King Lear — Act 1, Scene 5: Court before the same.

Lear sends Kent ahead to Gloucester with letters and instructions to reveal nothing beyond what the letter asks. Kent leaves at once. Alone with Lear, the Fool teases him about his foolishness in giving away his power, comparing him to a man with poor sense and mocking his trust in his daughters. Lear begins to admit that he wronged Cordelia and grows increasingly troubled, saying he may lose his reason. The Fool continues to speak in riddles and jokes while Lear asks for his horses. When a Gentleman arrives to say they are ready, Lear prepares to leave with the Fool, still shaken by his own anger and regret.