Page:King Lear (1917) Yale.djvu/64

48

Peruse this letter. Nothing almost sees miracles

But misery: I know 'tis from Cordelia,

Who hath most fortunately been inform'd

Of my obscured course; and shall find time

From this enormous state, seeking to give

Losses their remedies. All weary and o'er-watch'd,

Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold

This shameful lodging.

Fortune, good night, smile once more; turn thy wheel!

[He sleeps.]

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,

Does not attend my taking. While I may 'scape

I will preserve myself; and am bethought

To take the basest and most poorest shape

That ever penury, in contempt of man,

Brought near to beast; my face I'll grime with filth,

Blanket my loins, elf all my hair in knots,

And with presented nakedness outface

The winds and persecutions of the sky.

The country gives me proof and precedent

Of Bedlam beggars, who with roaring voices,

Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms

Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;

And with this horrible object, from low farms,

 172 miracles; cf. n.  10 elf: twist

14 Bedlam; cf. n.

