A man is known by his friends; and it is through the devotion of such a character as Kent that our respect for Lear is built up. We are led to see Lear through Kent's eyes, and hence to see him ennobled.

Behind Kent's disguise lies a deep love for the king; and from his heart comes the tribute of line 29. That tribute touches Lear. Accustomed to be obeyed, he feels himself a natural ruler and believes that royal authority indeed resides within his glance. Yet he questions to make sure what it is which this fellow notices in him. When Kent replies authority, his end is gained, though the king does not at once commit himself. Instead Lear turns aside with a masterful air, as though in illustration, and recalls that his command for dinner has not yet been obeyed. He calls for his Fool of whom at the moment he is reminded by the assumed nature and character of Kent.

23. wouldst: what do you wish?

30. fain: gladly.

41. dote: become foolish over.

Enter Oswald.

You, you, sirrah, where 's my daughter?

Oswald. So please you.

Lear. What says the fellow there?

Call the clotpoll back. (Exit a Knight.)

(Exit.) 50

Where's my Fool, ho? I think the world's asleep. Re-enter Knight.

How now! where 's that mongrel?

Knight. He says, my lord, your daughter is not 55 well.

Lear. Why came not the slave back to me when I called him?

Knight. Sir, he answered me he answered me in the roundest manner, he would not.

Lear. He would not!

60

Knight. My lord, I know not what the matter is; but, to my judgment, your highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were wont; there's a great abatement of kindness appears as well 65 in the general dependants as in the duke himself also and your daughter.

Lear. Ha! sayest thou so?

49. sirrah: a word of address usually, though not always, to menials.

Oswald, by his insolent disregard of Lear, is but obeying Goneril's command (I. III: 9 ff.); and the epithets used by the king make clear the contemptuous manner in which he is accustomed to treat even one high in position in his daughter's household. We must not lose sight of the measure of provocation which Lear gives his daughters.

Now that his attention is called to the fact, Lear acknowledges a consciousness of growing discourtesy in the face of which he has tried to exercise unprotesting endurance. Yet his whole nature frets under the least opposition, and, with the growing sense of his position, he feels his restlessness increasing. He again calls for the Fool as a child might call for his mother, or one in trouble might call for a friend upon whom he was accustomed to depend for some essential strength. The Fool has been a source of strength to Lear upon many occasions, taking his mind from those causes of passion which pervert good judgment.

Throughout the play, when speaking of the Fool, Lear uses the title as a personal name, often in a spirit of deep affection; and, when addressing him, employs some term of personal endearment. The place of the professional fool is worthy of note. These fools were not idiots but men who by some natural or acquired peculiarity of mind were fitted to entertain, as comedians. Treated as children by their masters, they were alternately whipped and petted; and, not being held entirely responsible for their conduct, were allowed great freedom of speech,

Knight. I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I 70 think your highness wronged.

Lear. Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception. 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 pur-75 pose 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 away.

Lear. No more of that; I have noted it well.

Go you, and tell my daughter I would speak with her. (Exit an Attendant.)

Go you, call hither my Fool.

Re-enter Oswald.

(Exit an Attendant.)

80

O, you sir, you, come you hither, sir. Who am I, 85 sir?

Oswald. My lady's father.

Lear. 'My lady's father?' my lord's knave.

You whoreson dog! you slave! you cur!

Oswald. I am none of these, my lord; I beseech 90

your pardon.

72. rememberest: remindest.

73. conception: suspicious or jealous thoughts.

faint: slight.

75. jealous curiosity: the watchfulness resulting from his naturally sensitive and suspicious nature.

pretence: design.

The Fool in King Lear is one of the most genuine of characters. He has an individual personality, elevating him far above the level of a mere maker of fun. His devotion to the king is not less than that of Kent. It is literally devotion unto death, for his loyalty in following the king through the storm ends his frail life.

Loved by Lear and cared for with a fond tenderness as if a child, he has by some been considered a youth; but more wisely may be judged to be a man of at least middle age, long associated with the king, a man in years and in that comprehending sympathy that comes only with years, but possessing the frail youthful body of those whose mental powers, however keen, have developed in an unbalanced and abnormal way. He has a deep, vital relation to the king and his family. He is here presented in connection with the very heart of the tragedy and as suffering personally through the king's passionate injustice to Cordelia.

The king is not unmindful of the Fool's condition. He has observed his suffering during the days since Cordelia went into France. That silent suffering has touched the king. Together with his own experience of neglect, the Fool's suffering is bringing him deep regret for the hasty action which has banished Cordelia. Of that he cannot bear to think; and to it he would forbid all reference. All things now tend to increase his petulance.

Upon the re-entrance of Oswald, Lear, who feels that he has but a moment ago impressed a keen-witted stranger with the authority of his eye, now demands recognition of his personality as a reason for humble obedience. The reply my lady's father is perfectly proper for one who regards Goneril as his highest superior, but not proper for one who recognizes Lear as king. It is a keen thrust at Lear's weak point and hence arouses his more violent passion,