...and that none are exempt from the shame and debasement of mortality, for, in the words of Richard II, within the hollow crown That rounds the mortal temples...sits Scoffing his state, and grinning at his pomp . . . (Richard 77,3.2.160-3) The Fool performs this mocking role in King Lear. His is the recalcitrant...

...Vordergrund: For God's sake let us sit upon the ground And tell sad stories of the death of kings [...] For within the hollow crown That rounds the mortal...court, and there the antic sits Scoffing his state and grtnning at his pomp. Allowing him a breath. a little scene • To monarchise. be feared and kill with...

...the ghosts they have depos 'd, Some poison 'd by their wives, some sleeping kill 'd, All murder' d— for within the hollow crown That rounds the mortal...Allowing him a breath, a little scene. To monarchize, be fear 'd, and kill with looks; Infusing him with self and vain conceit, As if this flesh which walls...

...deposed, Some poisoned by their wives, some sleeping killed, All murdered. For within the hollow crown 165 That rounds the mortal temples of a king Keeps Death...Allowing him a breath, a little scene, To monarchize, be feared, and kill with looks, 1 70 Infusing him with self and vain conceit, As if this flesh which walls...

...deposed, Some poisoned by their wives, some sleeping killed, All murdered. For within the hollow crown 165 That rounds the mortal temples of a king Keeps Death...Allowing him a breath, a little scene, To monarchize, be feared, and kill with looks, 1 70 Infusing him with self and vain conceit, As if this flesh which walls...

...some have been depos'd; some slain in war; Some haunted by the ghosts they have depos'd; Some poisoned by their wives; some sleeping kill'd; All murder'd;...Allowing him a breath, a little scene, To monarchize, be feared, and kill with looks; Infusing him with self and vain conceit, As if his flesh which wall about...

...death, And that small model of the barren earth Which serves as paste and cover to our bones. For God's sake, let us sit upon the ground, And tell sad stories...temples of a king Keeps Death his court; and there the antick sits, Scoffing his state, and grinning at his pomp; Allowing him a breath, a little scene, To...

...that can only be fully teased out with time and attention - not perceived in the moment of audition: For within the hollow crown That rounds the mortal...his pomp, Allowing him a breath, a little scene To monarchise, be feared and kill with looks, Infusing him with self and vain conceit, As if this flesh...