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Is it a beggar-man?

Gloucester
Is it a beggar-man?
Old Man
Madman and beggar too.
Gloucester
He has some reason, else he could not beg.
I' th' last night's storm, I such a fellow saw,
Which made me think a man a worm. My son
Came then into my mind, and yet my mind
Was then scarce friends with him. I have heard more since.
As flies to wanton boys are we to th' gods;
They kill us for their sport.
Edgar, aside
How should this be?
Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow,
Ang'ring itself and others.—Bless thee, master.
Gloucester
Is that the naked fellow?
Old Man
Ay, my lord.
Gloucester
Then, prithee, get thee away. If for my sake
Thou wilt o'ertake us hence a mile or twain
I' th' way toward Dover, do it for ancient love,
And bring some covering for this naked soul,
Which I'll entreat to lead me.
Old Man
Alack, sir, he is mad.
Gloucester
‘Tis the time's plague when madmen lead the blind.
Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure.
Above the rest, begone.
Old Man
I'll bring him the best ‘parel that I have,
Come on ‘t what will.
He exits.

Source:
Act 4
Scene 1
Line 33

Source Type:

Spoken by:
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Themes:
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