THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

1. ANTONIE, HIS FRIEND BASSANIO AND HID ENEMY SHYLOCK

The city of Venice was once rich. It was powerful. Its riches came from trade with other countries. The chief citizens of Venice were rich merchants. Among the richest of them was Antonio. He was a merchant. He was famous for his honesty and kindness.

Antonio had a close friend. His name was Bassanio. He was a handsome young man. He was born in a noble family. He liked to live in a grand style. But he was always in need of money. Antonio often lent him money.

It happened that Bassanio fell in love with a lady of great beauty. She had wisdom and wealth too. Her name was Portia. She lived at Belmont, just outside Venice. She had shown some liking for Bassanio and he hoped to win her for his wife. In order to impress her Bassanio decided to visit her grandly dressed and with many servants. However he had no money to do so. So he asked Antonio to lend him three thousand ducats.

At that time Antonio did not have such a great sum for all his ships were at sea. When they came back with rich cargoes he would have much money. But till then he was short of money. So he decided to borrow the money from a money lender. He would offer his ships as a security for loan.

Antonio and Bassanio went to Shylock the money-lender. Antonio asked him for the loan of three thousand ducats. Shylock was Antonio’s enemy. Antonio was kind man, but he behaved very badly with shylock. The reason for this was the shylock was a Jew. Antonio was a Christian. At that time there was a lot of bad feeling between the Christians and the Jews. Beside, shylock lent money for profit. He made people pay high interest on his loans. Antonio, on the other hand lent money out of kindness. He charged no interest. When a debtor could not pay his debt, shylock showed no mercy towards him. He would send him to prison. On the contrary. Antonio showed much kindness to his debtors. He would never send them to prison. Antonio had often insulted shylock in public. He had called him “ a dog”. He had spat upon him shylock had good reasons to hate Antonio and he hated him with all his heart. He waited to have his revenge on him.
2. A STRANGE BOND

Antonio’s request for a loan gave shylock his chance of revenge. At first he made a show that he was unwilling to lend the money. Antonio told shylock that he would pay him back when his ships came home. Shylock wanted to know how he could be sure that his ships would come home safely. They might be lost at sea. They might be captured by sea-robbers. He thought for while and made a wicked plan. He said that he would be generous. He would lend him the money and would not charge any interest on it. Shylock smiled a strange smile and said that, as a joke. Antonio would have to make a promise. It was if he could not pay him back n three months time, he must give him a pound of his flesh. He must also allow him (shylock) to cut that pound of flesh from any part of his body that he chose. If he agreed to that, shylock would lend him the money.

Antonio agreed willingly. He thought that shylock was unusually kind. Bassanio thought shylock had some evil intention. He requested his fried not to sign the bond. He said that it was a strange bon and it hid and evil design. He asked Antonio what would happen if his ships did not come hoe safely. Shylock would claim his pound of flesh and he would claim it lawfully. He would cut his heart out! And he would be the cause of his friend’s death.

Bassanio begged in vain. Antonio laughed at his fears. He signed the bond and took the money.

Bassanio set out for Belmont. He was grandly dressed and ha a number of attendants. He had high hopes of winning the beautiful Portia for his wife. Antonio’s danger was forgotten. Bassanio’s mind was filled with thoughts of love.










3. THE THREE CASKETS


Portia’s father had died lately. Before his heath he had thought of an unusual plan find the right husband for his daughter. He had given her three caskets. The first of these was made of gold, the second of silver and the third of lead. The portrait of Portia was in one of the caskets. The suitor who first chose the casket which held the portrait would be Portia’s husband. All suitors had to promise never to marry if they chose the wrong caskets. This was really a hard condition. Many suitors went away without any attempt when they heard of it.

The first to try was a prince from Morocco. He said to himself that silver and lead were poor metals. They were too poor to hold the precious picture of the noble Portia. He therefore chose the gold casket. He opened it and found inside the picture of a skull. There was also this message; “All that glitters is not gold.” The prince from Morocco left Belmont at once.

He went home. He was then a sadder and wiser man.
The second suitor was a prince from Spain. He looked for a long time at the silver casket. On it were these words. “He who chooses me will get what he deserves. He liked the words. He was a prince with a high opinion of himself. He thought that he deserved the best. He therefore, chose the silver casket. He opened it and found inside the picture of blinking fool. He too, rode away from Belmont at once. He was deeply disappointed and offended.

Then Bassanio arrived Portia liked Bassanio very much. She was afraid that he would choose the wrong casket. Therefore she begged him to stay with her for a while and then to make his choice. Bassanio however was very eager to try. He would not wait. He went at once into the room where the caskets were.

For a long time Bassanio looked at the gold casket. Portia watched him anxiously. Bassanio thought, Appearances are often misleading. Bad men appear good. Ugly people hide their ugliness under fine clothes.” So he chose the plain lead casket. He opened it quickly. Inside there was the portrait of Portia!

Bassanio turned to look at Portia. He saw that she was as happy as he was. Indeed, Portia told him at once that she really loved him. She said, I give you myself, my house my servants all that I have. And as a token of this, I give you this ring, “So saying, she gave him the ring she was wearing n her finger. “If ever you part with this.” She said, “I shall know that you no longer love me.”

“Only death can take this ring from me.” Bassanio promised her strongly.



4. ANTONIO IS RUINED


Another pair of lovers were in the room at that time. They were Gratiano and Nerissa. Gratiano was Bassanio’s friend an Nerissa was Portia’s maid and friend. They now came forward to wish Portia and Bassanio great happiness. They also begged permission to marry when Portia and Bassanio did. This request was at once granted. There was great joy at Belmont that day.

This joy was soon spoilt by some sad news. A messenger arrived with a letter for Bassanio from his dear friend Antonio. Bassanio turned deathly pale as he read it.

“My ships have been lost at sea. I cannot pay the money I owe to the Jew and so I have to pay the penalty. Dear friend come and see me if you can. I want to see you once again before I die.”

The messenger told Bassanio that Antonio was now in prison like any other com-mon debtor. His trial would take place in a few days. This news turned all joy into sorrow. Bassanio cried out in despair. Antonio had risked his life for him. Now his earest friend must die. And it was Bassanio’s fault. He told Portia everything; how he had needed money to come to Belmont in a grand style; how Antonio had borrowed money for him; how Shylock had lent the money on a strange condition and how Antonio had signed the bond.

When Portia heard of Antonio’s greatness of heart. She was eager to help him. She wished to keep Bassanio with her at Belmont, but she told him to go at once to Antonio in Venice. She promised that she would give Shylock half of her fortune if he freed Antonio.

Bassanio and Gratiano then got ready for this journey to Venice. Before they left, however Portia and Bassanio were married. Nerissa and Gratiano were married too. Sadly the two husbands said good-bye to their wives and started for Venice.

Portia began to think how she could help Antonio. At last she thought of a plan. She wrote to her cousin. Doctor Bellario. He was a learned lawyer. She asked him to send her his advice and also his lawyer’s gown. Doctor Bellario did so. In a short time Portia and Nerissa were also on their way to Venice. Portia was dressed as a lawyer and Nerissa was disguised as lawyer’s clerk. Portia had disguised to act as a lawyer and do her best to save the life of Antonio.


5. THE TRIAL

In the meantime, Bassanio and Gratiano had reached Venice. They were already in the court of justice. They were waiting for the trial to begin. Soon the Duke entered with his attendants. He took his seat and the trial began.

The Duke asked Shylock to be merciful and not to claim his pound of flesh. Shylock would not listen to him. Bassanio offered Shylock twice the sum of money that he had lent to Antonio. “I claim my pound of flesh. The law is on my side. Antonio must pay the penalty written in the bond.”

The Duke was sorry for Antonio but he could do nothing the help him. The law was on shylock’s side and the law must be obeyed. The wisest lawyer in Venice. Doctor Bellario was coming to speak in defence of Antonio. Even he the duke feared could do nothing to save the unfortunate merchant.

Then a young clerk entered with a message from doctor Bellario. It was that because of illness he could not come to the court. He therefore begged the Duke to let a young friend of his, Doctor Balthazar defend Antonio in his place. The Duke gave his permission and Doctor Balthazar entered the court. He looked very young. He did not look like a lawyer whose wisdom could save Antonio. He was of course, Portia in disguise. The clerk who had brought the message was Nerissa. She was also in disguise.

Portia begged Shylock to be merciful just as the Duke had done before. She said in a noble speech. “Mercy brings a blessing to him who shows it and to him who receives it. All of us pray to God for mercy. But God will only have mercy on us if we have mercy on others.” Shylock paid no attention to her noble words. Rather he said to her, “I demand the penalty, the lawful penalty, the penalty written in the bound.”

Portia asked, “Can Antonio not pay his debt?”


Bassanio cried, “Yes, he can pay it and more, I am ready to pay ten times the sum he borrowed.”

“Will you not take the money, Shylock?” Portia asked.

“No, I demand the lawful penalty. I claim my pound of flesh. Give me my pound of flesh. I say.”

“Let me see the bond. Shylock”, said Portia.

Shylock handed her the bond. She read it and said, “You are quite right. Shylock you can claim the pound of flesh. But be merciful, I beg you. Take the money offered you and let me tear up this bond.”

Shylock still demanded the lawful penalty. Then Portia turned to Antonio and said, “Get ready for Shylock to cut his pound of flesh. The law gives it to him.”

Hearing these words, shylock was filled with joy. “Oh noble judge! He cried out, oh, excellent young man!” He called Portia a second Danfel, “Denfel had been a wise man. So he was held in high honour by the Jewish people.

“Come, shylock cut your pound of flesh!” cried Portia.

Shylock moved forward towards Antonio. His knife was ready in is hand. He raised it and told Antonio to uncover his chest.


6. SHYLOCK IS RUINED


Shylock was about to use knife. Portia stopped him and speck again. “Wait Shylock,” said Portia. “There is something else. This bond does not allow you to shed one drop of blood. The words are a pound of flesh. There is no mention of blood. In cutting your pound of flesh if you shed one drop of blood, then you must pay the penalty. The penalty is this; the state will take your property from you, will lose everything you now have Shylock.”

Shylock was silent. At last he asked in a voice of despair. “I that the law?”

Portia answered, “Yes that is the law.”

Shylock’s face showed his bitter disappointment. Gratiano saw that and called out mockingly, “Oh noble judge! Oh, excellent young man! A second Daniel!”

Shylock was silent. At last he asked in voice of despair, “Is that the law?”

Portia answered, “Yes that is the law.”

Shylock’s face showed his bitter disappointment. Gratiano saw that and called out mockingly, “Oh noble judge! Oh, excellent young man! A second Daniel!”

Shylock liked at Bassanio and said, “You offered me ten times the sum, I will take it and Antonio can go free,”

Bassanio held out the money, Portia stopped him. “No! she cried out shylock demanded the penalty according to the law. He shall have that and nothing else.”

Gratiano was unable to hide his delight at the Jew’s defeat. He again mocked shylock

He cried out, “Listen Jew! Oh, noble judge!”

“Well shylock, take your pound of flesh. But be careful! Not one drop of blood!” said Portia.

“Then just give me back the sum I lent.” Begged Shylock, Bassanio was about to do so, but Portia stopped him again. “He refused it here when you offered it to him. All of us are witnesses to that. He shall have the penalty. He shall have only what he demanded and nothing else.”

Shylock moved to leave the court. He looked very sad. He was shaking. He seemed eager to leave the place. However hardly had he taken tow steps when Portia called out;

“Wait! I have something else to say, According to the law, any foreigner who plots to kill a citizen of Venice shall be punished. The punishment is; half his property goes to that citizen and the other half goes to the state. Beside this the duke may add another punishment. He may sentence the criminal to death. And so shylock, I would advise you to kneel before the Duke and beg for mercy.”

The duke was kind. He spared Shylock’s life. “But he said to him, “Half your wealth will go to Antonio and the other half to the state.”

Antonio spoke. “I will not take my half,” he said, “If Shylock becomes a Christian, he can take my share,” Shylock also had to promise that , on his death he would leave his wealth to his daughter Jessica and her husband Lorenzo, a friend of Antonio’s. Jessica had run away from home in order to marry Lorenzo. This news had almost broken shylock’s heart.

Shylock had lost his daughter and now he had lost much of his wealth. He looked deathly pale and put his hand to his aching heart. “I am unwell. “Send the agreement to me and I will sing it.”

The Duke allowed Shylock to go. He then set Antonio free and dismissed the court.



7. THE RINGS

Throughout the trial everyone had been wondering at the wisdom of the young lawyer. Portia had disguised her appearance and her voice so will that even Bassanio could not recognize her. All thought her to be an unusually clever lawyer.

As soon as the trial was over, Antonio went up to Portia. He requested her to accept the three thousand ducats that shylock had lent him. Portia firmly refused to take the money. Then Bassanio begged her accept some token of their gratitude.
“As you insist,” Portia said to him playfully.” I will take your gloves. Bassanio at once took them off and handed them to her. And, added Portia, “I will also take that ring on your finger.”

Bassanio drew back his hand, “Ah! That is one thing I cannot give you,” he told her is a soft voice. “My wife gave it to me and I promised never to part with it.”

Portia laughed at him. “That’s common excuse that men make when they are unwilling to make a gift. Your wife, I am sure would be pleased to let me have the ring.” She turned away and left the court with her clerk, Nerissa.

“Bassanio, dear friend, let the doctor have the ring,” Antonio begged. “He has saved my life and is fit to get more than we can give him.”

Bassanio then agreed and sent Gratiano after Portia to give her the ring. Portia accepted it. Clever and charming Nerissa was able to make Gratiano give her his ring. This was the ring which she had given him at the time of their marriage. He like Bassanio had promised never to part with it.

Portia and Berissa went back home to Belmont. There they took off their disguises. They put on their proper clothes and waited for the return of their husbands. It was not long before Bassanio and Gratiano arrived, Antonio was with them.

While Portia was welcoming Antonio, Gratiano and Nerissa were quarrelling in a corner of the room. Their angry voices reached Portia. She called out of them laughingly. “What! Are you quarrelling already? What’s the matter?”

“It’s about a ring that Nerissa gave me.” Gratiano answered. “It had these words cut on it; “Love me and leave me not.” She ……………

Here Nerissa stopped him angrily and said, “He promised me faithfully never to part with it. And now he tells me that he gave it away to a man. It was some woman, I am sure.”

“I didn’t give it to a woman. Its not true.” Said Gratiano, but Nerissa would not listen to him.


8. GREAT JOY AT BELMONT


Now it was Portia’s turn to play a trick on her husband. “ Nerissa,” she said, I am no your side. Gratiano did wrong in giving your ring away. He broke his promise to you. How can you ever trust a man like that! I also gave my husband a ring and he promised never to part with it. I should be very angry indeed if he ever gave it to anyone.

“Bassanio did give his ring away,” cried Gratiano. “He gave it to Doctor Balthazar who asked him for it. Then I gave mine away to his clerk who asked me for it.”

Bassanio had to admit that it was the ring she had given him. “I didn’t want to, but I had to,” he said in a weak voice. “How could I refuse when Doctor Balthazar had saved Antonio’s life?

“I don’t believe you,” cried Portia. “You gave the ring to some woman or other. I am certain of it.”

Bassanio hotly denied this, but Portia would not listen to him. Then Antonio said sadly. “ I am the ring cause of these quarrels. Bassanio gave the ring to doctor Balthazar because I asked him to. Forgive him this time. I beg you. I am sure that he will never again break a promise he has made to you.”

“Well this time I will forgive him.” Portia said, “And as a token of my forgiveness. I shall give him this ring. She took a ring out of her bag. It was the same ring as had been the reason for the quarrel. She handed it to Bassanio and said, “I hope you will keep this one better then you did the other.”

Bassanio took the ring and looked at it. He could not believe his eyes. It was the very ring that he had given away!

Then Portia told the story of her going to the court as Doctor Balthazar, with Nerissa as her clerk. She also showed the letter that she had received from her cousin Doctor Bellario. Bassanio was very happy and proud. He was happy because Portia had been angry only as a joke. He was proud that she had saved his friend by her courage and wisdom. Gratiano was equally happy when Nerissa returned him his ring.

There was great joy in Belmont that evening. This joy was even greater when a messenger came with letters for Antonio. These letters brought good news. The ships which he had believed lost had all returned safely to the horbour. All the rich goods too were safe. Antonio was rich man again.

There was a great joy at Belmont.



KING LEAR
1. THREE DAUGHTERS OF KING LEAR

These events happened long ago when King Lear was ruling Britain.

King Lear had three daughters. Their names were Goneril, Regain and Cordelia. Now Lear was a very old man. He was over eighty years of age. He was tired of ruling his kingdom. He needed peace and rest. So he made up his mind to give up his throne and to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. But first he wanted to know how much they loved him.

At first Lear asked his eldest daughter. Goneril how much she loved him. She was the wife of the Duke of Albany. Goneril declared in front of the whole court. Sire I love you more than I can say. You are dearer to me than life itself. I love you with all my heart and I shall always love you so.”

Lear was satisfied. He called for the map of his kingdom and drew his finger found one third of it. “This part is yours.” He said to Goneril. “I give this to you and your heirs for ever.”

Lear then asked his second daughter the same questions. Regan was the wife of the duke of Cornwall. She declared, “Sire, I love you as much as my sister does. Indeed, I love you more my only happiness is in loving you. My love for you will never change.”

Regan’s answer pleased the old king and he gave her also a third of his kingdom.

Then it was his youngest and favorite daughter. King Lear expected her to speak even more lovingly than her sisters had done. However Cordelia just stood there and said nothing.

“Well the king said to her, “What can you say, Cordelia?”

Nothing she answered.

The king was astonished at her answer “Nothing will come of nothing,” he said sternly.


2. KING LEAR DISOWNS CORDELIA


Cordelia had been annoyed at her sister’s words. She knew that they were insincere their words were false. They had flattered their old father in order to get his land. She could not deceive him. There was no deceit in her nature. So she answered the king sincerely. She said, “Yes are my father. You have brought me up. You have taken care of me. I obey you love you and honour you as a dutiful daughter should. But I cannot say like my sisters that my love for you will never change. Nor can I give you all my love. When I marry I shall give much of my love to my husband.”

Hearing this King Lear was wild with anger. In his old age he would be very pleased to hear flattering words. He believed his elder daughters and turned on Cordelia in great anger.

“Ungrateful, heartless child! He called her “You are no longer my daughter. I disown you. I give your share of my kingdom to your sisters.”

Then the king called the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall, the husbands of Goneril and Regan. He gave one half of his kingdom to each of them. He would keep for himself only the mane of king and a hundred knights to serve him. His home would be in the castles of his loving daughters for he had decided to lie with each of them in turn.


3. KING LEAR BANISHES KENT

The courtiers listened in amazement as the old king disowned his youngest daughter. They knew that she loved him sincerely. They were surprised to hear him give away his kingdom to her insincere sisters. However they feared the king’s hasty temper. Only one of them was unwise. This was the Earl of Kent. He was a faithful and honest man.

“You have rewarded those who flattered you and you have punished your most loving and truthful daughter,” he said to Lear. “A wise and just king would have done the opposite.

These words made Lear very angry. He shouted angrily, “Kent, I banish you from my kingdom. You have five days to get ready to leave. If on the sixth day you are still here, you shall be put to death. Go! Get out of my sight!”

Kent turned away sorrowfully. He said farewell, to Cordelia sadly. He begged God to protect her. He said to her sisters. “Let your deeds show your love for your father!”


4. CORDELIA MARRIES WITHOUT A DOWARY


Among the courtiers were two young men. They had come to ask for Cordelia in marriage. They were the Duke of Burgundy and the King of France. Without a dowry the Duke of Burgundy would not marry Cordelia.
“And I would not marry him,” said Cordelia, “for he loves my dowry and not me!” on the other hand the king of France greatly admired Cordelia’s sincerity and courage. He said, I will gladly take what others throw away.”

“Take her then!” cried Lear. “She is no daughter of mine. Take her away with you at once I never want to see her face again go!”

Cordelia wept as she said farewell to her sisters, “Be kind to our father.” She begged them.

We know our duty. There is no need for you to tell us what to do.” They said mockingly. They also said, “Be kind to your husband. You ought to. He has taken you without a penny.”

With a heavy heart, Cordelia left her father’s palace. She knew that her sisters would treat her father badly.



5. THE CART IS DRAWING THE HORSE


Cordelia was right. First of all, the old king went to stay with his eldest daughter, Goneril Duchess of Albany. Soon he found out how false she was. She behaved to him most unkindly. She would not listen to his complaints and neglected him. She told the king to stop giving orders in her house. She was the mistress and he was only a guest there. But she treated him much.

Worse than a guest. Her servants followed their mistress’s example. They did not obey Lear’s orders. They were rude to the king and his attendants.

While Lear was at Goneril’s castle, a stranger came to him one day. He requested Lear to take him into his service. The king ar once liked the man as he looked honest and true. The man proved his loyalty and honesty that very evening. One of Goneril’s servants rudely answered the king and at once the stranger knocked him down. This pleased Lear and he took the stranger into his service at once.

Now this stranger was really the Earl of Kent in disguise. He loved Lear very much and was ready even to risk his life in order to help him. Therefore he had disguised himself as a servant instead of leaving Britain and had come to Goneril is palace. He hoped to be able to save the kind from Goneril’s knockdness. He also hoped that he could deep the old king from further acts of folly. When the king asked him what his name was, he answered that it was Caius.

Beside Caius, Lear had one other faithful friend. This man was his jester of fool. In those days a king always kept a jester or a fool in his court. His duty was to make his master laugh. Lear’s Jester was a wise fool. Much wisdom was seen in his seemingly foolish talk. Seeing Goneril’s unkindness to her father, he said to Lear. “In olden times fathers wanted obedient daughters. Now a days daughters want obedient fathers.” He added then, “The cart is drawing the horse,”

Lear was very fond of his fool. The fool also loved his master very much. Lear felt very unhappy over Goneril’s ill-treatment of him. The fool saw it and always tried to cheer up the king with his songs and jokes.

6. CAIUS IS PUT IN THE STOCKS

Goneril grew more and more unkind. She did not want Lear in her house. She tried to drive him away by her unkindness. Instead of a smile, she came to him with a displeased look. “Your attendants are a nuisance in my house,” she told him. You don’t need all that great number of knights. You ought to send away at least of half of them.” When the king refused to send any of them away, she herself sent away fifty of them.

The aged king now saw clearly how wicked hid daughter was. He cursed her for her falseness and cruelty. He angrily said, “May you never have a child! Or if you do may if treat you as you have treated me!” He would stay no longer in Goneril’s palace. “I have still a daughter who will receive me,” he said to her. He at once set out for the Duke of Cornwall’s castle. His remaining fifty knights his fool and Cairo followed him. He could not believe that Regain, the duchess of Cornwall, would treat him as badly ad Goneril had done.

Caius by chance met this servant outside Regan’s castle. He rightly thought that the servant was there for some wicked purpose. He called him a traitor. When the servant refused to fight with him, he beat him for his cowardice. For this, on the orders of Ragan, Caius was put into the stocks. Now the stocks were just in front of the castle. Hence when Lear arrived, the first thing that he saw was hid faithful Caius in the stocks.


7. THE WICKED DAUGHTERS OFFER


Lear was very angry. E at once entered the castle to demand and explanation. He was told that the duke and the Duchess could not see him. They were tired and had home to bed. He must be patient and wait. At this the king’s anger naturally increased. But grater than his fury was his grief, for he found that his second daughter was no better than his first.

Regan soon showed that she was as cruel as Goneril. When Lear told, Regan of Goneril’s unkind behavior, she said to him, “I cannot think that my sister would fail in her duty to you. I am sure that she is not to blame. After all, you are old men. You ought to listen to others who are wiser than you. I advise you to go back to Goneril. Tell her that you are sorry for all the trouble you have caused her. Beg her to take you back.”

This was more than Lear could bear “What!” he cried out in anger. “Do you expect me to go down on my knees and say to you and your sister, Dear daughters, I know that I am old and an old man, of course, has no right to go on living; soon my knees. I beg you to give me clothes, a bed and something to eat?” he paused to get his breath. Then he remembered his trusty servant in the stocks. “Tell me” he demanded, “Who dared to put my servant in the stocks?”

Regan paid no attention to her Father. His question was not answered. At that moment Goneril arrived. She had come in person in order to make sure that Regan was firm with their father.

“Go back to Goneril,” Regan told her father. “If you stay here, I cannot allow you to keep more than twenty five attendants. I cannot give food and shelter to more than that.”

“Well fifty is more than twenty-five after all,” the old king said in a low voice.

“Why should you keep any attendant at all?” Said Goneril. “You don’t need any. My servants will look after you if you stay at my house.”


8. KING LEAR GOES MAD WITH GRIFE

Lear grieved over their unkindness and wept. He was also very angry at their rude behavior and expressed it in angry words. He cursed them. “Your punishment will come,” he said to them. “One day you will suffer the torment that I am suffering now.” Lear’s wild anger touched the very skies and a dreadful storm began. The thunder roared a dreadful warning. Lightning flashed, and it brought death and destruction wherever it struck. The wind howled as if it would blow the earth into the sea. In such weather who would dare to go out of doors? He was out of his mind with grief and despair, he ran out into the fearful storm.
His faithful fool went with him. Together they wandered over the desolate health. There was no shelter at all for them. The wildness of the weather, however, did not trouble Lear as the wickedness of his daughters. The storm in his heart was more fire than the storm on the heath. Soon Lear and his fool were thoroughly wet with rain and half frozen.

In this dreadful state, they were found by Caius, the disguised Earl of Kent. He had escaped from the stocks.

“Oh, good sir, are you here?” he cried. Even creatures that love the night would not go out on a night like this. This fearful storm has driven even the beasts to their hiding places. Man’s nature cannot bear it.” Caius led the king and his fool to a broken hut; he had found that while he had been looking for them. The fool entered first but soon came out running. He was shaking with fear.

There’s a ghost in there! A ghost! Don’t go in!

In fact, it was not ghost but a madman. He called himself “Poor Tom”. Poor Tom’s cold.” He kept on saying. He was in rags and was a piteous sight.

“Have you given everything to your daughters, too?” Lear asked him. “Have they brought you to this?”

Then Lear turned to Caius and said sorrowfully. “Nothing but his unkind daughters could have brought him so low.” Caius heart was nearly breaking, for he saw that poor Lear was now quite out of his mind.






9. CORDELLA AND HER MAD FATHER

They spent the night in the hut. All four of them were more or less mad. The king’s daughters had driven him mad. The fool had always been a little out of his mind. The man who called himself poor Tom was mad and Caius was almost mad with grief. When at last the fury of the storm grew

King Lear sings and talks to the empty air less. Caius led the king to his castle. It was on the south coast of England, not far from France. Here among friends, poor mad Lear was safe. Now Caius threw off his disguise and as the earl of Kent, sailed over to France to tell Cordelia about these tragic happenings.

Cordelia begged her husband to gather an army to help Lear. Soon she was on her way to Britain with the French Army. They landed at Dover. Cordelia at once went to the castle of the Earl of Kent to see her father. The doctors advised her to wait till her father was a little bitter. “He will not know you now,” they said.

Poor and mad king! He often wandered through the fields. He wore a crown of wild flowers on his head. He sang and talked to the empty air. But his doctors were hopeful that he would be all right. “With time and our medicine, he will be all right again,” they said to Cordelia.

At last Cordelia was allowed to see her father. She wept at the sad change in him. She kissed him tenderly. At first Lear did not know who she was. Then he remembered slowly. “I am over eighty and I am old and foolish, I know,” he said piteously. “Sometimes I don’t know where I slept last night. But I feel that I know you, “He turned to the kind faces around him.” Don’t laugh at me, he said, “but isn’t this lady my daughter Cordelia?

Cordelia was happy because her father at last knew her. But Lear then remembered how badly he had treated her and was afraid that she did not love him. With tender words and kisses. Cordelia comfort-ed him. Lear became more peaceful. “For-give and forget,” he begged her. “I am old and foolish. Forgive and forget.”



10. THE TRAGIC END OF KING LEAR AND HIS DAUGHTERS

It was not long before Goneril and Regan heard of Cordelia’s coming with the French army. Their husbands, the dukes of Albany and Cornwall, Gathered a great army to fight against the French. There was a fierce battle an the French army was defeated. King Lear and Cordelia were taken prisoners.

Cordelia was put to death in prison. Lear found her dead and broke his heart. “Why should a dog, a cat a rat have life and you no life at all?” he asked sadly. Then he fell dead at her side.

In the meantime, what was happening to Goneril and Regan? They had been to their old father. Both sisters were in love with the same men, the Earl of Gloucester. He was a wicke and ambitious man. Gloucester’s plan was to marry one of them and get a half of the kingdom. When the duke of Cornwall. Regan’s husband, died she declare that she was going to marry the earl, Goneril became very jealous and out of jealousy poisoned her sister. The duke of Albany, Goneril’s husband, discovered his wife’s unfaithfulness and her crime. He put her into prison. There Goneril fell into despair and killed herself.

Such was the terrible end of those two wicked sisters. It was a fit punishment for their wickedness towards their old poor father.

Afterwards Britain was ruled by the Duke of Albany. He had the good Earl of Kent to advise him. Their rule brought peace and happiness to the trouble land.