and eat no fish

Tom Fleming, memorable as Kent in the 1971 Peter Brook and Paul Scofield production of Lear.  I’m reminded how good he was seeing a portion of the recent production the other night.  A good cast, as I judge and all enthusiasts, BUT, Kent cuts to the soul of the piece, we reduce his part at our peril. We need his age and quality.  Marvellous bloody play

KENT

I do profess to be no less than I seem; to serve
him truly that will put me in trust, to love him
that is honest, to converse with him that is wise
and says little, to fear judgment, to fight when I
cannot choose, and to eat no fish.

LEAR

                               What art thou?

KENT

A very honest-hearted fellow,
and as poor as the king.

LEAR

If thou beest as poor for a subject
as he’s for a king, thou'rt poor enough.
What wouldst thou?

…

What services canst thou do?
KENT

I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a curious
tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message
bluntly: that which ordinary men are fit for, I am
qualified in: and the best of me is diligence.

KING LEAR

How old art thou?

KENT

Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor
so old to dote on her for any thing: I have years
on my back forty eight.

LEAR

Follow me…