All 8 Uses of
beseech
in
King Lear
- —[To France] For you, great king, I would not from your love make such a stray To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you To avert your liking a more worthier way Than on a wretch whom nature is asham'd Almost to acknowledge hers.†
Scene 1.1
- I yet beseech your majesty,— If for I want that glib and oily art To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend, I'll do't before I speak,—that you make known It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness, No unchaste action or dishonour'd step, That hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour; But even for want of that for which I am richer,— A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue As I am glad I have not, though not to have it Hath lost me in your liking.†
Scene 1.1
- I beseech you, sir, pardon me.
Scene 1.2 *beseech = ask strongly or beg
- I beseech you pardon me, my lord, if I be mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged.†
Scene 1.4
- I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon.†
Scene 1.4
- I do beseech you To understand my purposes aright: As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.†
Scene 1.4
- Let me beseech your grace not to do so: His fault is much, and the good king his master Will check him for't: your purpos'd low correction Is such as basest and contemned'st wretches For pilferings and most common trespasses, Are punish'd with: the king must take it ill That he, so slightly valu'd in his messenger, Should have him thus restrain'd.†
Scene 2.2
- — I do beseech your grace,— Lear.†
Scene 3.4
Definition:
to ask strongly or beg for something
Beseech is common in classic literature. Though its usage has doubled in recent decades, it remains a rare word in modern writing.
Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):
Beseech is similar to beg or entreat. Beg implies the request for a personal favor, while entreat implies an attempt to overcome resistance.
Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):
Beseech is similar to beg or entreat. Beg implies the request for a personal favor, while entreat implies an attempt to overcome resistance.