No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison:We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage:When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down,And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live,And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laughAt gilded butterflies, and hear poor roguesTalk of court news; and we'll talk with them too,Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out;And take upon's the mystery of things,As if we were God's spies: and we'll wear out,In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones,That ebb and flow by the moon.
In this quote from "King Lear," the speaker expresses a longing for freedom and a simple, joyful existence even within confinement. The idea of being imprisoned becomes a metaphor for the challenges of life, with an emphasis on companionship and shared experiences. The speaker envisions a life of singing, storytelling, and laughter despite the circumstances, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. The imagery of "gilded butterflies" and "poor rogues" adds a layer of social commentary on the superficiality of status and the fleeting nature of power.
The speaker's desire to engage in meaningful conversation about life’s mysteries reveals a deeper understanding of human connections beyond external appearances. By embracing the role of observers or "God's spies," they suggest a curious approach to the complexities of existence, blending humor with introspection. This highlights a poignant contrast between the perceived misery of imprisonment and the richness of shared moments, promoting an enduring hope that persists even in difficult times.
