I have no way and therefore want no eyes.
I stumbled when I saw. Full oft ’tis seen,
Our means secure us and our mere defects
Prove our commodities. O dear son Edgar,
The food of thy abused father’s wrath!
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,
I’d say I had eyes again!
– William Shakespeare
King Lear, Act 4, Scene 1. This reply by Gloucester to the Old Man who expressed concern that he will not be able to see his way is a beautiful piece of irony. Before Gloucester lost his eyes he was blind to the true nature of his children, trusting the scheming and treacherous Edmund over the honest and trustworthy Edgar. Now physically blind, he can see how wrong he was and has become more self-aware. Often having something makes us spoiled, and being deprived of it turns out to be advantageous, he says. The loss of his eyes is a metaphor for his mental blindness. There is a sad irony about Gloucester’s next words as he praises Edgar to Poor Tom (Edgar disguised) and repents for the "wrath" that he showed towards him.