给我的妹妹，叫她采取一致的行动。吩咐他们备饭。（ 各下 ）
Enter Kent, disguised.
Kent. If but as well I other accents borrow, That can my speech defuse [1] , my good intent May carry through itself to that full issue For which I raz'd [2] my likeness. Now, banish'd Kent, If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd, So may it come thy master, whom thou for'st, Shall find thee full of labours. Horns within. Enter Lear, Knights and Attendants.
Lear. Let me not stay a jot [3] for dinner; go get it ready. Exit an Attendant. How now? What art thou?
Kent. A man, sir.
Lear. What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
Kent. I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve him truly that will put me in trust, to love him that is honest, to converse [4] with him that is wise and says little, to fear judgment, to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.
Lear. What art thou?
Kent. A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.
Lear. If thou be'st as poor for a subject as he's for a king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?
Kent. Service.
Lear. Who wouldest thou serve?
Kent. You.
Lear. Dost thou know me, fellow?
Kent. No, sir; but you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.
Lear. What's that?
Kent. Authority.
Lear. What services canst thou do?
Kent. I can keep honest counsel [5] , ride, run, mar a curious tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message bluntly [6] . That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.
Lear. How old art thou?
Kent. Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to dote [7] on her for anything. I have years on my back forty-eight.
Lear. Follow me; thou shalt serve me. If I like thee no worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner, ho, dinner! Where's my knave? My fool? Go you and call my fool hither [8] . Exit an attendant. Enter Oswald. You, you, sirrah, where's my daughter?
Osw. So please you— Exit.
Lear. What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll [9] back. Exit a Knight. Where's my fool, ho? I think the world's asleep. Enter the Knight. How now? Where's that mongrel [10] ?
Knight. He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.
Lear. Why came not the slave back to me when I call'd him?
Knight. Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner, he would not.
Lear. He would not?
Knight. My lord, I know not what the matter is; but to my judgment your highness is not entertain'd with that ceremonious aff ection as you were wont. There's a great abatement [11] of kindness appears as well in the general dependants as in the Duke himself also and your daughter.
Lear. Ha? Say'st thou so?
Knight. I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I think your highness wrong'd.
Lear. Thou but rememb'rest me of mine own conception [12] . I have perceived a most faint neglect of late, which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence and purpose of unkindness. I will look further into 't. But where's my fool? I have not seen him this two days.
Knight. Since my young lady's going into France, sir, the fool hath much pined [13] away.
Lear. No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her. Exit attendant. Go you, call hither my Fool. Exit another Attendant. Enter Oswald the Steward. O you, sir, you! Come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir?
Osw. My lady's father.
Lear. ‘My lady's father'? My lord's knave! You whoreson dog, you slave, you cur [14] !
Osw. I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon.
Lear. Do you bandy [15] looks with me, you rascal [16] ? Strikes him.
Osw. I'll not be strucken, my lord.
Kent. Nor tripp'd neither, you base football player. Kent trips Oswald who falls.
Lear. I thank thee, fellow. Thou serv'st me, and I'll love thee.
Kent. Come, sir, arise, away! I'll teach you diff erences. Away, away! If you will measure your lubber's [17] length again, tarry [18] ; but away! Go to! Have you wisdom? So. Pushes him out.
Lear. Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee. There's earnest of thy service. He gives money to Kent.
Enter Fool.
Fool. Let me hire him too. Here's my coxcomb [19] . Off ers Kent his cap.
Lear. How now, my pretty knave? How dost thou?
Fool. Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
Kent. Why, fool?
Fool. Why? For taking one's part that's out of favour. Nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch cold shortly. There, take my coxcomb. Why, this fellow hath banish'd two on's daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will. If thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb! How now, nuncle [20] ? Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters!
Lear. Why, my boy?
Fool. If I gave them all my living, I'd keep my coxcombs myself. There's mine; beg another of thy daughters.
Lear. Take heed [21] , sirrah — the whip.
Fool. Truth's a dog must to kennel [22] ; he must be whipp'd out, when Lady Brach may stand by th' fire and stink [23] .
Lear. A pestilent [24] gall [25] to me.
Fool. Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.
Lear. Do.
Fool. Mark it, nuncle.
Have more than thou showest,
Speak less than thou knowest,
Lend less than thou owest,
Ride more than thou goest,
Learn more than thou trowest [26] ,
Set less than thou throwest;
Leave thy drink and thy whore,
And keep in-a-door,
And thou shalt have more
Than two tens to a score.
Kent. This is nothing, Fool.
Fool. Then 'tis like the breath of an unfeed lawyer — you gave me nothing for't. Can you make no use of nothing, nuncle?
Lear. Why, no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.
Fool. [ To Kent ] Prithee [27] tell him,so much the rent of his land comes to. He will not believe a fool.
Lear. A bitter fool.
Fool. Dost thou know the diff erence, my boy, between a bitter fool and a sweet fool?
Lear. No, lad; teach me.
Fool. That lord that counsell'd thee To give away thy land,
Come place him here by me;
Do thou for him stand.
The sweet and bitter fool
Will presently appear;
The one in motley [28] here,
The other found out there!
Lear. Dost thou call me fool, boy?
Fool. All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born with.
Kent. This is not altogether fool, my lord.
Fool. No, faith; Lords and great men will not let me. If I had a monopoly [29] out, they would have part on't. And ladies too, they will not let me have all the fool to myself; they'll be snatching. Nuncle, give me an egg, and I'll give thee two crowns.
Lear. What two crowns shall they be?
Fool. Why, after I have cut the egg i' th' middle and eat up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest [30] thy crown i' th' middle and gav'st away both parts, thou bor'st thine ass on thy back o'er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gav'st thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipp'd that first finds it so.
[ Sings ]Fools had ne'er less grace in a year,
For wise men are grown foppish;
They know not how their wits to wear,
Their maimers [31] are so apish [32] .
Lear. When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?
Fool. I have us'd it, nuncle, ever since thou mad'st thy daughters thy mother;for when thou gav'st them the rod, and put'st down thine own breeches,
[ Sings ]Then they for sudden joy did weep,
And I for sorrow sung,
That such a king should play bo-peep
And go the fools among.
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie. I would fain learn to lie.
Lear. An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipp'd.
Fool. I marvel [33] what kin thou and thy daughters are. They'll have me whipp'd for speaking true; thou'lt have me whipp'd for lying; and sometimes I am whipp'd for holding my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a Fool, and yet I would not be thee, nuncle. Thou hast pared [34] thy wit o' both sides and left nothing i' th' middle. Here comes one o' the parings. Enter Goneril.
Lear. How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet [35] on? Methinks [36] you are too much of late i' th' frown.
Fool. Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning. Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better than thou art now: I am a Fool, thou art nothing.
[ To Goneril ]Yes, forsooth [37] , I will hold my tongue; so your face bids me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum!
He that keeps nor crust [38] nor crum [39] ,
Weary of all, shall want some.
[ Points at Lear ]That's a sheal'd [40] peascod [41] .
Gon. Not only, sir, this your all-licens'd fool, But other of your insolent [42] retinue [43] Do hourly carp [44] and quarrel, breaking forth In rank and not-to-be-endured riots. Sir, I had thought, by making this well known unto you, To have found a safe redress [45] , but now grow fearful, By what yourself too, late have spoke and done,That you protect this course, and put it on By your allowance; which if you should, the fault Would not scape [46] censure [47] , nor the redresses sleep, Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal [48] , Might in their working do you that off ence Which else were shame, that then necessity Must call discreet [49] proceeding.
Fool. For you know, nuncle,
The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo [50] so long
That it had it head bit off by it young.
So out went the candle, and we were left darkling [51] .
Lear. Are you our daughter?
Gon. Come, sir. I would you would make use of that good wisdom Whereof I know you are fraught [52] , and put away These dispositions that of late transform you From what you rightly are.
Fool. May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse? Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
Lear. Does any here know me? This is not Lear. Does Lear walk thus, speak thus? Where are his eyes? Either his notion weakens, or his discernings [53] Are lethargied [54] , Ha! waking? 'Tis not so? Who is it that can tell me who I am?
Fool. Lear's shadow.
Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty [55] , Knowledge, and reason, I should be false persuaded I had daughters.
Fool. Which they will make an obedient father.
Lear. Your name, fair gentlewoman?
Gon. This admiration, sir, is much o' th' savour [56] Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you To understand my purposes aright. As you are old and reverend [57] , you should be wise. Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd [58] and bold, That this our court, infected with their manners, Shows like a riotous inn. Epicurism [59] and lust Make it more like a tavern [60] or a brothel [61] Than a grac'd palace. The shame itself doth speak For instant remedy [62] . Be then desir'd, By her that else will take the thing she begs, A little to disquantity your train, And the remainder that shall still depend, To be such men as may besort your age, Which know themselves and you.
Lear. Darkness and devils! Saddle my horses; call my train together! Degenerate bastard, I'll not trouble thee;Yet have I left a daughter.
Gon. You strike my people, and your disorder'd rabble [63] Make servants of their betters. Enter Albany.
Lear. Woe that too late repents [64] !—O, sir, are you come? Is it your will? Speak, sir!—Prepare my horses. Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend [65] , More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child Than the sea-monster!
Alb. Pray, sir, be patient.
Lear. [ To Goneril ]Detested kite,thou liest!My train are men of choice and rarest parts, That all particulars of duty know, And in the most exact regard support The worships of their name. — O most small fault, How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show, Which, like an engine, wrench'd [66] my frame of nature From the fix'd place; drew from my heart all love, And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear! Beat at this gate that let thy folly in.[ Strikes his head .] And thy dear judgment out! Go, go, my people. Exeunt Knights, Attendants and Kent.
Alb. My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant Of what hath mov'd you.
Lear. It may be so, my lord. Hear, Nature, hear, dear goddess, hear! Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend To make this creature fruitful. Into her womb convey sterility [67] ;Dry up in her the organs of increase;And from her derogate [68] body never spring A babe to honour her. If she must teem [69] , Create her child of spleen [70] , that it may live And be a thwart [71] disnatur'd torment to her. Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth, With cadent [72] tears fret [73] channels in her cheeks, Turn all her mother's pains and benefits To laughter and contempt, that she may feel How sharper than a serpent's [74] tooth it is To have a thankless child! Away, away! Exit.
Alb. Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?
Gon. Never afflict [75] yourself to know more of it, But let his disposition have that scope As dotage [76] gives it. Enter Lear.
Lear. What, fifty of my followers at a clap? Within a fortnight?
Alb. What's the matter, sir?
Lear. I'll tell thee.[ To Goneril ]Life and death!I am asham'd That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus;That these hot tears, which break from me perforce [77] , Should make thee worth them. Blasts [78] and fogs upon thee! Th' untented woundings of a father's curse [79] Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes, Beweep [80] this cause again, I'll pluck [81] ye out, And cast you, with the waters that you lose, To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this? Let it be so. Yet have I left a daughter, Who I am sure is kind and comfortable. When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails She'll flay [82] thy wolvish visage [83] . Thou shalt find That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think I have cast off for ever. Exeunt.
Gon. Do you mark that, my lord?
Alb. I cannot be so partial, Goneril, To the great love I bear you—
Gon. Pray you, content. What, Oswald, ho! [ To the Fool ]You sir,more knave than fool,after your master!
Fool. Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear! Tarry; take the fool with thee.
A fox when one has caught her,
And such a daughter,
Should sure to the slaughter [84] ,
If my cap would buy a halter [85] .
So the fool follows after. Exit .
Gon. This man hath had good counsel! A hundred knights? 'Tis politic and safe to let him keep At point a hundred knights; yes, that on every dream, Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike, He may enguard his dotage with their pow'rs, And hold our lives in mercy. Oswald, I say!
Alb. Well, you may fear too far.
Gon. Safer than trust too far. Let me still take away the harms I fear, Not fear still to be taken. I know his heart. What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister. If she sustain [86] him and his hundred knights, When I have show'd th' unfitness— Enter Oswald. How now, Oswald? What, have you writ that letter to my sister?
Osw. Yes, madam.
Gon. Take you some company, and away to horse. Inform her full of my particular fear, And thereto add such reasons of your own As may compact it more. Get you gone, And hasten your return. Exit Oswald. No, no, my lord!This milky gentleness and course of yours, Though I condemn it not, yet, under pardon, You are much more at task for want of wisdom Than prais'd for harmful mildness.
Alb. How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell. Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.
Gon. Nay then—
Alb. Well, well; th' event. Exeunt.
[1] defuse [di:ˈfju:z] v． 拆除，除去
[2] raze [reiz] v． 拆除；抹掉
[3] jot [dʒɔt] n． 少量，一点儿
[4] converse [kənˈvə:s] v． 谈话；交往
[5] counsel [ˈkaunsəl] n． 秘密的计划
[6] bluntly[ˈblʌntli] ad． 坦率地，直白地
[7] dote [dəut] v． 过分喜爱
[8] hither[ˈhiðə] ad． 在这里，到这里
[9] clotpoll [ˈklɔtpəul] n. （=clodpoll）呆子，笨蛋
[10] mongrel [ˈmʌŋɡrəl; ˈmɔŋ-] n． 杂种
[11] abatement [əˈbeitmənt] n. 减少，减退
[12] conception [kənˈsepʃən] n. 观念，想法
[13] pine [pain] v. 〈古〉 痛苦，悲哀
[14] cur [kə:] n． 杂种狗；劣等狗
[15] bandy [bændi] v． 打来打去
[16] rascal [ˈrɑ:skəl; ˈræ-] n． 流氓，无赖
[17] lubber [ˈlʌbə] n． 傻大个
[18] tarry [ˈtæri] v． 逗留，停留
[19] coxcomb [ˈkɔks, kəum] n. （小丑戴的）鸡冠帽
[20] nuncle [ˈnʌŋkl] n. （方言，=uncle）叔叔，伯伯
[21] heed [hi:d] v． 留心，注意
[22] kennel [ˈkenəl] n． 狗舍
[23] stink [stiŋk] v． 发出恶臭
[24] pestilent [ˈpestilənt] a． 致命的
[25] gall [ɡɔ:l] n． 胆；痛苦
[26] trow [trəu] v. 〈古〉 相信
[27] prithee [ˈpriði:] int. 〈古〉请
[28] motley [ˈmɔtli] a． 杂色衣服
[29] monopoly [məˈnɔpəli] n. 垄断权；专利权
[30] clove [kləuv] v. （cleave的一种过去式）砍开；使分开
[31] maimer [ˈmeimə] n． 残害他人者
[32] apish [ˈeipiʃ] a． 愚蠢的，笨拙的
[33] marvel [ˈmɑ:vəl] v． 感到好奇
[34] pare [pεə] v． 削去；削减
[35] frontlet [ˈfrʌntlit] n． 额饰
[36] methinks [miˈθiŋks] v． 我想，我认为
[37] forsooth[fɔˈsu:θ] ad. 〈古〉的确，确实
[38] crust [krʌst] n． 面包皮
[39] crum [krʌm] n. （crumb的另一种形式）面包碎屑
[40] sheal [ʃi:l] v. （苏格兰方言）去皮
[41] peascod [ˈpi:zkɔd] n. 〈古〉豌豆荚
[42] insolent [ˈinsələnt] a． 傲慢的，无理的
[43] retinue [ˈretinju:; -nu:] n. 随从
[44] carp [kɑ:p] v． 挑剔，找碴儿
[45] redress [riˈdres] n． 矫正
[46] scape [skeip] v. 〈古〉 （=escape）逃避
[47] censure [ ˈsenʃə ] n． 责难，责备
[48] weal [wi:l] n． 幸福，福利
[49] discreet [disˈkri:t] a． 谨慎的，审慎的
[50] cuckoo [ˈku:ku:] n． 杜鹃鸟
[51] darkling [ˈdɑ:kliŋ] a． 在黑暗中
[52] fraught [frɔ:t] a． 苦恼的
[53] discerning [diˈsə:niŋ; -ˈzə:-] n． 辨别能力
[54] lethargy [ˈleθədʒi] n． 冷漠；麻木
[55] sovereignty [ˈsɔvrənti;ˈsʌv-] n． 君主权
[56] savour [ˈseivə] n． 风味，特色
[57] reverend [ˈrevərənd] a． 应受尊敬的
[58] debosh [diˈbɔʃ] v （ . debauch的另一种形式）使放荡，颓废
[59] epicurism [ˈepikjuərizəm] n． 享乐主义
[60] tavern [ˈtævən] n． 酒馆
[61] brothel [ˈbrɔθəl] n． 妓院
[62] remedy [ˈremidi] n． 补救，纠正
[63] rabble [ˈræbl] n． 乌合之众
[64] repent [riˈpent] v． 悔悟，悔改
[65] fiend [fi:nd] n． 魔鬼，恶魔
[66] wrench [rentʃ] v． 扭转；猛拧
[67] sterility [stəˈriliti] n． 不育
[68] derogate [ˈderəuɡeit; -git;-geit] a. 〈古〉堕落的
[69] teem [ti:m] v． 怀孕
[70] spleen [spli:n] n． 坏脾气，反复无常
[71] thwart [θwɔ:t] a． 顽固的，执拗的
[72] cadent [ˈkeidənt] a. 〈古〉下降的
[73] fret [fret] v． 侵蚀，磨损
[74] serpent [ˈsə:pənt] n． 毒蛇
[75] afflict [əˈflikt] v． 使痛苦，使苦恼
[76] dotage [dəutidʒ] n． 老糊涂；昏聩
[77] perforce[pəˈfɔ:s] ad． 必然地；强行地
[78] blast [blɑ:st; blæst] n． 疾风，狂风
[79] curse [kə:s] n． 诅咒；咒语
[80] beweep [biˈwi:p] v． 为……而哭泣
[81] pluck [plʌk] v． 拔，挖
[82] flay [flei] v． 剥……的皮
[83] visage [ˈvizidʒ] n． 脸，面容
[84] slaughter [ˈslɔ:tə] n． 屠杀，宰杀
[85] halter [ˈhɔ:ltə] n． 缰绳
[86] sustain [səˈstein] v． 保持，维持
肯特化装上。
肯特 我已经完全隐去我的本来面目，要是我能够把我的语音也完全改变过来，那么我的一片苦心，也许可以达到目的？被放逐的肯特啊，要是你再有机会服从你所得罪的主人，或许你所爱的主人会看到你的勤劳尽力的。
内号角声。李尔、众武士及侍从等上。
李尔 我一刻也不能等待，快去叫他们拿出饭来。（ 一侍从下 ） 啊！你是什么人？
肯特 我是一个人，陛下。
李尔 你是干什么的？你来见我有什么事？
肯特 您瞧我像干什么的，我就是干什么的；谁要是信任我，我愿意尽忠服侍他；谁要是居心正直，我愿意爱他；谁要是聪明而不爱多说话，我愿意跟他来往；我害怕法官；逼不得已的时候，我也会跟人家打架；我不吃鱼。 [1]
李尔 你究竟是什么人？
肯特 一个心肠非常正直的汉子，而且像国王一样的穷。
李尔 要是你这做臣民的，也像我这做国王的一样穷，那么你也可以算得真穷了。你要什么？
肯特 我要讨一个差使。
李尔 你想替谁做事？
肯特 替您。
李尔 你认识我吗？
肯特 不，大爷；可是在您的神气之间，有一种什么力量，使我愿意叫您做我的主人。
李尔 是什么力量？
肯特 一种天生的威严。
李尔 你会做些什么事？
肯特 我会保守秘密，我会骑马，我会跑路，我会把一个复杂的故事讲得索然无味，我会老老实实传一个简单的口信；凡是普通人能够做的事情，我都可以做，我的最大的好处是勤劳。
李尔 你年纪多大了？
肯特 大爷，说我年轻，我也不算年轻，我不会为了一个女人会唱几句歌而害相思；说我年老，我也不算年老。我不会糊里糊涂地溺爱一个女人；我已经活过四十八个年头了。
李尔 跟着我吧；你可以替我做事。要是我在吃过晚饭以后，还是这样喜欢你，那么我就不会把你撵走。喂！饭呢！拿饭来！我的孩子呢？我的弄人呢？你去叫我的弄人来。（ 一侍从下 ）
奥斯维德上。
李尔 喂，喂，我的女儿呢？
奥斯维德 对不起。（ 下 ）
李尔 这家伙怎么说？叫那蠢东西回来。（ 一武士下 ）喂，我的弄人呢？全都睡着了吗？怎么！那狗头呢？
武士重上。
武士 陛下，他说公主病了。
李尔 我叫他回来，那奴才为什么不回来？
武士 陛下，他非常放肆，回答我说他不高兴回来。
李尔 他不高兴回来！
武士 陛下，我也不知道为了什么缘故，可是照我看起来，他们对待您的礼貌，已经不像往日那样殷勤了；不但一般下人侍仆，就是公爵和公主也对您冷淡得多了。
李尔 吓！你这样说吗？
武士 陛下，要是我说错了话，请您原谅我；可是当我觉得您受人欺侮的时候，责任所在，我不能闭口不言。
李尔 你不过向我提起一件我自己已经感觉到的事；我近来也觉得他们对我的态度有点冷淡，可是我总以为那是我自己的多心，不愿断定是他们有意地怠慢。我还要仔细观察观察他们的举止。可是我的弄人呢？我这两天没有看见他。
武士 陛下，自从小公主到法国去了以后，这傻瓜老是郁郁不乐。
李尔 别再提起那句话了；我也注意到他这种情形。——你去对我的女儿说，我要跟她说话。（ 一侍从下 ）你去叫我的弄人来。 （另一侍从下）
奥斯维德重上。
李尔 啊！你，你过来。你知道我是什么人吗？
奥斯维德 我们夫人的父亲。
李尔 “我们夫人的父亲”！我们大爷的奴才！好大胆的狗！你这奴才！你这狗东西！
奥斯维德 对不起，我不是狗。
李尔 你敢跟我当面顶嘴吗，你这混蛋？（ 打奥斯维德 ）
奥斯维德 您不能打我。
肯特 我也不能踢你吗，你这踢球的下贱东西。 [2] （ 自后踢奥斯维德倒地 ）
李尔 谢谢你，好家伙；你帮了我，我喜欢你。
肯特 来，朋友，站起来，给我滚吧！我要教训教训你，让你知道尊卑上下的分别。去！去！你还要想用你粗笨的身体丈量丈量地面吗？滚！你难道不懂得厉害吗？去。（ 将奥斯维德推出 ）
李尔 我的好小子，谢谢你；这是你替我做事的定钱。（ 将钱给肯特 ）
弄人上。
弄人 让我也把他雇下来；这是我的鸡头帽。（ 脱帽授肯特 ）
李尔 啊，我的乖乖！你好？
弄人 喂，你还是戴了我的鸡头帽吧。
肯特 傻瓜，为什么？
弄人 为什么？因为你帮了一个失势的人。要是你不会看准风向把你的笑脸迎上去，你就会吞下一口冷气的。来，把我的鸡头帽拿去。嘿，这家伙撵走了两个女儿，他的第三个女儿倒很受他的好处，虽然也不是出于他的本意；要是你跟了他，你必须戴上我的鸡头帽。啊，老伯伯！但愿我有两顶鸡头帽，再有两个女儿！
李尔 为什么，我的孩子？
弄人 要是我把我的家私一起给了她们，我自己还可以存下两顶鸡头帽。我这儿有一顶；再去向你的女儿们讨一顶戴戴吧。
李尔 嘿，你留心着鞭子。
弄人 真理是一条贱狗，它只好躲在狗洞里；当猎狗太太站在火边撒尿的时候，它必须给人一顿鞭子赶出去。
李尔 简直是揭我的疮疤！
弄人 （ 向肯特 ）喂，让我教你一段话。
李尔 你说吧。
弄人 听着，老伯伯——
多积财，少摆阔；
耳多听，话少说；
少放款，多借债；
走路不如骑马快；
三言之中信一语，
多掷骰子少下注；
莫饮酒，莫嫖妓；
闭门不出最为上；
会打算的占便宜，
不会打算叹口气。
肯特 傻瓜，这些话一点意思也没有。
弄人 那么正像拿不到诉讼费的律师一样，我的话都白说了。老伯伯，你不能从没有意思的中间，探求出一点意思来吗？
李尔 啊，不，孩子；垃圾里是淘不出金子来的。
弄人 （ 向肯特 ）请你告诉他，他有了那么多的土地，也只等于一堆垃圾；他不肯相信一个傻瓜嘴里的话。
李尔 好尖酸的傻瓜！
弄人 我的孩子，你知道傻瓜是有酸有甜的吗？
李尔 不，孩子，告诉我。
弄人 听了他人话，
土地全丧失；
我傻你更傻，
两傻相并立；
一个傻瓜甜，
一个傻瓜酸；
甜的穿花衣，
酸的戴王冠。
李尔 你叫我傻瓜吗，孩子？
弄人 你把你所有的尊号都送了别人；只有这一个名字是你娘胎里带来的。
肯特 陛下，他倒不全然是个傻瓜哩。
弄人 不，那些老爷大人们都不肯答应我的；要是我取得了傻瓜的专利权，他们一定要来夺我一份去，就是太太小姐们也不会放过我的；他们不肯让我一个人做傻瓜。老伯伯，给我一个蛋，我给你两顶冠。
李尔 两顶什么冠？
弄人 你把蛋从中间切开，吃完了蛋黄蛋白，就用蛋壳给你做两顶冠。你想你自己好端端有了一顶王冠，却把它从中间剖成两半，把两半全都送给人家，这不是背了驴子过泥潭吗？你这光秃秃的头顶连里面也光秃秃的没有一点脑子，所以才会把一顶金冠送了人。我说了我要说的话，谁说我这种话是傻话，让他挨一顿鞭子——
这年头傻瓜供过于求，
聪明人个个变了糊涂，
顶着个没有思想的头，
只会跟着人依样葫芦。
李尔 你几时学会了这许多歌儿？
弄人 老伯伯，自从你把你的女儿当作了你的母亲以后，我就常常唱起歌儿来了；因为当你把棒儿给了她们，拉下你自己的裤子的时候——
她们高兴得眼泪盈眶，
我只好唱歌自遣哀愁，
可怜你堂堂一国之王，
却跟傻瓜们做伴嬉游。
老伯伯，你去请一位先生来，教教你的傻瓜怎样说谎吧；我很想学学说谎。
李尔 要是你说了谎，小子，我就用鞭子抽你。
弄人 我不知道你跟你的女儿们究竟是什么亲戚：她们因为我说了真话，要用鞭子抽我，你因为我说谎，又要用鞭子抽我；有时候我什么话也不说，你们也要用鞭子抽我。我宁可做一个无论什么东西，也不要做个傻瓜；可是我宁可做个傻瓜，也不愿意做你，老伯伯；你把你的聪明从两边削掉了，削得中间不剩一点东西。瞧，那削下的一块来了。
戈纳瑞上。
李尔 啊，女儿！为什么你的脸上罩满了怒气？我看你近来老是皱着眉头。
弄人 从前你用不着看她的脸，随她皱不皱眉头都不与你相干，那时候你也算得了一个好汉子；可是现在你却变成一个孤零零的圆圈圈儿了。你还比不上我；我是个傻瓜，你简直不是个东西。（ 向戈纳瑞 ）好，好，我闭嘴就是啦；虽然你没有说话，我从你的脸色就知道你的意思。
闭嘴，闭嘴；
你不知道积谷防饥，
活该啃不到面包皮。
他是一荚去壳的豌豆。（ 指李尔 ）
戈纳瑞 父亲，您这一个肆无忌惮的傻瓜不用说了，还有您那些蛮横的卫士，也都在时时刻刻寻事骂人，种种不法的暴行，实在叫人忍无可忍。父亲，我本来还以为要是让您知道了这种情形，您一定会戒饬他们的行动；可是照您最近所说的话和所做的事看来，我不能不疑心您有意纵容他们，他们才会这样有恃无恐。要是果然出于您的授意，为了维持法纪的尊严，我们也不能默尔而息，不采取断然的处置。虽然也许在您的脸上不大好看，本来，这是说不过去的，可是这样的步骤，在事实上却是必要的。
弄人 你看，老伯伯——
那篱雀养大了杜鹃鸟，
自己的头也给它吃掉。
蜡烛熄了，我们眼前只有一片黑暗。
李尔 你是我的女儿吗？
戈纳瑞 算了吧，您不是一个不懂道理的人，我希望您想明白一些：近来您动不动就动气，实在太有失一个做长辈的体统啦。
弄人 马儿颠倒过来给车子拖着走，就是一头蠢驴不也看得清楚吗？“呼，尤格！我爱你。”
李尔 这儿有谁认识我吗？这不是李尔。是李尔在走路吗？在说话吗？他的眼睛呢？他的知觉迷乱了吗？他的神志麻木了吗？吓！他醒着吗？没有的事。谁能够告诉我我是什么人？
弄人 李尔的影子。
李尔 我愿意相信这句话；因为我的君权知识和理智都在哄我，要我相信我是个有女儿的人。
弄人 那些女儿们是会叫你做一个孝顺的父亲的。
李尔 太太，请教您的芳名？
戈纳瑞 父亲，您何必这样假痴假呆？近来您就爱开这么一类的玩笑。您是一个有年纪的老人家，应该懂事一些。请您明白我的意思；您在这儿养了一百个武士，全是些胡闹放荡、胆大妄为的家伙，我们好好的宫廷给他们骚扰得像一个喧嚣的客店；他们成天吃喝玩女人，简直把这儿当作了酒馆妓院，哪里还是一座庄严的御邸。这一种可耻的现象，必须立刻设法纠正；所以请您俯从我的要求，酌量减少您的扈从的人数，只留下一些适合于您的年龄，知道您的地位，也明白他们自己身份的人跟随您；要是您不答应，那么我没有法子，只好勉强执行了。
李尔 地狱里的魔鬼！备起我的马来；召集我的侍从。没有良心的贱人！我不要麻烦你；我还有一个女儿哩。
戈纳瑞 你打我的用人，你那一班捣乱的流氓也不想想自己是什么东西，胆敢把他们上面的人像奴仆一样呼来叱去。
奥尔巴尼上。
李尔 唉！现在懊悔也来不及了。（ 向奥尔巴尼 ）啊！你也来了吗？这是不是你的意思？你说。——替我备马。丑恶的海怪也比不上忘恩的儿女那样可怕。
奥尔巴尼 陛下，请您不要生气。
李尔 （ 向戈纳瑞 ）枭獍不如的东西！你说谎！我的卫士都是最有品行的人，他们懂得一切的礼仪，他们的一举一动，都不愧武士之名。啊！科迪莉亚不过犯了一点小小的错误，怎么在我的眼睛里却会变得这样丑恶！它像一座酷虐的刑具，扭曲了我的天性，抽干了我的心里的慈爱，把苦味的怨恨灌了进去。啊，李尔！李尔！李尔！对准这一扇装进你的愚蠢，放出你的智慧的门，着力痛打吧！（ 自击其头 ）去，去，我的人。
奥尔巴尼 陛下，我没有得罪您，我也不知道您为什么生气。
李尔 也许不是你的错，公爵。——听着，造化的女神，听我的吁诉！要是你想使这畜生生男育女，请你改变你的意旨吧！取消她的生殖的能力，干涸她的产育的器官，让她的下贱的身体里永远生不出一个子女来抬高她的身价！要是她必须生产，请你让她生下一个忤逆狂悖的孩子，使她终身受苦！让她的年轻的额角上很早就刻了皱纹；眼泪流下她的面颊，磨成一道道的沟渠；她的鞠育的辛劳，只换到一声冷笑和一个白眼；让她也感觉到一个负心的孩子，比毒蛇的牙齿还要多么使人痛入骨髓！去，去！ （下）
奥尔巴尼 凭着我们敬奉的神明，告诉我这是怎么一回事？
戈纳瑞 你不用知道为了什么原因；他老糊涂了，让他去发他的火吧。
李尔重上。
李尔 什么！我在这儿不过住了半个月，就把我的卫士一下子裁撤了五十名吗？
奥尔巴尼 什么事，陛下？
李尔 等一会告诉你。（ 向戈纳瑞 ）吸血的魔鬼！我真惭愧，你有本事叫我在你的面前失去了大丈夫的气概，让我的热泪为了一个下贱的婢子而滚滚流出。愿毒风吹着你，恶雾罩着你！愿一个父亲的诅咒刺透你的五官百窍，留下永远不能平复的疮痍！痴愚的老眼，要是你再为此而流泪，我要把你挖出来，丢在你所流的泪水里，和泥土拌在一起！哼！竟有这等事吗？好，我还有一个女儿，我相信她是孝顺我的；她听见你这样对待我，一定会用指爪抓破你的豺狼一样的脸。你以为我一辈子也不能恢复我的原来的威风了吗？好，你瞧着吧。（ 李尔、肯特及侍从等下 ）
戈纳瑞 你听见没有？
奥尔巴尼 戈纳瑞，虽然我十分爱你，可是我不能这样偏心——
戈纳瑞 你不用管我。喂，奥斯维德！（ 向弄人 ）你这七分奸刁三分傻的东西，跟你的主人去吧。
弄人 李尔老伯伯，李尔老伯伯！等一等，带弄人一块儿去。
捉狐狸，杀狐狸，
谁家女儿是狐狸？
可惜我这顶帽子，
换不到一条绳子；
追上去，你这傻子。 （下）
戈纳瑞 不知道是什么人替他出的好主意。一百个武士！让他随身带着一百个全副武装的卫士，真是万全之计；只要他做了一个梦，听了一句谣言，转了一个念头，或者心里有什么不高兴不舒服，就可以忍着性子，用他们的力量危害我们的生命。喂，奥斯维德！
奥尔巴尼 也许你太过虑了。
戈纳瑞 过虑总比大意好些。与其时时刻刻提心吊胆，害怕人家的暗算，宁可爽爽快快除去一切可能的威胁，我知道他的心理。他所说的话，我已经写信去告诉我的妹妹了；她要是不听我的劝告，仍旧容留他带着他的一百个武士——
奥斯维德重上。
戈纳瑞 啊，奥斯维德！什么！我叫你写给我妹妹的信，你写好了没有？
奥斯维德 写好了，夫人。
戈纳瑞 带几个人跟着你，赶快上马出发；把我所担心的情形明白告诉她，再加上一些你所想到的理由，让它格外动听一些。去吧，早点回来。（ 奥斯维德下 ）不，不，我的老爷，你做人太仁慈厚道了，虽然我不怪你，可是恕我说一句话，只有人批评你糊涂，却没有什么人称赞你一声好。
奥尔巴尼 我不知道你的眼光能够看到多远；可是过分操切也会误事的。
戈纳瑞 咦，那么——
奥尔巴尼 好，好，但看结果如何。（ 同下 ）
[1] 意即不是天主教徒。天主教徒逢星期五按例吃鱼。
[2] 踢球当时是下层市民的娱乐。
Enter Lear, Kent and Fool.
Lear. Go you before to Gloucester with these letters. Acquaint my daughter no further with anything you know than comes from her demand out of the letter. If your diligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore [1] you.
Kent. I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter. Exit.
Fool. If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in danger of kibes [2] ?
Lear. Ay, boy.
Fool. Then I prithee be merry. Thy wit shall ne'er go slipshod [3] .
Lear. Ha, ha, ha!
Fool. Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly; for though she's as like this as a crab's like an apple, yet I can tell what I can tell.
Lear. What canst tell, boy?
Fool. She'll taste as like this as a crab does to a crab. Thou canst tell why one's nose stands i' th' middle on's face?
Lear. No.
Fool. Why, to keep one's eyes of either side's nose, that what a man cannot smell out, he may spy into.
Lear. I did her wrong.
Fool. Canst tell how an oyster [4] makes his shell?
Lear. No.
Fool. Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house.
Lear. Why?
Fool. Why, to put's head in; not to give it away to his daughters, and leave his horns without a case.
Lear. I will forget my nature. So kind a father! Be my horses ready?
Fool. Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why the seven stars are no moe than seven is a pretty reason.
Lear. Because they are not eight.
Fool. Yes indeed. Thou wouldst make a good fool.
Lear. To tak't again perforce! Monster ingratitude [5] !
Fool. If thou wen my Fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten for being old before thy time.
Lear. How's that?
Fool. Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise.
Lear. O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven! Keep me in temper; I would not be mad! Enter a Gentleman. How now? Are the horses ready?
Gent. Ready, my lord.
Lear. Come, boy.
Fool. She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure, Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter. Exeunt.
[1] afore[əˈfɔ:] ad． 在……之前
[2] kibe [kaib] n. 〈古〉 冻疮
[3] slipshod [ˈslipʃɔd] a． 不整洁的；衣衫褴褛的
[4] oyster [ˈɔistə] n． 牡蛎
[5] ingratitude [inˈɡrætitju:d] n． 忘恩负义
李尔、肯特及弄人上。
李尔 你带着这几封信，先到格洛斯特去。我的女儿看了我的信，倘然有什么话问你，你就照你所知道的回答她，此外不可多说什么。要是你在路上偷懒耽搁时间，也许我会比你先到的。
肯特 陛下，我在没有把您的信送到以前，决不打一次盹。 （下）
弄人 要是一个人的脑筋生在脚跟上，它会不会长起脓疱来呢？
李尔 嗯，孩子。
弄人 那么你放心吧；幸亏你的脑筋安在头上，尽管路再有多远，它也不用拖了鞋跟走路。
李尔 哈哈哈！
弄人 你到了你那另外一个女儿的地方，就可以知道她会待你多么好；因为虽然她跟这一个就像野苹果跟家苹果一样相像，可是我可以告诉你我所知道的事情。
李尔 你可以告诉我什么，孩子？
弄人 你一尝到她的滋味，就会知道她跟这一个完全相同，正像两只野苹果一般没有分别。你能够告诉我为什么一个人的鼻子生在脸中间吗？
李尔 不能。
弄人 因为中间放了鼻子，两旁就可以安放眼睛；鼻子嗅不出来的，眼睛可以看个仔细。
李尔 我对不起她——
弄人 你知道牡蛎怎样造它的壳吗？
李尔 不知道。
弄人 我也不知道；可是我知道蜗牛为什么背着一个屋子。
李尔 为什么？
弄人 因为可以把它的头放在里面；它不会把它的屋子送给它的女儿，害得它的角也没有地方安顿。
李尔 我也顾不得什么天性之情了。我这做父亲的有什么地方亏待了她！我的马儿都已经预备好了吗？
弄人 你的驴子们正在那儿给你预备呢。北斗七星为什么只有七颗星，其中有一个绝妙的理由。
李尔 因为它们没有第八颗吗？
弄人 正是，一点不错；你可以做一个很好的傻瓜。
李尔 用武力夺回来！忘恩负义的畜生！
弄人 假如你是我的傻瓜，老伯伯，我就要打你，因为你不到时候就老了。
李尔 那是什么意思？
弄人 你应该懂得些世故再老呀。
李尔 啊！不要让我发疯！天哪，抑制住我的怒气，不要让我发疯！我不想发疯！
侍臣上。
李尔 怎么！马预备好了吗？
侍臣 预备好了，陛下。
李尔 来，孩子。 （同下）
弄人 哪一个姑娘嘲笑我走这一遭，
贞操眼看就要保不牢。
Enter Edmund and Curan, meeting.
Edm. Save thee, Curan.
Cur. And you, sir. I have been with your father, and given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his Duchess will be here with him this night.
Edm. How comes that?
Cur. Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news abroad? I mean the whisper'd ones, for they are yet but ear-kissing arguments?
Edm. Not I. Pray you, what are they?
Cur. Have you heard of no likely wars toward, 'twixt the two Dukes of Cornwall and Albany?
Edm. Not a word.
Cur. You may do, then, in time. Fare you well, sir. Exit.
Edm. The Duke be here tonight? The better! Best! This weaves itself perforce into my business. My father hath set guard to take my brother;And I have one thing, of a queasy [1] question,Which I must act. Briefness and fortune, work! Brother, a word! Descend! Brother, I say! Enter Edgar. My father watches. O sir, fly this place! Intelligence is given where you are hid. You have now the good advantage of the night. Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall? He's coming hither; now i' th' night, i' th' haste, And Regan with him. Have you nothing said Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?
Advise yourself.
Edg. I am sure on't, not a word.
Edm. I hear my father coming. Pardon me:In cunning I must draw my sword upon you. Draw, seem to defend yourself; now quit you well. Yield! Come before my father. Light, ho, here! Fly, brother — Torches, torches! — So farewell. Exit Edgar. Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion Of my more fierce endeavour [2] .[ He cuts his arm. ] I have seen drunkards Do more than this in sport—Father, father! Stop, stop! No help? Enter Gloucester and Servants with torches.
Glou. Now, Edmund, where's the villain?
Edm. Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out, Mumbling [3] of wicked charms, conjuring [4] the moon To stand's auspicious [5] mistress.
Glou. But where is he?
Edm. Look, sir, I bleed.
Glou. Where is the villain, Edmund?
Edm. Fled this way, sir. When by no means he could
Glou. Pursue him, ho! Go after. Exeunt some Servants. By no means what?
Edm. Persuade me to the murther of your lordship;But that I told him the revenging gods 'Gainst parricides [6] did all their thunders bend;Spoke with how manifold [7] and strong a bond The child was bound to th' father. Sir, in fine, Seeing how loathly opposite I stood To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion With his prepared sword he charges home My unprovided body, lanch'd [8] mine arm;But when he saw my best alarum'd [9] spirits, Bold in the quarrel's right, rous'd to th' encounter, Or whether gasted [10] by the noise I made, Full suddenly he fled.
Glou. Let him fly far. Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;And found — dispatch. The noble duke my master, My worthy arch and patron, comes tonight. By his authority I will proclaim it That he which find, him shall deserve our thanks, Bringing the murderous caitiff [11] to the stake;He that conceals him, death.
Edm. When I dissuaded [12] him from his intent, And found him pight [13] to do it, with curst [14] speech I threaten'd to discover him. He replied,‘Thou unpossessing bastard, dost thou think,If I would stand against thee, would the reposal [15] Of any trust, virtue or worth in thee Make thy words faith'd? No. What I should deny As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce My very character, I'ld turn it all To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice;And thou must make a dullard [16] of the world, If they not thought the profits of my death Were very pregnant [17] and potential spurs To make thee seek it.’
Glou. Strong and fast'ned villain! Would he deny his letter? I never got him. A tucket heard. Hark, the duke's trumpets! I know not why he comes. All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not scape;The Duke must grant me that. Besides, his picture I will send far and near, that all the kingdom May have due note of him, and of my land, Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means To make thee capable. Enter Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants.
Corn. How now, my noble friend? Since I came hither Which I can call but now, I have heard strange news.
Reg. If it be true, all vengeance [18] comes too short Which can pursue th' off ender. How dost, my lord?
Glou. O madam, my old heart is crack'd, it's crack'd.
Reg. What, did my father's godson seek your life? He whom my father nam'd? Your Edgar?
Glou. O lady, lady, shame would have it hid!
Reg. Was he not companion with the riotous knights That tend upon my father?
Glou. I know not, madam. 'Tis too bad, too bad!
Edm. Yes, madam, he was of that consort [19] .
Reg. No marvel, then, though he were ill aff ected. 'Tis they have put him on the old man's death, To have th' expense and waste of his revenues. I have this present evening from my sister Been well inform'd of them, and with such cautions That, if they come to sojourn at my house, I'll not be there.
Corn. Nor I, assure thee, Regan. Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father A child-like office.
Edm. It was my duty, sir.
Glou. He did bewray [20] his practice, and receiv'd This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.
Corn. Is he pursued?
Glou. Ay, my good lord.
Corn. If he be taken, he shall never more Be fear'd of doing harm. Make your own purpose, How in my strength you please. For you, Edmund, Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant So much commend itself, you shall be ours. Natures of such deep trust we shall much need;You we first seize on.
Edm. I shall serve you, sir, Truly, however else.
Glou. For him I thank your grace.
Corn. You know not why we came to visit you—
Reg. Thus out of season, threading dark-ey'd night.Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some prize, Wherein we must have use of your advice. Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister, Of diff erences, which I best thought it fit To answer from our home. The several messengers From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend, Lay comforts to your bosom [21] , and bestow Your needful counsel to our business, Which craves the instant use.
Glou. I serve you, madam. Your graces are right welcome. Exeunt. Flourish.
[1] queasy [ˈkwi:zi] a. 〈古〉难于取悦的
[2] endeavour [inˈdevə] n． 努力，尽力
[3] mumble [ˈmʌmbl] v． 喃喃地说
[4] conjure [ˈkʌndʒə; ˈkɔn-] v． 念咒召唤或驱赶（鬼、神）
[5] auspicious [ɔ:ˈspiʃəs] a． 吉兆的，吉祥的
[6] parricide [ˈpærisaid] n． 弑父母（罪）
[7] manifold [ˈmænifəuld] a. 多方面都如此的；十足的
[8] lanch [lɑ:ntʃ] v. （lance的另一种形式）刺
[9] alarum [əˈlεərəm] n. 〈古〉紧急行动令
[10] gast [ɡæst] v． 恐吓
[11] caitiff [ˈkeitif] n． 卑鄙小人
[12] dissuade [diˈsweid] v． 劝止；劝诫
[13] pight [pait] a. （=pitched）决意的
[14] curst [kə:st] a. （curse的过去式和过去分词，=cursed）受到诅咒的
[15] reposal [riˈpəuzəl] n． 寄托，安放
[16] dullard [ˈdʌləd] n． 笨蛋，愚人
[17] pregnant [ˈpreɡnənt] a. 〈古〉 有说服力的，有分量的
[18] vengeance [ˈvendʒəns] n. 报仇，报复
[19] consort [ˈkɔnsɔ:t] n． 伙伴，伴侣
[20] bewray [biˈrei] v． 〈古〉 泄漏，揭露
[21] bosom [ˈbuzəm] n． 心胸，胸怀
埃德蒙及克伦自相对方向上。
埃德蒙 您好，克伦？
克伦 您好，公子。我刚才见过令尊，通知他康沃尔公爵跟他的夫人里甘公主今天晚上要到这儿来拜访他。
埃德蒙 他们怎么要到这儿来？
克伦 我也不知道。您有没有听见外边的消息？我的意思是说人们交头接耳，在暗中互相传说的那些消息。
埃德蒙 我没有听见；请教是些什么消息？
克伦 您没有听见说起过康沃尔公爵也许会跟奥尔巴尼公爵开战吗？
埃德蒙 一点没有听见。
克伦 那么您也许会慢慢听到的。再会，公子。 （下）
埃德蒙 公爵今天晚上到这儿来！那也好！再好没有了！我正好利用这个机会，我的父亲已经叫人四处把守，要捉我的哥哥；我还有一件不大好办的事情，必须赶快动手做起来。这事情要做得敏捷迅速，但愿命运帮助我！——哥哥，跟你说一句话；下来，哥哥！
埃德加上。
埃德蒙 父亲在那儿守着你。啊，哥哥！离开这个地方吧；有人已经告诉他你躲在什么所在；趁着现在天黑，你快逃吧。你有没有说过什么反对康沃尔公爵的话？他也就要到这儿来了，在这样的夜里，急急忙忙的，里甘也跟着他来；你对于他跟奥尔巴尼公爵争执的事情没有说过什么话吗？想一想看。
埃德加 我真的一句话也没有说过。
埃德蒙 我听见父亲来了；原谅我；我必须假装对你动武的样子；拔出剑来，就像你在防御你自己一般；现在你去吧。 （高声） 放下你的剑；见我的父亲去！喂，拿火来！这儿！——逃吧，哥哥。 （高声） 火把！火把！——再会。（ 埃德加下 ）身上沾几点血，可以使他相信我真的做过一番凶猛的争斗。（ 以剑刺伤手臂 ）我曾经看见有些醉汉为了开玩笑的缘故，做得比这还厉害。 （高声） 父亲！父亲！住手！住手！没有人来帮我吗？
格洛斯特率众仆持火炬上。
格洛斯特 埃德蒙，那畜生呢？
埃德蒙 他站在这黑暗之中，拔出他的锋利的剑，嘴里念念有词，见神见鬼地请月亮帮他的忙。
格洛斯特 可是他在什么地方？
埃德蒙 瞧，父亲，我流着血呢。
格洛斯特 埃德蒙，那畜生呢？
埃德蒙 往这边逃去了，父亲。他看见他没有法子——
格洛斯特 喂，你们追上去！（ 若干仆人下 ）“没有法子”什么？
埃德蒙 没有法子劝我跟他同谋把您杀死；我对他说，疾恶如仇的神明看见弑父的逆子，是要用天雷把他殛死的；告诉他儿子对于父亲的关系是多么深切而不可摧毁；总而言之一句话，他看见我这样憎恶他的荒谬的图谋，他就老羞成怒，拔出他的早就预备好的剑，气势汹汹地向我毫无防卫的身上刺了过来，把我的手臂刺破了；那时候我也发起怒来，自恃理直气壮，跟他奋力对抗，他倒胆怯起来，也许因为听见我喊叫的声音，就飞也似的逃走了。
格洛斯特 让他逃得远远的吧；除非逃到国外去，我们总有捉到他的一天；看他给我们捉住了还活得成活不成。公爵殿下，我的主上，今晚要到这儿来啦，我要请他发出一道命令，谁要是能够把这杀人的懦夫捉住，交给我们绑在木桩上烧死，我们将要重重酬谢他；谁要是把他藏匿起来，一经发觉，就要把他处死。
埃德蒙 当他不听我的劝告，决意实行他的企图的时候，我就严词恫吓他，对他说我要宣布他的秘密；可是他却回答我说，“你这没份儿继承遗产的私生子！你以为要是我们两人立在敌对的地位，人家会认为你有德才，相信你的话吗？哼！我可以矢口否认——我自然要否认，即使你拿出我亲手写下的笔迹，我还可以反咬你一口，说这全是你的阴谋恶计；人们不是傻瓜，他们当然会相信你因为觊觎我死后的利益，所以才会起这样的毒心，想要颠覆我的生命。”
格洛斯特 好狠心的畜生！他赖得掉他的信吗？他不是我养的。（ 内喇叭奏花腔 ）听！公爵的喇叭。我不知道他来有什么事。我要把所有的城门关起来，看这畜生逃到哪儿去；公爵必须答应我这一要求；而且我还要把他的肖像各处传送，让全国的人都可以注意他。我的孝顺的孩子，你不学你哥哥的坏样，我一定想法子使你能够承继我的土地。
康沃尔、里甘及侍从等上。
康沃尔 您好，我的尊贵的朋友！我还不过刚到这儿，就已经听见了奇怪的消息。
里甘 要是真有那样的事，那罪人真是万死不足蔽辜了。是怎么一回事，伯爵？
格洛斯特 啊！夫人，我这颗老心已经碎了，已经碎了！
里甘 什么！我父亲的义子要谋害您的生命吗？就是我父亲替他取名字的，您的埃德加吗？
格洛斯特 啊！夫人，夫人，发生了这种事情，真是说来叫人丢脸。
里甘 他不是常常跟我父亲身边的那些横行不法的武士们在一起吗？
格洛斯特 我不知道，夫人。太可恶了！太可恶了！
埃德蒙 是的，夫人，他正是常跟这些人在一起的。
里甘 无怪他会变得这样坏；一定是他们撺掇他谋害了老头子，好把他的财产拿出来给大家挥霍。今天傍晚的时候，我接到我姐姐的一封信，她告诉我他们种种不法的情形，并且警告我要是他们想要住到我的家里来，我千万不要招待他们。
康沃尔 相信我，里甘，我也绝不会去招待他们。埃德蒙，我听说你对你的父亲很尽孝道。
埃德蒙 那是做儿子的本分，殿下。
格洛斯特 他揭发了他哥哥的阴谋；您看他身上的这一处伤就是因为他奋不顾身，想要捉住那畜生而受到的。
康沃尔 那凶徒逃走了，有没有人追上去？
格洛斯特 有的，殿下。
康沃尔 要是他给我们捉住了，我们一定不让他再为非作恶；你只要决定一个办法，在我的权力范围以内，我都可以替你办到。埃德蒙，你这一回所表现的深明大义的孝心，使我们十分赞赏；像你这样不负付托的人，正是我们所需要的，我们将要大大地重用你。
埃德蒙 殿下，我愿意为您尽忠效命。
格洛斯特 殿下这样看得起他，使我感激万分。
康沃尔 你还不知道我们现在所以要来看您的原因——
里甘 尊贵的格洛斯特，我们这样在黑暗的夜色之中，一路摸索前来，实在是因为有一些相当重要的事情，必须请教请教您的高见。我们的父亲和姐姐都有信来，说他们两人之间发生了一些冲突；我想最好不要在我们自己的家里答复他们；两方的使者都在这儿等候我的打发。我们的善良的老朋友，您不要气恼，替我们赶快出个主意吧。
格洛斯特 夫人但有所命，我总是愿意贡献我的一得之愚的。两位殿下光临蓬荜，欢迎得很！ （同下）
Enter Kent and Oswald, meeting.
Osw. Good dawning to thee, friend. Art of this house?
Kent. Ay.
Osw. Where may we set our horses?
Kent. I' th' mire [1] .
Osw. Prithee, if thou lov'st me, tell me.
Kent. I love thee not.
Osw. Why then, I care not for thee.
Kent. If I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold, I would make thee care for me.
Osw. Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.
Kent. Fellow, I know thee.
Osw. What dost thou know me for?
Kent. A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy [2] , worsted-stocking knave;a lily-liver'd, action-taking, whoreson, glass-gazing, super-serviceable, finical [3] rogue [4] ; one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd [5] in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pander [6] and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch; one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deny the least syllable [7] of thy addition.
Osw. Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one that's neither known of thee nor knows thee!
Kent. What a brazen-fac'd varlet [8] art thou, to deny thou knowest me! Is it two days ago since I beat thee and tripp'd up thy heels before the king? Draw, you rogue; for, though it be night, yet the moon shines. I'll make a sop o' th' moonshine of you. Draw, you whoreson cullionly [9] barbermonger! Draw!
Osw. Away! I have nothing to do with thee.
Kent. Draw, you rascal! You come with letters against the king, and take Vanity the puppet's part against the royalty of her father. Draw, you rogue, or I'll so carbonado [10] your shanks [11] ! Draw, you rascal! Come your ways!
Osw. Help, ho! Murther! Help!
Kent. Strike, you slave! Stand, rogue! Stand, you neat slave! Strike! He beats Oswald.
Osw. Help, ho! Murther, murther!
Enter Edmund,with his rapier [12] drawn.
Edm. How now? What's the matter? Parts them.
Kent. With you, goodman boy, if you please! Come, I'll flesh ye! Come on, young master!
Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester and Servants.
Glou. Weapons? Arms? What's the matter here?
Corn. Keep peace, upon your lives! He dies that strikes again. What is the matter?
Reg. The messengers from our sister and the king
Corn. What is your diff erence? Speak.
Osw. I am scarce in breath, my lord.
Kent. No marvel, you have so bestirr'd your valour [13] . You cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in thee; a tailor made thee.
Corn. Thou art a strange fellow. A tailor make a man?
Kent. A tailor, sir. A stone-cutter or a painter could not have made him so ill, though he had been but two hours at the trade.
Corn. Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?
Osw. This ancient ruffian [14] , sir, whose life I have spar'd At suit of his grey beard—
Kent. Thou whoreson zed, thou unnecessary letter! My lord, if you'll give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into mortar [15] , and daub [16] the walls of a jakes [17] with him. Spare my grey beard, you wagtail?
Corn. Peace, sirrah! You beastly knave, know you no reverence?
Kent. Yes, sir, but anger hath a privilege.
Corn. Why art thou angry?
Kent. That such a slave as this should wear a sword, Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these, Like rats, oft bite the holy cords [18] atwain [19] Which are too intrinse t' unloose; smooth every passion That in the natures of their lords rebel, Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods; Renege [20] , affirm, and turn their halcyon [21] beaks With every gale and vary of their masters, Knowing naught but following. A plague upon your epileptic [22] visage! Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool? Goose, an I had you upon Sarum Plain, I'ld drive ye cackling [23] home to Camelot.
Corn. What, art thou mad, old fellow?
Glou. How fell you out? Say that.
Kent. No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave.
Corn. Why dost thou call him knave? What is his fault?
Kent. His countenance likes me not.
Corn. No more perchance [24] does mine, nor his, nor hers.
Kent. Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain. I have seen better faces in my time Than stands on any shoulder that I see Before me at this instant.
Corn. This is some fellow Who, having been prais'd for bluntness, doth aff ect A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb [25] Quite from his nature. He cannot flatter, he! An honest mind and plain, he must speak truth! An they will take it, so; if not, he's plain. These kind of knaves I know, which in this plainness Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends Than twenty silly-ducking observants That stretch their duties nicely.
Kent. Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity [26] , Under th' allowance of your great aspect, Whose influence, like the wreath [27] of radiant [28] fire On flickering Phoebus' front—
Corn. What mean'st by this?
Kent. To go out of my dialect, which you discommend [29] so much. I know, sir, I am no flatterer. He that beguil'd you in a plain accent was a plain knave, which for my part, I will not be, though I should win your displeasure to entreat me to 't.
Corn. What was th' off ence you gave him?
Osw. I never gave him any.It pleas'd the king his master very late To strike at me upon his misconstruction [30] ;When he, conjunct [31] , and flattering his displeasure, Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd And put upon him such a deal of man That worthied him, got praises of the king For him attempting who was self- subdu'd [32] ;And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit, Drew on me here again.
Kent. None of these rogues and cowards But Ajax is their fool.
Corn. Fetch forth the stocks! You stubborn ancient knave, you reverent braggart [33] , We'll teach you!
Kent. Sir, I am too old to learn. Call not your stocks for me. I serve the king;On whose employment I was sent to you. You shall do small respect, show too bold malice [34] Against the grace and person of my master, Stocking his messenger.
Corn. Fetch forth the stocks! As I have life and honour, There shall he sit till noon.
Reg. Till noon? Till night, my lord, and all night too!
Kent. Why, madam, if I were your father's dog, You should not use me so.
Reg. Sir, being his knave, I will.
Corn. This is a fellow of the self-same colour Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks. Stocks are brought out.
Glou. Let me beseech your Grace not to do so.His fault is much, and the good king his master, Will check him for't. Your purpos'd low correction Is such as basest and contemn'dest wretches For pilf'rings and most common trespasses [35] Are punish'd with. The king must take it ill That he, so slightly valued in his messenger, Should have him thus restrain'd.
Corn. I'll answer that.
Reg. My sister may receive it much more worse, To have her gentleman abus'd, assaulted [36] , For following her aff airs. Put in his legs. Kent is put in the stocks. Come, my good lord, away. Exeunt all but Gloucester and Kent.
Glou. I am sorry for thee, friend. 'Tis the Duke's pleasure, Whose disposition, all the world well knows, Will not be rubb'd nor stopp'd. I'll entreat for thee.
Kent. Pray do not, sir. I have watch'd and travell'd 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!
Glou. The Duke's to blame in this; 'twill be ill taken. Exit.
Kent. Good king, that must approve the common saw [37] , Thou out of heaven's benediction [38] com'st To the warm sun. Approach, thou beacon to this under globe, That by thy comfortable beams I may Peruse this letter. Nothing almost sees miracles But misery. I know 'tis from Cordelia,Who hath most fortunately been inform'd Of my obscured [39] course, and 'shall find time From this enormous state, seeking to give Losses their remedies.' All weary and o'erwatch'd, Take vantage [40] , heavy eyes, not to behold This shameful lodging. Fortune, good night; smile once more, turn thy wheel. Sleeps.
[1] mire [ˈmaiə] n． 沼泽地带；泥潭
[2] filthy [ˈfilθi] a． 污秽的，下流的
[3] finical [ˈfinikəl] a． 过分讲究的
[4] rogue [rəuɡ] n． 流氓，无赖
[5] bawd [bɔ:d] n． 鸨母
[6] pander [ˈpændə] n． 皮条客
[7] syllable [ˈsiləbl] n． 音节；只言片语
[8] varlet [ˈvɑ:lit] n. 〈古〉 流氓，无赖
[9] cullion [ˈkʌljən] n. 〈古〉卑鄙的人，恶棍
[10] carbonado [kɑ:bəˈneidəu] n. 〈古〉 砍，劈
[11] shank [ʃæŋk] n． 胫骨
[12] rapier [ˈreipiə] n. （决斗或剑术中用的）轻剑
[13] valour [ˈvælə] n． 勇气
[14] ruffian [ˈrʌfiən] n． 流氓，无赖
[15] mortar [ˈmɔ:tə] n． 灰浆
[16] daub [dɔ:b] v． 涂抹
[17] jake [dʒeik] n． 露天厕所
[18] cord [kɔ:d] n． 绳索
[19] atwain[əˈtweɪn] ad. 〈古〉分成两份
[20] renege [riˈni:ɡ] v． 食言；违约
[21] halcyon [ˈhælsiən] n． 翡翠鸟
[22] epileptic [epiˈleptik] a． 患癫痫的；抽搐的
[23] cackle [ˈkækl] v． 咯咯地叫
[24] perchance[pəˈtʃɑ:ns] ad. 〈古〉 可能，或许
[25] garb [ɡɑ:b] n． 外表，外观
[26] verity [ˈverəti] n． 真理
[27] wreath [ri:θ] n． 环状物
[28] radiant [ˈreidiənt] a． 光芒四射的
[29] discommend [diskəˈmend] v． 不赞成
[30] misconstruction [miskənˈstrʌkʃən] n． 误解
[31] conjunct [kənˈdʒʌŋkt] a． 连接的，结合的
[32] subdue [səbˈdju:] v． 征服，使屈服
[33] braggart [ˈbræɡət] n． 吹牛者，自夸者
[34] malice [ˈmælis] n． 恶意，敌意
[35] trespass [ˈtrespəs; -pæs] v. 非法侵入
[36] assault [əˈsɔ:lt] n． 攻击，袭击
[37] saw [sɔ:] n． 谚语
[38] benediction [beniˈdikʃən] n． 祝愿，祝福
[39] obscured [əbˈskjuəd] a． 遮蔽的
[40] vantage [ˈvɑ:ntidʒ] n． 优势，有利地位
肯特及奥斯维德各上。
奥斯维德 早安，朋友；你是这屋子里的人吗？
肯特 嗯。
奥斯维德 什么地方可以让我们拴马？
肯特 烂泥地里。
奥斯维德 对不起，大家是好朋友，告诉我吧。
肯特 谁是你的好朋友？
奥斯维德 好，那么我也不理你。
肯特 要是我把你一口咬住，看你理不理我。
奥斯维德 你为什么对我这样？我又不认识你。
肯特 家伙，我认识你。
奥斯维德 你认识我是谁？
肯特 一个无赖；一个恶棍；一个吃剩饭的家伙；一个下贱的，骄傲的，浅薄的，叫花子一样的，只有三身衣服，全部家私算起来不过一百镑的，卑鄙龌龊的，穿毛绒袜子的奴才；一个没有胆量的，靠着官府势力压人的奴才；一个婊子生的，顾影自怜的，奴颜婢膝的，装腔作势的混账东西；全部家私都在一只箱子里的下流坯，一个天生的王八坯子；又是奴才，又是叫花子，又是懦夫，又是王八，又是一条杂种老母狗的儿子；要是你不承认你这些头衔，我要把你打得放声大哭。
奥斯维德 咦，奇怪，你是个什么东西，你也不认识我，我也不认识你，怎么开口骂人？
肯特 你还说不认识我，你这厚脸皮的奴才！两天以前，我不是把你踢倒在地上，还在王上的面前打过你吗？拔出剑来，你这混蛋；虽然是夜里，月亮亮着呢；我要在月光底下把你剁得稀烂。（ 拔剑 ）拔出剑来，你这婊子生的臭打扮的下流东西，拔出剑来！
奥斯维德 去！我不跟你胡闹。
肯特 拔出剑来，你这恶棍！谁叫你做人家的傀儡，替一个女儿寄信攻击她的父王，还自鸣得意呢？拔出剑来，你这混蛋，否则我要砍下你的胫骨。拔出剑来，恶棍；来来来！
奥斯维德 喂！救命哪！要杀人啦！救命哪！
肯特 来，你这奴才；站住，混蛋，别跑；你这漂亮的奴才，你不会还手吗？（ 打奥斯维德 ）
奥斯维德 救命啊！要杀人啦！要杀人啦！
埃德蒙拔剑上。
埃德蒙 怎么！什么事？（ 分开二人 ）
肯特 好小子，你也要寻事吗？来，我们试一下吧；来，小哥儿。
康沃尔、里甘、格洛斯特及众仆上。
格洛斯特 动刀动剑的，什么事呀？
康沃尔 大家不要闹；谁再动手，就叫他死，怎么一回事？
里甘 一个是我的姐姐的使者，一个是国王的使者。
康沃尔 你们为什么争吵？说。
奥斯维德 殿下，我给他缠得气都喘不过来啦。
肯特 怪不得你，你把全身勇气都提起来了。你这怯懦的恶棍，造化不承认他曾经造下你这个人；你是一个裁缝手里做出来的。
康沃尔 你是一个奇怪的家伙；一个裁缝会做出一个人来吗？
肯特 嗯，一个裁缝；石匠或者油漆匠都不会把他做得这样坏，就算他们学会这行手艺才不过两个钟头。
康沃尔 说，你们怎么会吵起来的？
奥斯维德 这个老不讲理的家伙，殿下，倘不是我看在他的花白胡子分上，早就要他的命了——
肯特 你这婊子养的，不中用的废物！殿下，要是您允许我的话，我要把这下流的东西踏成一堆替人家涂刷茅厕的泥浆。看在我的花白胡子分上？你这摇尾乞怜的狗！
康沃尔 住口！畜生，你规矩也不懂吗？
肯特 是，殿下；可是我实在气愤不过，也就顾不得了。
康沃尔 你为什么气愤？
肯特 我气愤的是像这样一个奸诈的奴才，居然也让他佩起剑来。都是这种笑脸的小人，像老鼠一样咬破了神圣的伦常纲纪；他们的主上起了一个恶念，他们便竭力逢迎，不是火上浇油，就是雪上添霜；他们最擅长的是随风转舵，他们的主人说一声是，他们也跟着说是，说一声不，他们也跟着说不，就像狗一样什么都不知道，只知道跟着主人跑。恶疮烂掉了你的抽搐的面孔！你笑我所说的话，你以为我是个傻瓜吗？呆鹅，要是我在旷野里碰见了你，看我不把你打得嘎嘎乱叫，一路赶回你的老家去！
康沃尔 什么！你疯了吗，老头儿？
格洛斯特 说，你们究竟是怎么吵起来的？
肯特 我跟这混蛋是势不两立的。
康沃尔 你为什么叫他混蛋？他做错了什么事？
肯特 我不喜欢他的面孔。
康沃尔 也许你也不喜欢我的面孔，他的面孔，还有她的面孔。
肯特 殿下，我是说惯老实话的：我曾经见过一些面孔，比现在站在我面前的这些面孔好得多啦。
康沃尔 这个人正是那种因为有人称赞了他的言辞率直就装出一副粗鲁的、目中无人的样子，有心矫揉造作，仿佛他生来就是这样一个家伙。他不会谄媚，他有一颗正直坦白的心，他必须说老实话；要是人家愿意接受他的意见，很好；不然的话，他是个老实人。我知道这种家伙，他们用坦白的外表，包藏着极大的奸谋祸心，比二十个胁肩谄笑、小心翼翼的愚蠢的谄媚者更要不怀好意。
肯特 殿下，您的伟大的明鉴，就像福玻斯 [1] 神光煜煜的额上的烨耀的火轮，请您照临我的善意的忠诚，恳切的虔心——
康沃尔 这是什么意思？
肯特 因为您不喜欢我的话，所以我改变了一个样子。我知道我不是一个谄媚之徒；我也不愿做一个故意用率直的言语诱惑人家听信的奸诈小人；即使您请求我做这样的人，我也不怕得罪您，决不从命。
康沃尔 （ 向奥斯维德 ）你在什么地方冒犯了他？
奥斯维德 我从来没有冒犯过他。最近他的王上因为对我有了点误会，把我殴打；他便助主为虐，闪在我的背后把我踢倒地上，侮辱谩骂，无所不至，装出一副非常勇敢的神气；他的王上看见他这样，把他称赞了两句，他便得意忘形，以为我不是他的对手，所以一看见我，又跟我闹起来了。
肯特 和这些流氓和懦夫相比，埃阿斯只能当他们的傻子 [2] 。
康沃尔 拿足枷来！你这口出狂言的倔强的老贼，我们要教训你一下。
肯特 殿下，我已经太老，不能受您的教训了；您不能用足枷夹我。我是王上的人，奉他的命令前来；您要是把他的使者枷起来，那未免对我的主上太失敬，太放肆无礼了。
康沃尔 拿足枷来！凭着我的生命和荣誉起誓，他必须锁在足枷里直到中午为止。
里甘 到中午为止！到晚上，殿下；把他整整夹上一夜再说。
肯特 啊，夫人，假如我是您父亲的狗，您也不该这样对待我。
里甘 因为你是他的奴才，所以我要这样对待你。
康沃尔 这正是我们的姐姐说起的那个家伙。来，拿足枷来。（ 仆从取出足枷 ）
格洛斯特 殿下，请您不要这样。他的过失诚然很大，王上知道了一定会责罚他的；您所决定的这一种羞辱的刑罚，只能惩戒那些犯偷窃之类普通小罪的下贱的囚徒；他是王上差来的人，要是您给他这样的处分，王上一定要认为您轻蔑了他的来使而心中不快。
康沃尔 那我可以负责。
里甘 我的姐姐要是知道她的使者因为奉行她的命令而被人这样侮辱殴打，她的心里还要不高兴哩。把他的腿放进去。（ 仆从将肯特套入足枷 ）来，殿下，我们走吧。（ 除格洛斯特、肯特外均下 ）
格洛斯特 朋友，我很为你抱憾；这是公爵的意思，全世界都知道他的脾气非常固执，不肯接受人家的劝阻。我还要替你向他求情。
肯特 请您不必多此一举，大人。我走了许多路，还没有睡过觉；一部分的时间将在瞌睡中过去，醒着的时候我可以吹吹口哨。好人上足枷，因此就走好运也说不定呢。再会！
格洛斯特 这是公爵的不是；王上一定会见怪的。 （下）
肯特 好王上，你正像俗语说的，抛下天堂的幸福，来受赤日的煎熬了。来吧，你这照耀下土的炬火，让我借着你的温暖的光辉，可以读一读这封信，倒霉的人偏会遇见奇迹；我知道这是科迪莉亚寄来的，我的改头换面的行踪，已经侥幸给她知道了；她一定会找到一个机会，纠正这种反常的情形。疲倦得很；闭上了吧，沉重的眼睛，免得看见你自己的耻辱。晚安，命运，求你转过你的轮子来，再向我们微笑吧。（ 睡 ）
[1] 希腊神话中太阳神阿波罗的别名。——编者注
[2] 意即好出大言的埃阿斯也比不上他们善于吹牛。
Enter Edgar.
Edg. I heard myself proclaim'd, And by the happy hollow of a tree Escap'd the hunt. No port is free, no place That guard and most unusual vigilance [1] Does not attend my taking. Whiles I may scape, I will preserve myself; and am bethought To take the basest and most poorest shape That ever penury [2] , in contempt of man, Brought near to beast. My face I'll grime [3] with filth, Blanket my loins [4] , elf [5] all my hair in knots, And with presented nakedness outface The winds and persecutions of the sky. The country gives me proof and precedent [6] Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices, Strike in their numb'd and mortified [7] bare arms Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs [8] of rosemary [9] ;And with this horrible object, from low farms, Poor pelting [10] villages, sheepcotes [11] , and mills,Sometime with lunatic [12] bans, sometime with prayers, Enforce their charity. Poor Turlygod, Poor Tom! That's something yet! Edgar, I nothing am. Exit.
[1] vigilance [ˈvidʒiləns] n． 警戒；敏感
[2] penury [ˈpenjuri] n． 贫穷
[3] grime [ɡraim] n． 尘垢，煤灰
[4] loin [lɔin] n． 腰部
[5] elf [elf] v． 使（头发）鬈结
[6] precedent [priˈsi:dənt;ˈpresi-] n． 先例
[7] mortify [ˈmɔ:tifai] v． 抑制
[8] sprig [spriɡ] n． 小枝
[9] rosemary [ˈrəuzməri;-mεəri] n． 迷迭香
[10] pelting [ˈpeltiŋ] a. 〈古〉 没有价值的
[11] sheepcote [ˌʃiːpˌkəʊt] n． 羊栏
[12] lunatic [ˈlju:nətik] a． 患精神病的，疯狂的
埃德加上。
埃德加 听说他们已经发出告示捉我；幸亏我躲在一株空心的树干里，没有给他们找到。没有一处城门可以出入无阻；没有一个地方不是警卫森严，准备把我捉住！为了保全自己的生命起见，我想还不如改扮作一个最卑贱穷苦，最为世人所轻视，和禽兽相去无几的家伙；我要用污泥涂在脸上，一块毡布裹住我的腰，把满头的头发打了许多乱结，赤身裸体，抵抗着风雨的侵凌。这地方本来有许多疯丐，他们高声叫喊，用针哪，木锥哪，钉子哪，迷迭香的树枝哪，刺在他们麻木而僵硬的手臂上；用这种可怕的形状，到那些穷苦的农场、乡村、羊棚和磨坊里去，有时候发出一些疯狂的诅咒，有时候向人哀求祈祷，乞讨一些布施。我现在学着他们的样子，一定不会引起人家的疑心。可怜的疯叫花！可怜的汤姆！倒有几分像；我现在不再是埃德加了。 （下）
Enter Lear, Fool and Gentleman.
Lear. 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home, And not send back my messenger.
Gent. As I learn'd, The night before there was no purpose in them Of this remove.
Kent. Hail to thee, noble master!
Lear. Ha! Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?
Kent. No, my lord.
Fool. Ha, ha! Look! He wears cruel garters [1] . Horses are tied by the head, dogs and bears by th' neck, monkeys by th' loins, and men by th' legs. When a man's over-lusty at legs, then he wears wooden nether-stocks.
Lear. What's he that hath so much thy place mistook To set thee here?
Kent. It is both he and she, Your son and daughter.
Lear. No.
Kent. Yes.
Lear. No, I say.
Kent. I say yea.
Lear. No, no, they would not.
Kent. Yes, they have.
Lear. By Jupiter, I swear no!
Kent. By Juno, I swear ay!
Lear. They durst not do 't;They would not, could not do 't. 'Tis worse than murther To do upon respect such violent outrage [2] . Resolve me with all modest haste [3] which way Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage, Coming from us.
Kent. My lord, when at their home I did commend your highness' letters to them, Ere I was risen from the place that show'd My duty kneeling, came there a reeking [4] post, Stew'd in his haste, half breathless, panting [5] forth From Goneril, his mistress, salutations;Deliver'd letters, spite of intermission [6] , Which presently they read; on whose contents, They summon'd up their meiny [7] , straight took horse, Commanded me to follow and attend The leisure of their answer, gave me cold looks, And meeting here the other messenger, Whose welcome I perceiv'd had poison'd mine—Being the very fellow which of late Display'd so saucily against your highness—Having more man than wit about me, drew. He rais'd the house with loud and coward cries. Your son and daughter found this trespass worth The shame which here it suff ers.
Fool. Winter's not gone yet, if the wild geese fly that way. Fathers that wear rags Do make their children blind;But fathers that bear bags Shall see their children kind. Fortune, that arrant [8] whore, Ne'er turns the key to th'poor. But for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours [9] for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year.
Lear. O, how this mother swells [10] up toward my heart! Hysterica passio! Down, thou climbing sorrow;Thy element's below. Where is this daughter?
Kent. With the Earl, sir, here within.
Lear. Follow me not; Stay here. Exit.
Gent. Made you no more off ence but what you speak of?
Kent. None. How chance the king comes with so small a number?
Fool. An thou hadst been set i' th' stocks for that question, thou'dst well deserv'd it.
Kent. Why, fool?
Fool. We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee there's no labouring i' th' winter. All that follow their noses are led by their eyes but blind men, and there's not a nose among twenty but can smell him that's stinking. Let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following; but the great one that goes upward, let him draw thee after. When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine again. I would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it. That sir which serves and seeks for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins to rain
And leave thee in the storm.
But I will tarry; the Fool will stay,
And let the wise man fly.
The knave turns fool that runs away;
The Fool no knave, perdy [11] .
Kent. Where learn'd you this, Fool?
Fool. Not i' th' stocks, fool. Enter Lear and Gloucester .
Lear. Deny to speak with me? They are sick, they are weary. They have travell'd all the night? Mere fetches;The images of revolt [12] and flying off . Fetch me a better answer.
Glou. My dear lord, You know the fiery quality of the Duke, How unremovable and fix'd he is In his own course.
Lear. Vengeance, plague, death, confusion! Fiery [13] ? What quality? Why, Gloucester, Gloucester, I'd speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.
Glou. Well, my good lord, I have inform'd them so.
Lear. Inform'd them? Dost thou understand me, man?
Glou. Ay, my good lord.
Lear. The King would speak with Cornwall; the dear father Would with his daughter speak, commands her service. Are they inform'd of this? My breath and blood! Fiery? The fiery Duke? Tell the hot Duke that—No, but not yet! May be he is not well. Infirmity doth still neglect all office Whereto our health is bound. We are not ourselves When nature, being oppress'd, commands the mind To suff er with the body. I'll forbear;And am fallen out with my more headier will, To take the indispos'd and sickly fit For the sound man. Death on my state! Wherefore Should be sit here? This act persuades me That this remotion of the Duke and her Is practice only. Give me my servant forth. Go tell the Duke and's wife I'd speak with them;Now, presently. Bid them come forth and hear me, Or at their chamber door I'll beat the drum Till it cry sleep to death.
Glou. I would have all well betwixt you. Exit.
Lear. O me, my heart: my rising heart! But down!
Fool. Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney [14] did to the eels [15] when she put 'em i' th' paste alive. She knapp'd 'em o' th' coxcombs with a stick and cried‘Down, wantons, down! ' 'Twas her brother that, in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay. Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, Servants.
Lear. Good morrow to you both.
Corn. Hail to your Grace! Kent is set at liberty.
Reg. I am glad to see your highness.
Lear. Regan, I think you are; I know what reason I have to think so. If thou shouldst not be glad, I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb, Sepulchring [16] an adultress [17] .[ To Kent ]O,are you free? Some other time for that — Belovcd Regan,Thy sister's naught. O Regan, she hath tied Sharp-tooth'd unkindness, like a vulture [18] , here. Lays his hand on his heart. I can scarce speak to thee. Thou'lt not believe With how deprav'd a quality — O Regan!
Reg. I pray you, sir, take patience. I have hope You less know how to value her desert Than she to scant her duty.
Lear. Say? How is that?
Reg. I cannot think my sister in the least Would fail her obligation. If, sir, perchance She have restrain'd the riots of your followers, 'Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end, As clears her from all blame.
Lear. My curses on her!
Reg. O sir, you are old! Nature in you stands on the very verge [19] Of her confine. You should be rul'd and led By some discretion [20] that discerns your state Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you That to our sister you do make return;Say you have wrong'd her, sir.
Lear. Ask her forgiveness? Do you but mark how this becomes the house?‘Dear daughter, I confess that I am old. Age is unnecessary.On my knees I beg[ Kneel .] That you'll vouchsafe [21] me raiment [22] , bed, and food.’
Reg. Good sir, no more! These are unsightly tricks. Return you to my sister.
Lear. [ Rises .]Never,Regan!She hath abated me of half my train;Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue, Most serpent-like, upon the very heart. All the stor'd vengeances of heaven fall On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones, You taking airs, with lameness [23] !
Corn. Fie [24] , sir, fie!
Lear. You nimble [25] lightnings, dart [26] your blinding flames Into her scornful [27] eyes! Infect her beauty, You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the pow'rful sun, To fall and blast her pride!
Reg. O the blest gods! So will you wish on me When the rash mood is on.
Lear. No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse. Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give Thee o'er to harshness. Her eyes are fierce; but thine Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee To grudge [28] my pleasures, to cut off my train, To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes, And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt Against my coming in. Thou better know'st The offices of nature, bond of childhood, Eff ects of courtesy, dues of gratitude. Thy half o' th' kingdom hast thou not forgot, Wherein I thee endow'd [29] .
Reg. Good sir, to th' purpose.
Lear. Who put my man i' th' stocks? Tucket within.
Corn. What trumpet's that?
Reg. I know't; my sister's. This approves her letter,
That she would soon be here. Enter Oswald.
Is your lady come?
Lear. This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride Dwells in the fickle [30] grace of her he follows. Out, varlet, from my sight!
Corn. What means your Grace? Enter Goneril.
Lear. Who stock'd my servant? Regan, I have good hope Thou didst not know on't. Who comes here? O heavens, If you do love old men, if your sweet sway Allow obedience, if yourselves are old, Make it your cause! Send down, and take my part! [ To Goneril ]Art not asham'd to look upon this beard? O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?
Gon. Why not by th' hand, sir? How have I off ended? All's not off ence that indiscretion finds And dotage terms so.
Lear. O sides, you are too tough! Will you yet hold? How came my man i' th' stocks?
Corn. I set him there, sir; but his own disorders Deserv'd much less advancement.
Lear. You? Did you?
Reg. I pray you, father, being weak, seem so. If, till the expiration [31] of your month, You will return and sojourn with my sister, Dismissing half your train, come then to me. I am now from home, and out of that provision Which shall be needful for your entertainment.
Lear. Return to her, and fifty men dismiss'd?
No, rather I abjure [32] all roofs, and choose To wage against the enmity [33] o' th' air, To be a comrade with the wolf and owl—Necessity's sharp pinch [34] , Retum with her? Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took Our youngest born, I could as well be brought To knee his throne and, squire-like, pension beg To keep base life afoot. Return with her? Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter To this detested groom. He indicates Oswald.
Gon. At your choice, sir.
Lear. I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad. I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell. We'll no more meet, no more see one another. But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;Or rather a disease that's in my flesh, Which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil, A plague sore, or embossed [35] carbuncle [36] In my corrupted blood. But I'll not chide thee. Let shame come when it will, I do not call it. I do not bid the Thunder-bearer shoot, Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove. Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure;I can be patient, I can stay with Regan, I and my hundred knights.
Reg. Not altogether so. I look'd not for you yet, nor am provided For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister;For those that mingle reason with your passion Must be content to think you old, and so—But she knows what she does.
Lear. Is this well spoken?
Reg. I dare avouch [37] it, sir. What, fifty followers? Is it not well? What should you need of more? Yea, or so many, sith [38] that both charge and danger Speak 'gainst so great a number? How in one house Should many people, under two commands, Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.
Gon. Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance From those that she calls servants, or from mine?
Reg. Why not, my lord? If then they chanc'd to slack ye, We could control them. If you will come to me For now I spy a danger, I entreat you To bring but five-and-twenty. To no more Will I give place or notice.
Lear. I gave you all—
Reg. And in good time you gave it!
Lear. Made you my guardians, my depositaries [39] ;But kept a reservation to be followed With such a number. What, must I come to you With five-and-twenty, Regan? Said you so? Reg. And speak't again my lord. No more with me.
Lear. Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd When others are more wicked; not being the worst Stands in some rank of praise. [ To Goneril ]I'll go with thee. Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty, And thou art twice her love.
Gon. Hear, me, my lord.
What need you five-and-twenty, ten, or five, To follow in a house where twice so many Have a command to tend you?
Reg. What need one?
Lear. O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars Are in the poorest thing superfluous [40] . Allow not nature more than nature needs, Man's life is cheap as beast's. Thou art a lady:If only to go warm were gorgeous [41] , Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st, Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need—You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need! You see me here, you gods, a poor old man, As full of grief as age; wretched in both. If it be you that stirs these daughters' hearts Against their father, fool me not so much To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger, And let not women's weapons, water drops, Stain [42] my man's cheeks. No, you unnatural hags [43] , I will have such revenges on you both That all the world shall—I will do such things—What they are yet, I know not; but they shall be The terrors of the earth! You think I'll weep. No, I'll not weep. I have full cause of weeping, but this heart Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws Or ere I'll weep. O fool, I shall go mad! Exeunt Lear, Gloucester, Kent and Fool.
Corn. Let us withdraw; 'twill be a storm. Storm and tempest.
Reg. This house is little; the old man and's people Cannot be well bestow'd.
Gon. 'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest, And must needs taste his folly.
Reg. For his particular, I'll receive him gladly, But not one follower.
Gon. So am I purpos'd. Where is my lord of Gloucester?
Corn. Followed the old man forth. Enter Gloucester. He is return'd.
Glou. The king is in high rage.
Corn. Whither is he going?
Glou. He calls to horse, but will I know not whither.
Corn. 'Tis best to give him way; he leads himself.
Gon. My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.
Glou. Alack [44] , the night comes on, and the bleak [45] winds Do sorely [46] ruffle [47] . For many miles about There's scarce a bush.
Reg. O sir, to wilful men The injuries that they themselves procure [48] Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors. He is attended with a desperate train, And what they may incense [49] him to, being apt To have his ear abus'd, wisdom bids fear.
Corn. Shut up your doors, my lord: 'tis a wild night. My Regan counsels well. Come out o' th' storm. Exeunt.
[1] garter [ˈɡɑ:tə] n． 袜带
[2] outrage [ˈautreidʒ] n． 暴行
[3] haste [heist] n． 急忙，仓促
[4] reeking [ˈrikiŋ] a． 冒水汽的
[5] pant [pænt] v． 喘息
[6] intermission [intəˈmiʃən] n. 中断，停顿
[7] meiny [ˈmeini] n. 〈古〉 侍从
[8] arrant [ˈærənt] a． 十足的，彻底的
[9] dolour [ˈdɔlə] n． 悲痛，哀伤
[10] swell [swel] v． 膨胀；涌出
[11] perdy[pədi] ad. 〈古〉（=pardie）一定，肯定
[12] revolt [riˈvəult; -ˈvɔ:lt] n. 反叛，背叛
[13] fiery [ˈfaiəri] a． 热烈的；如火的
[14] cockney [ˈkɔkni] n． 伦敦东区人
[15] ell [i:l] n． 鳗鱼
[16] sepulchre [ˈsepəlkə] v． 埋葬
[17] adultress [əˈdʌltris] n． 淫妇
[18] vulture [ˈvʌltʃə] n． 秃鹫
[19] verge [və:dʒ] n． 边缘
[20] discretion [disˈkreʃən] n. 决定（力），判断（力）
[21] vouchsafe [vautʃˈseif] v． 赐予
[22] raiment [ˈreimənt] n. 〈古〉衣服
[23] lameness [ˈlemnɪs] n． 跛；残废
[24] fie[fai] int. （表示嫌恶、震惊等）咄！呸！
[25] nimble [ˈnimbl] a． 敏捷的，灵巧的
[26] dart [dɑ:t] v． 投射，发射
[27] scornful [ˈskɔ:nful] a． 轻蔑的，鄙视的
[28] grudge [ɡrʌdʒ] v． 妒忌；怨恨
[29] endow [inˈdau] v． 赋予
[30] fickle [ˈfikl] a. （在感情、兴趣、忠诚方面）易变的，不专一的
[31] expiration [ekspiˈreiʃən] n. 告终，终止，完结
[32] abjure [æbˈdʒuə] v． 发誓放弃
[33] enmity [ˈenməti] n． 敌对，敌意
[34] pinch [pintʃ] n． 困苦，困难
[35] emboss [imˈbɔs] v． 使隆起
[36] carbuncle [ˈkɑ:bʌŋkl] n. 痈；疔
[37] avouch [əˈvautʃ] v. 〈古〉担保，保证
[38] sith[siθ] conj. （=since）以后；既然
[39] depositary [diˈpɔzitəri] n. 保管者
[40] superfluous [sjuˈpə:fluəs] a. 过剩的，不必要的
[41] gorgeous [ˈɡɔ:dʒəs] a． 华丽的
[42] stain [stein] v． 玷污
[43] hag [hæɡ] n． 女巫
[44] alack[əˈlæk] int. 〈古〉（表示遗憾、惊讶等）呜呼，啊呀
[45] bleak [bli:k] a． 阴冷的，萧瑟的
[46] sorely[ˈsɔ:li] ad． 非常，很
[47] ruffle [ˈrʌfl] v． 起皱；波动；失去平静
[48] procure [prəuˈkjuə] v． 取得；导致
[49] incense [ˈinsens] v． 〈古〉引起，激发
肯特系足枷中。李尔、弄人及侍臣上。
李尔 真奇怪，他们不在家里，又不打发我的使者回去。
侍臣 我听说他们在前一个晚上还不曾有走动的意思。
肯特 祝福您，尊贵的主人！
李尔 吓！你把这样的羞辱作为消遣吗？
肯特 不，陛下。
弄人 哈哈！他吊着一副多么难受的袜带！缚马缚在头上，缚狗缚熊缚在脖子上，缚猴子缚在腰上，缚人缚在腿上；一个人的腿儿太会活动了，就要叫他穿木袜子。
李尔 谁认错了人，把你锁在这儿？
肯特 您的女婿和女儿。
李尔 不。
肯特 是的。
李尔 我说不。
肯特 我说是的。
李尔 不，不，他们不会干这样的事。
肯特 他们干也干了。
李尔 凭着朱庇特起誓，没有这样的事。
肯特 凭着朱诺起誓，有这样的事。
李尔 他们不敢做这样的事；他们不能，也不会做这样的事；要是他们有意做出这种重大的暴行来，那简直比杀人更不可恕了。赶快告诉我，你究竟犯了什么罪，他们才会用这种刑罚来对待一个国王的使者。
肯特 陛下，我带了您的信到了他们家里，当我跪在地上把信交上去，还没有立起身来的时候，又有一个使者汗流满面，气喘吁吁，急急忙忙地奔了进来，代他的女主人戈纳瑞向他们请安；他们看见她也有信来，就来不及理睬我，先读她的信；读罢了信，他们立刻召集仆从，上马出发，叫我跟到这儿来，等候他们的答复，对待我十分冷淡。一到这儿，我又碰见了那个使者，他也就是最近对您非常无礼的那个家伙，我知道他们对我这样冷淡，都是因为他来了的缘故，一时激于气愤，不加考虑地向他动起武来；他看见我这样，就高声发出怯懦的叫喊，惊动了全屋子的人。您的女婿女儿认为我犯了这样的罪，应该把我羞辱一下，所以就把我枷起来了。
弄人 冬天还没有过去，要是野雁尽往那个方向飞。
老父衣百结，
儿女不相识，
老父满囊金，
儿女尽孝心。
命运如娼妓，
贫贱遭遗弃。
虽然这样说，你的女儿们还要孝敬你数不清的烦恼哩。
李尔 啊！我这一肚子的气都涌上我的心头来了！你这一股无名的气愤，快给我平下去吧！我这女儿呢？
肯特 在里边，陛下；跟伯爵在一起。
李尔 不要跟我；在这儿等着。 （下）
侍臣 除了你刚才所说的以外，你没有犯其他的过失吗？
肯特 没有。王上怎么不多带几个人来？
弄人 你会发出这么一个问题，活该给人用足枷枷起来。
肯特 为什么，傻瓜？
弄人 你应该拜蚂蚁做老师，让它教训你冬天是不能工作的。谁都长着眼睛，除非瞎子，每个人都看得清自己该朝哪一边走；就算眼睛瞎了，二十个鼻子里也没有一个嗅不出来他身上发霉的味道。一个大车轮滚下山坡的时候，你千万不要抓住它，免得跟它一起滚下去，跌断了你的头颈；可是你要是看见它上山去，那么让它拖着你一起上去吧。倘然有什么聪明人给你更好的教训，请你把这番话还我；一个傻瓜的教训，只配让一个混蛋去遵从。
他为了自己的利益，
向你屈膝卑躬，
天色一变就要告别，
留下你在雨中。
聪明的人全都飞散，
只剩傻瓜一个；
傻瓜逃走变成混蛋，
那混蛋不是我。
肯特 傻瓜，你从什么地方学会这支歌儿？
弄人 不是在足枷里，傻瓜。
李尔偕格洛斯特重上。
李尔 拒绝跟我说话！他们有病！他们疲倦了，他们昨天晚上走路辛苦！都是些鬼话，明明是要背叛我的意思。给我再去向他们要一个好一点的答复来。
格洛斯特 陛下，您知道公爵的火性，他决定了怎样就是怎样，再也没有更改的。
李尔 报应哪！疫疠！死亡！祸乱！火性！什么火性？嘿，格洛斯特，格洛斯特，我要跟康沃尔公爵和他的妻子说话。
格洛斯特 呃，陛下，我已经对他们说过了。
李尔 对他们说过了！你懂得我的意思吗？
格洛斯特 是，陛下。
李尔 国王要跟康沃尔说话；父亲要跟他的女儿说话，叫她出来见我：你有没有这样告诉他们？我这口气，我这一腔血！哼！火性！对那性如烈火的公爵说——不，且慢，也许他真的不大舒服；一个人为了疾病而疏忽了他的责任，是应当加以原谅的；我们身体上有了病痛，精神上总是连带觉得烦躁郁闷。那时候就不由我们自己做主了。我且忍耐一下，不要太鲁莽了，对一个有病的人作过分求全的责备。该死！（ 视肯特 ）为什么把他枷在这儿？这一种举动使我相信公爵和她对我回避，完全是一种预定的计谋。把我的仆人放出来还我。去，对公爵和他的妻子说，我现在立刻就要跟他们说话；叫他们赶快出来见我，否则我要在他们的寝室门前擂起鼓来，搅得他们不能安睡。
格洛斯特 我但愿你们大家和和美美的。 （下）
李尔 啊！我的心！我的怒气直冲的心！安静下来吧！
弄人 你叫吧，老伯伯，就像厨娘把活鳗鱼放进面糊里的时候那样；她拿起手里的棍子敲打鱼头，喊道：“下去，坏东西，下去！”正像她的兄弟，为了爱他的马在草料上涂油。
康沃尔、里甘、格洛斯特及众仆上。
李尔 你们两位早安！
康沃尔 祝福陛下！（ 众人释肯特 ）
里甘 我很高兴看见陛下。
李尔 里甘，我想你一定高兴看见我的；我知道为什么我要我这样想；要是你不高兴看见我，我就要跟你已故的母亲离婚，把她的坟墓当作一座淫妇的丘陇。（ 向肯特 ）啊！你放出来了吗？等会儿再谈吧。亲爱的里甘，你的姐姐太不孝啦。啊，里甘！她的无情的凶恶像饿鹰的利喙一样猛啄我的心。（ 以手按心口 ）我简直不能告诉你；你不会相信她忍心害理到什么地步——啊，里甘！
里甘 父亲，请您不要恼怒。我想她不会对您有失敬礼，恐怕还是您不能谅解她的苦心哩。
李尔 啊，这是什么意思？
里甘 我想我的姐姐绝不会有什么地方不尽孝道；要是，父亲，她约束了您那班随从的放荡的行为，那当然有充分的理由和正大的目的，绝对不能怪她的。
李尔 我的诅咒将降在她的头上！
里甘 啊，父亲！您年纪老了，您的天性已经站在它领域的边缘，应该让一个比您自己更明白您的地位的人管教管教您；所以我劝您还是回到姐姐的地方去，对她赔一个不是。
李尔 请求她的饶恕吗？你看这样像不像个样子：“好女儿，我承认我年纪老，不中用啦，让我跪在地上，（ 跪下 ）请求您赏给我几件衣服穿，赏给我一张床睡，赏给我一些东西吃吧。”
里甘 父亲，别这样子；这算个什么，简直是胡闹！回到我姐姐那儿去吧。
李尔 （ 起立 ）再也不回去了，里甘。她裁撤了我一半的侍从；不给我好脸看；用她的毒蛇一样的舌头打击我的心。但愿上天蓄积的愤怒一起降在她的无情无义的头上！但愿恶风吹打她的腹中的胎儿，让它生下地来就是个瘸子！
康沃尔 嘿！这是什么话！
李尔 迅疾的闪电啊，把你的炫目的火焰，射进她的傲慢的眼睛里去吧！在烈日的熏灼下蒸发起来的沼地的瘴气啊，损坏她的美貌，毁灭她的骄傲吧！
里甘 天上的神明啊！您要是对我发起怒来，也会这样咒我的。
李尔 不，里甘，你永远不会受我的诅咒；你的温柔的天性绝不会使你干出冷酷残忍的行为来。她的眼睛里有一股凶光，可是你的眼睛却是温存而和蔼的。你绝不会吝惜我的享受，裁撤我的侍从，用不逊之言向我顶嘴，削减我的费用，甚至于把我关在门外不让我进来；你是懂得天伦的义务，儿女的责任，孝敬的礼貌和受恩的感激的；你总还没有忘记我曾经赐给你一半的国土。
里甘 父亲，不要把话说远了。
李尔 谁把我的人枷起来？（ 内喇叭奏花腔 ）
康沃尔 那是什么喇叭声音？
里甘 我知道，是我的姐姐来了；她信上说就要到这儿来的。
奥斯维德上。
里甘 夫人来了吗？
李尔 这是一个靠着主妇暂时的恩宠，狐假虎威，倚势凌人的奴才。滚开，贱奴，不要让我看见你！
康沃尔 陛下，这是什么意思？
戈纳瑞上。
李尔 谁把我的仆人枷起来？里甘，我希望你并不知道这件事。谁来啦？天啊，要是你爱老人，要是你认为子女应该孝顺他们的父母，要是你自己也会老，那么不要漠然无动，降下你的愤怒来，帮我申雪我的怨恨吧！（ 向戈纳瑞 ）你看见我这一把胡须，不觉得惭愧吗？啊，里甘你愿意跟她握手吗？
戈纳瑞 为什么她不能跟我握手呢！我干了什么错事？难道凭着一张糊涂昏悖的嘴里的胡言乱语，就可以成立我的罪案吗？
李尔 啊，我的胸膛！你还没有胀破吗？我的人怎么给你们枷了起来？
康沃尔 陛下，是我把他枷在那儿的；照他狂妄的行为，这样的惩戒还太轻呢。
李尔 你！是你干的事吗？
里甘 父亲，您该明白您是一个衰弱的老人，一切只好将就点儿。要是您现在仍旧回去跟姐姐住在一起，裁撤了您的一半的侍从，那么等住满了一个月，再到我这儿来吧。我现在不在自己家里，要供养您也有许多不便。
李尔 回到她那儿去？裁撤五十名侍从！不，我宁愿什么屋子也不要住，过着风餐露宿的生活，和无情的大自然抗争，和豺狼鸱鹗做伴侣，忍受一切饥寒的痛苦！回去跟她住在一起！嘿，我宁愿到那娶了我的没有嫁奁的小女儿去的热情的法兰西国王的座前匍匐膝行，像一个臣仆一样向他讨一份微薄的恩俸，苟延残喘下去。回去跟她住在一起！你还是劝我在这可恶的仆人手下当奴才，当牛马吧。（ 指奥斯维德 ）
戈纳瑞 随你的便。
李尔 女儿，请你不要使我发疯；我也不愿再来打扰你了，我的孩子。再会吧；我们从此不再相见。可是你是我的肉，我的血，我的女儿；或是还不如说是我的身体上的一个恶瘤，我不能不承认你是我的；你是我的腐败的血液里的一个瘀块，一个肿毒的疔疮。可是我不愿责骂你；让羞辱自己降临你的身上吧，我没有呼召它；我不要求天雷把你殛死，我也不把你的忤逆向垂察善恶的天神控诉，你回去仔细想一想，趁早痛改前非，还来得及。我可以忍耐；我可以带着我的一百个武士，跟里甘住在一起。
里甘 那绝对不行；现在还轮不到我，我也没有预备好招待您的礼数。父亲，听我姐姐的话吧，人家冷眼看着您这种愤怒的神气，他们心里都要说您因为老了，所以——可是姐姐是知道她自己所做的事的。
李尔 这是你的好意的劝告吗？
里甘 是的，父亲，这是我的真诚的意见。什么！五十个卫士？这不是很好吗？再多一些有什么用处？就是这么许多人，数目也不少了，别说供养他们不起，而且让他们成群结党，也是一件危险的事。一间屋子里养了这许多人，受着两个主人支配，怎么不会发生争闹？简直不成话。
戈纳瑞 父亲，您为什么不让我们的仆人侍候您呢？
里甘 对了，父亲，那不是很好吗？要是他们怠慢了您，我们也可以训斥他们。您下回到我这儿来的时候，请您只带二十五个人来，因为现在我已经看到了一个危险；超过这个数目，我是恕不招待的。
李尔 我把一切都给了你们——
里甘 您总算拣了适当的时候给了我们。
李尔 叫你们做我的代理人、保管者，我的唯一的条件，只是让我保留这么多的侍从。什么！我必须只带二十五个人，到你这儿来吗？里甘，你是不是这样说？
里甘 父亲，我可以再说一遍，我只允许您带这么几个人来。
李尔 恶人的面相虽然狰狞可怖，要是再有人比他更恶，相形之下，就会变得和蔼可亲；不是绝顶的凶恶，总还有几分可取。（ 向戈纳瑞 ）我愿意跟你去；你的五十个人还比她的二十五个人多上一倍，你的孝心也比她大一倍。
戈纳瑞 父亲，我们家里难道没有两倍这么多的仆人可以侍候您？依我说，不但用不着二十五个人，就是十个五个也是多余的。
里甘 依我看来，一个也不需要。
李尔 啊！不要跟我说什么需要不需要；最卑贱的乞丐，也有他的不值钱的身外之物；人生除了天然的需要以外，要是没有其他的享受，那和畜类的生活有什么分别。你是一位夫人；你穿着这样华丽的衣服，如果你的目的只是为了保持温暖，那就根本不合你的需要，因为这种盛装艳饰并不能使你温暖。可是，讲到真的需要，那么天啊，给我忍耐吧，我需要忍耐！神啊，你们看见我在这儿，一个可怜的老头子，被忧伤和老迈折磨得好苦！假如是你们鼓动这些女儿们的心，使她们忤逆她们的父亲，那么请你们不要尽是愚弄我，叫我默然忍受吧；让我的心里激起了刚强的怒火，让妇人所恃为武器的泪点不要玷污我的男子汉的面颊！不，你们这两个不孝的妖妇，我要向你们复仇，我要做出一些使全世界惊怖的事情来，虽然我现在还不知道我要怎么做。你们以为我将要哭泣；不，我不愿哭泣，我虽然有充分的哭泣的理由，可是我宁愿让这颗心碎成万片，也不愿流下一滴泪来。啊，傻瓜！我要发疯了！（ 李尔、格洛斯特、肯特及弄人同下 ）
康沃尔 我们进去吧；一场暴风雨将要来了。（ 远处暴 风雨声 ）
里甘 这间屋子太小了，这老头儿带着他那班人来是容纳不下的。
戈纳瑞 是他自己不好，放着安逸的日子不过，一定要吃些苦，才知道自己的蠢。
里甘 单是他一个人，我倒也很愿意收留他，可是他的那班跟随的人，我可一个也不能容纳。
戈纳瑞 我也是这个意思。格洛斯特伯爵呢？
康沃尔 跟老头子出去了。他已经回来了。
格洛斯特重上。
格洛斯特 王上正在盛怒之中。
康沃尔 他要到哪儿去？
格洛斯特 他叫人备马；可是不让我知道他要到什么地方去。
康沃尔 还是不要管他，随他自己的意思吧。
戈纳瑞 伯爵，您千万不要留他。
格洛斯特 唉！天色暗起来了，田野里都在刮着狂风，附近许多英里之内，简直连一株小小的树木都没有。
里甘 啊！伯爵，对于刚愎自用的人，只好让他们自己招致的灾祸教训他们。关上您的门；他有一班亡命之徒跟随在身边，他自己又是这样容易受人愚弄，谁也不知道他们会煽动他干出些什么事来。我们还是小心点儿好。
康沃尔 关上您的门，伯爵；这是一个狂暴的晚上。我的里甘说得一点不错。暴风雨来了，我们进去吧。 （同下）
Storm still. Enter Kent and a Gentleman at several doors.
Kent. Who's there, besides foul weather?
Gent. One minded like the weather, most unquietly.
Kent. I know you. Where's the king?
Gent. Contending [1] with the fretful [2] elements;Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea, Or swell the curled waters 'bore the main, That things might change or cease; tears his white hair, Which the impetuous [3] blasts with eyeless rage, Catch in their fury [4] and make nothing of;Strives in his little world of man to out-scorn The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain. This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch [5] , The lion and the belly-pinched wolf Keep their fur dry, unbonneted [6] he runs, And bids what will take all.
Kent. But who is with him?
Gent. None but the fool, who labours to out-jest His heart-struck injuries.
Kent. Sir, I do know you, And dare upon the warrant of my note Commend a dear thing to you. There is division Although as yet the face of it be covered With mutual cunning 'twixt Albany and Cornwall;Who have as who have not, that their great stars Thron'd and set high? Servants, who seem no less, Which are to France the spies and speculations Intelligent of our state. What hath been seen, Either in snuff s [7] and packings of the Dukes, Or the hard rein [8] which both of them have bome Against the old kind king, or something deeper, Whereof perchance these are but furnishings—But, true it is, from France there comes a power Into this scattered kingdom, who already, Wise in our negligence, have secret feet In some of our best ports and are at point To show their open banner. Now to you:If on my credit you dare build so far To make your speed to Dover, you shall find Some that will thank you, making just report Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow The king hath cause to plain. I am a gentleman of blood and breeding, And from some knowledge and assurance off er This office to you.
Gent. I will talk further with you.
Kent. No, do not. For confirmation that I am much more Than my out-wall, open this purse and take What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia As fear not but you shall, show her this ring, And she will tell you who your fellow is That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm! I will go seek the king.
Gent. Give me your hand. Have you no more to say?
Kent. Few words, but, to eff ect, more than all yet:That, when we have found the king in which your pain That way, I'll this, he that first lights on him Holla [9] the other. Exeunt severally.
[1] contend [kənˈtend] v． 搏斗，竞争
[2] fretful [ˈfretful] a． 暴躁的，易怒的
[3] impetuous [imˈpetjuəs] a. 激烈的，狂暴的
[4] fury [ˈfjuəri] n． 暴怒
[5] couch [kautʃ] v． 躺卧；潜伏
[6] unbonneted [ʌnˈbɔnitid] a. 脱掉帽子的
[7] snuff [snʌf] n． 嗅，闻
[8] rein [rein] n． 缰绳
[9] holla [ˈhɔlə] n． 大声喊叫
暴风雨，雷电。肯特及一侍臣上，相遇。
肯特 除了恶劣的天气以外，还有谁在这儿？
侍臣 一个心绪像这天气一样不安静的人。
肯特 我认识你。王上呢？
侍臣 正在跟暴怒的大自然竞争；他叫狂风把大地吹下海里，叫泛滥的波涛吞没了陆地，使万物都变了样子或归于毁灭；拉下他的一根根的白发，让夹着盲目的愤怒的暴风把它们卷得不知去向；在他渺小的一身之内，正在努力进行着一场比暴风雨的冲突更剧烈的争斗。这样的晚上，被小熊吸干了乳汁的母熊，也躲着不敢出来，狮子和饿狼都不愿沾湿它们的毛皮。他却光秃着头在风雨中狂奔，把一切托付给不可知的力量。
肯特 可是谁和他在一起？
侍臣 只有那傻瓜一路跟着他，竭力用些笑话替他排解他的心中的伤痛。
肯特 我知道你是什么人，我敢凭着我的观察所及，告诉你一件重要的消息。在奥尔巴尼和康沃尔两人之间，虽然表面上彼此掩饰得毫无痕迹，可是暗中却已经发生了冲突；正像一般身居高位的人一样，在他们手下都有一些名为仆人，实际上却是向法国密报我们国内情形的探子，凡是这两个公爵的明争暗斗，他们两人对于善良的老王的冷酷的待遇，以及在这种种表象之下，其他更秘密的一切动静，全都传到了法国的耳中；现在已经有一支军队从法国开到我们这一个分裂的国土上来，乘着我们疏忽无备，在我们几处最好的港口秘密登陆，不久就要揭开他们的鲜明的旗帜了。现在，你要是能够信任我的话，请你赶快到多佛去一趟，那边你可以碰见有人在欢迎你，你可以把被逼疯了的王上所受种种无理的屈辱向他作一个确实的报告，他一定会感激你的好意。我是一个有地位有身家的绅士，因为知道你的为人可靠，所以把这件差使交给你。
侍臣 我还要跟您谈谈。
肯特 不，不必。为了向你证明我并不是像我的外表那样的一个微贱之人，你可以打开这一个钱囊，把里面的东西拿去。你一到多佛，一定可以见到科迪莉亚；只要把这戒指给她看了，她就可以告诉你，你现在所不认识的同伴是个什么人。好大的风雨！我要找王上去。
侍臣 把您的手给我。您没有别的话了吗？
肯特 还有一句话，可比什么都重要；就是：我们现在先去找王上；你往那边去，我往这边去，谁先找到他，就打一个招呼。（ 各下 ）
Storm continues. Enter Lear and Fool.
Lear. Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow! You cataracts [1] and hurricanoes [2] , spout [3] Till you have drench'd our steeples [4] , drown'd the cocks! You sulph'rous [5] and thought-executing fires, Vaunt-couriers [6] to oak-cleaving thunderbolts, Singe [7] my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder, Strike flat the thick rotundity [8] o' th' world, Crack Nature's moulds [9] , all germains [10] spill at once, That makes ingrateful man!
Fool. O nuncle, court holy-water in a dry house is better than this rain water out o' door. Good nuncle, in, and ask thy daughters blessing. Here's a night pities nether wise men nor fools.
Lear. Rumble [11] thy bellyful! Spit fire, spout rain! Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire are my daughters. I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness. I never gave you kingdom, call'd you children, You owe me no subscription. Then let fall Your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your slave,A poor, infirm, weak and despis'd old man. But yet I call you servile [12] ministers, That will with two pernicious [13] daughters join Your high-engender'd battlcs 'gainst a head So old and white as this. O, ho! 'Tis foul!
Fool. He that has a house to put's head in has a good head-piece. The codpiece [14] that will house
Before the head has any,
The head and he shall louse:
So beggars marry many.
The man that makes his toe
What he his heart should make
Shall of a corn cry woe [15] ,
And turn his sleep to wake.
For there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in a glass. Enter Kent.
Lear. No, I will be the pattern of all patience;I will say nothing.
Kent. Who's there?
Fool. Marry, here's grace and a codpiece; that's a wise man and a fool.
Kent. Alas, sir, are you here? Things that love night Love not such nights as these. The wrathful skies Gallow the very wanderers of the dark And make them keep their caves. Since I was man, Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder, Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never Remember to have heard. Man's nature cannot carry Th' affliction nor the fear.
Lear. Let the great gods, That keep this dreadful pudder [16] o'er our heads,Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wreteh, That hast within thee undivulged [17] crimes Unwhipp'd of justice. Hide thee, thou bloody hand;Thou perjur'd [18] , and thou simular [19] man of virtue That art incestuous [20] . Caitiff , in pieces shake, That under covert [21] and convenient seeming Hast practis'd on man's life. Close pent-up guilts, Rive [22] your concealing continents, and cry These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man More sinn'd against than sinning.
Kent. Alack, bare-headed? Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel [23] ;Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest [24] . Repose [25] you there, whilst I to this hard house More harder than the stones whereof 'tis rais'd, Which even but now, demanding after you, Denied me to come in return, and force Their scanted courtesy.
Lear. My wits begin to turn. Come on, my boy. How dost, my boy? Art cold? I am cold myself. Where is this straw, my fellow? The art of our necessities is strange, That can make vile [26] things precious. Come, your hovel. Poor fool and knave, I have one part in my heart That's sorry yet for thee.
Fool. [ Sings. ]He that has and a little tiny wit—With hey, ho, the wind and the rain—Must make content with his fortunes fit, For the rain it raineth every day.
Lear. True, my good boy. Come, bring us to this hovel.
Exeunt Lear and Kent.
Fool. This is a brave night to cool a courtesan [27] . I'll speak a prophecy ere I go:
When priests are more in word than matter;
When brewers [28] mar their malt with water;
When nobles are their tailors' tutors,
No heretics [29] burn'd, but wenches [30] ' suitors;
Then shall the realm of Albion
Come to great confusion.
When every case in law is right,
No squire in debt nor no poor knight;
When slanders do not live in tongues,
Nor cutpurses [31] come not to throngs [32] ;
When usurers [33] tell their gold i' th' field,
And bawds and whores do churches build:
Then comes the time, who lives to see't,
That going shall be us'd with feet.
This prophecy Merlin shall make, for I live before his time. Exit.
[1] cataract [ˈkætərækt] n． 瀑布
[2] hurricano [ˈhʌrikənəu] n. 暴风雨
[3] spout [spaut] v． 喷涌
[4] steeple [ˈsti:pl] n． 尖塔
[5] sulphurous [ˈsʌlfərəs;-fjuə-] a． 含硫黄的
[6] vaunt-courier [vɔːnt ˈkuriə] n． 先遣者
[7] singe [sindʒ] v． 把……烧焦
[8] rotundity [rəuˈtʌndəti] n. 圆形物
[9] mould [məuld] n． 模具
[10] germains [dʒə:ˈmein] n. 〈法〉 嫡亲兄弟姐妹
[11] rumble [ˈrʌmbl] v． 隆隆作响
[12] servile [ˈsə:vail] a． 卑贱的
[13] pernicious [pəˈniʃəs] a． 有害的；险恶的
[14] codpiece [ˈkɔdˌpi:s] n． 〈废〉遮阴布
[15] woe [wəu] n． 悲痛；不幸
[16] pudder [ˈpʌdə] n． 骚乱
[17] undivulged [ʌndaiˈvʌldʒd] a． 未经透露的
[18] perjured [ˈpə:dʒəd] a． 做伪证的
[19] simular [ˈsimjulə] a． 伪装的
[20] incestuous [inˈsestjuəs] a. 乱伦的
[21] covert [ˈkʌvət] a． 隐蔽的
[22] rive [raiv] v． 撕碎；扯开
[23] hovel [ˈhɔvəl] n． 茅屋
[24] tempest [ˈtempist] n． 暴风雨
[25] repose [riˈpəuz] v． 躺着休息
[26] vile [vail] a． 卑鄙的，低下的
[27] courtesan [kɔ:tiˈzæn] n． 高等妓女
[28] brewer [ˈbru:ə] n． 酿酒者
[29] heretic [ˈherətik] n． 异教徒
[30] wench [wentʃ] n． 妓女，荡妇
[31] cutpurse [ˈkʌt, pə:s] n． 扒手
[32] throng [θrɔŋ; θrɔ:ŋ] n． 人群
[33] usurer [ˈju:ʒərə] n． 放债者
暴风雨继续未止。李尔及弄人上。
李尔 吹吧，风啊！吹破了你的脸，猛烈地吹吧！你，瀑布一样的倾盆大雨，尽管倒泻下来，浸没了我们的尖塔，淹沉了屋顶上的风标吧！你，思想一样迅速的硫黄的电火，劈碎橡树的巨雷的先驱，烧焦了我的白发的头颅吧！你，震撼一切的霹雳啊，把这生殖繁密的饱满的地球击平了吧！打碎造物的模型，不要让一颗忘恩负义的人类的种子遗留在世上！
弄人 啊，老伯伯，干燥的屋子里受圣水的洗礼，不比在这没有遮蔽的旷野里受雨水冲淋好得多吗？老伯伯，回到那所屋子里去，向你的女儿们请求祝福吧；这样的夜无论对于聪明人或是傻瓜，都是不发一点慈悲的。
李尔 尽管轰着吧！尽管吐你的火舌，尽管喷着你的雨水吧！雨、风、雷、电，都不是我的女儿，我不责怪你们的无情；我不曾给你们国土，不曾称你们为我的孩子，你们没有顺从我的义务；所以，随你们的高兴，降下你们可怕的威力来吧，我站在这儿，只是你们的奴隶，一个可怜的、衰弱的、无力的、遭人贱视的老头子。可是我仍然要骂你们是卑劣的帮凶，因为你们滥用上天的威力，帮同两个万恶的女儿来跟我这个白发的老翁作对。啊！啊！这太卑劣了！
弄人 谁头上顶着个好头脑，就不愁没有屋顶来遮他的头。
脑袋还没找到屋子，
话儿却先有安乐窝；
脑袋和他都生虱子，
就这么叫花娶老婆。
有人只爱他的脚尖，
不把心儿放在心上；
那鸡眼使他真可怜，
在床上翻身又叫嚷。
因为漂亮的女人总是要对着镜子挤眉弄眼。
肯特上。
李尔 不，我要忍受众人所不能忍受的痛苦；我要闭口无言。
肯特 谁在那边？
弄人 一个是陛下，一个是弄人，这两人一个聪明一个傻。
肯特 唉！陛下，你在这儿吗？喜爱黑夜的东西，不会喜爱这样的黑夜；狂怒的天色吓怕了黑暗中的漫游者，使他们躲在洞里不敢出来。自从有生以来，我从没有看见过这样的闪电，听见过这样可怕的雷声，这样惊人的风雨的咆哮，人类的精神是经受不起这样的折磨和恐怖的。
李尔 伟大的神灵在我们头顶掀起这场可怕的骚动。让他们现在找到他们的敌人吧。战栗吧，你尚未被人发觉，逍遥法外的罪人！躲起来吧，你杀人的凶手，你用伪誓欺人的骗子，你道貌岸然的逆伦禽兽！魂飞魄散吧，你用正直的外表遮掩杀人阴谋的大奸巨恶！撕下你们包藏祸心的伪装，显露你们罪恶的原形，向这些可怕的天吏哀号乞命吧！我是个并没有犯多大的罪，却受了很大的冤屈的人。
肯特 唉！您头上没有一点遮盖的东西！陛下，这儿附近有一间茅屋，可以替您挡挡风雨。我刚才已经到那所冷酷的屋子里——那比它墙上的石块更冷酷无情的屋子——探问您的行踪，可是他们关上了门不让我进去；现在您且暂时躲一躲雨，我还要去，非要他们懂一点礼数不可。
李尔 我的头脑开始发昏了。来，我的孩子。你怎么啦，我的孩子？你冷吗？我自己也冷呢。我的朋友，这间茅屋在什么地方？人一到困穷无告的时候，微贱的东西也会变成无价之宝。来，带我到你那间茅屋里去。可怜的傻小子，我心里还留着一块地方为你悲伤哩。
弄人 只怪自己糊涂自己蠢，
嗨呵，一阵风来一阵雨，
背时倒运莫把天公恨，
管它朝朝雨雨又风风。
李尔 不错，我的好孩子。来，领我们到这茅屋里去。 （同下）
弄人 今天晚上可太凉快了，叫婊子都热不起劲儿来。
待我在临走之前，讲几句预言吧：
传道的嘴上一味说得好；
酿酒的酒里掺水真不少；
有钱的大爷教裁缝做活；
不烧异教徒；嫖客害流火 [1] ；
若是件件官司都问得清；
跟班不欠钱，骑士债还清；
世上的是非不出自嘴里；
扒儿手看见人堆就躲避；
放债的肯让金银露了眼；
老鸨和婊子把教堂修建；
到那时候，英格兰这个国家，
准会乱得无法收拾一下，
那时活着的都可以看到：
那走路的把脚步抬得高。
其实这番预言该让梅林 [2] 在将来说，因为我出生在他之前。 （下）
[1] 流火，指花柳病。
[2] 梅林，是亚瑟王故事中的术士和预言家，时代后于李尔王许多年，这里是作者故意说的笑话。
Enter Gloucester and Edmund.
Glou. Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural dealing. When I desir'd their leave that I might pity him, they took from me the use of mine own house, charg'd me on pain of perpetual displeasure neither to speak of him, entreat for him, or any way sustain him.
Edm. Most savage and unnatural!
Glou. Go to; say you nothing. There is division betwixt the Dukes, and a worse matter than that. I have received a letter this night — 'tis dangerous to be spoken — I have lock'd the letter in my closet. These injuries the king now bears will be revenged home. There's part of a power already footed; we must incline to the king. I will seek him and privily relieve him. Go you and maintain talk with the Duke, that my charity be not of him perceived. If he ask for me, I am ill and gone to bed. If I die for it, as no less is threat'ned me, the king my old master must be relieved. There is some strange thing toward, Edmund. Pray you be careful.Exit.
Edm. This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the Duke Instantly know, and of that letter too. This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me That which my father loses: no less than all. The younger rises when the old doth fall. Exit.
格洛斯特及埃德蒙上。
格洛斯特 唉，唉！埃德蒙，我不赞成这种不近人情的行为。当我请求他们允许我给他一点援助的时候，他们竟会剥夺我使用自己屋子的权利，不许我提起他的名字，不许我替他说一句恳求的话，也不许我给他任何的救济，要是违背了他们的命令，我就要永远失去他们的欢心。
埃德蒙 太野蛮，太不近人情了！
格洛斯特 算了，你不要多说什么。两个公爵现在已经有了意见，而且还有一件比这更严重的事情。今天晚上我接到一封信，里面的话说出来也是很危险的；我已经把这信锁在壁橱里了。王上受到这样的凌虐，总有人会来替他报复的；已经有一支军队在路上了；我们必须站在王上的一边。我就要找他去，暗地里救济救济他；你去陪公爵谈谈，免得被他觉察了我的行动。要是他问起我，你就回他说我身子不好，已经睡了。大不了是一个死——他们的确拿死来威吓——王上是我的老主人，我不能坐视不救。出人意料的事情快要发生了，埃德蒙，你必须小心点儿。 （下）
埃德蒙 你违背了命令去献这种殷勤，我立刻就要去告诉公爵知道；还有那封信我也要告诉他。这是我献功邀赏的好机会，我的父亲将要因此而丧失他所有的一切，也许他全部家产都要落到我的手里；老的一代没落了，年轻的一代才会兴起。 （下）
Enter Lear, Kent and Fool.
Kent. Here is the place, my lord. Good my lord, enter. The tyranny of the open night's too rough For nature to endure.
Lear. Let me alone.
Kent. Good my lord, enter here.
Lear. Wilt break my heart?
Kent. I had rather break mine own. Good my lord, enter.
Lear. Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious [1] storm Invades us to the skin. So 'tis to thee;But where the greater malady [2] is fix'd, The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'dst shun [3] a bear;But if thy flight lay toward the raging sea, Thou'dst meet the bear i' th' mouth. When the mind's flee, The body's delicate; this tempest in my mind Doth from my senses take all feeling else Save what beats there. Filial [4] ingratitude:Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand For lifting food to 't? But I will punish home.No, I will weep no more. In such a night To shut me out — pour on; I will endure. In such a night as this? O, Regan, Goneril! Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all! O, that way madness lies; let me shun that! No more of that.
Kent. Good my lord, enter here.
Lear. Prithee go in thyself; seek thine own ease. This tempest will not give me leave to ponder [5] On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in. [ To the Fool ]In,boy;go first.You houseless poverty Nay, get thee in. I'll pray, and then I'll sleep. Exit Fool. Poor naked wretches, wheresoe'er you are, That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm, How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides, Your loop'd and window'd raggedness, defend you From seasons such as these? O, I have ta'en Too little care of this! Take physic, pomp [6] ;Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel, That thou mayst shake the superflux [7] to them, And show the heavens more just.
Edg. [ Within. ] Fathom [8] and half,fathom and half!Poor Tom! Enter Fool from the hovel.
Fool. Come not in here, nuncle, here's a spirit. Help me, help me! Kent. Give me thy hand. Who's there?
Fool. A spirit, a spirit! He says his name's Poor Tom.
Kent. What art thou that dost grumble there i' th' straw? Come forth.
Enter Edgar disguised as a madman.
Edg. Away! The foul fiend follows me! Through the sharp hawthorn blows the cold wind. Humh! Go to thy cold bed, and warm thee.
Lear. Didst thou given all to thy two daughters? And art thou come to this?
Edg. Who gives anything to Poor Tom? Whom the foul fiend hath led through fire and through flame, through ford and whirlpool, o'er bog [9] and quagmire [10] ; that hath laid knives under his pillow and halters in his pew [11] , set ratsbane [12] by his porridge [13] , made him proud of heart, to ride on a bay trotting horse over four-inch'd bridges, to course his own shadow for a traitor. Bless thy five wits! Tom's a-cold. O, do de, do de, do de. Bless thee from whirlwinds, star-blasting, and taking! Do Poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes [14] . There could I have him now — and there — and there again — and there! Storm continues.
Lear. What, have his daughters brought him to this pass? Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give 'era all?
Fool. Nay, he reserv'd a blanket, else we had been all sham'd.
Lear. Now all the plagues that in the pendulous [15] air Hang fated o'er men's faults light on thy daughters!
Kent. He hath no daughters, sir.
Lear. Death, traitor! Nothing could have subdu'd nature To such a lowness but his unkind daughters. Is it the fashion that discardcd fathers Should have thus little mercy on their flesh? Judicious punishment! 'Twas this flesh begot Those pelican daughters.
Edg. Pillicock sat on Pillicock's Hill. Allow, allow, loo, loo!
Fool. This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen.
Edg. Take heed o' th' foul fiend; obey thy parents: keep thy word justly; swear not; commit not with man's sworn spouse; set not thy sweet heart on proud array. Tom's a-cold.
Lear. What hast thou been?
Edg. A serving-man, proud in heart and mind; that curl'd my hair, wore gloves in my cap; serv'd the lust of my mistress' heart and did the act of darkness with her; swore as many oaths as I spake words, and broke them in the sweet face of heaven; one that slept in the contriving [16] of lust, and wak'd to do it. Wine lov'd I deeply, dice dearly; and in woman out- paramour'd [17] the Turk. False of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand; hog in sloth [18] , fox in stealth, wolf in greediness, dog in madness, lion in prey. Let not the creaking of shoes nor the rustling of silks betray thy poor heart to woman. Keep thy foot out of brothel, thy hand out of placket [19] , thy pen from lender books, and defy the foul fiend. Still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind; says suum, mun, nonny. Dolphin my boy, my boy, cessez: let him trot by. Storm continues.
Lear. Thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy uncover'd body this extremity of the skies. Is man no more than this? Consider him well. Thou ow'st the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no wool, the cat no perfume. Ha! Here's three on's are sophisticated! Thou art the thing itself. Unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked animal as thou art. Off , off , you lendings! Come, unbutton here. Tears at his clothes.
Fool. Prithee, nuncle, be contented! 'Tis a naughty night to swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field were like an old lecher's heart — a small spark,all the rest on's body cold. Look, here comes a walking fire. Enter Gloucester with a torch.
Edg. This is the foul fiend Flibbertigibbet. He begins at curfew [20] , and walks till the first cock. He gives the web and the pin, squints [21] the eye, and makes the harelip [22] ; mildews [23] the white wheat, and hurts the poor creature of earth.
Saint Withold footed thrice [24] the' old;
He met the nightmare, and her nine fold;
Bid her alight
And her troth [25] plight—
And aroint [26] thee, witch, aroint thee!
Kent. How fares your Grace?
Lear. What's he?
Kent. Who's there? What is't you seek?
Glou. What are you there? Your names?
Edg. Poor Tom, that eats the swimming frog, the toad [27] , the todpole [28] , the wall-newt [29] and the water; that in the fury of his heart, when the foul fiend rages, eats cow-dung for sallets [30] , swallows the old rat and the ditch-dog, drinks the green mantle of the standing pool; who is whipp'd from tithing [31] to tithing, and stock-punish'd and imprison'd; who hath had three suits to his back, six shirts to his body, Horse to ride, and weapons to wear; But mice and rats, and such small deer, Have been Tom's food for seven long year. Beware my follower. Peace, Smulkin;peace, thou fiend!
Glou. What, hath your Grace no better company?
Edg. The prince of darkness is a gentleman! Modo he's call'd, and Mahu.
Glou. Our flesh and blood is grown so vile, my lord, That it doth hate what gets it.
Edg. Poor Tom's a-cold.
Glou. Go in with me. My duty cannot suff er T' obey in all your daughters' hard commands. Though their injunction be to bar my doors And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you, Yet have I ventur'd to come seek you out And bring you where both fire and food is ready.
Lear. First let me talk with this philosopher. What is the cause of thunder?
Kent. Good my lord, take his off er; go into th' house.
Lear. I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban. What is your study?
Edg. How to prevent the fiend and to kill vermin [32] .
Lear. Let me ask you one word in private.
Kent. Importune [33] him once more to go, my lord. His wits begin t' unsettle.
Glou. Canst thou blame him? Storm continues. His daughtcrs seek his death. Ah, that good Kent, He said it would be thus, poor banish'd man! Thou say'st the king grows mad: I'll tell thee, friend, I am almost mad myself. I had a son, Now outlaw'd from my blood. He sought my life But lately, very late. I lov'd him, friend, No father his son dearer. True to tell thee, The grief hath craz'd my wits. What a night's this!I do beseech your Grace—
Lear. O cry you mercy, sir. Noble philosopher, your company.
Edg. Tom's a-cold.
Glou. In, fellow, there, into th' hovel; keep thee warm.
Lear. Come, let's in all.
Kent. This way, my lord.
Lear. With him;I will keep still with my philosopher.
Kent. Good my lord, soothe [34] him; let him take the fellow.
Glou. Take him you on.
Kent. Sirrah, come on; go along with us.
Lear. Come, good Athenian.
Glou. No words, no words; hush!
Edg. Child Rowland to the dark tower came;His word was still Fie, foh, and rum! I smell the blood of a British man. Exeunt.
[1] contentious [kənˈtenʃəs] a. 好争论的
[2] malady [ˈmælədi] n． 疾病；弊病
[3] shun [ʃʌn] v． 避开，躲避
[4] filial [ˈfiljəl] a． 子女的
[5] ponder [ˈpɔndə] v． 默想，深思
[6] pomp [pɔmp] n． 华丽，浮华
[7] superflux [ˈsju:pəflʌks] n. 过剩的量；溢出
[8] fathom [ˈfæðəm] n． 英寻（英制水深单位）
[9] bog [bɔɡ] n． 沼泽
[10] quagmire [ˈkwæɡmaiə] n. 泥潭
[11] pew [pju:] n． 长凳
[12] ratsbane [ˈrætsbein] n． 灭鼠药
[13] porridge [ˈpɔridʒ] n． 粥
[14] vex [veks] v． 烦恼
[15] pendulous [ˈpendjuləs] a. 悬垂的
[16] contriving [kənˈtraiving] n. 谋划
[17] paramour [ˈpærəmuə] n． 情人
[18] sloth [slɔθ] n． 懒惰，懈怠
[19] placket [ˈplækit] n. 〈古〉衬裙
[20] curfew [ˈkə:fju:] n． 宵禁
[21] squint [skwint] v． 眯眼看
[22] harelip [heəˈlɪp] n． 唇裂
[23] mildew [ˈmildju:] v. （使）发霉
[24] thrice[θrais] ad． 三次
[25] troth [trɔθ] n． 誓言
[26] aroint[əˈrɔint] int． 走开
[27] toad [təud] n． 蟾蜍
[28] todpole [tɔdpəul] n． 蝌蚪
[29] wall-newt [wɔːlju:t] n． 壁虎
[30] sallet [ˈsælit] n． 盔甲
[31] tithing [ˈtaiðiŋ] n． 十户区（英国部分地区行政单位）
[32] vermin [ˈvə:min] n． 害虫
[33] importune [imˈpɔ:tju:n] v. 纠缠；强求
[34] soothe [su:ð] v. 〈古〉 迎合
李尔、肯特及弄人上。
肯特 就是这地方，陛下，进去吧。在这样毫无掩庇的黑夜里，像这样的狂风暴雨，谁也受不了的。（ 暴风雨继续不止 ）
李尔 不要缠着我。
肯特 陛下，进去吧。
李尔 你要碎裂我的心吗？
肯特 我宁愿碎裂我自己的心。陛下，进去吧。
李尔 你以为让这样的狂风暴雨侵袭我们的肌肤，是一件了不得的苦事；在你看来是这样的；可是一个人要是身染重病，他就不会感觉到小小的痛楚。你见了一头熊就要转身逃走；可是假如你的背后是汹涌的大海，你就只好硬着头皮向那头熊迎面走去了。当我们心绪宁静的时候，我们的肉体才是敏感的；我的心灵中的暴风雨已经取去我一切其他的感觉，只剩下心头的热血在那儿搏动。儿女的忘恩！这不就像这一只手把食物送进这一张嘴里，这一张嘴却把这一只手咬了下来吗？可是我要重重惩罚她们。不，我不愿再哭泣了。在这样的夜里，把我关在门外！尽管倒下来吧，什么大雨我都可以忍受。在这样的一个夜里！啊，里甘，戈纳瑞！你们年老仁慈的父亲一片诚心，把一切都给了你们——啊！那样想下去是要发疯的；我不要想起那些；别再提起那些话了。
肯特 陛下，进去吧。
李尔 你要舒服，你自己进去吧。这暴风雨不肯让我仔细思想种种的事情；那些事情我越想下去，越会增加我的痛苦。可是我要进去。（ 向弄人 ）进去，孩子，你先走。你这无家可归的人——你进去吧。我要祈祷，然后我要睡一会儿。（ 弄人入内 ）衣不蔽体的不幸的人们，无论你们在什么地方忍受着这样无情的暴风雨的袭击，你们的头上没有片瓦遮身，你们的腹中饥肠雷动，你们的衣服千疮百孔，怎么抵挡得了这样的气候呢？啊！我一向太没有想到这种事情了。安享荣华的人们啊，睁开你们的眼睛来，到外面来体会一个穷人所忍受的苦，分一些你们享用不了的福泽给他们，让上天知道你们不是全无心肝的人吧！
埃德加 （ 在内 ）九英尺深！九英尺深！可怜的汤姆！（ 弄人自屋内奔出 ）
弄人 老伯伯，不要进去；里面有一个鬼，救命！救命！
肯特 让我搀着你，谁在里边？
弄人 一个鬼，一个鬼；他说他的名字叫作可怜的汤姆。
肯特 你是什么人，在这茅屋里大呼小叫的？出来。
埃德加乔装疯人上。
埃德加 走开！恶魔跟在我的背后！风儿吹过山楂林。哼！到你冷冰冰的床上暖一暖你的身体吧。
李尔 你把你所有的一切都给了你的两个女儿，所以才到今天这地步吗？
埃德加 谁把什么东西给可怜的汤姆？恶魔带着他穿过大火，穿过烈焰，穿过水道和旋涡，穿过沼地和泥泞；把刀子放在他的枕头底下，把绳子放在他的凳子底下，把毒药放在他的粥里；使他心中骄傲，骑了一匹栗色的奔马，从四英寸阔的桥梁上过去，把他自己的影子当作了个叛徒，紧紧追逐不舍。祝福你的五种才智！汤姆冷着呢。啊！哆啼哆啼哆啼。愿旋风不吹你，星星不把毒箭射你，瘟疫不到你身上！做做好事，救救那给恶魔害得好苦的可怜的汤姆吧！他现在就在那儿，在那儿，又到那儿去了，在那儿。（ 暴风雨继续不止 ）
李尔 什么！他的女儿害得他变成这个样子吗？你不能留下一些什么来吗？你一起都给了她们了吗？
弄人 不，他还留着一方毡毯，否则我们大家都要不好意思了。
李尔 愿那弥漫在天空之中的惩罚恶人的瘟疫一起降临在你的女儿身上！
肯特 陛下，他没有女儿哩。
李尔 该死的奸贼！他没有不孝的女儿，怎么会流落到这等不堪的地步？难道被弃的父亲，都是这样一点不爱惜他们自己的身体的吗？适当的处罚！谁叫他们的身体产下那些枭獍般的女儿来？
埃德加 “小雄鸡坐在高墩上”，呵哕，呵哕，哕，哕！
弄人 这一个寒冷的夜晚将要使我们大家变成傻瓜和疯子。
埃德加 当心恶魔。孝顺你的爷娘；说过的话不要反悔，不要赌咒；不要奸淫有夫之妇；不要把你的情人打扮得太漂亮。汤姆冷着呢。
李尔 你本来是干什么的？
埃德加 一个心性高傲的仆人，头发卷得曲曲的，帽子上佩着情人的手套，惯会讨妇女的欢心，干些不可告人的勾当；开口发誓，闭口赌咒，当着上天的面前把它们一个个毁弃；睡梦里都在转奸淫的念头，一醒来便把它实行。我贪酒，我爱赌，我比土耳其人更好色；一颗奸诈的心，一对轻信的耳朵，一双不怕血腥气的手；猪一般懒惰，狐狸一般狡诡，狼一般贪狠，狗一般疯狂，狮子一般凶恶。不要让女人的脚步声和窸窸窣窣的绸衣裳和声音摄去了你的魂魄；不要把你的脚踏进窑子里去；不要把你的手伸进裙子里去；不要把你的笔碰到放债人的账簿上；抵抗恶魔的引诱吧。“冷风还是打山楂树里吹过去”；听它怎么说，吁——吁——呜——呜——哈——哈——。海豚我的孩子，我的孩子，叱咤！让他奔过去。（ 暴风雨继续不止 ）
李尔 唉，你这样赤身裸体，受风雨的吹淋，还是死了的好。难道人不过是这样一个东西吗？想一想吧，你也不向蚕身上借一根丝，也不向野兽身上借一张皮，也不向羊身上借一片毛，也不向麝猫身上借一块香料。吓！我们这三个人都已经失掉了本来的面目，只有你才保全着天赋的原形；人类在蒙昧的时代，不过是像你这样的一个寒碜的赤裸的两脚动物。脱下来，脱下来，你们这些身外之物！来，松开你的纽扣。（ 扯去衣服 ）
弄人 老伯伯，请你安静点儿；这样危险的夜里是不能游泳的。旷野里一点小小的火光，正像一个好色的老头儿的心，只有这么一星星的热，他的全身都是冰冷的。瞧！一团火走来了。
格洛斯特持火炬上。
埃德加 这就是那个叫作“弗力勃铁捷贝特”的恶魔；他在黄昏的时候出现，一直到第一声鸡啼方才隐去；他叫人眼睛里长白膜，刺痛得睁不开来；他叫人嘴唇上起裂缝；他还会叫面粉发霉，寻穷人们的晦气。
圣维都尔 [1] 三次经过山冈，
遇见魇魔和她九个儿郎；
他说妖精快下马 [2] ，
发过誓儿放你逃；
去你的，妖精，去你的！
肯特 陛下，您怎么啦？
李尔 他是谁？
肯特 那儿什么人？你找谁？
格洛斯特 你们是些什么人？你们叫什么名字？
埃德加 可怜的汤姆，他吃的是泅水的青蛙，蛤蟆，蝌蚪，壁虎和水蜥；恶魔在他心里捣乱的时候，他发起狂来，就会把牛粪当作一盆美味的生菜；他吞的是老鼠和死狗，喝的是一潭死水上面绿色的浮渣；他到处给人家鞭打，锁在枷里，关在牢里；他从前有三身外衣、六件衬衫，跨着一匹马，带着一口剑；
可是在这整整七年的时光，
耗子是汤姆唯一的食粮。
留心那跟在我背后的鬼。不要闹，史墨金！不要闹，你这恶魔！
格洛斯特 什么！陛下竟会跟这种人做起伴来了吗？
埃德加 地狱里的魔王是一个绅士；他的名字叫作摩陀，又叫作玛呼。
格洛斯特 陛下，我们亲生的骨肉都变得那样坏，把自己生身之人当作了仇敌。
埃德加 可怜的汤姆冷着呢。
格洛斯特 跟我回去吧。我的良心不允许我全然服从您的女儿的无情的命令；虽然他们叫我关上了门，把您丢下在这狂暴的黑夜之中，可是我还是大胆出来找您，把您带到有火炉有食物的地方去。
李尔 让我先跟这位哲学家谈谈。天上打雷是什么缘故？
肯特 陛下，接受他的好意；跟他回去吧。
李尔 我还要跟这位学者说一句话。您研究的是哪一门学问？
埃德加 抵御恶魔的战略和消灭毒虫的方法。
李尔 让我私下里问您一句话。
肯特 大人，请您再催催他吧；他的神经有点儿错乱起来了。
格洛斯特 你能怪他吗？（ 暴风雨继续不止 ）他的女儿要他死哩。唉！那善良的肯特，他早就说过会有这么一天的，可怜的被放逐的人！你说王上要疯了；告诉你吧，朋友，我自己也差不多疯了。我有一个儿子，现在我已经跟他断绝关系了；他要谋害我的生命，这还是最近的事；我爱他，朋友，没有一个父亲比我更爱他的儿子；不瞒你说，（ 暴风雨继续不止 ）我的头脑都气昏了。这是一个什么晚上！陛下，求求您——
李尔 啊！请您原谅，先生。高贵的哲学家，请了。
埃德加 汤姆冷着呢。
格洛斯特 进去，家伙，到这茅屋里去暖一暖吧。
李尔 来，我们大家进去。
肯特 陛下，这边走。
李尔 带着他；我要跟我这位哲学家在一起。
肯特 大人，顺顺他的意思吧；让他把这家伙带去。
格洛斯特 您带着他来吧。
肯特 小子，来，跟我们一块儿去。
李尔 来，好雅典人 [3] 。
格洛斯特 嘘！不要说话，不要说话。
埃德加 罗兰骑士 [4] 来到黑暗的古堡前，他一遍又一遍地说：“呸，嘿，哼！我闻到了一股英格兰人的血腥味。” （同下）
[1] 圣维都尔，安眠的保护神。
[2] 据说魇魔作祟，骑在熟睡者的胸口，下文“发过誓儿”即要魇魔赌咒不再骑在人身上。
[3] 李尔王把埃德加比作古希腊哲学家。
[4] 罗兰骑士，欧洲中世纪骑士文学中的著名英雄。
Enter Cornwall and Edmund.
Corn. I will have my revenge ere I depart his house.
Edm. How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature thus gives way to loyalty, something fears me to think of.
Corn. I now perceive it was not altogether your brother's evil disposition made him seek his death; but a provoking merit, set a-work by a reproveable [1] badness in himself.
Edm. How malicious is my fortune that I must repent to be just! This is the letter he spoke of, which approves him an intelligent party to the advantages of France. O heavens! That this treason were not or not I the detector!
Corn. Go with me to the Duchess.
Edm. If the matter of this paper be certain, you have mighty business in hand.
Corn. True or false, it hath made thee Earl of Gloucester. Seek out where thy father is, that he may be ready for our apprehension.
Edm. [ Aside ]If I find him comforting the king,it will stuff his suspicion more fully. I will persevere [2] in my course of loyalty, though the conflict be sore between that and my blood.
Corn. I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find a dearer father in my love. Exeunt.
[1] reproveable [riˈpru:vəbl] a. 应该被谴责的
[2] persever [pə:siˈviə] v. （persevere的另一种形式）坚持
康沃尔及埃德蒙上。
康沃尔 我在离开他的屋子以前，一定要把他惩治一下。
埃德蒙 殿下，我为了尽忠的缘故，不顾父子之情，一想到人家不知将要怎样批评我，心里很有点儿惴惴不安哩。
康沃尔 我现在才知道你的哥哥想要谋害他的生命，并不完全出于恶意；多半是他自己咎有应得，才会引起他的杀心的。
埃德蒙 我的命运多么颠倒，虽然做了正义的事情，却必须抱恨终身！这就是他说起的那封信，它可以证实他私通法国的罪状。天啊！为什么他要干这种叛逆的行为，为什么偏偏又在我手里发觉了呢？
康沃尔 跟我见公爵夫人去。
埃德蒙 这信上所说的事情倘然属实，那您就要有一番重大的行动了。
康沃尔 不管它是真是假，它已经使你成为格洛斯特伯爵了。你去找找你的父亲在什么地方，让我们可以把他逮捕起来。
埃德蒙 （ 旁白 ）要是我看见他正在援助那老王，他的嫌疑就格外加重了。——虽然忠心和孝道在我的灵魂里发生剧烈的争战，可是大义所在，只好把私恩抛弃不顾。
康沃尔 我完全信任你；你在我的恩宠之中，将要得到一个更慈爱的父亲。（ 各下 ）
Enter Gloucester, Lear, Kent, Fool and Edgar.
Glou. Here is better than the open air; take it thankfully. I will piece out the comfort with what addition I can. I will not be long from you.
Kent. All the power of his wits have given way to his impatience. The gods reward your kindness! Exit Gloucester.
Edg. Frateretto calls me, and tells me Nero is an angler [1] in the lake of dark-ness. Pray, innocent, and beware the foul fiend.
Fool. Prithee, nuncle, tell me whether a madman be a gentleman or a yeoman [2] .
Lear. A king, a king!
Fool. No, he's a yeoman that has a gentleman to his son; for he's a mad yeoman that sees his son a gentleman before him.
Lear. To have a thousand with red burning spits Come hizzing in upon 'em!
Edg. The foul fiend bites my back.
Fool. He's mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, a horse's health, a boy's love, or a whore's oath.
Lear. It shall be done; I will arraign [3] them straight. [ To Edgar ]Come,sit thou here,most learned justicer.[ To the Fool ]Thou, sapient [4] sir,sit here.Now,you she-foxes!
Edg. Look, where he stands and glares! Want'st thou eyes at trial, madam? Come o'er the bourn [5] , Bessy, to me.
Fool. Her boat hath a leak,
And she must not speak
Why she dares not come over to thee.
Edg. The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of a nightingale. Hoppedance cries in Tom's belly for two white herring [6] . Croak [7] not, black angel; I have no food for thee.
Kent. How do you, sir? Stand you not so amaz'd. Will you lie down and rest upon the cushions [8] ?
Lear. I'll see their trial first. Bring in their evidence. [ To Edgar ]Thou,robed man of justice,take thy place. [ To the Fool ]And thou,his yokefellow of equity, Bench by his side.[ To Kent ]You are o'th'commission, Sit you too.
Edg. Let us deal justly.
Sleepest or wakest thou, jolly shepherd?
Thy sheep be in the corn;
And for one blast of thy minikin mouth
Thy sheep shall take no harm.
Purr the cat is gray.
Lear. Arraign her first. 'Tis Goneril. I here take my oath before this honourable assembly, she kicked the poor king her father.
Fool. Come hither, mistress. Is your name Goneril?
Lear. She cannot deny it.
Fool. Cry you mercy, I took you for a joint-stool.
Lear. And here's another, whose warp'd looks proclaim What store her heart is made on. Stop her there!Arms, arms, sword, fire! Corruption in the place! False justicer, why hast thou let her scape?
Edg. Bless thy five wits!
Kent. O pity! Sir, where is the patience now That you so oft have boasted to retain?
Edg. [ Aside ]My tears begin to take his part so much They'll mar my counterfeiting.
Lear. The little dogs and all, Tray, Blanch and Sweetheart, see, they bark at me.
Edg. Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt [9] , you curs! Be thy mouth or black or white, Tooth that poisons if it bite;Mastiff , greyhound, mongrel grim, Hound or spaniel [10] , brach or him, Bobtail tyke [11] or trundle-tall, Tom will make them weep and wail [12] ;For, with throwing thus my head, Dogs leap the hatch, and all are fled. Do de, de, de. Cessez! Come, march to wakes and fairs and market towns. Poor Tom, thy horn is dry.
Lear. Then let them anatomize [13] Regan. See what breeds about her heart. Is there any cause in nature that makes these hard hearts? [ To Edgar ] You, sir, I entertain you for one of my hundred; only I do not like the fashion of your garments. You'll say they are Persian attire; but let them be chang'd.
Kent. Now good my lord, lie here and rest awhile.
Lear. Make no noise, make no noise; draw the curtains.So, so, so. We'll go to supper i' th' morning.
Fool. And I'll go to bed at noon. Enter Gloucester.
Glou. Come hither, friend. Where is the king my master?
Kent. Here, sir; but trouble him not; his wits are gone.
Glou. Good friend, I prithee take him in thy arms. I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him. There is a litter ready; lay him in't And drive towards Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master. If thou shouldst dally [14] half an hour, his life, With thine, and all that off er to defend him, Stand in assured loss. Take up, take up And follow me, that will to some provision Give thee quick conduct.
Kent. Oppressed nature sleeps. This rest might yet have balm'd thy broken senses, Which, if convenience will not allow, Stand in hard cure.[ To the Fool ]Come,help to bear thy master. Thou must not stay behind.
Glou. Come, come, away! Exeunt all but Edgar.
Edg. When we our betters see bearing our woes,
We scarcely think our miseries our foes.
Who alone suff ers suff ers most i' th' mind,
Leaving free things and happy shows behind;
But then the mind much suff erance doth o'erskip
When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship.
How light and portable my pain seems now,
When that which makes me bend makes the king bow,
He childed as I fathered! Tom, away!
Mark the high noises, and thyself bewray
When false opinion, whose wrong thought defiles [15] thee,
In thy just proof repeals [16] and reconciles [17] thee.
What will hap more to-night, safe scape the king! Lurk [18] , lurk. Exit.
[1] angler [ˈæŋɡlə] n． 垂钓者
[2] yeoman [ˈjəumən] n． 自耕农；平民
[3] arraign [əˈrein] v． 控诉
[4] sapient [ˈseipiənt] a． 睿智的
[5] bourn [buən] n． 溪流
[6] herring [ˈheriŋ] n． 鲱鱼
[7] croak [krəuk] v． 呱呱地叫
[8] cushion [ˈkuʃn] n． 垫子
[9] avaunt[əˈvɔ:nt] int． 滚，走开
[10] spaniel [ˈspænjəl] n． 西班牙猎犬
[11] tyke [taik] n． 劣等狗
[12] wail [weil] v． 哀号
[13] anatomize [əˈnætəmaiz] v. 解剖
[14] dally [ˈdæli] v． 消磨时光；闲荡
[15] defile [diˈfail] v． 使污秽；亵渎
[16] repeal [riˈpi:l] v． 撤销；废止
[17] reconcile [ˈrekənsail] v． 使和解；调停
[18] lurk [lə:k] v． 潜伏；躲藏
格洛斯特、李尔、肯特、弄人及埃德加上。
格洛斯特 这儿比露天好一点，不要嫌它寒碜，将就住下来吧。我再去找找有些什么吃的用的东西；我去去就来。
肯特 他的智力已经在他的盛怒之中完全消失了。神明报答您的好心！（ 格洛斯特下 ）
埃德加 弗拉特累多多在叫我，他告诉我尼禄王在冥湖里钓鱼。喂，傻瓜，你要留心恶魔啊。
弄人 老伯伯，告诉我，一个疯子是绅士呢，还是平民？
李尔 是个国王，是个国王！
弄人 不，他是一个儿子做了绅士的平民。他这个平民真是疯了，捐钱让儿子先做了绅士。
李尔 一千条血红的火舌吱啦吱啦卷到她们的身上——
埃德加 恶魔在咬我的背。
弄人 谁要是相信豺狼的驯良，马儿的健康，孩子的爱情，或是娼妓的盟誓的，他就是个疯子。
李尔 一定要办她们一办，我现在就要控诉她们。（ 向埃德加 ）来，最有学问的法官，你坐在这儿；（ 向 弄人 ）你，贤明的官长，坐在这儿。——来，你们这两头雌狐！
埃德加 瞧，他站在那儿，眼睛睁得大大的！太太，你在审判的时候，要不要有人瞧着你？渡过河来会我，贝茜——
弄人 她的小船儿漏了，
她不能让你知道
为什么她不敢见你。
埃德加 恶魔借着夜莺的喉咙，向可怜的汤姆作祟了。霍普丹斯在汤姆的肚子里嚷着要两条新鲜的鲱鱼。别吵，魔鬼；我没有东西给你吃。
肯特 陛下，您怎么啦！不要这样呆呆地站着。您愿意躺下来，在这褥垫上面休息休息吗？
李尔 我要先看她们受了审判再说。把她们的罪证带上来。（ 向埃德加 ）你这披着法衣的审判官，请坐；（ 向弄人 ）你，他的执法的同僚，坐在他的旁边。（ 向肯特 ）你是陪审官，你也坐下。
埃德加 让我们秉公裁判。
你睡着还是醒着，牧羊人？
你的羊儿在田里跑；
你只要吹一下你的小嘴唇，
羊儿就不伤一根毛。
呼噜呼噜；这是一只灰色的猫儿。
李尔 先控诉她；她是戈纳瑞。我当着尊严的堂上起誓，她曾经踢她的可怜的父王。
弄人 过来，奶奶。你的名字叫戈纳瑞吗？
李尔 她不能抵赖。
弄人 对不起，我还以为您是一张折凳哩。
李尔 这儿还有一个，你们瞧她满脸的横肉，就可以知道她的心肠是怎么样的。拦住她！举起你们的兵器，拔出你们的剑，点起火把来！营私舞弊的法庭！枉法的贪官，你为什么放她逃走？
埃德加 上天保佑你的神志吧！
肯特 哎哟！陛下，您不是常常说您没有失去忍耐吗？现在您的忍耐呢？
埃德加 （ 旁白 ）我的滚滚的热泪忍不住为他流下，怕要给他们瞧破我的假装了。
李尔 这些小狗，脱雷，勃尔趋，史威塔，瞧，它们都在向我狂吠。
埃德加 让汤姆掉过脸来把它们轰走。滚开，你们这些恶狗！
黑嘴巴，白嘴巴，
疯狗咬人磨毒牙，
猛犬猎犬杂种犬，
叭儿小犬团团转，
青屁股，鬈尾毛，
汤姆一直也不饶；
只要我掉过脸来，
大狗小狗逃得快。
哆啼哆啼。叱咤！来，我们赶庙会，上市集去，可怜的汤姆，你的牛角里干得挤不出一滴水来啦 [1] 。
李尔 叫他们剖开里甘的身体来，看看她心里有些什么东西。究竟为了什么天然的原因，她们的心才会变得这样硬？（ 向埃德加 ）我把你收留下来，叫你做我一百名侍卫中间的一个，只是我不喜欢你的衣服的式样；你也许要对我说，这是最漂亮的波斯装；可是我看还是请你换一换吧。
肯特 陛下，您还是躺下来休息休息吧。
李尔 不要吵，不要吵；放下帐子，好，好，好。我们到早上再去吃晚饭吧；好，好，好。
弄人 我一到中午可要睡觉哩。
格洛斯特重上。
格洛斯特 过来，朋友；王上呢？
肯特 在这儿，大人；可是不要打扰他，他的神经已经错乱了。
格洛斯特 好朋友，请你把他抱起来。我已经听到了一个谋害他生命的阴谋。马车套好在外边，你快把他放进去，驾着它到多佛，那边有人会欢迎你，并且会保障你的安全。抱起你的主人来；要是你耽误了半点钟的时间，他的性命、你的性命以及一切出力救护他的人的性命，都要保不住了。抱起来，抱起来；跟我来，让我设法把你们赶快送到一处可以安身的地方。
肯特 受尽折磨的身心，现在安然入睡了；安息也许可以镇定他的破碎的神经，但愿上天行个方便，不要让它破碎得不可收拾才好。（ 向弄人 ）来，帮我抬起你的主人来；你也不能留在这儿。
格洛斯特 来，来，去吧。（ 除埃德加外，肯特、格洛斯特及弄人舁李尔下 ）
埃德加 做君王的不免如此下场，
使我忘却了自己的忧伤。
最大的不幸是独抱牢愁，
任何的欢娱兜不上心头；
倘有了同病相怜的侣伴，
天大痛苦也会解去一半。
国王有的是不孝的逆女，
我自己遭逢无情的严父，
他与我两个人一般遭际！
去吧，汤姆，忍住你的怨气，
你现在蒙着无辜的污名，
总有日回复你清白之身。
不管今夜里还会发生些什么事情，王上总是安然脱险了。我还是躲起来吧。 （下）
[1] 当时疯叫花行乞，用挂于颈间的大牛角盛乞得的剩菜残羹。
Enter Cornwall, Regan, Goneril, Edmund the Bastard, and Servants.
Corn. [ To Goneril ]Post speedily to my lord your husband,show him this let-ter. The army of France is landed. Seek out the traitor Gloucester. Exeunt some of the Servants.
Reg. Hang him instantly.
Gon. Pluck out his eyes.
Corn. Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep you our sister company. The revenges we are bound to take upon your traitorous father are not fit for your beholding. Advise the Duke, where you are going, to a most festinate [1] preparation. We are bound to the like. Our posts shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us. Farewell, dear sister; farewell, my lord of Gloucester. Enter Oswald the Steward.
How now? Where's the king?
Osw. My lord of Gloucester hath convey'd him hence. Some five or six and thirty of his knights, Hot questrists [2] after him, met him at gate;Who, with some other of the Lord's dependants, Are gone with him towards Dover, where they boast
To have well-armed friends.
Corn. Get horses for your mistress.
Gon. Farewell, sweet Lord, and sister.
Corn. Edmund, farewell. Exeunt Goneril, Edmund and Oswald. Go seek the traitor Gloucester, Pinion [3] him like a thief, bring him before us. Exeunt other Servants. Though well we may not pass upon his life Without the form of justice, yet our power Shall do a court'sy to our wrath, which men May blame, but not control. Enter Gloucester, brought ill by two or three. Who's there? the traitor?
Reg. Ingrateful fox! 'Tis he.
Corn. Bind fast his corky [4] arms.
Glou. What mean, your Graces? Good my friends, consider You are my guests. Do me no foul play, friends.
Corn. Bind him, I say. Servants bind him.
Reg. Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!
Glou. Unmerciful lady as you are, I am none.
Corn. To this chair bind him. Villain, thou shalt find— Regan plucks his beard.
Glou. By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done To pluck me by the beard.
Reg. So white, and such a traitor?
Glou. Naughty lady, These hairs which thou dost ravish [5] from my chin Will quicken, and accuse thee. I am your host.With robber's hands my hospitable favours You should not ruffle thus. What will you do?
Corn. Come, sir, what letters had you late from France?
Reg. Be simple-answer'd, for we know the truth.
Corn. And what confederacy [6] have you with the traitors Late footed in the kingdom?
Reg. To whose hands have you sent the lunatic king? Speak.
Glou. I have a letter guessingly set down, Which came from one that's of a neutral heart, And not from one oppos'd.
Corn. Cunning.
Reg. And false.
Corn. Where hast thou sent the king?
Glou. To Dover.
Reg. Wherefore to Dover? Wast thou not charg'd at peril [7] —
Corn. Wherefore to Dover? Let him first answer that.
Glou. I am tied to th' stake, and I must stand the course.
Reg. Wherefore to Dover, sir?
Glou. Because I would not see thy cruel nails Pluck out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister In his anointed [8] flesh stick boarish fangs [9] . The sea, with such a storm as his bare head In hell-black night endur'd, would have buoy'd [10] up, And quench'd [11] the steeled fires. Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain. If wolves had at thy gate howl'd that stern [12] time, Thou shouldst have said, ‘Good porter, turn the key.' All cruels else subscrib'd. But I shall see The winged vengeance overtake such children.
Corn. See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair. Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot.
Glou. He that will think to live till he be old, Give me some help! O cruel! O, you gods!
Reg. One side will mock another. Th' other too!
Corn. If you see vengeance—
1st. Serv. Hold your hand, my lord! I have serv'd you ever since I was a child;But better service have I never done you Than now to bid you hold.
Reg. How now, you dog?
1st. Serv. If you did wear a beard upon your chin, I'ld shake it on this quarrel.
Reg. What do you mean?
Corn. My villain? Cornwall and Servant draw their swords.
1st. Serv. Nay, then, come on, and take the chance of anger.
Reg. Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus? She takes a sword and runs at him behind.
1st. Serv. O, I am slain [13] ! My lord, you have one eye left To see some mischief on him. O! He dies.
Corn. Lest it see more, prevent it. Out, vile jelly! Where is thy lustre [14] now?
Glou. All dark and comfortless! Where's my son Edmund? Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature To quit this horrid [15] act.
Reg. Out, treacherous villain:Thou call'st on him that hates thee. It was he That made the overture [16] of thy treasons to us;Who is too good to pity thee.
Glou. O my follies! Then Edgar was abus'd. Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him!
Reg. Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell His way to Dover. Servant leads Gloucester away. How is 't, my lord? How look you?
Corn. I have receiv'd a hurt. Follow me, lady. Turn out that eyeless villain. Throw this slave Upon the dunghill. Regan, I bleed apace. Untimely comes this hurt. Give me your arm. Exit Cornwall, led by Regan.
2st. Serv. I'II never care what wickedness I do, If this man come to good.
3st. Serv. If she live long, And in the end meet the old course of death, Women will all turn monsters.
2st. Serv. Let's follow the old Earl, and get the bedlam [17] To lead him where he would. His roguish [18] madness Allows itself to anything.
3st. Serv. Go thou. I'll fetch some flax [19] and whites of eggs To apply to his bleeding face. Now heaven help him! Exeunt.
[1] festinate [ˈfestəˌneit] a． 仓促的，匆忙的
[2] questrist [kwestrist] n． 追随者
[3] pinion [ˈpinjən] v． 绑住
[4] corky [ˈkɔ:ki] a． 软木似的
[5] ravish [ˈræviʃ] v． 抢去，夺去
[6] confederacy [kənˈfedərəsi] n． 私党；密谋
[7] peril [ˈperil] n． 危险；冒险
[8] anointed [əˈnɔintid] a． 涂了圣油的
[9] fang [fæŋ] n． 尖牙
[10] buoy [bɔi; ˈbu:i] v． 使浮起
[11] quench [kwentʃ] v． 扑灭，熄灭
[12] stern [stə:n] a． 严肃的，严峻的
[13] slain [slein] v. （slay的过去分词）杀死
[14] lustre [ˈlʌstə] n． 光辉，光彩
[15] horrid [ˈhɔrid] a． 可怕的，恐怖的
[16] overture [ˈəuvəˌtjuə] n． 前奏；开端
[17] bedlam [ˈbedləm] n. 〈古〉疯子
[18] roguish [ˈrəuɡiʃ] a． 流氓的，无赖的
[19] flax [flæks] n． 亚麻
康沃尔、里甘、戈纳瑞、埃德蒙及众仆上。
康沃尔 夫人，请您赶快到尊夫的地方去，把这封信交给他；法国军队已经登陆了。——来人，替我去搜寻那反贼格洛斯特的踪迹。（ 若干仆人下 ）
里甘 把他捉到了立刻吊死。
戈纳瑞 把他的眼珠挖出来。
康沃尔 我自有处置他的办法。埃德蒙，我们不应该让你看见你的谋叛的父亲受到怎样的刑罚，所以请你现在护送我们的姐姐回去，替我向奥尔巴尼公爵致意，叫他赶快准备；我们这儿也要采取同样的行动。我们两地之间，必须随时用飞骑传报消息。再会，亲爱的姐姐，再会，格洛斯特伯爵。
奥斯维德上。
康沃尔 怎么啦？那国王呢？
奥斯维德 格洛斯特伯爵已经把他载送出去了；有三十五六个追寻他的武士在城门口和他会合，还有几个伯爵手下的人也在一起，一同向多佛进发，据说那边有他们武装的友人在等候他们。
康沃尔 替你家夫人备马。
戈纳瑞 再会，殿下，再会，妹妹。
康沃尔 再会，埃德蒙。（ 戈纳瑞、埃德蒙及奥斯维德下 ）再去几个人把那反贼格洛斯特捉来，像偷儿一样把他绑来见我。（ 若干仆人下 ）虽然没有经过正式的审判手续以前，我们不能就把他判处死刑，可是为了发泄我们的愤怒，却只好不顾人们的指摘，凭着我们的权力独断独行了。那边是什么人？是那反贼吗？
众仆押格洛斯特重上。
里甘 没有良心的狐狸！正是他。
康沃尔 把他枯瘪的手臂牢牢绑起来。
格洛斯特 两位殿下，这是什么意思？我的好朋友们，你们是我的客人；不要用这种无礼的手段对待我。
康沃尔 捆住他。（ 众仆绑格洛斯特 ）
里甘 绑紧些，绑紧些。啊，可恶的反贼！
格洛斯特 你是一个没有心肝的女人，我却不是反贼。
康沃尔 把他绑在这张椅子上。奸贼，我要让你知道——（ 里甘扯格洛斯特须 ）
格洛斯特 天神在上，这还成什么话，你扯起我的胡子来啦！
里甘 胡子这么白，想不到却是一个反贼！
格洛斯特 恶妇，你从我的腮上拉下这些胡子来，它们将要像活人一样控诉你的罪恶。我是这里的主人，你不该用你强盗的手，这样报答我的好客的殷勤。你究竟要怎么样？
康沃尔 说，你最近从法国得到什么书信？
里甘 老实说出来，我们已经什么都知道了。
康沃尔 你跟那些最近踏到我们国境来的叛徒们有些什么来往？
里甘 你把那发疯的老王送到什么人手里去了，说。
格洛斯特 我只收到过一封信，里面不过是些猜测之谈，寄信的是一个没有偏见的人，并不是一个敌人。
康沃尔 好狡猾的推托！
里甘 一派鬼话！
康沃尔 你把国王送到什么地方去了？
格洛斯特 送到多佛。
里甘 为什么送到多佛？我们不是早就警告你——
康沃尔 为什么送到多佛？让他回答这个问题。
格洛斯特 罢了，我现在身陷虎穴，只好拼着这条老命了。
里甘 为什么送到多佛？
格洛斯特 因为我不愿意看见你的凶恶的指爪挖出他的可怜的老眼；因为我不愿意看见你的残暴的姐姐用她野猪般的利齿咬进他的神圣的肉体。他的赤裸的头顶在地狱一般黑暗的夜里冲风冒雨；受到那样狂风暴雨的震荡的海水，也要把它的怒潮喷向天空，熄灭了星星的火焰；但是他，可怜的老翁，却还要把他的热泪帮助天空浇洒。要是在那样怕人的晚上，豺狼在你们门前悲鸣，你也要说，“善良的看门人，开了门放它进来吧，”而不计较它一切的罪恶。可是我总有一天会见到上天的报应降临在这种儿女的身上。
康沃尔 你再也不会见到那样一天。来，按住这椅子。我要把你这一双眼睛放在我的脚底下践踏。
格洛斯特 谁要是希望他自己平安活到老年的，帮帮我吧！啊，好惨！天啊！（ 格洛斯特一眼被挖出 ）
里甘 还有那一颗眼珠也挖出来，免得它嘲笑没有眼珠的一面。
康沃尔 要是你看见什么报应——
甲仆 住手，殿下；我从小为您效劳，但是只有我现在叫您住手这件事才算是最好的效劳。
里甘 怎么，你这狗东西！
甲仆 要是你的腮上长起了胡子，我现在也要把它扯下来。
康沃尔 混账奴才，你反了吗？（ 拔剑 ）
甲仆 好，那么来，我们拼一个你死我活。（ 拔剑，二人决斗，康沃尔受伤 ）
里甘 把你的剑给我。一个奴才也会撒野到这等地步！（ 取剑自后刺甲仆 ）
甲仆 啊！我死了。大人，您还剩着一只眼睛，看见他受到一点小小的报应。啊！（ 死 ）
康沃尔 哼，看他再瞧得见一些什么报应！出来，可恶的浆块！现在你还会发光吗？（ 格洛斯特另一眼被挖出 ）
格洛斯特 一切都是黑暗和痛苦。我的儿子埃德蒙呢？埃德蒙，燃起你天性中的怒火，替我报复这一场暗无天日的暴行吧！
里甘 哼，万恶的奸贼！你在呼唤一个憎恨你的人；你对我们反叛的阴谋，就是他出首告发的，他是一个深明大义的人，绝不会对你发一点怜悯。
格洛斯特 啊，我是个蠢材！那么埃德加是冤枉的了。仁慈的神明啊，赦免我的错误，保佑他有福吧！
里甘 把他推出门外，让他一路摸索到多佛去。（ 一仆率格洛斯特下 ）怎么，殿下？您的脸色怎么变啦？
康沃尔 我受了伤啦。跟我来，夫人。把那瞎眼的奸贼撵出去；把这奴才丢在粪堆里。里甘，我的血尽在流着；这真是无妄之灾。用你的胳臂搀着我。（ 里甘扶康沃尔同下 ）
乙仆 要是这家伙会有好收场，我什么坏事都可以去做了。
丙仆 要是他会寿终正寝，所有的女人都要变成恶鬼了。
乙仆 让我们跟在那老伯爵的后面，叫那疯丐把他领到他所要去的地方，反正那个游荡的疯子什么地方都去。
丙仆 你先去吧，我还要去拿些麻布和蛋白来，替他贴在他的流血的脸上。但愿上天保佑他！（ 各下 ）
Enter Edgar.
Edg. Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd [1] , Than still contemn'd and flatter'd. To be worst, The lowest and most dejected [2] thing of fortune, Stands still in esperance [3] , lives not in fear. The lamentable [4] change is from the best;The worst returns to laughter. Welcome then, Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace! The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst Owes nothing to thy blasts. Enter Gloucester, led by an Old Man. But who comes here? My father, poorly led! World, world, O world! But that thy strange mutations [5] make us hate thee, Life would not yield to age.
Old Man. O my good lord, I have been your tenant [6] , and your father's tenant, These fourscore years.
Glou. Away, get thee away! Good friend, be gone.Thy comforts can do me no good at all;Thee they may hurt.
Old Man. You cannot see your way.
Glou. I have no way, and therefore want no eyes;I stumbled when I saw. Full oft 'tis seen Our means secure us, and our mere defects Prove our commodities. Ah dear son Edgar, The food of thy abused father's wrath! Might I but live to see thee in my touch, I'd say I had eyes again!
Old Man. How now? Who's there?
Edg. [ Aside. ]O gods!Who is't can say‘I am at the worst'? I am worse than e'er I was.
Old Man. 'Tis poor mad Tom.
Edg. [ Aside. ]And worse I may be yet.The worst is not So long as we can say ‘This is the worst.’
Old Man. Fellow, where goest?
Glou. Is it a beggar-man?
Old Man. Madman and beggar too.
Glou. He has some reason, else he could not beg. I' th' last night's storm I such a fellow saw, Which made me think a man a worm. My son Came then into my mind, and yet my mind Was then scarce friends with him. I have heard more since. As flies to wanton [7] boys are we to th' gods. They kill us for their sport.
Edg. [ Aside. ]How should this be? Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow, Ang'ring itself and others — Bless thee, master!
Glou. Is that the naked fellow?
Old Man. Ay, my lord.
Glou. Then prithee get thee away. If for my sake Thou wilt o'ertake us hence a mile or twain [8] I' th' way toward Dover, do it for ancient love;And bring some covering for this naked soul, Who I'll entreat to lead me.
Old Man. Alack, sir, he is mad!
Glou. '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.
Old Man. I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have, Come on't what will. Exit.
Glou. Sirrah, naked fellow!
Edg. Poor Tom's a-cold.[ Aside. ]I cannot daub it further.
Glou. Come hither, fellow.
Edg. [ Aside. ]And yet I must.Bless thy sweet eyes,they bleed.
Glou. Know'st thou the way to Dover?
Edg. Both stile [9] and gate, horseway and footpath. Poor Tom hath been scar'd out of his good wits. Bless thee, good man's son, from the foul fiend! Five fiends have been in poor Tom at once: of lust, as Obidicut; Hobbididence, prince of darkness; Mahu, of stealing; Modo, of murder; Flibbertigibbet, of mopping and mowing, who since possesses chambermaids and waiting women. So, bless thee, master!
Glou . Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues Have humbled to all strokes. That I am wretched Makes thee the happier. Heavens, deal so still! Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man, That slaves your ordinance [10] , that will not see Because he does not feel, feel your pow'r quickly;So distribution should undo excess, And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover?
Edg. Ay, master.
Glou. There is a cliff , whose high and bending head Looks fearfully in the confined deep. Bring me but to the very brim [11] of it, And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear With something rich about me. From that place I shall no leading need.
Edg. Give me thy arm. Poor Tom shall lead thee. Exeunt.
[1] contemn [kənˈtem] v． 轻蔑，蔑视
[2] dejected [diˈdʒektid] a． 向下的；落魄的
[3] esperance [ˈespərəns] n. 希望
[4] lamentable [ˈlæməntəbl] a. 可悲的；哀伤的
[5] mutation [mju:ˈteiʃən] n. 变化；沉浮
[6] tenant [ˈtenənt] n． 佃户
[7] wanton [ˈwɔntən] a． 淘气的，顽皮的
[8] twain [twein] n. 〈古〉 二，两
[9] stile [stail] n． 阶梯
[10] ordinance [ˈɔ:dinəns] n． 法令，条例
[11] brim [brim] n． 边缘
埃德加上。
埃德加 与其被人在表面上恭维而背地里鄙弃，那么还是像这样自己知道为举世所不容的好。一个最困苦、最微贱、最为命运所屈辱的人，可以永远抱着希冀而无所恐惧；从最高的地位上跌下来，那变化是可悲的，对于穷困的人，命运的转机却能使他欢笑！那么欢迎你——跟我拥抱虚空的气流；被你刮得狼狈不堪的可怜虫并不亏欠的丝毫情分。可是谁来啦？
一老人率格洛斯特上。
埃德加 我的父亲，让一个穷苦的老头儿领着他吗？啊，世界，世界，世界！倘不是你的变幻无常，使我们怨恨你，哪一个人是甘愿老去的？
老人 啊，我的好老爷！我在老太爷手里就做您府上的佃户，一直做到您老爷手里，已经有八十年了。
格洛斯特 去吧，好朋友，你快去吧；你的安慰对我一点没有用处，他们也许反会害你的。
老人 您眼睛看不见，怎么走路呢？
格洛斯特 我没有路，所以不需要眼睛；当我能够看见的时候，我也会失足颠扑。我们往往因为有所自恃而失之于大意，反不如缺陷却能对我们有益。啊！埃德加好儿子，你的父亲受人之愚，错怪了你，要是我能在未死以前，摸到你的身体，我就要说，我又有了眼睛啦。
老人 啊！那边是什么人？
埃德加 （ 旁白 ）神啊！谁能够说，“我现在是最不幸的？”我现在比从前才更不幸得多啦。
老人 那是可怜的发疯的汤姆。
埃德加 （ 旁白 ）也许我还要碰到更不幸的命运；当我们能够说“这是最不幸的事”的时候，那还不是最不幸的。
老人 汉子，你到哪儿去？
格洛斯特 是一个叫花子吗？
老人 是个疯叫花子。
格洛斯特 他的理智还没有完全丧失，否则他不会向人乞讨。在昨晚的暴风雨里，我也看见这样一个家伙，他使我想起一个人不过等于一条虫；那时候我的儿子的影像就闪进了我的心里，可是当时我正在恨他，不愿想起他；后来我才听到一些其他的话。天神掌握着我们的命运，正像顽童捉到飞虫一样，为了戏弄的缘故而把我们杀害。
埃德加 （ 旁白 ）怎么会有这样的事？在一个伤心人的面前装傻，对自己、对别人，都是一件不愉快的行为。（ 向格洛斯特 ）祝福你，先生！
格洛斯特 他就是那个不穿衣服的家伙吗？
老人 正是，老爷。
格洛斯特 那么你去吧。我要请他领我到多佛去，要是你看在我的分上，愿意回去拿一点衣服来替他遮盖遮盖身体，那就再好没有了；我们不会走远，从这儿到多佛的路上，一二英里之内，你一定可以追上我们。
老人 唉，老爷！他是个疯子哩。
格洛斯特 疯子带着瞎子走路，本来是这时代的一般病态。照我的话，或者还是照你自己的意思做吧；第一件事情是请你快去。老人我要把我所有的最好的衣服拿来给他，不管它会引起怎样的后果。 （下）
格洛斯特 喂，不穿衣服的家伙——
埃德加 可怜的汤姆冷着呢。（ 旁白 ）我不能再假装下去了。
格洛斯特 过来，汉子。
埃德加 （ 旁白 ）可是我不能不假装下去。——祝福你的可爱的眼睛，它们在流血哩。
格洛斯特 你认识到多佛去的路吗？
埃德加 一处处关口城门，一条条马路人行道，我全认识。可怜的汤姆被他们吓迷了心窍；祝福你，好人的儿子，愿恶魔不来缠绕你！五个魔鬼一齐作弄着可怜的汤姆；一个是色魔奥别狄克特；一个是哑鬼霍别狄丹斯；一个是偷东西的玛呼；一个是杀人的摩陀；一个是扮鬼脸的弗力勃铁捷贝特，他后来常常附在丫头、使女的身上。好，祝福你，先生！
格洛斯特 来，你这受尽上天凌虐的人，把这钱囊拿去；我的不幸却是你的运气。天道啊。愿你常常如此！让那穷奢极欲，把你的法律当作满足他自己享受的工具，因为知觉麻木而沉迷不悟的人，赶快感到你的威力吧；从享用过度的人手里夺下一点来分给穷人，让每一个都得到他所应得的一份吧。你认识多佛吗？
埃德加 认识，先生。
格洛斯特 那边有一座悬崖，它的峭拔的绝顶俯瞰着幽深的海水；你只要领我到那悬崖的边上，我就给你一些我随身携带的贵重的东西，你拿了去可以过些舒服的日子，我也不用再烦你带路了。
埃德加 把你的胳臂给我；让可怜的汤姆领着你走。 （同下）
Enter Goneril and Edmund the Bastard.
Gon. Welcome, my lord. I marvel our mild husband Not met us on the way. Enter Oswald the Steward.
Now, where's your master?
Osw. Madam, within, but never man so chang'd. I told him of the army that was landed:He smil'd at it. I told him you were coming:His answer was, ‘The worse.' Of Gloucester's treachery And of the loyal service of his son When I inform'd him, then he call'd me sot And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out. What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;What like, off ensive.
Gon. [ To Edmund ]Then shall you go no further. It is the cowish [1] terror of his spirit, That dares not undertake. He'll not feel wrongs Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way May prove eff ects. Back, Edmund, to my brother.Hasten his musters [2] and conduct his pow'rs. I must change arms at home and give the distaf f [3] Into my husband's hands. This trusty servant Shall pass between us. Ere long you are like to hear If you dare venture in your own behalf, A mistress's command.Wear this.[ Gives a favour. ] Spare speech. Decline your head. This kiss, if it durst speak, Would stretch thy spirits up into the air. Conceive [4] , and fare thee well.
Edm. Yours in the ranks of death! Exit.
Gon. My most dear Gloucester! O, the diff erence of man and man! To thee a woman's services are due;A fool usurps [5] my bed.
Osw. Madam, here comes my lord. Exit. Enter Albany.
Gon. I have been worth the whistle.
Alb. O Goneril, You are not worth the dust which the rude wind Blows in your face! I fear your disposition. That nature which contemns it origin Cannot be bordered certain in itself. She that herself will sliver and disbranch From her material sap [6] , perforce must wither And come to deadly use.
Gon. No more! The text is foolish.
Alb. Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile;Filths savour but themselves. What have you done? Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd? A father, and a gracious aged man, Whose reverence even the head-lugg'd bear would lick, Most barbarous, most degenerate, have you madded. Could my good brother suff er you to do it? A man, a prince, by him so benefited! If that the heavens do not their visible spirits Send quickly down to tame these vile off ences, It will come, Humanity must perforce prey on itself, Like monsters of the deep.
Gon. Milk-liver'd man, That bear'st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs;Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning Thine honour from thy suff ering; that not know'st Fools do those villains pity who are punish'd Ere they have done their mischief. Where's thy drum? France spreads his banners in our noiseless land, With plumed [7] helm [8] thy state begins to threat, Whiles thou, a moral fool, sit'st still, and criest‘Alack, why does he so? ’
Alb. See thyself, devil! Proper deformity [9] seems not in the fiend So horrid as in woman.
Gon. O vain fool!
Alb. Thou changed and self-cover'd thing, for shame Be-monster not thy feature. Were't my fitness To let these hands obey my blood, They are apt enough to dislocate [10] and tear Thy flesh and bones. Howe'er thou art a fiend, A woman's shape doth shield thee.
Gon. Marry, your manhood mew! Enter a Gentleman.
Alb. What news?
Gent. O, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall's dead, Slain by his servant, going to put out The other eye of Gloucester.
Alb. Gloucester's eyes?
Gent. A servant that he bred, thrill'd with remorse [11] , Oppos'd against the act, bending his sword To his great master; who, thereat [12] enrag'd [13] , Flew on him, and amongst them fell'd him dead;But not without that harmful stroke which since Hath pluck'd him after.
Alb. This shows you are above, You justicers, that these our nether crimes So speedily can venge! But, o poor Gloucester! Lose he his other eye?
Gent. Both, both, my lord. This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer. 'Tis from your sister.
Gon. [ Aside. ]One way I like this well;But being widow, and my Gloucester with her, May all the building in my fancy pluck Upon my hateful life. Another way The news is not so tart [14] — I'll read, and answer. Exit.
Alb. Where was his son when they did take his eyes?
Gent. Come with my lady hither.
Alb. He is not here.
Gent. No, my good lord; I met him back again.
Alb. Knows he the wickedness?
Gent. Ay, my good lord. 'Twas he inform'd against him, And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment Might have the freer course.
Alb. Gloucester, I live To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the King, And to revenge thine eyes. Come hither, friend. Tell me what more thou know'st. Exeunt.
[1] cowish [ˈkauiʃ] a． 胆小的
[2] muster [ˈmʌstə] n. （军队等的）集合；聚集
[3] distaff [ˈdistɑ:f] n． 女红；女子关心的事
[4] conceive [kənˈsi:v] v． 想到，想出
[5] usurp [ju:ˈzə:p] v． 侵占
[6] sap [sæp] n． 边材；树液
[7] plumed [ˈplumd] a． 有羽毛的
[8] helm [helm] n. 〈古〉 头盔
[9] deformity [diˈfɔ:məti] n． 畸形；丑陋
[10] dislocate [ˈdisləukeit] v． 扰乱；使关节脱位
[11] remorse [riˈmɔ:s] n． 同情
[12] thereat[ðɛərˈæt] ad． 当时；在那里
[13] enrage [inˈreidʒ] v． 使发怒
[14] tart [tɑ:t] a． 酸的；刻薄的
戈纳瑞及埃德蒙上。
戈纳瑞 欢迎，伯爵；我不知道我那位和善的丈夫为什么不来迎接我们。
奥斯维德上。
戈纳瑞 主人呢？
奥斯维德 夫人，他在里边；可是已经大大变了一个人啦。我告诉他法国军队登陆的消息，他听了只是微笑；我告诉他说您来了，他的回答却是“还是不来的好”；我告诉他格洛斯特怎样谋反、他的儿子怎样尽忠的时候，他骂我蠢东西，说我颠倒是非。凡是他们所应该痛恨的事情，他听了都觉得很得意；他所应该欣慰的事情，反而使他恼怒。
戈纳瑞 （ 向埃德蒙 ）那么你止步吧。这是他怯懦畏缩的天性，使他不敢担当大事；他宁愿忍受侮辱，不肯挺身而起。我们在路上谈起的那个愿望，也许可以实现。埃德蒙，你且回到我的妹夫那儿去；催促他赶紧调齐人马，交给你统率；我这儿只好由我自己出马，把家务托付我的丈夫照管了。这个可靠的仆人可以替我们传达消息；要是你有胆量为了你自己的好处，履行你的女主人的命令，那么不久大概就会听到我的音信的。把这东西拿去带在身边；不要多说什么；（ 以饰物赠埃德蒙 ）低下你的头来：这一个吻要是能够替我说话，它会叫你的灵魂儿飞上天空的。你要明白我的心；再会吧。
埃德蒙 我愿意为您赴汤蹈火！
戈纳瑞 我的最亲爱的格洛斯特！（ 埃德蒙下 ）唉！都是男人，却有这样的不同！哪一个女人不愿意为你贡献她的一切，我却让一个傻瓜侵占了我的眠床。
奥斯维德 夫人，殿下来了。 （下）
奥尔巴尼上。
戈纳瑞 你太瞧不起人啦。
奥尔巴尼 啊，戈纳瑞！你的价值还比不上那狂风吹在你脸上的尘土。我替你这种脾气担着心事；一个人要是看轻了自己的根本，难免做出一些越限逾分的事来；树干斫伤了，枝叶也要跟着萎谢，到后来只好让人当作枯柴而付之一炬。
戈纳瑞 得啦得啦；全是些傻话。
奥尔巴尼 智慧和仁义在恶人的眼中看来都是恶的；下流的人只喜欢下流的事。你们干下了些什么事情？你们是猛虎，不是女儿，你们干了些什么事啦？这样一位父亲，这样一位仁慈的老人家，一头野熊见了他也会俯首帖耳，你们这些蛮横下贱的女儿，却把他激成了疯狂！难道我那位贤襟兄竟会让你们这样胡闹吗？他也是个堂堂汉子，一邦的君王，又受过他这样的深恩厚德！要是上天不立刻降下一些明显的灾祸来，惩罚这种万恶的行为，那么人类快要像深海的怪物一样自相吞食了。
戈纳瑞 不中用的懦夫！你让人家打肿你的脸，把侮辱加在你的头上，还以为是一件体面的事，因为你的额头上还没长着眼睛；正像那些不明是非的傻瓜，人家存心害你，幸亏发觉得早，他们在未下毒手以前就受到惩罚，你却还要可怜他们。你的鼓呢？法国的旌旗已经展开在我们安宁的国境上了，你的敌人顶着羽毛飘扬的战盔，已经开始他的威胁。你这迂腐的傻子却坐着一动不动，只会说：“唉！他为什么要这样呢？”
奥尔巴尼 瞧瞧你自己吧，魔鬼！恶魔的丑恶的嘴脸，还不及一个恶魔般的女人那样丑恶万分。
戈纳瑞 哎哟，你这没有头脑的蠢货！
奥尔巴尼 你这变化作女人的形状，掩蔽你的蛇蝎般的真相的魔鬼，不要露出你的狰狞的面目来吧！要是我可以允许这双手服从我的怒气，它们一定会把你的肉一块块撕下来，把你的骨头一根根折断，可是你虽然是一个魔鬼，你的形状却还是一个女人，我不能伤害你。
戈纳瑞 哼，这就是你的男子汉的气概。——呸！
一使者上。
奥尔巴尼 有什么消息？
使者 啊！殿下，康沃尔公爵死了；他正要挖去格洛斯特第二只眼睛的时候，他的一个仆人把他杀死了。
奥尔巴尼 格洛斯特的眼睛！
使者 他所畜养的一个仆人因为激于义愤，反对他这一种行动，就拔出剑来向他的主人行刺；他的主人也动了怒，和他奋力猛斗，结果把那仆人砍死了，可是自己也受了重伤，终于不治身亡。
奥尔巴尼 啊，天道究竟还是有的，人世的罪恶这样快就受到了诛谴！但是啊，可怜的格洛斯特！他失去了他的第二只眼睛吗？
使者 殿下，他两只眼睛全都给挖去了。夫人，这一封信是您的妹妹写来的，请您立刻给她一个回音。
戈纳瑞 （ 旁白 ）从一方面说来，这是一个好消息；可是她做了寡妇，我的格洛斯特又跟她在一起，也许我的一切美满的愿望，都要从我这可憎的生命中消失了；不然的话，这消息还不算顶坏。（ 向使者 ）我读过以后再写回信吧。 （下）
奥尔巴尼 他们挖去他的眼睛的时候，他的儿子在什么地方？
使者 他是跟夫人一起到这儿来的。
奥尔巴尼 他不在这儿。
使者 是的，殿下，我在路上碰见他回去了。
奥尔巴尼 他知道这种罪恶的事情吗？
使者 是，殿下；就是他出首告发他的，他故意离开那座屋子，为的是让他们行事方便一些。
奥尔巴尼 格洛斯特，我永远感激你对王上所表示的好意；一定替你报复你的挖目之仇。过来，朋友，详细告诉我一些你所知道的其他的消息。 （同下）
Enter Kent and a Gentleman.
Kent. Why the king of France is so suddenly gone back, know you the reason?
Gent. Something he left imperfect in the state, which since his coming forth is thought of, which imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger that his personal return was most required and necessary.
Kent. Who hath he left behind him general?
Gent. The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.
Kent. Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief?
Gent. Ay, sir. She took them, read them in my presence, And now and then an ample tear trill'd down Her delicate check. It seem'd she was a queen Over her passion, who, most rebel-like, Sought to be king o'er her.
Kent. O, then it mov'd her.
Gent. Not to a rage. Patience and sorrow strove Who should express her goodliest [1] . You have seen Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears Were like, a better way. Those happy smilets That play'd on her ripe lip seem'd not to know What guests were in her eyes, which parted thence [2] As pearls from diamonds dropp'd. In brief, Sorrow would be a rarity most belov'd, If all could so become it.
Kent. Made she no verbal question?
Gent. Faith, once or twice she heav'd the name of father Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart;Cried 'Sisters, sisters! Shame of ladies! Sisters! Kent! Father! Sisters! What, i' th' storm? i' th' night? Let pity not be believe it! ' There she shook The holy water from her heavenly eyes, And clamour moisten'd [3] . Then away she started To deal with grief alone.
Kent. It is the stars, The stars above us, govern our conditions;Else one self mate and mate could not beget Such diff erent issues. You spoke not with her since?
Gent. No.
Kent. Was this before the king return'd?
Gent. No, since.
Kent. Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' th' town;Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers What we are come about, and by no means Will yield to see his daughter.
Gent. Why, good sir?
Kent. A sovereign shame so elbows him; his own unkindness, That stripp'd her from his benediction, tum'd her To foreign casualties [4] , gave her dear rights To his dog-hearted daughters — these things sting [5] His mind so venomously [6] that burning shame Detains him from Cordelia.
Gent. Alack, poor gentleman!
Kent. Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not?
Gent. 'Tis so; they are afoot.
Kent. Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master, Lear, And leave you to attend him. Some dear cause Will in concealment wrap me up awhile. When I am known aright, you shall not grieve Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you go Along with me. Exeunt.
[1] goodliest [ˈɡudlist] n． 漂亮
[2] thence[ðens] ad． 从那时起；从那里起
[3] moisten [ˈmɔisən] v． 弄湿
[4] casuality [ˈkæʒjuəlti] n． 意外事故
[5] sting [stiŋ] v． 刺，螫
[6] venomously [ˈvenəməsli] ad． 恶意地
肯特及一侍臣上。
肯特 为什么法兰西王突然回去，您知道他的理由吗？
侍臣 他在国内还有一点未了的要事，直到离国以后，方才想起，因为那件事情有关国家的安全，所以他不能不亲自回去料理。
肯特 他去了以后，委托什么人代他主持军务？
侍臣 拉·法元帅。
肯特 王后看了您的信，有没有什么悲哀的表示？
侍臣 是的，先生；她拿了信，当着我的面前读下去，一颗颗饱满的泪珠淌在她的娇嫩的颊上；可是她仍然保持着一个王后的尊严，虽然她的情感像叛徒一样想要把她压服，她还是竭力把它克制下去。
肯特 啊！那么她是受到感动的了。
侍臣 她并不痛哭流涕；“忍耐”和“悲哀”互相竞争着谁能把她表现得更美。您曾经看见过阳光和雨点同时出现；她的微笑和眼泪也正是这样，只是更要动人得多；那些荡漾在她的红润的嘴唇上的小小的微笑，似乎不知道她的眼睛里有些什么客人，他们从她钻石一样的眼球里滚出来，正像一颗颗浑圆的珍珠。简单一句话，要是所有的悲哀都是这样美，那么悲哀将要成为最受世人喜爱的珍奇了。
肯特 她没有说过什么话吗？
侍臣 一两次她的嘴里进出了“父亲”两个字，好像它们重压着她的心一般；她哀呼着，“姐姐！姐姐！女人的耻辱！姐姐！肯特！父亲！姐姐！什么，在风雨里吗？在黑夜里吗？不要相信世上还有怜悯吧！”于是她挥去了她的天仙一般的眼睛里的神圣的水珠，让眼泪淹没了她的沉痛的悲号，移步他往，和哀愁独自做伴去了。
肯特 那是天上的星辰，天上的星辰主宰着我们的命运；否则同一的父母怎么会出生这样不同的女儿来。您后来没有跟她说过话吗？
侍臣 没有。
肯特 这是在法兰西王回国以前的事情？
侍臣 不，这是他去后的事。
肯特 好，告诉您吧，可怜的受难的李尔已经到了此地，他在比较清醒的时候，知道我们来干什么事，一定不肯见她的女儿。
侍臣 为什么呢，好先生？
肯特 羞耻之心掣住了他；他自己的忍心剥夺了她的应得的慈爱，使她远适异国，听任天命的安排，把她的权利分给那两个犬狼之心的女儿——这种种的回忆像毒螫一样刺着他的心，使他充满了火烧一样的惭愧，阻止他和科迪莉亚相见。
侍臣 唉！可怜的人！
肯特 关于奥尔巴尼和康沃尔的军队，您听见什么消息没有？
侍臣 是的，他们已经出动了。
肯特 好，先生，我要带您去见见我们的王上，请您替我照料照料他。我因为有某种重要的理由，必须暂时隐藏我的真相；当您知道我是什么人以后，您绝不会后悔跟我结识的。请您跟我走吧。 （同下）
Enter, with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Doctor and Soldiers.
Cor. Alack, 'tis he! Why, he was met even now, As mad as the vex'd sea, singing aloud, Crown'd with rank fumiter [1] and furrow [2] weeds, With hardocks, hemlock [3] , nettles [4] , cuckoo [5] flow'rs, Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow In our sustaining corn. A century send forth. Search every acre in the high-grown field, And bring him to our eye.[ Exit an officer. ]What can man's wisdom In the restoring his bereaved [6] sense? He that helps him take all my outward worth.
Doct. There is means, madam. Our foster nurse of nature is repose, The which he lacks. That to provoke in him Are many simples operative, whose power Will close the eye of anguish [7] .
Cor. All blest secrets, All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth, Spring with my tears; be aidant [8] and remediate [9] In the good man's distress! Seek, seek for him! Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life That wants the means to lead it.
Enter Messenger.
Mess. News, madam! The British pow'rs are marching hitherward.
Cor. 'Tis known before. Our preparation stands In expectation of them. O dear father, It is thy business that I go about. Therefore great France My mourning and important tears hath pitied. No blown ambition doth our arms incite [10] , But love, dear love, and our ag'd father's right. Soon may I hear and see him! Exeunt.
[1] fumiter [ˈfju:mitə] n. （=fumitory）紫堇
[2] furrow [ˈfərəu] n． 畦；坑洼
[3] hardock [hɑ:dɔk] n. （=burdock）牛蒡
[4] hemlock [ˈhemlɔk] n． 毒芹
[5] nettle [ˈnetl] n． 荨麻
[6] bereaved [bɪˈrivd] a． 丧失了的
[7] anguish [ˈæŋɡwiʃ] n． 剧痛
[8] aidant [ˈeidənt] a． 给予帮助的
[9] remediate [riˈmi:diət] a． 治疗的
[10] incite [inˈsait] v． 激起，煽动
旗鼓前导，科迪莉亚、医生及兵士等上。
科迪莉亚 唉！正是他。刚才还有人看见他，疯狂得像被飓风激动的怒海，高声歌唱，头上插满了恶臭的地烟草、牛蒡、毒芹、荨麻、杜鹃花和各种蔓生在田亩问的野草。派一百个兵士到繁茂的田野里各处搜寻，把他领来见我。（ 一军官下 ）人们的智慧能不能恢复他的丧失的心神？谁要是能够医治他，我愿意把我的身外的富贵一起送给他。
医生 娘娘，法子是有的；休息是滋养疲乏的精神的保姆，他现在就是缺少休息，只要给他服一些药草，就可以阖上他的痛苦的眼睛。
科迪莉亚 一切神圣的秘密，一切地下潜伏的灵奇，随着我的眼泪一起奔涌出来吧！帮助解除我的善良的父亲的痛苦！快去找他，快去找他，我只怕他在不可控制的疯狂之中会消灭了他的失去主宰的生命。
一使者上。
使者 报告娘娘，英格兰军队向这儿开过来了。
科迪莉亚 我们早已知道；一切都预备好了，只等他们到来。亲爱的父亲啊！我这次掀动干戈，完全是为了你的缘故；伟大的法兰西王被我的悲哀和恳求的眼泪所感动，我们出师，没有一点非分的野心，只有一片真情，热烈的真情，要替我们的老父主持正义。但愿我不久就可以听见看见他！ （同下）
Enter Regan and Oswald the Steward.
Reg. But are my brother's pow'rs set forth?
Osw. Ay, madam.
Reg. Himself in person there?
Osw. Madam, with much ado [1] . Your sister is the better soldier.
Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
Osw. No, madam.
Reg. What might import my sister's letter to him?
Osw. I know not, lady.
Reg. Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter. It was great ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out, To let him live. Where he arrives he moves All hearts against us. Edmund, I think, is gone, In pity of his misery, to dispatch His nighted life; moreover, to descry [2] The strength o' th' enemy.
Osw. I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
Reg. Our troops set forth tomorrow. Stay with us.The ways are dangerous.
Osw. I may not, madam. My lady charg'd my duty in this business.
Reg. Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you Transport her purposes by word? Belike, Something, I know not what. I'll love thee much:Let me unseal the letter.
Osw. Madam, I had rather—
Reg. I know your lady does not love her husband;I am sure of that; and at her late being here, She gave strange eliads [3] and most speaking looks To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.
Osw. I, madam?
Reg. I speak in understanding. Y' are: I know 't. Therefore I do advise you take this note. My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk'd, And more convenient is he for my hand Than for your lady's. You may gather more. If you do find him, pray you give him this;And when your mistress hears thus much from you, I pray desire her call her wisdom to her. So farewell. If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, Preferment [4] falls on him that cuts him off .
Osw. Would I could meet him, madam: I should show What party I do follow.
Reg. Fare thee well. Exeunt.
[1] ado [əˈdu:] n． 纷扰；麻烦
[2] descry [diˈskrai] v． 望见；察觉，识别
[3] eliad [ˌeliəd] n. （=oeillade）一瞥
[4] preferment [priˈfə:mənt] n. 晋升，提升
里甘及奥斯维德上。
里甘 可是我的姐夫的军队已经出发了吗？
奥斯维德 出发了，夫人。
里甘 他亲自率领吗？
奥斯维德 夫人，好容易才把他催上了马；还是您的姐姐是个更好的军人哩。
里甘 埃德蒙伯爵到了你们家里，有没有跟你家主人谈过话？
奥斯维德 没有，夫人。
里甘 我的姐姐给他的信里有些什么话？
奥斯维德 我不知道，夫人。
里甘 告诉你吧，他有重要的事情，已经离开此地了，格洛斯特挖去了眼睛以后，仍旧放他活命，实在是一种极大的失策；因为他每到一个地方，都会激起众人对我们的反感。我想埃德蒙因为怜悯他的困苦，是要去替他解脱他的暗无天日的生涯的；而且他还负有探察敌人实力的使命。
奥斯维德 夫人，我必须追上去把我的信送给他。
里甘 我们的军队明天就要出发；你暂时耽搁在我们这儿吧，路上很危险呢。
奥斯维德 我不能，夫人；我家夫人曾经吩咐我不准误事的。
里甘 为什么她要写信给埃德蒙呢？难道你不能替她口头传达她的意思吗？看来恐怕有点儿——我也说不出来。让我拆开这封信来，我会十分喜欢你的。
奥斯维德 夫人，那我可——
里甘 我知道你家夫人不爱她的丈夫；这一点我是可以确定的。她最近在这儿的时候，常常对高贵的埃德蒙抛掷含情的媚眼。我知道你是她的心腹之人。
奥斯维德 我，夫人！
里甘 我的话不是随便说说的，我知道你是她的心腹；所以你且听我说，我的丈夫已经死了，埃德蒙跟我曾经谈起过，他向我求爱总比向你家夫人求爱来得方便些。其余的你自己去意会吧。要是你找到了他，请你替我把信交给他；你把我的话对你家夫人说了以后，再请她仔细想个明白。好，再会。假如你听见人家说起那瞎眼的老贼在什么地方，能够把他除掉，一定可以得到重赏。
奥斯维德 但愿他能够碰在我的手里，夫人；我一定可以向您表明我是哪一方面的人。
里甘 再会。（ 各下 ）
Enter Gloucester and Edgar like a Peasant.
Glou. When shall I come to th' top of that same hill?
Edg. You do climb up it now. Look how we labour.
Glou. Methinks the ground is even.
Edg. Horrible steep. Hark, do you hear the sea?
Glou. No, truly.
Edg. Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect By your eyes' anguish.
Glou. So may it be indeed. Methinks thy voice is alter'd, and thou speak'st In better phrase and matter than thou didst.
Edg. Y' are much deceiv'd. In nothing am I chang'd But in my garments.
Glou. Methinks y' are better spoken.
Edg. Come on, sir; here's the place. Stand still. How fearful And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low! The crows and choughs [1] that wing the midway air Show scarce so gross as beetles. Half-way down Hangs one that gathers sampire [2] dreadful trade! Methinks he seems no bigger than his head. The fishermen that walk upon the beach Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring [3] bark, Diminish'd to her cock; her cock a buoy Almost too small for sight. The murmuring surge [4] , That on th' unnumb'red idle pebble chafes [5] , Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more, Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight Topple [6] down headlong.
Glou. Set me where you stand.
Edg. Give me your hand. You are now within a foot Of th' extreme verge. For all beneath the moon Would I not leap upright.
Glou. Let go my hand. Here, friend, is another purse; in it a jewel Well worth a poor man's taking. Fairies and gods Prosper it with thee! Go thou further off ;Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going.
Edg. Now fare ye well, good sir.
Glou. With all my heart.
Edg. [ Aside. ]Why I do trifle thus with his despair Is done to cure it.
Glou. O, you mighty gods! This world I do renounce, and in your sights, Shake patiently my great affliction off . If I could bear it longer and not fall To quarrel with your great opposeless wills, My snuff and loathed part of nature should Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him!Now, fellow, fare thee well. He falls forward and swoons [7] .
Edg. Gone, sir, farewell! And yet I know not how conceit [8] may rob The treasury of life when life itself Yields to the theft. Had he been where he thought, By this had thought been past. Alive or dead? Ho you, sir! friend! Hear you, sir? Speak! Thus might he pass indeed. Yet he revives. What are you, sir?
Glou. Away, and let me die.
Edg. Hadst thou been aught but gossamer [9] , feathers, air, So many fadom [10] down precipitating [11] , Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg, but thou dost breathe;Hast heavy substance; bleed'st not; speak'st; art sound. Ten masts at each make not the altitude [12] Which thou hast perpendicularly [13] fell. Thy life is a miracle. Speak yet again.
Glou. But have I fail'n, or no?
Edg. From the dread summit of this chalky [14] bourn. Look up a-height. The shrill-gorg'd lark so far Cannot be seen or heard. Do but look up.
Glou. Alack, I have no eyes. Is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort When misery could beguile [15] the tyrant's rage And frustrate his proud will.
Edg. Give me your arm. Up; so. How is't? Feel you your legs? You stand.
Glou. Too well, too well.
Edg. This is above all strangeness. Upon the crown o' th' cliff , what thing was that Which parted from you?
Glou. A poor unfortunate beggar.
Edg. As I stood here below, methought his eyes Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses, Horns whelk'd [16] and wav'd like the enridged [17] sea. It was some fiend. Therefore, thou happy father, Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours Of men's impossibility, have preserv'd thee.
Glou. I do remember now. Henceforth I'll bear Affliction till it do cry out itself‘Enough, enough, ' and die. That thing you speak of, I took it for a man. Often 'twould say‘The fiend, the fiend'; he led me to that place.
Edg. Bear free and patient thoughts. Enter Lear, mad, fantastically dressed with weeds. But who comes here? The safer sense will ne'er accommodate His master thus.
Lear. No, they cannot touch me for coming;I am the king himself.
Edg. O thou side-piercing sight!
Lear. Nature's above art in that respect. There's your press money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper. Draw me a clothier's yard. Look, look, a mouse! Peace, peace; this piece of toasted cheese will do 't. There's my gauntlet [18] ; I'll prove it on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. O, well flown, bird! i' th' clout, i' th' clout! Hewgh! Give the word.
Edg. Sweet marjoram [19] .
Lear. Pass.
Glou. I know that voice.
Lear. Ha! Goneril with a white beard? They flatter'd me like a dog, and told me I had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones were there. To say‘ay' and ‘no' to everything I said! ‘Ay' and ‘no' to was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me once, and the wind to make me chatter;when the thunder would not peace at my bidding; there I found 'em, there I smelt 'era out. Go to, they are not men o' their words! They told me I was everything. 'Tis a lie—I am not ague-proof.
Glou. The trick of that voice I do well remember. Is't not the king?
Lear. Ay, every inch a king! When I do stare, see how the subject quakes [20] . I pardon that man's life. What was thy cause? Adultery? Thou shalt not die. Die for adultery? No. The wren goes to 't, and the small gilded [21] fly Does lecher in my sight. Let copulation [22] thrive; for Gloucester's bastard son Was kinder to his father than my daughters Got 'tween the lawful sheets. To 't, luxury, pell-mell [23] , for I lack soldiers. Behold yond simp'ring dame, Whose face between her forks presageth [24] snow, That minces [25] virtue, and does shake the head To hear of pleasure's name. The fitchew [26] nor the soiled horse goes to 't With a more riotous appetite. Down from the waist they are centaurs [27] , Though women all above. But to the girdle [28] do the gods inherit,Beneath is all the fiend's. There's hell, there's darkness, there's the sulphurous pit;Burning, scalding [29] , stench, consumption. Fie, fie, fie; pah, pah! Give me an ounce of civet [30] , good apothecary [31] , Sweeten my imagination. There's money for thee.
Glou. O, let me kiss that hand!
Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.
Glou. O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world Shall so wear out to naught. Dost thou know me?
Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid! I'll not love. Read thou this challenge;mark but the penning of it.
Glou. Were all the letters suns, I could not see one.
Edg. [ Aside. ]I would not take this from report.It is, And my heart breaks at it.
Lear. Read.
Glou. What! With the case of eyes?
Lear. O ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a light. Yet you see how this world goes.
Glou. I see it feelingly.
Lear. What, art mad? A man may see how the world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears. See how yond justice rails upon yond simple thief. Hark in thine ear. Change places and, handy-dandy, which is the justice, which is the thief? Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a beggar?
Glou. Ay, sir.
Lear. And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office. Thou rascal beadle [32] , hold thy bloody hand! Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back. Thou hotly lusts to use her in that kind For which thou whip'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener [33] . Through tatter'd [34] clothes small vices do appear;Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold, And the strong lance [35] of justice hurtless breaks;Arm it in rags, a pygmy's [36] straw does pierce it. None does off end, none, I say none. I'll able 'em. Take that of me, my friend, who have the power To seal th' accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes And, like a scurvy [37] politician, seem To see the things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now! Pull off my boots. Harder, harder! So.
Edg. O, matter and impertinency [38] mix'd! Reason in madness!
Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes. I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester. Thou must be patient. We came crying hither;Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air, We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee. Mark.
Glou. Alack, alack the day!
Lear. When we are born, we cry that we are come To this great stage of fools. This' a good block. It were a delicate stratagem [39] to shoe A troop of horse with felt. I'll put 't in proof, And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law, Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!
Enter a Gentleman with Attendants.
Gent. O, here he is! Lay hand upon him. Sir, Your most dear daughter—
Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even The natural fool of fortune. Use me well;You shall have ransom [40] . Let me have a surgeon;I am cut to th' brains. Gent. You shall have anything.
Lear. No seconds? All myself? Why, this would make a man a man of salt, To use his eyes for garden water-pots, Ay, and laying autumn's dust.
Gent. Good sir—
Lear. I will die bravely, like a smug [41] bridegroom. What! I will be jovial [42] . Come, come, I am a king;My masters, know you that?
Gent. You are a royal one, and we obey you.
Lear. Then there's life in 't. Come, an you get it, you shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa! Exit running. Attendants follow.
Gent. A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch, Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one daughter Who redeems [43] nature from the general curse Which twain have brought her to.
Edg. Hail, gentle sir.
Gent. Sir, speed you. What's your will?
Edg. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward?
Gent. Most sure and vulgar. Every one hears that, Which can distinguish sound.
Edg. But, by your favour,How near's the other army?
Gent. Near and on speedy foot. The main descry Stands on the hourly thought.
Edg. I thank you sir. That's all.
Gent. Though that the queen on special cause is here, Her army is mov'd on.
Edg. I thank you, sir Exit Gentleman.
Glou. You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;Let not my worser spirit tempt me again To die before you please.
Edg. Well pray you, father.
Glou. Now, good sir, what are you?
Edg. A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows, Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows, Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand;I'll lead you to some biding.
Glou. Hearty thanks. The bounty and the benison of heaven To boot, and boot! Enter Oswald the Steward.
Osw. A proclaim'd prize! Most happy! That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor, Briefly thyself remember. The sword is out That must destroy thee.
Glou. Now let thy friendly hand Put strength enough to 't. Edgar interposes.
Osw. Wherefore, bold peasant,Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence, Lest that th' infection of his fortune take Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.
Edg. Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'cagion.
Osw. Let go, slave, or thou diest.
Edg. Good gentleman, go your gait [44] , and let poor yoke [45] pass. An chud ha' bin zwagger'd out of my life, 'twould not ha' bin zo long as 'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near th' old man. Keep out, che yore ye, or Ise try whether your costard [46] or my ballow be the harder. Chill be plain with you.
Osw. Out, dunghill! They fight.
Edg. Chili pick your teeth, zir. Come! No matter vor your foins [47] . Oswald falls.
Osw. Slave, thou hast slain me. Villain, take my purse. If ever thou wilt thrive, bury my body, And give the letters which thou find'st about me To Edmund Earl of Gloucester. Seek him out Upon the British party. O, untimely death! Death! He dies.
Edg. I know thee well. A serviceable villain, As duteous [48] to the vices of thy mistress As badness would desire.
Glou. What, is he dead?
Edg. Sit you down, father; rest you. Let's see his pockets; these letters that he speaks of May be my friends. He's dead. I am only sorry He had no other deathsman. Let us see. Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not. To know our enemies' minds, we rip their hearts;Their papers, is more lawful. Reads the letter. ‘Let our reciprocal [49] vows be rememb'red. You have many opportunities to cut him off . If your will want not, time and place will be fruitfully off er'd. There is nothing done, if he return the conqueror. Then am I the prisoner, and his bed my jail; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your labour. Your wife, so I would say aff ectionate servant, Goneril.' O indistinguish'd space of woman's will! A plot upon her virtuous husband's life, And the exchange my brother! Here in the sands Thee I'll rake up [50] , the post unsanctified [51] Of murtherous lechers; and in the mature time With this ungracious paper strike the sight Of the death-practis'd Duke, For him 'tis well That of thy death and business I can tell.
Glou. The king is mad. How stiff is my vile sense, That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract. So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs, And woes by wrong imaginations lose The knowledge of themselves. Drum far off .
Edg. Give me your hand. Far off methinks I hear the beaten drum. Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. Exeunt.
[1] chough [tʃʌf] n． 红嘴山鸦
[2] sampire [ˈsæmpaɪə] n. （=samphire）圣彼得草
[3] anchoring [ˈæŋkəɪŋ] a． 停泊的
[4] surge [sə:dʒ] n． 汹涌
[5] chafe [tʃeif] v． 磨损
[6] topple [ˈtɔpl] v． 跌倒，倒下
[7] swoon [swu:n] v． 晕厥，昏倒
[8] conceit [kənˈsi:t] n． 幻想
[9] gossamer [ˈɡɔsəmə] n． 蛛丝
[10] fadom [fædəm] n. （=fathom）英寻
[11] precipitate [prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt] v. 陡然下落
[12] altitude [ˈæltitju:d] n． 高度
[13] perpendicularly [pə:pənˈdikjuləli] ad． 垂直地
[14] chalky [ˈtʃɔ:ki] a． 白垩的
[15] beguile [biˈɡail] v． 欺骗
[16] whelk [hwelk] v． 长疹子
[17] enridge [ɪnˈrɪdʒ] v． 使成脊状
[18] gauntlet [ˈɡɔ:ntlit] n． 铁手套
[19] marjoram [ˈmɑ:dʒərəm] n. 马郁兰（牛至属植物）
[20] quake [kweik] v． 震动；摇晃
[21] gilded [ˈɡildid] a． 镀金的
[22] copulation [kɔpjuˈleiʃən] n. 交尾；交媾
[23] pell-mell [ˈpelˈmel] n． 混乱
[24] presage [ˈpresidʒ] v． 预感；预示
[25] mince [mins] v． 切碎
[26] fitchew [ˈfitʃuː] n． 艾鼬
[27] centaur [ˈsentɔ:] n． 半人马
[28] girdle [ˈɡə:dl] n． 腰带
[29] scald [skɔ:ld] v． 烫伤
[30] civet [ˈsivit] n． 灵猫香
[31] apothecary [əˈpɔθəkəri] n. 药剂师
[32] beadle [ˈbi:dl] n． 教堂执事
[33] cozener [ˈkʌzənə] n． 行骗者
[34] tatter [ˈtætə] v． 撕碎
[35] lance [lɑ:ns] n． 长矛
[36] pygmy [ˈpiɡmi] n． 侏儒
[37] scurvy [ˈskə:vi] a． 卑鄙的
[38] impertinency [imˈpə:tinənsi] n． 鲁莽；无礼
[39] stratagem [ˈstrætədʒəm] n. 策略，计谋
[40] ransom [ˈrænsəm] n． 赎金
[41] smug [smʌɡ] a． 自鸣得意的
[42] jovial [ˈdʒəuviəl] a． 快活的，愉快的
[43] redeem [riˈdi:m] v． 挽回
[44] gait [ɡeit] n． 步态，步伐
[45] yoke [jəuk] n． 牛轭
[46] costard [ˈkʌstəd] n． 人头
[47] foin [fɔin] n. 〈古〉 一刺，一戳
[48] duteous [ˈdjuːtiəs] a． 顺从的；尽职的
[49] reciprocal [riˈsiprəkəl] a. 互相的
[50] rake up 把……耙在一起
[51] unsanctify [ˈʌnsæŋktifai] v. 去神圣化
格洛斯特及埃德加作农民装束同上。
格洛斯特 什么时候我才能够登上山顶？
埃德加 您现在在一步步上去；瞧这路多么难走。
格洛斯特 我觉得这地面是很平的。
埃德加 陡峭得可怕呢；听！那不是海水的声音吗？
格洛斯特 不，我真的听不见。
埃德加 哎哟，那么大概因为您的眼睛痛得厉害，所以别的知觉也连带模糊起来啦。
格洛斯特 那倒也许是真的。我觉得你的声音也变了样啦，你讲的话不像原来那样疯疯癫癫啦。
埃德加 您错啦；除了我的衣服以外，我什么都没有变样。
格洛斯特 我觉得你的话像样得多啦。
埃德加 来，先生；我们已经到了，您站好。把眼睛一直望到这么低的地方，真是惊心炫目！在半空盘旋的乌鸦，瞧上去还没有甲虫那么大；山腰中间悬着一个采金花草的人，可怕的工作！我看他的全身简直抵不上一个人头的大小。在海滩上走路的渔夫就像小鼠一般，那艘停泊在岸旁的高大的帆船小得像它的划艇，它的划艇小得像一个浮标，几乎看不出来。澎湃的波涛在海滨无数的石子上冲击的声音，也不能传到这样高的所在。我不愿再看下去了，恐怕我的头脑要昏眩起来，眼睛一花，就要一个筋斗直跌下去。
格洛斯特 带我到你所立的地方。
埃德加 把您的手给我；您现在已经离悬崖的边上只有一英尺了；谁要是把天下所有的一切都给了我，我也不愿意跳下去。
格洛斯特 放开我的手，朋友，这儿又是一个钱囊，里面有一颗宝石，一个穷人得到了它，可以终身温饱；愿天神们保佑你因此而得福吧！你再走远一点；向我告别一声，让我听见你走过去。
埃德加 再会吧，好先生。
格洛斯特 再会。
埃德加 （ 旁白 ）我这样戏弄他的目的，是要把他从绝望的境遇中解救出来。
格洛斯特 威严的神明啊！我现在脱离这一个世界，当着你们的面，摆脱我的残酷的痛苦了；要是我能够再忍受下去，而不怨尤你们不可反抗的伟大的意志，我这可厌的残余的生命不久也要烧干了的。要是埃德加尚在人世，神啊，请你们祝福他！现在，朋友，我们再会了！（ 向前扑地 ）
埃德加 我去了，先生；再会。（ 旁白 ）可是我不知道当一个人愿意受他自己的幻想的欺骗，相信他已经死去的时候，那一种幻想会不会真的偷去了他的生命的至宝；要是他果然在他所想象的那一个地方，现在他早已没有思想了。活着还是死了？（ 向格洛斯特 ）喂，你这位先生！朋友！你听见吗，先生？说呀！也许他真的死了；可是他醒过来啦，你是什么人，先生？
格洛斯特 去，让我死。
埃德加 要是你不过是一根蛛丝、一根羽毛、一阵空气，从这样千仞的悬崖上跌落下来，也要像鸡蛋一样化成粉碎；可是你还在呼吸，你的身体还是好好的，不流一滴血，还会说话，简直一点损伤也没有。十根桅杆连接起来，也不及你所跌下来的那地方高；你的生命是一个奇迹。再对我说两句话吧。
格洛斯特 可是我没有跌下来？
埃德加 你就是从这可怕的悬崖顶上面跌下来的。抬起头来看一看吧；鸣声嘹亮的云雀飞到了那样高的所在，我们不但看不见它的形状，也听不见它的声音；你看。
格洛斯特 唉！我没有眼睛哩。难道一个苦命的人，连寻死的权利都要被剥夺去吗？罢了，这也是上天的意思，苦难的人能不让骄横的暴君如愿以偿，这也是一种安慰。
埃德加 把你的胳臂给我；起来，好，怎样？站得稳吗？你站住了。
格洛斯特 很稳，很稳。
埃德加 这真太不可思议了。刚才在那悬崖的顶上，从你身边走开的是什么东西？
格洛斯特 一个可怜的叫花子。
埃德加 我站在下面望着他，仿佛看见他的眼睛像两轮满月；他有一千个鼻子，满头都是像波浪一样高低不齐的犄角；一定是个什么恶魔。所以，幸运的老人家，你应该想这是无所不能的神明在暗中默佑你，否则绝不会有这样的奇事。
格洛斯特 我现在记起来了；从此以后，我要耐心忍受痛苦，直等它有一天自己喊了出来，“够啦，够啦，”那时候再撒手死去。你所说起的这一个东西，我还以为是个人；它老是嚷着“恶魔，恶魔”的；就是他把我领到了那个地方。
埃德加 不要胡思乱想，安心忍耐。可是谁来啦？
李尔以鲜花杂乱饰身上。
埃德加 不是疯狂的人，绝不会把他自己打扮成这一个样子。
李尔 不，他们不能判我私造货币的罪名；我是国王哩。
埃德加 啊，伤心的景象！
李尔 在那一点上，天然是胜过人工的。这是强迫你们当兵的慰劳费。那家伙弯弓的姿势，活像一个稻草人；给我射一支一码长的箭试试看，瞧，瞧！一只小老鼠！别闹，别闹！这一块烘乳酪可以捉住它。这是我的铁手套；尽管他是一个巨人，我也要跟他一决胜负。带那些戟手上来。啊！飞得好，鸟儿；刚刚中在靶子心里，咻！口令！
埃德加 甘牛至。
李尔 过去。
格洛斯特 我认识那个声音。
李尔 吓！长着白胡须的戈纳瑞！她们像狗一样向我献媚。说我在没有出黑须以前，就已经有了白须 [1] 。我说一声“是”，她们就应一声“是”；我说一声“不”，她们就应一声“不”！当雨点淋湿了我；风吹得我牙齿打战，当雷声不肯听我的话平静下来的时候，我才发现了她们，嗅出她们的踪迹。算了，她们不是心口如一的人；她们把我恭维得天花乱坠，全然是个谎，一发起烧来我就没有办法。
格洛斯特 这一种说话的声调我记得很清楚；他不是我们的君王吗？
李尔 嗯，每一寸都是君王；我只要一瞪眼睛，我的臣子就要吓得发抖。我赦免那个人的死罪。你犯的是什么案子？奸淫吗？你不用死；为了奸淫而犯死罪？不，小鸟儿都在于那把戏，金苍蝇当着我的面也会公然交尾哩。让通奸的人多子多孙吧；因为格洛斯特的私生的儿子，也比我的合法的女儿更孝顺他的父亲。淫风越盛越好，我巴不得他们替我多制造几个兵士出来。瞧那个脸上堆着假笑的妇人，她装出一副冷若冰霜的神气，做作得那么端庄贞静，一听见人家谈起调情的话儿就要摇头；其实她自己干起那回事来，比臭猫和骚马还要浪得多哩。她们的上半身虽然是女人，下半身却是淫荡的妖怪；腰带以上是属于天神的，腰带以下全是属于魔鬼的：那儿是地狱，那儿是黑暗，那儿是火坑，吐着熊熊的烈焰，发出熏人的恶臭，把一切烧成了灰。啐！啐！啐！呸！呸！好掌柜，给我称一两麝香，让我解解我的想象中的臭气；钱在这儿。
格洛斯特 啊！让我吻一吻那只手！
李尔 让我先把它揩干净；它上面有一股死亡的味道。
格洛斯特 啊，毁灭了的生命！这一个广大世界有一天也会像这样零落得只剩下一堆残迹。你认识我吗？
李尔 我很记得你这双眼睛。你在向我瞟吗？不，盲目的丘比特，随你使出什么手段来，我是再也不会恋爱的。这是一封挑战书，你拿去读吧，瞧瞧它是怎么写的。
格洛斯特 即使每一个字都是一个太阳，我也瞧不见。
埃德加 （ 旁白 ）要是人家告诉我这样的事，我一定不会相信；可是这样的事是真的，我的心要碎了。
李尔 读。
格洛斯特 什么！用眼眶子读吗？
李尔 啊哈！你原来是这个意思吗？你的头上也没有眼睛，你的袋里也没有银钱吗？你的眼眶子真深，你的钱袋真轻。可是你却看见这世道。
格洛斯特 我只能感觉这世道。
李尔 什么！你疯了吗？一个人就是没有眼睛，也可以看见这世道。用你的耳朵瞧着吧：你没有看见那法官怎样痛骂那个卑贱的偷儿吗？侧过你的耳朵来，听我告诉你：让他们两人换了地位，谁还认得出哪个是法官，哪个是偷儿？你见过农夫的一条狗向一个乞丐乱吠吗？
格洛斯特 嗯，陛下。
李尔 你还看见那家伙怎样给那条狗赶走吗？从这一件事情上面，你就可以看到威权的伟大的影子；一条得势的狗，也可以使人家唯命是从。你这可恶的教吏，停住你的残忍的手！为什么你要鞭打那个妓女？向你自己的背上着力抽下去吧；你自己心里和她犯奸淫，却因为她跟人家犯奸淫而鞭打她。放高利贷的家伙却把那骗子判了死刑。褴褛的衣衫遮不住小小的过失；披上锦袍裘服，便可以隐匿一切。罪恶镀了金，公道的坚强的枪刺戳在上面也会折断；把它用破烂的布条裹起来，一根侏儒的稻草就可以戳破它。没有一个人是犯罪的，我说，没有一个人；我愿意为他们担保；相信我吧，我的朋友，我有权力封住控诉者的嘴唇。你还是去装上一副玻璃眼睛，像一个卑鄙的阴谋家似的，假装能够看见你所看不见的事情吧。来，来，来，来，替我把靴子脱下来，用力一点，用力一点；好。
埃德加 （ 旁白 ）啊！真话和胡话混在一起！虽然是疯话，却不是全无意义的。
李尔 要是你愿意为我的命运痛哭，那么把我的眼睛拿了去吧。我知道你是什么人；你的名字是格洛斯特。你必须忍耐；你知道我们来到这世上，第一次嗅到了空气，就哇呀哇呀地哭起来。让我讲一番道理给你听；你听着。
格洛斯特 唉！唉！
李尔 当我们生下地来的时候，我们因为来到了这个全是些傻瓜的广大的舞台之上，所以禁不住放声大哭。这顶帽子的式样很不错！用毡呢钉在一队马儿的蹄上，倒是一个妙计；我要把它实行一下，悄悄地偷进了我那两个女婿的营里，然后我就杀，杀，杀，杀，杀，杀！
侍臣率侍从上。
侍臣 啊！他在这儿；抓住他。陛下。您的最亲爱的女儿——
李尔 没有人救我吗？什么！我变成一个囚犯了吗？我是天生下来被命运愚弄的，不要虐待我；有人会拿钱来赎我的。替我请几个外科医生来，我的头脑受了伤啦。
侍臣 您将会得到您所需要的一切。
李尔 一个伙伴也没有？只有我一个人吗？哎哟，这样会叫一个人变成了个泪人儿，用他的眼睛充作灌园的水壶，去浇洒秋天的泥土。
侍臣 陛下——
李尔 我要像一个新郎似的勇敢地死去。嘿！我要高高兴兴的。来，来，我是一个国王，你们知道吗？
侍臣 您是一位尊严的王上，我们服从您的旨意。
李尔 那么还有几分希望。要去快去。（ 下，侍从等随下 ）
侍臣 最微贱的平民到了这样一个地步，也会叫人看了伤心，何况是一个国王！你那两个不孝的女儿，已经使天道人伦受到诅咒，可是你还有一个女儿，却已经把天道人伦从这样的诅咒中间拯救出来了。
埃德加 祝福，先生。
侍臣 足下有什么见教？
埃德加 您有没有听见什么关于将要发生一场战事的消息？
侍臣 这已经是一件千真万确、谁都知道的事了；每一个耳朵能够辨别声音的人都听到过那样的消息。
埃德加 可是借问一声，您知道对方的军队离这儿还有多少路？
侍臣 很近了，他们一路来得很快；他们的主力部队每一点钟都有到来的可能。
埃德加 谢谢您，先生；这是我所要知道的一切。
侍臣 王后虽然有特别的原因还在这儿，她的军队已经开上去了。
埃德加 谢谢您，先生。（ 侍臣下 ）
格洛斯特 永远仁慈的神明，请拿走我的呼吸吧：在你们没有要我死以前，不要再让我的罪恶的灵魂引诱我结束我自己的生命！
埃德加 您祷告得很好，老人家。
格洛斯特 好先生，您是什么人？
埃德加 一个非常穷苦的人，受惯命运的打击；因为自己是从忧患中间过来的，所以对于不幸的人很容易抱同情。把您的手给我，让我把您领到一处可以栖身的地方去。
格洛斯特 多谢多谢；愿上天大大赐福给您！
奥斯维德上。
奥斯维德 明令缉拿的要犯！居然碰在我的手里！你那颗瞎眼的头颅，却是我的进身的阶梯。你这倒霉的老奸贼，赶快忏悔你的罪恶，剑已经拔出了，你今天难逃一死。
格洛斯特 但愿你这慈悲的手多用一些气力，帮助我早早脱离苦痛。（ 埃德加劝阻奥斯维德 ）
奥斯维德 大胆的村夫，你怎么敢袒护一个明令缉拿的叛徒？滚开，免得你也遭到和他同样的命运。放开他的胳膊。
埃德加 先生，你不向我说明理由，我是不放的。
奥斯维德 放开，奴才，否则我叫你死。
埃德加 好先生，你走你的路，让穷人们过去吧。要是这种吓人的话也能把我吓到，那么我早在半个月之前，就给人吓死了。不，不要走近这个老头儿；我关照你，走远一点儿；要不然的话，我要试一试究竟是你的头硬还是我的棍子硬。我可不知道什么客气不客气。
奥斯维德 走开，混账东西！
埃德加 我要拔掉你的牙齿，先生。来，尽管刺过来吧。 （二人决斗，埃德加击奥斯维德倒地）
奥斯维德 奴才，你打死我了。把我的钱囊拿了去吧。要是你希望将来有好日子过，请你把我的尸体掘一个坑埋了；我身边还有两封信，请你替我送给格洛斯特伯爵埃德蒙大爷，他在英格兰军队里，你可以找到他。啊！想不到我今天会死在你的手里！（ 死 ）
埃德加 我认识你；你是一个惯会讨主人欢心的奴才；你的女主人无论有什么万恶的命令，你总是奉命唯谨。
格洛斯特 什么！他死了吗？
埃德加 坐下来，老人家；您休息一会儿吧。让我们搜一搜他的衣袋；他说起的那两封信，也许可以对我有一点用处。他死了；我只可惜他不死在别人的手里。让我们看：对不起，好蜡，我要把你拆开来了；恕我无礼，为了要知道我们敌人的居心，就是他们的心肝也要剖出来，拆阅他们的信件不算是违法的事。“不要忘记我们彼此问的誓约。你有许多机会可以除去他；只要你有决心，一切都是不成问题的。要是他得胜归来，那就什么都完了；我将要成为一个囚人，他的眠床就是我的牢狱。把我从他可憎的温热中拯救出来吧，他的地位你可以取而代之，这也是你应得的酬劳。你的恋慕的奴婢——但愿我能换上妻子两个字——戈纳瑞。”啊，不可测度的女人的心！谋害她的善良的丈夫，叫我的兄弟代替他的位置！在这沙土之内，我要把你掩埋起来，你这杀人的淫妇的使者。在一个适当的时间，我要让那被人阴谋弑害的公爵见到这一封卑劣的信，我能够把你的死讯和你的使命告诉他，对于他是一件幸运的事。
格洛斯特 王上疯了；我的万恶的知觉却牢附在我的身上，我一站起身来，无限的悲痛就涌上我的心头！还是疯了的好，那样我可以不再想到我的不幸，让一切痛苦在昏乱的幻想之中忘记了它们本身的存在。（ 远处鼓声 ）
埃德加 把您的手给我；好像我听见远远有打鼓的声音。来，老人家，让我把您安顿在一个朋友的地方。 （同下）
[1] 意即具有老人的智慧。
Enter Cordelia, Kent, Doctor and Gentleman.
Cor. O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work To match thy goodness? My life will be too short, And every measure fail me.
Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'er-paid. All my reports go with the modest truth;Nor more nor clipp'd, but so.
Cor. Be better suited. These weeds are memories of those worser hours. I prithee put them off .
Kent. Pardon, dear madam. Yet to be known shortens my made intent. My boon [1] I make it that you know me not Till time and I think meet.
Cor. Then be 't so, my good lord. [ To the Doctor ]How does the king?
Doct. Madam, sleeps still.
Cor. O you kind gods, Cure this great breach in his abused nature!Th' untun'd and jarring [2] senses, O wind up Of this child-changed father!
Doct. So please your majesty That we may wake the king? He hath slept long.
Cor. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed I' th' sway of your own will. Is he array'd? Enter Lear in a chair carried by Servants.
Gent. Ay, madam. In the heaviness of sleep We put fresh garments on him.
Doct. Be by, good madam, when we do awake him. I doubt not of his temperance [3] .
Cor. Very well. Music.
Doct. Please you draw near. Louder the music there!
Cor. O my dear father, restoration [4] hang Thy medicine on my lips, and let this kiss Repair those violent harms that my two sisters Have in thy reverence made.
Kent. Kind and dear princess!
Cor. Had you not been their father, these white flakes Had challeng'd pity of them. Was this a face To be oppos'd against the warring winds, To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder In the most terrible and nimble stroke Of quick cross lightning? to watch—poor perdu [5] ! With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog, Though he had bit me, should have stood that night Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father, To hovel thee with swine [6] and rogues forlorn [7] , In short and musty [8] straw? Alack, alack!
’Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once Had not concluded all — He wakes. Speak to him.
Doct. Madam, do you; 'tis fittest.
Cor. How does my royal lord? How fares [9] your Majesty?
Lear. You do me wrong to take me out o' th' grave. Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears Do scald like molten [10] lead.
Cor. Sir, do you know me?
Lear. You are a spirit, I know. When did you die?
Cor. Still, still, far wide!
Doct. He's scarce awake. Let him alone awhile.
Lear. Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight, I am mightily abus'd. I should e'en die with pity, To see another thus. I know not what to say. I will not swear these are my hands. Let's see. I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur'd Of my condition!
Cor. O, look upon me, sir, And hold your hands in benediction o'er me. No, sir, you must not kneel.
Lear. Pray do not mock me. I am a very foolish fond old man, Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;And, to deal plainly, I fear I am not in my perfect mind. Methinks I should know you, and know this man;Yet I am doubtful; for I am mainly ignorant What place this is; and all the skill I have Remembers not these garments; nor I know not Where I did lodge [11] last night. Do not laugh at me;For as I am a man I think this lady To be my child Cordelia.
Cor. And so I am! I am!
Lear. Be your tears wet? Yes, faith. I pray weep not. If you have poison for me, I will drink it. I know you do not love me; for your sisters Have, as I do remember, done me wrong. You have some cause, they have not.
Cor. No cause, no cause.
Lear. Am I in France?
Kent. In your own kingdom, sir.
Lear. Do not abuse me.
Doct. Be comforted, good madam. The great rage You see, is kill'd in him; and yet it is danger To make him even o'er the time he has lost. Desire him to go in. Trouble him no more Till further settling.
Cor. Will't please your highness walk?
Lear. You must bear with me. Pray you now, forget and forgive. I am old and foolish. Exeunt all but Kent and Gentleman.
Gent. Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain?
Kent. Most certain, sir.
Gent. Who is conductor of his people?
Kent. As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester.
Gent. They say Edgar, his banish'd son, is with the Earl of Kent in Germany.
Kent. Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the powers of the kingdom approach apace.
Gent. The arbitrement [12] is like to be bloody.Fare you well, sir. Exit.
Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought [13] , Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. Exit.
[1] boon [buːn] n． 恩惠
[2] jarring [ˈdʒɑːrɪŋ] a． 不和谐的
[3] temperance [ˈtempərəns] n. 节制，自制
[4] restoration [restəˈreiʃən] n. 恢复
[5] perdu [ˈpə:dju] n． 敢死队队员
[6] swine [swaɪn] n． 猪
[7] forlorn [fəˈlɔːn] a． 被遗弃的
[8] musty [ˈmʌstɪ] a． 发霉的
[9] fare [fɛə] v． 生活；成功
[10] molten [ˈməultən] a. 〈古〉（melt的过去分词）熔化的
[11] lodge [lɔdʒ] v． 寄宿
[12] arbitrement [ɑ:ˈbitrəmənt] n. （=arbitrament）仲裁
[13] wrought [rɔ:t] a． 形成的
科迪莉亚、肯特、医生及侍臣上。
科迪莉亚 好肯特啊！我怎么能够报答你这一番苦心好意呢？就是粉身碎骨，也不能抵偿你的大德。
肯特 娘娘，只要自己的苦心被人了解，那就是莫大的报酬了。我所讲的话，句句都是事实，没有一分增减。
科迪莉亚 去换一身好一点的衣服吧；你身上的衣服是那一段悲惨的时光中的纪念品，请你脱下来吧。
肯特 恕我，娘娘，我现在还不能回复我的本来的面目，因为那会妨碍我的预定的计划。请您准许我这一个要求，在我自己认为还没有到适当的时间以前，您必须把我当作一个不相识的人。
科迪莉亚 那么就照你的意思吧，伯爵。（ 向医生 ）王上怎样？
医生 娘娘，他仍旧睡着。
科迪莉亚 慈悲的神明啊，医治他的被凌辱的心灵中的重大的裂痕！保佑这一个被不孝的女儿所反噬的老父，让他错乱昏迷的神智回复健全吧！
医生 请问娘娘，我们现在可不可以叫王上醒来？他已经睡得很久了。
科迪莉亚 照你的意见，应该怎么办就怎么办吧。他有没有穿着好？
李尔卧椅内，众仆舁上。
侍臣 是，娘娘；我们乘着他熟睡的时候，已经替他把新衣服穿上去了。
医生 娘娘，请您不要走开，等我们叫他醒来：我相信他的神经已经安定下来了。
科迪莉亚 很好。（ 乐声 ）
医生 请您走近一步。音乐还要响一点儿。
科迪莉亚 啊，我的亲爱的父亲！但愿我的嘴唇上有治愈疯狂的灵药，让这一吻抹去我那两个姐姐加在你身上的无情的伤害吧！
肯特 善良的好公主！
科迪莉亚 假如你不是她们的父亲，这满头的白发也该引起她们的怜悯。这样一张面庞是受得起激战的狂风的吹打的吗？它能够抵御可怕的雷霆吗？在最惊人的闪电的光辉之下，你，可怜的无援的兵士！戴着这一顶薄溥的戎盔，苦苦地守住你的哨岗吗？我的敌人的狗，即使它曾经咬过我，在那样的夜里，我也要让它躺我的火炉之前。但是你，可怜的父亲，却甘心钻在污秽霉烂的稻草里，与猪狗乞儿做伴吗？唉！唉！你的生命不和你的智慧同归于尽。才是一怪事。他醒来了；对他说些什么话吧。
医生 娘娘，应该您去跟他说说。
科迪莉亚 父王陛下，您好吗？
李尔 你们不应该把我从坟墓中间拖了出来。你是一个有福的灵魂；我却缚在烈火的车轮上。我自己的眼泪也像熔铅一样灼痛我的脸。
科迪莉亚 父亲，您认识我吗？
李尔 你是一个灵魂，我知道；您在什么时候死的？
科迪莉亚 还是疯疯癫癫的。
医生 他还没有完全清醒过来，暂时不要惊扰他。
李尔 我到过些什么地方？现在我在什么地方？明亮的白昼吗？我大大受了骗啦，我如果看见别人落到这一个地步，我也要为他心碎而死。我不知道应该怎么说。我不愿发誓这一双是我的手；让我试试看，这针刺上去是觉得痛的。但愿我能够知道我自己的确实情形！
科迪莉亚 啊！瞧着我，父亲，把您的手按在我的头上为我祝福吧。不，父亲，您千万不能跪下。
李尔 请不要取笑我；我是一个非常愚蠢的傻老头子，活了八十多岁了；不瞒您说，我怕我的头脑有点儿不大健全。我想我应该认识您，也该认识这个人；可是我不敢确定；因为我全然不知道这是什么地方，而且凭着我所有的能力，我也记不起来什么时候穿上这身衣服；我也不知道昨天晚上我在什么所在过夜。不要笑我，我想这位夫人是我的孩子科迪莉亚。
科迪莉亚 正是，正是。
李尔 你在流着眼泪吗？当真。请你不要哭啦；要是你有毒药为我预备着，我愿意喝下去。我知道你不爱我；因为我记得你两个姐姐都虐待我；你虐待我还有几分理由，她们却没有理由虐待我。
科迪莉亚 谁都没有理由虐待您。
李尔 我是在法国吗？
肯特 在您自己的国土之内，陛下。
李尔 不要骗我。
医生 请宽心一点，娘娘；您看他的疯狂已经平静下去了；可是再向他提起从前的事情，却是非常危险的。不要多烦扰他，让他的神经完全安定下来。
科迪莉亚 请陛下到里边去安息安息吧。
李尔 你必须原谅我。请你不咎既往，宽赦我的过失；我是个年老糊涂的人。（ 李尔、科迪莉亚、医生及侍从等同下 ）
侍臣 先生，康沃尔公爵被刺的消息是真的吗？
肯特 完全真确。
侍臣 他的军队归什么人带领？
肯特 据说是格洛斯特的庶子。
侍臣 他们说他的放逐在外的儿子埃德加现在跟肯特伯爵都在德国。
肯特 消息常常变化不定。现在是应该戒备的时候了，英格兰军队已在迅速逼近。
侍臣 一场血战是免不了的。再会，先生。 （下）
肯特 我的目的能不能顺利达到，要看这一场战事的结果方才分晓。 （下）
Enter with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Regan, Gentleman, and Soldiers.
Edm. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold, Or whether since he is advis'd by aught To change the course. He's full of alteration And self-reproving. Bring his constant pleasure. Exit an Officer.
Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
Edm. Tis to be doubted, madam.
Reg. Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you. Tell me, but truly, but then speak the truth, Do you not love my sister?
Edm. In honour'd love.
Reg. But have you never found my brother's way To the forfended [1] place?
Edm. That thought abuses you.
Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.
Edm. No, by mine honour, madam.
Reg. I never shall endure her. Dear my lord, Be not familiar with her.
Edm. Fear me not. She and the Duke her husband! Enter with Drum and Colours, Albany, Goneril, Soldiers.
Gon. [ Aside. ]I had rather lose the battle than that sister Should loosen him and me.
Alb. Our very loving sister, well be-met. Sir, this I hear: the king is come to his daughter, With others whom the rigour [2] of our state Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest, I never yet was valiant. For this business, It toucheth us as France invades our land, Not bolds the king, with others whom, I fear, Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.
Reg. Why is this reason'd?
Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy;For these domestic and particular broils [3] Are not the question here.
Alb. Let's then determine With th' ancient of war on our proceeding.
Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent.
Reg. Sister, you'll go with us?
Gon. No.
Reg. 'Tis most convenient. Pray you go with us.
Gon. [ Aside. ]O ho,I know the riddle.I will go. As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised.
Edg. If e'er your Grace had speech with man so poor, Hear me one word.
Alb. I'll overtake you. Exeunt all but Albany and Edgar.
Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. If you have victory, let the trumpet sound For him that brought it. Wretched though I seem, I can produce a champion that will prove What is avouched there. If you miscarry, Your business of the world hath so an end, And machination ceases. Fortune love you!
Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.
Edg. I was forbid it. When time shall serve, let but the herald cry, And I'll appear again.
Alb. Why, fare thee well. I will o'erlook thy paper. Exit Edgar.
Enter Edmund.
Edm. The enemy's in view; draw up your powers. Here is the guess of their true strength and forces By diligent discovery; but your haste Is now urg'd on you.
Alb. We will greet the time. Exit.
Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love;Each jealous of the other, as the stung Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd, If both remain alive: to take the widow Exasperates [4] , makes mad her sister Goneril;And hardly shall I carry out my side, Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use His countenance for the battle, which being done, Let her who would be rid of him devise His speedy taking off . As for the mercy Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia:The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon; for my state Stands on me to defend, not to debate. Exit.
[1] forfend [fɔːˈfend] v． 防避；防止
[2] rigour [ˈrɪgə] n． 严格；严厉
[3] broil [brɔil] n． 争吵
[4] exasperate [iɡˈzæspəreit] v. 激怒
旗鼓前导，埃德蒙、里甘、军官、兵士及侍从等上。
埃德蒙 （ 向一军官 ）你去问一声公爵，他是不是仍旧保持着原来的决心，还是因为有了其他的理由，已经改变了方针；他这个人毫无定见，动不动引咎自责；我要知道他究竟抱着怎样的主张。（ 军官下 ）
里甘 我那姐姐差来的人一定在路上出事啦。
埃德蒙 那可说不定，夫人。
里甘 好爵爷，我对你的一片好心，你不会不知道的；现在请你告诉我，老老实实地告诉我，你不爱我的姐姐吗？
埃德蒙 我只是按照我的名分敬爱她。
里甘 可是你从来没有深入我的姐夫的禁地吗？
埃德蒙 这样的思想是有失您自己的体统的。
里甘 我怕你们已经打成一片，她心坎儿里只有你一个人哩。
埃德蒙 凭着我的名誉起誓，夫人，没有这样的事。
里甘 我决不答应她；我的亲爱的爵爷，不要跟她亲热。
埃德蒙 您放心吧。——她跟她的公爵丈夫来啦！
旗鼓前导，奥尔巴尼、戈纳瑞及兵士等上。
李尔 （ 旁白 ）我宁愿这一次战争失败，也不让我那妹子把他从我手里夺了去。
奥尔巴尼 贤妹久违了。伯爵，我听说王上已经带了一批受不了我们的苛政而高呼不平的人，到他小女儿那里去了。要是我们所兴的是一场不义之师，我是再也提不起我的勇气来的；可是现在的问题，并不是我们的王上和他手下的一群人在法国的煽动之下，用堂堂正正的理由向我们兴师问罪，而是法国举兵侵犯我们的领土，这是我们所不能容忍的。
埃德蒙 您说得有理，佩服佩服。
里甘 这种话讲它做什么呢？
李尔 我们只需同心合力，打退敌人；这些内部的纠纷，不是现在所要讨论的问题。
奥尔巴尼 那么让我们跟那些久历戎行的战士们讨论讨论我们所应该采取的战略吧。
埃德蒙 很好，我就到您的帐里来叨陪末议。
里甘 姐姐，您也跟我们一块儿去吗？
李尔 不。
里甘 您怎么可以不去？来，请吧。
李尔 （ 旁白 ）哼！我明白你的意思。 （高声） 好，我就去。
埃德加乔装上。
埃德加 殿下要是不嫌我微贱，请听我说一句话。
奥尔巴尼 你们先请一步，我就来。——说。（ 埃德蒙、里甘、戈纳瑞、军官、兵士及侍从等同下 ）
埃德加 在您没有开始作战以前，先把这封信拆开来看一看；要是您得到胜利，可以吹喇叭为信号，叫我出来；虽然您看我是这样一个下贱的人，我可以请出一个证人来，证明这信上所写的事。要是您失败了，那么您在这世上的使命已经完毕，一切阴谋也都无能为力了。愿命运眷顾您！
奥尔巴尼 等我读了信你再去。
埃德加 我不能。时候一到，您只要叫传令官传唤一声，我就会出来的。
奥尔巴尼 那么再见；你的信我拿回去看吧。（ 埃德加下 ）
埃德蒙重上。
埃德蒙 敌人已经望得见了；快把您的军队集合起来。这儿记载着根据精密侦查所得的敌方军力的估计，可是现在您必须快点儿了。
奥尔巴尼 好，我们准备迎敌就是了。 （下）
埃德蒙 我对这两个姐姐都已经立下爱情的盟誓；她们彼此互怀嫉妒，就像被蛇咬过的人见不得蛇的影子一样。我应该选择哪一个呢？两个都要？只要一个？还是一个也不要？要是两个全都留在世上，我就一个也不能到手；娶了那寡妇，一定会激怒她的姐姐戈纳瑞；而且她的丈夫一天不死，总是我前途的一个障碍。现在我们还是要借他做号召军心的幌子；等到战事结束以后，她要是想除去他，让她自己设法结果他的性命吧。照他的意思，李尔和科迪莉亚两人被我们捉到以后，是不能加害的；可是假如他们果然落在我们的手里，我们可决不让他们得到他的赦免；因为我保全自己的地位要紧，什么天理良心只好一概不论。 （下）
Alarum within. Enter with Drum and Colours, the Powers of France over the stage, Cordelia with her Father in her hand, and exeunt. Enter Edgar and Gloucester.
Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree For your good host. Pray that the right may thrive. If ever I return to you again, I'll bring you comfort.
Glou. Grace go with you, sir! Exit Edgar. Alarum and retreat within. Enter Edgar.
Edg. Away, old man! Give me thy hand! Away! King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en. Give me thy hand; come on!
Glou. No further, sir. A man may rot even here.
Edg. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure Their going hence, even as their coming hither; Ripeness [1] is all. Come on.
Glou. And that's true too. Exeunt.
[1] ripeness [ˈraipnis] n． 成熟；完成
内号角声。旗鼓前导，李尔及科迪莉亚率军队上；同下，埃德加及格洛斯特上。
埃德加 来，老人家，在这树荫底下坐坐吧；但愿正义得到胜利！要是我还能够回来见你，我一定会给你好消息的。
格洛斯特 上帝照顾您，先生！（ 埃德加下 ）
号角声；有顷，内吹退军号，埃德加重上。
埃德加 去吧，老人家！把你的手给我；去吧！李尔王已经失败，他跟他的女儿都被他们捉去了。把你的手给我；来。
格洛斯特 不，先生，我不想再到什么地方去了；让我就在这儿等死吧。
埃德加 怎么！你又转起那种坏念头来了吗？人们的生死都不是可以勉强求到的，你应该耐心忍受天命的安排。来。
格洛斯特 那也说得有理。 （同下）
Enter, in conquest, with Drum and Colours, Edmund; Lear and Cordelia as prisoners. Soldiers, Captain.
Edm. Some officers take them away. Good guard, Until their greater pleasures first be known That are to censure them.
Cor. We are not the first Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst. For thee, oppressed king, I am cast down;Myself could else outfrown false Fortune's frown. Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?
Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison. We two alone will sing like birds i' th' 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 [1] and flow by th' moon.
Edm. Take them away.
Lear. 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 goodyears shall devour 'em, flesh and fell, Ere they shall make us weep! We'll see 'em starv'd first. Come. Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded.
Edm. Come hither, captain; hark. Take thou this note.[ Gives a paper .]Go follow them to prison. One step I have advanc'd 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.
Capt. I'll do 't, my lord.
Edm. About it; and write happy when th' hast done. Mark — I say, instantly; and carry it so As I have set it down. Capt. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats [2] ;
If it be man's work, I'll do 't. Exit. Flourish. Enter Albany, Goneril, Regan, Soldiers.
Alb. Sir, you have show'd today your valiant strain,And fortune led you well. You have the captives [3] Who were the opposites of this day's strife. I do require them of you, so to use them As we shall find their merits and our safety May equally determine.
Edm. Sir, I thought it fit To send the old and miserable king To some retention [4] and appointed guard;Whose age has charms in it, whose title more, To pluck the common bosom on his side, And 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, t' 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 curs'd By those that feel their sharpness. The question of Cordelia and her father Requires a fitter place.
Alb. Sir, by your patience, I hold you but a subject of this war, Not as a brother.
Reg. 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.
Gon. Not so hot!In his own grace he doth exalt [5] himself More than in your addition.
Reg. In my rights By me invested, he compeers [6] the best.
Gon. That were the most if he should husband you.
Reg. Jesters [7] do oft prove prophets.
Gon. Holla, holla! That eye that told you so look'd but asquint.
Reg. Lady, I am not well; else I should answer From a full-flowing stomach. General, Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony [8] ;Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine. Witness the world that I create thee here My lord and master.
Gon. Mean you to enjoy him?
Alb. The let-alone lies not in your good will.
Edm. Nor in thine, Lord.
Alb. Half-blooded fellow, yes.
Reg. [ To Edmund ]Let the drum strike,and prove my title thine.
Alb. Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest thee On capital treason; and, in thine attaint [9] , This gilded serpent. [ To Goneril ]For your claim,fair sister, I bar it in the interest of my wife. 'Tis she is subcontracted [10] to this lord, And I, her husband, contradict your banes. If you will marry, make your loves to me;My lady is bespoke.
Gon. An interlude [11] !
Alb. Thou art arm'd, Gloucester. Let the trumpet sound.If none appear to prove upon thy person Thy heinous [12] , manifest, and many treasons, There is my pledge. I'll prove it on thy heart, Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less Than I have here proclaim'd thee.
Reg. Sick, O, sick!
Gon. [ Aside ]If not,I'll ne'er trust medicine.
Edm. There's my exchange. 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.
Alb. A herald, ho!
Edm. A herald, ho, a herald!
Alb. Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers, All levied [13] in my name, have in my name Took their discharge.
Reg. My sickness grows upon me.
Alb. She is not well. Convey her to my tent. Exit Regan, aided. Enter a Herald. Come hither, herald. Let the trumpet sound, And read out this. A trumpet sounds.
Capt. Sound, trumpet!
Her. [ Read. ] ‘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.’
Edm. Sound! First trumpet.
Her. Again! Second trumpet.
Her. Again! Third trumpet. Trumpet answers within. Enter Edgar, armed, at the third sound, a Trumpet before him.
Alb. Ask him his purposes, why he appears Upon this call o' th' trumpet.
Her. What are you? Your name, your quality, and why you answer This present summons?
Edg. Know my name is lost;By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit. Yet am I noble as the adversary [14] I come to cope.
Alb. Which is that adversary?
Edg. What's he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester?
Edm. Himself. What say'st thou to him?
Edg. Draw thy sword, That, if my speech off end 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 [15] thy strength, youth, place, and eminence [16] , 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 th' extremest upward of thy head To the descent and dust beneath 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.
Edm. 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 [17] and spurn [18] . Back do I toss those treasons to thy head;With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart;Which, for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise [19] , This sword of mine shall give them instant way Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak! Alarums. Fight. Edmund falls.
Alb. Save him, save him!
Gon. This is mere practice, Gloucester. By th' law of arms thou wast not bound to answer An unknown opposite. Thou art not vanquish'd [20] , But cozen'd and beguil'd.
Alb. Shut your mouth, dame, Or with this paper shall I stop it. [ Shows her letter to Edmund. ]Hold,sir. [ To Goneril ]Thou worse than any name,read thine own evil. No tearing, lady! I perceive you know it.
Gon. Say if I do — the laws are mine, not thine. Who can arraign me for't?
Alb. Most monstrous! Know'st thou this paper?
Gon. Ask me not what I know. Exit.
Alb. Go after her. She's desperate; govern her. Exit an Officer.
Edm. What, you have charg'd 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.
Edg. Let's exchange charity. I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund;If more, the more th' 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 scourge us. The dark and vicious place where thee he got Cost him his eyes.
Edm. Th' hast spoken right; 'tis true. The wheel is come full circle; I am here.
Alb. 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.
Edg. Worthy prince, I know't.
Alb. Where have you hid yourself? . How have you known the miseries of your father?
Edg. 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 with the pain of death would hourly die, Rather than die at once! Taught me to shift Into a madman's rags. t' assume a semblance [21] 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, sav'd him from despair;Never 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 [22] . But his flaw'd heart Alack, too weak the conflict to support! 'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief, Burst smilingly.
Edm. This speech of yours hath mov'd me, And shall perchance do good; but speak you on;You look as you had something more to say.
Alb. If there be more, more woful [23] , 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 [24] 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 [25] , Shunn'd my abhorr'd [26] society; but then, finding Who 'twas that so endur'd, with his strong arms. He fastened on my neck, and bellowed [27] 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 [28] , 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 [29] Followed his enemy king and did him service Improper for a slave. Enter a Gentleman 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. Enter Kent.
Edg. Here comes Kent.
Alb. Produce their bodies, be they alive or dead. Exit Gentleman. This judgement of the heavens, that makes us tremble, Touches us not with pity. O, is this he? The time will not allow the compliment, That very manners urges.
Kent. I am come to bid my king and master aye good night. Is he not here?
Alb. Great thing of us forgot! Speak, Edmund, where's the king? And where's Cordelia? The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought on. Seest thou this object, Kent?
Kent. Alack, why thus?
Edm. Yet Edmund was belov'd. The one the other poisoned for my sake, And after slew [30] herself.
Alb. Even so. Cover their faces.
Edm. I pant for life. Some good I mean to do, Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send to the castle; for my writ is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia. Nay, send in time.
Alb. Run, run, o run!
Edg. To who, my lord? Who has the office? Send thy token of reprieve [31] .
Edm. Well thought on. Take my sword;Give it the Captain.
Alb. Haste thee for thy life. Exit Edgar.
Edm. 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.
Alb. The gods defend her! Bear him hence awhile. Edmund is borne off .
Enter Lear, with Cordelia in his arms, Edgar, Captain, and others following.
Lear. Howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stone. Had I your tongues and eyes, I'Id use them so That heaven's vault [32] 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.
Kent. Is this the promis'd end?
Edg. Or image of that horror?
Alb. Fall and cease!
Lear. This feather stirs; she lives! If it be so, It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows That ever I have felt.
Kent. O my good master!
Lear. Prithee away!
Edg. 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.
Lear. A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all! I might have sav'd 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.
Capt. 'Tis true, my lords, he did.
Lear. Did I not, fellow? I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion [33] I would have made them skip. I am old now, And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you? Mine eyes are not o' th' best. I'll tell you straight.
Kent. If fortune brag [34] of two she lov'd and hated, One of them we behold.
Lear. This' a dull sight. Are you not Kent?
Kent. The same:Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius?
Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that. He'll strike, and quickly too. He's dead and rotten.
Kent. No, my good lord; I am the very man—
Lear. I'll see that straight.
Kent. That from your first of diff erence and decay Have followed your sad steps.
Lear. You're welcome hither.
Kent. Nor no man else. All's cheerless, dark, and deadly. Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves, And desperately are dead.
Lear. Ay, so I think.
Alb. He knows not what he says, and vain is it That we present us to him.
Edg. Very bootless [35] . Enter a Captain.
Capt. Edmund is dead, my lord.
Alb. 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;[ To Edgar and Kent ]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!
Lear. 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! Lear dies.
Edg. He faints [36] ! My lord, my lord!
Kent. Break, heart; I prithee break!
Edg. Look up, my lord.
Kent. Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass! He hates him, That would upon the rack of this tough world Stretch him out longer.
Edg. He is gone indeed.
Kent. The wonder is, he hath endur'd so long. He but usurp'd his life.
Alb. Bear them from hence. Our present business Is general woe. [ To Kent and Edgar ]Friends of my soul,you twain Rule in this realm, and the gor'd state sustain.
Kent. I have a journey, sir, shortly to go.
My master calls me; I must not say no.
Alb. The weight of this sad time we must obey,
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest have borne most; we that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long. Exeunt with a dead march.
[1] ebb [eb] v． 退潮
[2] oat [əut] n． 燕麦
[3] captive [ˈkæptiv] n． 俘虏
[4] retention [riˈtenʃən] n． 保持；保留
[5] exalt [iɡˈzɔ:lt] v． 提高，使升高
[6] compeer [kəmˈpiə] v. 与……相匹敌
[7] jester [ˈdʒestə] n． 爱开玩笑的人；逗乐小丑
[8] patrimony [ˈpætriməni] n. 遗产
[9] attaint [əˈteint] n． 污点
[10] subcontract [sʌbˈkɔntrækt] v． 契约转订；转包
[11] interlude [ˈintəlu:d] n． 穿插；插曲
[12] heinous [ˈhainəs] a． 可恨的
[13] levy [ˈlevi] v． 征收；征集
[14] adversary [ˈædvəsəri] n． 敌手
[15] maugre[ˈmɔ:ɡə] prep. 〈古〉 不管；虽然
[16] eminence [ˈeminəns] n． 显赫；卓越
[17] disdain [disˈdein] v． 蔑视
[18] spurn [spə:n] v． 唾弃
[19] bruise [bru:z] v． 使受瘀伤
[20] vanquish [ˈvæŋkwiʃ] v． 征服，击败
[21] semblance [ˈsembləns] n. 外观，外貌
[22] pilgrimage [ˈpilɡrimidʒ] n. 朝圣；人生经历
[23] woful [ˈwəuful] a． 悲伤的
[24] amplify [ˈæmplifai] v． 放大；扩展
[25] estate [iˈsteit] n． 状况；身份
[26] abhor [əbˈhɔː] v． 痛恨
[27] bellow [ˈbeləu] v． 吼叫，喊叫
[28] puissant [ˈpjuisənt; ˈpwis-] a. 〈古〉 有力的，强大的
[29] disguise [disˈɡaiz] n． 伪装；掩饰
[30] slew [slu:] v. （slay的过去式）杀死
[31] reprieve [riˈpri:v] n． 缓刑；暂缓
[32] vault [vɔ:lt] n． 拱顶
[33] falchion [ˈfɔ:ltʃən] n. 〈古〉 刀，剑
[34] brag [bræɡ] v． 夸口，自夸
[35] bootless [ˈbu:tlis] a． 无益的，徒劳的
[36] faint [ˈfeint] v． 昏过去，晕厥
旗鼓前导奏凯，埃德蒙上；李尔、科迪莉亚被俘随上；军官、兵士等同上。
埃德蒙 来人，把他们押下去，好生看守，等上面发落下来，再作道理。
科迪莉亚 存心良善的反而得到恶报，这样的前例是很多的。我只是为了你，被迫害的国王，才感到悲伤；否则尽管欺人的命运向我横眉怒目，我也不会害怕受她的凌辱，我们要不要去见见这两个女儿和这两个姐姐？
李尔 不，不，不，不！来，让我们到监牢里去。我们两人将要像笼中之鸟一般唱歌；当你求我为你祝福的时候，我要跪下来求你饶恕；我们就这样生活着，祈祷，唱歌，说些古老的故事，嘲笑那披着金翅的蝴蝶，听听那些可怜的囚徒们讲些宫廷里的消息；我们也要跟他们在一起谈话，谁失败，谁胜利，谁在朝，谁在野，用我们的意见解释各种事情的秘密，就像我们是上帝的间谍一样；在囚牢的四壁之内，我们将要冷眼看那些朋比为奸的党徒随着月亮的圆缺而升沉。
埃德蒙 把他们带下去。
李尔 对于这样的祭物，我的科迪莉亚，天神也要焚香致敬的。我果然把你捉住了吗？谁要是想分开我们，必须从天上取下一把火炬来像驱逐狐狸一样把我们赶散。揩干你的眼睛；让恶疮烂掉他们的全身，他们也不能使我们流泪，我们要看他们活活饿死。来。（ 兵士押李尔、科迪莉亚下 ）
埃德蒙 过来，队长。听着，把这一通密令拿去；（ 以一纸授军官 ）跟着他们到监牢里去。我已经把你提升了一级，要是你能够照这密令上所说的执行，一定有大大的好处。你要知道，识时务的才是好汉；心肠太软的人不配佩带刀剑。我吩咐你去干这件重要的差使，你可不必多问，愿意就做，不愿意就别做。
军官 我愿意，大人。
埃德蒙 那么去吧；你立了这一个功劳，你就是一个幸运的人。听着，事不宜迟，必须照我所写的办法赶快办好。
军官 我不会拖车子，也不会吃干麦；只要是男子汉干的事，我就会干。 （下）
喇叭奏花腔。奥尔巴尼、戈纳瑞、里甘、军官及侍从等上。
奥尔巴尼 伯爵，你今天果然表明了你是一个将门之子，命运眷顾着你，使你克奏朕功，跟我们敌对的人都已经束手就擒。请你把你的俘虏交给我们，让我们一方面按照他们的身份，一方面顾到我们自身的安全，决定一个适当的处置。
埃德蒙 殿下，我已经把那不幸的老王拘禁起来，并且派兵严密监视了；他的高龄和尊号都有一种莫大的魔力，可以吸引人心归附他，要是不加防范，恐怕我们的部下都要受他的煽惑而对我们反戈相向。那王后我为了同样的理由，也把她一起下了监；他们明天或者迟一两天就可以受你们的审判。现在弟兄们刚刚流过血汗，丧折了不少的朋友亲人，对于感受战争的残酷的人们，无论引起这场争端的理由怎样正大，在一时的愤激之中，都是可诅咒的；所以审问科迪莉亚和她的父亲这一件事，必须在一个更适当的时候举行。
奥尔巴尼 伯爵，说一句不怕你见怪的话，你不过是一个随征的将领，我并没有把你当作一个同等地位的人。
里甘 假如我愿意，为什么他不能和你分庭抗礼呢？我想你在说这样的话以前，应该先问问我的意思才是。他带领我们的军队，受到我的全权委任，凭着这一层亲密的关系，也够资格和你称兄道弟了。
戈纳瑞 少亲热点儿吧；他的地位是他靠着自己的才能造成的，并不是你给他的恩典。
里甘 我把我的权力托付给他，他就可以和最尊贵的人匹敌。
戈纳瑞 要是他做了你的丈夫，你才可以有这种权力。
里甘 笑话往往会变成预言。
戈纳瑞 呵呵！看你挤眉弄眼的，果然不怀好意。
里甘 太太，我现在身子不大舒服，懒得跟你斗口了。将军，请你接受我的军队、俘虏和财产；这一切连我自己都由你支配；我是你的献城降服的臣仆；让全世界为我证明，我现在把你立为我的丈夫和君王。
戈纳瑞 你想要受用他吗？
奥尔巴尼 那不是你所能阻止的。
埃德蒙 也不是你所能阻止的。
奥尔巴尼 杂种，我可以阻止你们。
里甘 （ 向埃德蒙 ）叫鼓手打起鼓来，证明我已经把尊位给了你。
奥尔巴尼 等一等，我还有话说。埃德蒙，你犯有叛逆重罪，我逮捕你；同时我还要逮捕这一条金鳞的毒蛇。（ 指戈纳瑞 ）贤妹，为了我的妻子的缘故，我必须要求您放弃您的权利；她已经跟这位勋爵有约在先，所以我，她的丈夫，不得不对你们的婚姻表示异议。要是您想结婚的话，还是把您的爱情用在我的身上吧，我的妻子已经另有所属了。
戈纳瑞 这一段穿插真有趣！
奥尔巴尼 格洛斯特，你现在甲胄在身；让喇叭吹起来；要是没有人出来证明你所犯的无数凶残罪恶，众目昭彰的叛逆重罪，这儿是我的信物；（ 掷下手套 ）在我没有剖开你的胸口，我所说的一切以前，我决不让食物接触我的嘴唇。
里甘 哎哟！我病了！我病了！
李尔 （ 旁白 ）要是你不病，我也从此不相信药物了。
埃德蒙 这儿是我给你的交换品；（ 掷下手套 ）谁骂我是叛徒的，他就是个说谎的恶人。叫你的喇叭吹起来吧；谁有胆量，出来，我可以向他、向你、向每一个人证明我的不可动摇的忠心和荣誉。
奥尔巴尼 来，传令官！
埃德蒙 传令官！传令官！
奥尔巴尼 信赖你个人的勇气吧；因为你的军队都是用我的名义征集的，我已经用我的名义把他们遣散了。
里甘 我的病越来越厉害啦！
奥尔巴尼 她身体不舒服；把她扶到我的帐篷里去。（ 侍从扶里甘下 ）过来，传令官。
传令官上。
奥尔巴尼 叫喇叭吹起来。宣读这一道命令。
军官 吹喇叭！（ 喇叭吹响 ）
传令官 （ 宣读 ）“在本军将校官佐之中，要是有人愿意证明埃德蒙，名分未定的格洛斯特伯爵，是一个罪恶多端的叛徒，让他在第三次喇叭声中出来。埃德蒙要坚决地自卫。”
埃德蒙 吹！（ 喇叭初响 ）
传令官 再吹！（ 喇叭再响 ）
传令官 再吹！（ 喇叭三响。内喇叭声相应 ）
喇叭手前导，埃德加武装上。
奥尔巴尼 问明他的来意，为什么他听了喇叭的呼唤到这儿来。
传令官 你是什么人？你叫什么名字？在军中是什么官级？为什么你要应召而来？
埃德加 我的名字已经被阴谋的毒齿啮蛀蚀了；可是我的出身正像我现在所要来面对的敌手同样高贵。
奥尔巴尼 谁是你的敌手？
埃德加 代表格洛斯特伯爵埃德蒙的是什么人？
埃德蒙 他自己；你对他有什么话说？
埃德加 拔出你的剑来，要是我的话激怒了一颗正直的心，你的兵器可以为你辩护；这儿是我的剑。听着，虽然你有的是勇气、胆量、权位和尊荣，虽然你挥着胜利的宝剑，夺到了新的幸运，可是凭着我的荣誉、我的誓言和我的武士的身份所给我的特权，我当众宣布你是一个叛徒，不忠于你的神明、你的兄长和你的父亲，阴谋倾覆这一位崇高卓越的君王，从你的头顶直到你的足下的尘土，彻头彻尾是一个最可憎的逆贼。要是你说一声“不”，这一柄剑、这一只胳臂和我的全身的勇气，都要向你的心口证明你说谎。
埃德蒙 照理我应该问你的名字；可是你的外表既然这样英勇，你的出言吐语，也可以表明你不是一个卑微的人，虽然按照武士的规则，我可以拒绝你的挑战，我却不惜唾弃这些规则，把你所说的那种罪名仍旧丢回到你的头上，让那像地狱一般可憎的谎话吞没你的心；凭着这一柄剑，我要在你的心头挖破个窟窿，把你的罪恶一起塞进去，吹起来，喇叭！（ 号角声。二人决斗，埃德蒙倒地 ）
奥尔巴尼 留他活命，留他活命！
戈纳瑞 这是诡计，格洛斯特；按照决斗的法律，你尽可以不接受一个不知名的对手的挑战；你不是被人打败，你是中了人家的计了。
奥尔巴尼 闭住你的嘴，妇人，否则我要用这一张纸塞住它了。拿去，你这比一切恶名更恶的恶人，读读你自己的罪恶吧。不要撕，太太，我看你也认识这一封信的。（ 以信授埃德蒙 ）
戈纳瑞 即使我干了这样的事，法律是我的，不是你的；谁可以控诉我？ （下）
奥尔巴尼 岂有此理！你知道这封信吗？
埃德蒙 不要问我知道不知道。
奥尔巴尼 追上她去；她现在情急了，什么事都干得出来；留心看着她。（ 一军官下 ）
埃德蒙 你们指斥我的罪状，我全都承认；而且我所干的事，着实不止这一些呢，总有一天会全部暴露的。现在这些事已成过去，我也要永辞人世了。——可是你是什么人，我会失败在你的手里？假如你是一个贵族，我愿意对你不记仇恨。
埃德加 让我们互相宽恕吧。在血统上我并不比你低微，埃德蒙，要是我的出身比你更高贵，你尤其不该那样陷害我。我的名字是埃德加，你的父亲的儿子。公正的天神使我们的风流罪过成为惩罚我们的工具；他在黑暗淫邪的地方生下了你，结果使他丧失了他的眼睛。
埃德蒙 你说得不错；天道的车轮已经循环过来了。
奥尔巴尼 我一看见你的举止行动，就觉得你不是一个凡俗之人。我必须拥抱你；让悔恨碎裂了我的心，要是我曾经憎恨过你和你的父亲。
埃德加 殿下，我一向知道您的仁慈。
奥尔巴尼 你把自己藏匿在什么地方？你怎么知道你的父亲的灾难？
埃德加 殿下，我知道他的灾难，因为我就在他的身边照料他，听我讲一段简短的故事；当我说完以后，啊，但愿我的心爆裂了吧！贪生怕死，是我们人类的常情，我们宁愿每小时忍受着死亡的惨痛，也不愿一下子结束自己的生命；我为了逃避那紧迫着我的、残酷的宣判，不得不披上一身疯人的褴褛衣服，改扮成一副连狗儿们也要看不起的样子。在这样的乔装之中，我碰见了我的父亲，他的两个眼眶里淋着血，那宝贵的眼珠已经失去了；我替他做向导，带着他走路，为他向人求乞，把他从绝望之中拯救出来；啊！千不该万不该，我不该向他瞒住我自己的真相！直到约莫半小时以前，我已经披上甲胄，虽说希望天不从人愿，却不知道此行结果如何，便请他为我祝福，才把我的全部经历从头到尾告诉他知道；可是唉！他的破碎的心太脆弱了，载不起这样重大的喜悦和悲伤，在这两种极端的情绪猛烈的冲突之下，他含着微笑死了。
埃德蒙 你这番话很使我感动，说不定对我有好处；可是说下去吧，看上去你还有一些话要说。
奥尔巴尼 要是还有比这更伤心的事，请不要说下去了吧；因为我听了这样的话，已经忍不住热泪盈眶了。
埃德加 对于不喜欢悲哀的人，这似乎已经是悲哀的顶点；可是在极度的悲哀之上，却还有更大的悲哀。当我正在放声大哭的时候，来了一个人，他认识我就是他所见过的那个疯丐，不敢接近我；可是后来他知道了我究竟是什么人，遭遇到了什么样的不幸，他就抱住我的头颈，大放悲声，好像要把天空都震碎一般；他俯伏在我的父亲的尸体上；讲出了关于李尔和他的两个人的一段最凄惨的故事；他越讲越伤心，他的生命之弦都要开始颤断了；那时候喇叭的声音已经响过两次，我只好抛下他一个人在那如痴如醉的状态之中。
奥尔巴尼 可是这是什么人？
埃德加 肯特，殿下，被放逐的肯特；他一路上乔装改貌，跟随那把他视同仇敌的国王，替他躬操奴隶不如的贱役。
一侍臣持一流血之刀上。
侍臣 救命！救命！救命啊！
埃德加 救什么命！
奥尔巴尼 说呀，什么事？
埃德加 那柄血淋淋的刀是什么意思？
侍臣 它还热腾腾地冒着气呢；它是从她的心窝里拔出来的——啊！她死了！
奥尔巴尼 谁死了？说呀。
侍臣 您的夫人，殿下，您的夫人；她的妹妹给她毒死了，她自己承认的。
埃德蒙 我跟她们两人都有婚姻之约，现在我们三个人可以在一块儿做夫妻了。
埃德加 肯特来了。
奥尔巴尼 把她们的尸体抬出来，不管她们有没有死。
这一个上天的判决使我们战栗，却不能引起我们的怜悯。（ 侍臣下 ）
肯特上。
奥尔巴尼 啊！这就是他吗？当前的变故使我不能对他尽我应尽的敬礼。
肯特 我要来向我的王上道一声永久的晚安，他不在这儿吗？
奥尔巴尼 我们把一件重要的事情忘了！埃德蒙，王上呢？科迪莉亚呢？肯特，你看见这一种情景吗？（ 众舁戈纳瑞、里甘二人尸上 ）
肯特 哎哟！这是为了什么？
埃德蒙 埃德蒙还是有人爱的；这一个为了我的缘故毒死了那一个，跟着她也自杀了。
奥尔巴尼 正是这样。把她们的脸遮起来。
埃德蒙 我快要断气了，倒还想做一件违反我的本性的好事，赶快差人到城堡里去，因为我已经下令把李尔和科迪莉亚处死了。不要多说废话，迟一点就来不及啦。
奥尔巴尼 跑！跑！跑呀！
埃德加 叫谁跑呀，殿下？——谁奉命干这事的？你得给我一件什么东西，作为赦免的凭证。
埃德蒙 想得不错；把我的剑拿去给那队长。
奥尔巴尼 快去，快去。（ 埃德加下 ）
埃德蒙 他从我的妻子跟我两人的手里得到密令，把科迪莉亚在狱中缢死，对外面说是她自己在绝望中自杀的。
奥尔巴尼 神明保佑她！把他暂时抬出去。（ 众舁埃德蒙下 ）
李尔抱科迪莉亚尸体，埃德加，军官及余人等同上。
李尔 哀号吧，哀号吧，哀号吧，哀号吧！啊！你们都是些石头一样的人；要是我有了你们的舌头和眼睛，我要用我的眼泪和哭声震撼穹苍，她是一去不回的了。一个人死了还是活着，我是知道的；她已经像泥土一样死去。借一面镜子给我；要是她的气息还能够在镜面上呵起一层薄雾，那么她还没有死。
肯特 这就是世界最后的结局了吗？
埃德加 还是末日恐怖的预兆？
奥尔巴尼 天倒下来了，一切都要归于毁灭吗？
李尔 这一根羽毛在动；她没有死！要是她还有活命，那么我的一切悲哀都可以消释了。
肯特 （ 跪 ）啊，我的好主人！
李尔 走开！
埃德加 这是尊贵的肯特，您的朋友。
李尔 一场瘟疫倒在你们身上，全是些凶手，奸贼！我本来可以把她救活的；现在她再也回不转来了！科迪莉亚，科迪莉亚！等一等。吓！你说什么？她的声音总是那么柔软温和，女儿家是应该这样的。我亲手杀死了那把你缢死的奴才。
军官 殿下，他真的把他杀死了。
李尔 我不是把他杀死了吗，汉子？从前我一举起我的宝刀，就可以叫他们吓得抱头鼠窜；现在年纪老啦，受到这许多磨难，一天比一天不中用啦。你是谁？老实告诉你吧，我的眼睛可不大好。
肯特 要是命运女神向人夸口，说起有两个曾经一度被她宠爱，后来却为她厌弃的人，那么其中的一个就在我们的眼前。
李尔 我的眼睛太糊涂啦。你不是肯特吗？
肯特 正是，您的仆人肯特。您的仆人盖厄斯呢？
李尔 他是一个好人，我可以告诉你；他一动起火来就会打人。他现在已经死得骨头都腐烂了。
肯特 不，陛下；我就是那个人——
李尔 我马上就看得出来。
肯特 我自从您开始遭遇变故以来，一直跟随着您的不幸的足迹。
李尔 欢迎欢迎。
肯特 不，一切都是凄惨的、黑暗的、阴郁的；您的两个大女儿已经在绝望中自杀了。
李尔 嗯，我也想是这样的。
奥尔巴尼 他不知道他自己在说些什么话，我们谒见他也是徒然的。
埃德加 全然是徒劳。
一军官上。
军官 启禀殿下，埃德蒙死了。
奥尔巴尼 他的死在现在不过是一件无足重轻的小事。各位勋爵和尊贵的朋友，听我向你们宣示我的意旨：对于这一位老病衰弱君王，我们将要尽我们的力量给他可能的安慰；当他在世的时候，我仍旧把最高的权力归还给他。（ 向埃德加、肯特 ）你们两位仍旧恢复原来的爵位，我还要加赉你们额外的尊荣，褒扬你们过人的节行。一切朋友都要得到他们忠贞的报酬，一切仇敌都要尝到他们罪恶的苦果。——啊！瞧，瞧！
李尔 我的可怜的傻瓜给他们缢死了！不，不，没有命了！为什么一条狗、一匹马、一只耗子，都有它们的生命，你却没有一丝呼吸？你是永不回来的了，永不，永不，永不，永不，永不！请你替我解开这个纽扣；谢谢你，先生。你看见吗？瞧着她，瞧，她的嘴唇，瞧那边，瞧那边！（ 死 ）
埃德加 他晕过去了！——陛下，陛下！
肯特 碎吧，心啊！碎吧！
埃德加 抬起头来，陛下。
肯特 不要烦扰他的灵魂。啊！让他安然死去吧；他将要痛恨那想要使他在这无情的人世多受一刻酷刑的人。
埃德加 他真的去了。
肯特 他居然忍受了这么久的时候，才是一件奇事；他的生命不是他自己的。
奥尔巴尼 把他们抬出去。我们现在要传令全国举哀。（ 向肯特、埃德加 ）两位朋友，帮我主持大政，培养这已经受伤的国本。
肯特 不日间我就要登程上道；我已经听见主上的呼唤。
埃德加 不幸的重担不能不肩负；感情是我们唯一的言语。年老的人已经忍受一切，后人只有抚陈迹而叹息。（同下，奏丧礼进行曲）