King Lear: Act 4, Scene 3 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 4, Scene 3 of King Lear from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

Original Text	Translated Text
Source: Folger Shakespeare Library
KENT Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you no reason? GENTLEMAN 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 5 that his personal return was most required and necessary. KENT Who hath he left behind him general? GENTLEMAN The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far. KENT Did your letters pierce the Queen to any demonstration 10 of grief? GENTLEMAN Ay, sir, she took them, read them in my presence, And now and then an ample tear trilled down Her delicate cheek. It seemed she was a queen 15 Over her passion, who, most rebel-like, Fought to be king o’er her.	Kent, still in disguise, meets again with the Gentleman that he sent to Cordelia, but this time near the French camp at Dover. He wants all the details about how Cordelia reacted to his letter, and whether or not she cried. Answer: Yep. She did.
KENT O, then it moved her. GENTLEMAN Not to a rage. Patience and sorrow strove Who should express her goodliest. You have seen 20 Sunshine and rain at once; her smiles and tears Were like a better way. Those happy smilets That played on her ripe lip seemed not to know What guests were in her eyes, which parted thence As pearls from diamonds dropped. In brief, 25 Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved If all could so become it.	But, the Gentleman reports. Cordelia's nobility kept her from rage. He says it was rather clear that she was between patience and sorrow as she read of her sisters' wickedness and her father's suffering. He adds that if everyone could look as good as Cordelia did while she wept for her father, then sorrow would be the new fashion.
KENT Made she no verbal question? GENTLEMAN Faith, once or twice she heaved the name of “father” 30 Pantingly forth, as if it pressed her heart; Cried “Sisters, sisters, shame of ladies, sisters! Kent, father, sisters! What, i’ th’ storm, i’ th’ night? Let pity not be believed!” There she shook The holy water from her heavenly eyes, 35 And clamor moistened. 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 make could not beget 40 Such different issues. You spoke not with her since? GENTLEMAN No. KENT Was this before the King returned? GENTLEMAN No, since. 45	Kent then wants to know if Cordelia asked any questions, but the Gentleman says no. She sobbed "father" a few times, expressed disbelief at her sisters' wickedness, and lamented Kent's banishment, but then she excused herself to be alone with her grief.
KENT Well, sir, the poor distressèd 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. GENTLEMAN Why, good sir? 50 KENT A sovereign shame so elbows him—his own unkindness, That stripped her from his benediction, turned her To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights To his dog-hearted daughters—these things sting 55 His mind so venomously that burning shame Detains him from Cordelia. GENTLEMAN Alack, poor gentleman!	Kent reveals that though Lear's in town near Cordelia, he refuses to see her. Not because he's stubborn, but because he's really ashamed himself. His shame (and his pride, implicitly) consume him so much that he can't bring himself to see his only good daughter.
KENT Of Albany’s and Cornwall’s powers you heard not? GENTLEMAN ’Tis so. They are afoot. 60 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 65 Along with me. They exit.	Besides all of this family drama, we also learn that Albany and Cornwall both have military elements afoot. Kent says he'll drop the gentleman messenger off at Lear's place, and in the meantime go take care of some secret business.