King Lear quotes

Lear to his Daughters in relation to the love test

Which of you shall we say doth love us most?

Cordelia refusing to flatter Lear (1)

I cannot heave my heart into my mouth

Cordelia refusing to flatter Lear (2)

I love your majesty according to my bond, no more nor less

Lear ostracises cordelia

Here i disclaim all my paternal care

Regan commenting on the effects of lears aging

Tis the infirmity of his age

Goneril commenting on lear making some unfortunate decisions

The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash

Edmund on his first manical power rant (1)

Edmund the base shall top the legitimate

Edmund on his first manical power rant (2)

Now, gods, stand up for bastards!

Edmund deciding between Goneril and Regan

Neither can be enjoyed if both remain alive.

Edmund referring to his father dies, he will gain his power etc

The younger rises when the old doth fall

Edmunds final moments of reconciliation with Edgar

The wheel is come full circle. I am here.

Goneril instructing oswald to be rude to Lear

Put on what weary negligence you please

Lear blaspheming his ungrateful children

How sharper than a serpents tooth is it to have a thankless child!

Kent giving out to Lear for his treatment to cordelia

And in thy best consideration check This hideous rashness.

Regan to Cornwall when discussing the idea of Lear coming to stay

To wilful men the injuries that they themselves procure Must be their schoolmasters Shut up your doors

King Lear complaining to Kent about how he has been treated

I am a man/ More sinned against than sinning.

Lear complaining to the Fool about his condition

Here I stand, your slave/ A poor, infirm, weak and despised old man.

Gloucester talking to himself after being blinded

As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods/ They kill us for their sport.

Lear to cordelia when meeting, Lear worried about his sanity

I fear i am not in my perfect mind

Lear commenting on gloucesters lack of eyes may still allow him to see

A man may see how this world goes with no eyes

King Lear begging for forgiveness from Cordelia

Pray you now, forget and forgive/ I am old and foolish.

Edgar to Edmund about how justice was served in the end

The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.

Edgar to Kent about how he believes the kingdom should aim to move forward

Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.

Lear in disbelief at Cordelias lack of flattery

Nothing will come of nothing: speak again

Duke of France explaining how he will love Cordelia despite the ostracization

Loves not love when it is mingled with regards that stand aloof from th’entire point

Lear questioning his identity after the initial events

Who is it that can tell me who I am?

Lear commenting on his unclouded mind, yet his frail body

When the mind’s free, the body’s delicate

Albany rebelling against Goneril’s decision

You are not worth the dust which the rude wind blows in your face

Regan commenting on the fools wisdom that she has observed

Jesters do oft prove prophets

Lear and cordelia in Jail

We two alone will sing like birds i’ the cage

a warning of lears anger

Come not between the dragon and his wrath

Regan ordering gloucesters second eye out

One side will mock another, the other too