Act I · Scene I
King Lear's palace
Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmund.[2424]
Kent. I thought the king had more affected the Duke[2425][2426]
of Albany than Cornwall.[2425][2426]
of Albany than Cornwall.[2425][2426]
Glou. It did always seem so to us: but now, in the[2425][2426][2427]
division of the kingdom, it appears not which of the dukes[2425][2426][2428]
he values most; for equalities are so weighed that curiosity[2425][2426][2429] 5
in neither can make choice of either's moiety.[2425][2426]
division of the kingdom, it appears not which of the dukes[2425][2426][2428]
he values most; for equalities are so weighed that curiosity[2425][2426][2429] 5
in neither can make choice of either's moiety.[2425][2426]
Kent. Is not this your son, my lord?[2425]
Glou. His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I[2425]
have so often blushed to acknowledge him that now I am[2425]
brazed to it.[2425][2430] 10
have so often blushed to acknowledge him that now I am[2425]
brazed to it.[2425][2430] 10
Kent. I cannot conceive you.[2425]
Glou. Sir, this young fellow's mother could: whereupon[2425]
she grew round-wombed, and had indeed, sir, a son for her[2425]
cradle ere she had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a[2425]
fault?[2425] 15
she grew round-wombed, and had indeed, sir, a son for her[2425]
cradle ere she had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a[2425]
fault?[2425] 15
Glou. But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year[2425][2431]
elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though[2425][2432]
this knave came something saucily into the world before he[2425][2433] 20
was sent for, yet was his mother fair; there was good sport[2425]
at his making, and the whoreson must be acknowledged.[2425][2434]
Do you know this noble gentleman, Edmund?[2425][2435]
elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though[2425][2432]
this knave came something saucily into the world before he[2425][2433] 20
was sent for, yet was his mother fair; there was good sport[2425]
at his making, and the whoreson must be acknowledged.[2425][2434]
Do you know this noble gentleman, Edmund?[2425][2435]
Edm. My services to your lordship.[2425]
Kent. I must love you, and sue to know you better.[2425]
Glou. He hath been out nine years, and away he shall[2425] 30
again. The king is coming.[2425][2439]
again. The king is coming.[2425][2439]
Sennet. Enter one bearing a coronet, King Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and Attendants.[2440]
Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.[2441]
Glou. I shall, my liege. [Exeunt Gloucester and Edmund.[2442]
Lear. Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.[2443]
Give me the map there. Know we have divided[2444] 35
In three our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent[2445]
To shake all cares and business from our age,[2446]
Conferring them on younger strengths, while we[2447][2448]
Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,[2448]
And you, our no less loving son of Albany,[2448][2449] 40
We have this hour a constant will to publish[2448]
Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife[2448][2450]
May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy,[2448][2451]
Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,[2452]
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, 45
And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters,[2453]
Since now we will divest us both of rule,[2454]
Interest of territory, cares of state,[2454][2455]
Which of you shall we say doth love us most?
That we our largest bounty may extend 50
Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,[2456]
Our eldest-born, speak first.[2457]
Give me the map there. Know we have divided[2444] 35
In three our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent[2445]
To shake all cares and business from our age,[2446]
Conferring them on younger strengths, while we[2447][2448]
Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,[2448]
And you, our no less loving son of Albany,[2448][2449] 40
We have this hour a constant will to publish[2448]
Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife[2448][2450]
May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy,[2448][2451]
Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,[2452]
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, 45
And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters,[2453]
Since now we will divest us both of rule,[2454]
Interest of territory, cares of state,[2454][2455]
Which of you shall we say doth love us most?
That we our largest bounty may extend 50
Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,[2456]
Our eldest-born, speak first.[2457]
Gon. Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter,[2457][2458]
Dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty,[2459]
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, 55
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour,
As much as child e'er loved or father found;[2460]
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable;
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.[2461]
Dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty,[2459]
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, 55
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour,
As much as child e'er loved or father found;[2460]
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable;
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.[2461]
Cor. [Aside] What shall Cordelia do? Love, and be silent.[2462]60
Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,
With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd,[2463][2464][2465]
With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,[2464]
We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issue[2466]
Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter,[2467] 65
Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.[2468]
With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd,[2463][2464][2465]
With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,[2464]
We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issue[2466]
Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter,[2467] 65
Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.[2468]
Reg. I am made of that self metal as my sister,[2469]
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart[2470]
I find she names my very deed of love;[2471]
Only she comes too short: that I profess[2471][2472] 70
Myself an enemy to all other joys[2471]
Which the most precious square of sense possesses,[2473]
And find I am alone felicitate[2474][2475]
In your dear highness' love.[2474]
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart[2470]
I find she names my very deed of love;[2471]
Only she comes too short: that I profess[2471][2472] 70
Myself an enemy to all other joys[2471]
Which the most precious square of sense possesses,[2473]
And find I am alone felicitate[2474][2475]
In your dear highness' love.[2474]
Cor. [Aside] Then poor Cordelia![2476][2477][2478]
And yet not so, since I am sure my love's[2479][2480] 75
More ponderous than my tongue.[2477][2480][2481]
And yet not so, since I am sure my love's[2479][2480] 75
More ponderous than my tongue.[2477][2480][2481]
Lear. To thee and thine hereditary ever
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,
No less in space, validity and pleasure,
Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy,[2482][2483][2484] 80
Although the last, not least, to whose young love[2483][2485]
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy[2483]
Strive to be interess'd, what can you say to draw[2483][2486]
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.[2483][2487]
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,
No less in space, validity and pleasure,
Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy,[2482][2483][2484] 80
Although the last, not least, to whose young love[2483][2485]
The vines of France and milk of Burgundy[2483]
Strive to be interess'd, what can you say to draw[2483][2486]
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.[2483][2487]
Cor. Nothing, my lord. 85
Lear. Nothing![2488]
Cor. Nothing.[2488]
Lear. Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.[2489]
Cor. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave[2490][2491]
My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty[2490] 90
According to my bond; nor more nor less.[2490][2492]
My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty[2490] 90
According to my bond; nor more nor less.[2490][2492]
Cor. Good my lord,
You have begot me, bred me, loved me: I[2495][2496]
Return those duties back as are right fit,[2496][2497] 95
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say[2498]
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,[2498][2499][2500]
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry[2500]
Half my love with him, half my care and duty:[2500] 100
Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters,[2500][2501][2502]
To love my father all.[2502][2503]
You have begot me, bred me, loved me: I[2495][2496]
Return those duties back as are right fit,[2496][2497] 95
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say[2498]
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,[2498][2499][2500]
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry[2500]
Half my love with him, half my care and duty:[2500] 100
Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters,[2500][2501][2502]
To love my father all.[2502][2503]
Lear. But goes thy heart with this?
Cor. Ay, good my lord.[2504]
Lear. So young, and so untender?
Cor. So young, my lord, and true. 105
Lear. Let it be so; thy truth then be thy dower:[2505]
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,
The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;[2506]
By all the operation of the orbs[2507]
From whom we do exist and cease to be; 110
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood,
And as a stranger to my heart and me
Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,[2508]
Or he that makes his generation messes[2509] 115
To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom[2509][2510]
Be as well neighbour'd, pitied and relieved,[2510]
As thou my sometime daughter.
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,
The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;[2506]
By all the operation of the orbs[2507]
From whom we do exist and cease to be; 110
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood,
And as a stranger to my heart and me
Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,[2508]
Or he that makes his generation messes[2509] 115
To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom[2509][2510]
Be as well neighbour'd, pitied and relieved,[2510]
As thou my sometime daughter.
Kent. Good my liege,—[2511]
Lear. Peace, Kent![2512]
Come not between the dragon and his wrath.[2512] 120
I loved her most, and thought to set my rest
On her kind nursery. Hence, and avoid my sight![2513]
So be my grave my peace, as here I give
Her father's heart from her! Call France. Who stirs?
Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,[2514] 125
With my two daughters' dowers digest this third:[2515]
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.
I do invest you jointly with my power,[2516]
Pre-eminence and all the large effects[2517]
That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,[2518] 130
With reservation of an hundred knights
By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode
Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain[2519]
The name and all the additions to a king;[2520][2521]
The sway, revenue, execution of the rest,[2520][2522] 135
Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm,
This coronet part betwixt you.[2523]
Come not between the dragon and his wrath.[2512] 120
I loved her most, and thought to set my rest
On her kind nursery. Hence, and avoid my sight![2513]
So be my grave my peace, as here I give
Her father's heart from her! Call France. Who stirs?
Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,[2514] 125
With my two daughters' dowers digest this third:[2515]
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.
I do invest you jointly with my power,[2516]
Pre-eminence and all the large effects[2517]
That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,[2518] 130
With reservation of an hundred knights
By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode
Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain[2519]
The name and all the additions to a king;[2520][2521]
The sway, revenue, execution of the rest,[2520][2522] 135
Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm,
This coronet part betwixt you.[2523]
Kent. Royal Lear,
Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,[2524]
Loved as my father, as my master follow'd,[2525]
As my great patron thought on in my prayers,—[2526] 140
Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,[2524]
Loved as my father, as my master follow'd,[2525]
As my great patron thought on in my prayers,—[2526] 140
Lear. The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft.
Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade[2527]
The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly,
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?[2528]
Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak, 145
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound,[2529]
When majesty stoops to folly. Reverse thy doom,[2530]
And in thy best consideration check[2531]
This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgement,[2532]
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; 150
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound[2533]
Reverbs no hollowness.[2533]
The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly,
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?[2528]
Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak, 145
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound,[2529]
When majesty stoops to folly. Reverse thy doom,[2530]
And in thy best consideration check[2531]
This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgement,[2532]
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; 150
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound[2533]
Reverbs no hollowness.[2533]
Lear. Kent, on thy life, no more.[2534]
Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn[2535]
To wage against thy enemies, nor fear to lose it,[2536]
Thy safety being the motive.[2537]
To wage against thy enemies, nor fear to lose it,[2536]
Thy safety being the motive.[2537]
Lear. Out of my sight! 155
Kent. See better, Lear, and let me still remain
The true blank of thine eye.
The true blank of thine eye.
Lear. Now, by Apollo,—
Lear. O, vassal! miscreant!
[Laying his hand on his sword.[2540]
Alb. } Dear sir, forbear.[2541] 160
Corn.}
Corn.}
Kent. Do;[2542]
Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow[2543][2544]
Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy doom;[2543][2545]
Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,[2543]
I'll tell thee them dost evil.[2543]
Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow[2543][2544]
Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy doom;[2543][2545]
Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,[2543]
I'll tell thee them dost evil.[2543]
Lear. Hear me, recreant![2546][2547] 165
On thy allegiance, hear me![2546][2548]
Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow,[2549]
Which we durst never yet, and with strain'd pride[2550]
To come between our sentence and our power,[2551]
Which nor our nature nor our place can bear, 170
Our potency made good, take thy reward.[2552]
Five days we do allot thee, for provision[2553]
To shield thee from diseases of the world,[2554]
And on the sixth to turn thy hated back[2555]
Upon our kingdom: if on the tenth day following[2556] 175
Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions,
The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter,[2557]
This shall not be revoked.
On thy allegiance, hear me![2546][2548]
Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow,[2549]
Which we durst never yet, and with strain'd pride[2550]
To come between our sentence and our power,[2551]
Which nor our nature nor our place can bear, 170
Our potency made good, take thy reward.[2552]
Five days we do allot thee, for provision[2553]
To shield thee from diseases of the world,[2554]
And on the sixth to turn thy hated back[2555]
Upon our kingdom: if on the tenth day following[2556] 175
Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions,
The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter,[2557]
This shall not be revoked.
Kent. Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear,[2558]
Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.[2559] 180
[To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,[2560]
That justly think'st and hast most rightly said![2561]
[To Regan and Goneril] And your large speeches may your deeds approve,[2562]
That good effects may spring from words of love.
Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu; 185
He'll shape his old course in a country new. [Exit.[2563]
Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.[2559] 180
[To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,[2560]
That justly think'st and hast most rightly said![2561]
[To Regan and Goneril] And your large speeches may your deeds approve,[2562]
That good effects may spring from words of love.
Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu; 185
He'll shape his old course in a country new. [Exit.[2563]
Flourish. Re-enter Gloucester, with France, Burgundy, and Attendants.[2564]
Glou. Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.[2565]
Lear. My lord of Burgundy,[2566][2567]
We first address towards you, who with this king[2566][2568]
Hath rivall'd for our daughter: what, in the least,[2566][2569] 190
Will you require in present dower with her,[2566]
Or cease your quest of love?[2566][2570]
We first address towards you, who with this king[2566][2568]
Hath rivall'd for our daughter: what, in the least,[2566][2569] 190
Will you require in present dower with her,[2566]
Or cease your quest of love?[2566][2570]
Bur. Most royal majesty,[2571]
I crave no more than what your highness offer'd,[2571][2572]
Nor will you tender less.[2571][2573]
I crave no more than what your highness offer'd,[2571][2572]
Nor will you tender less.[2571][2573]
Lear. Right noble Burgundy,[2574]
When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;[2574][2575] 195
But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands:[2574][2576]
If aught within that little seeming substance,[2574][2577]
Or all of it, with our displeasure pieced,[2574][2578]
And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,[2579]
She's there, and she is yours.
When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;[2574][2575] 195
But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands:[2574][2576]
If aught within that little seeming substance,[2574][2577]
Or all of it, with our displeasure pieced,[2574][2578]
And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,[2579]
She's there, and she is yours.
Bur. I know no answer. 200
Lear. Will you, with those infirmities she owes,[2580]
Unfriended, new adopted to our hate,
Dower'd with our curse and stranger'd with our oath,[2581]
Take her, or leave her?[2582]
Unfriended, new adopted to our hate,
Dower'd with our curse and stranger'd with our oath,[2581]
Take her, or leave her?[2582]
Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me,
I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great king,[2586]
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[2587] 210
Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed
Almost to acknowledge hers.
I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great king,[2586]
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[2587] 210
Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed
Almost to acknowledge hers.
France. This is most strange,[2588]
That she, that even but now was your best object,[2588][2589]
The argument of your praise, balm of your age,[2588][2590]
Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time[2588][2591] 215
Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle[2588]
So many folds of favour. Sure, her offence[2588][2592]
Must be of such unnatural degree[2588]
That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection[2593][2594]
Fall'n into taint: which to believe of her,[2594][2595] 220
Must be a faith that reason without miracle[2596]
Could never plant in me.[2596]
That she, that even but now was your best object,[2588][2589]
The argument of your praise, balm of your age,[2588][2590]
Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time[2588][2591] 215
Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle[2588]
So many folds of favour. Sure, her offence[2588][2592]
Must be of such unnatural degree[2588]
That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection[2593][2594]
Fall'n into taint: which to believe of her,[2594][2595] 220
Must be a faith that reason without miracle[2596]
Could never plant in me.[2596]
Cor. I yet beseech your majesty,—[2597][2598]
If for I want that glib and oily art,[2598][2599]
To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend,[2600]
I'll do't before I speak,—that you make known[2601] 225
It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,[2602]
No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step,[2603]
That hath deprived me of your grace and favour;[2604]
But even for want of that for which I am richer,[2605]
A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue[2606] 230
As I am glad I have not, though not to have it[2607]
Hath lost me in your liking.
If for I want that glib and oily art,[2598][2599]
To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend,[2600]
I'll do't before I speak,—that you make known[2601] 225
It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,[2602]
No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step,[2603]
That hath deprived me of your grace and favour;[2604]
But even for want of that for which I am richer,[2605]
A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue[2606] 230
As I am glad I have not, though not to have it[2607]
Hath lost me in your liking.
France. Is it but this, a tardiness in nature[2611]
Which often leaves the history unspoke[2612][2613] 235
That it intends to do? My lord of Burgundy,[2613][2614]
What say you to the lady? Love's not love[2613][2615]
When it is mingled with regards that stand[2613][2616]
Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?[2617]
She is herself a dowry.[2618]
Which often leaves the history unspoke[2612][2613] 235
That it intends to do? My lord of Burgundy,[2613][2614]
What say you to the lady? Love's not love[2613][2615]
When it is mingled with regards that stand[2613][2616]
Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?[2617]
She is herself a dowry.[2618]
Bur. Royal Lear,[2619][2620] 240
Give but that portion which yourself proposed,[2620]
And here I take Cordelia by the hand,[2620]
Duchess of Burgundy.[2620]
Give but that portion which yourself proposed,[2620]
And here I take Cordelia by the hand,[2620]
Duchess of Burgundy.[2620]
Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.[2621]
Bur. I am sorry then you have so lost a father[2622] 245
That you must lose a husband.
That you must lose a husband.
Cor. Peace be with Burgundy![2623][2624]
Since that respects of fortune are his love,[2623][2625]
I shall not be his wife.[2623]
Since that respects of fortune are his love,[2623][2625]
I shall not be his wife.[2623]
France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich being poor,[2626]
Most choice forsaken, and most loved despised, 250
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon:[2627]
Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.[2628]
Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect[2629]
My love should kindle to inflamed respect.
Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance,[2630] 255
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France:
Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy[2631]
Can buy this unprized precious maid of me.[2632]
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind:[2633][2634]
Thou losest here, a better where to find.[2634] 260
Most choice forsaken, and most loved despised, 250
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon:[2627]
Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.[2628]
Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect[2629]
My love should kindle to inflamed respect.
Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance,[2630] 255
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France:
Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy[2631]
Can buy this unprized precious maid of me.[2632]
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind:[2633][2634]
Thou losest here, a better where to find.[2634] 260
Lear. Thou hast her, France: let her be thine, for we[2635]
Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see[2635]
That face of hers again. Therefore be gone[2636]
Without our grace, our love, our benison.[2637][2638]
Come, noble Burgundy.[2637] 265
Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see[2635]
That face of hers again. Therefore be gone[2636]
Without our grace, our love, our benison.[2637][2638]
Come, noble Burgundy.[2637] 265
[Flourish. Exeunt all but France, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia.[2639]
France. Bid farewell to your sisters.[2640]
Cor. The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes[2641][2642]
Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are;[2642][2643]
And, like a sister, am most loath to call[2642]
Your faults as they are named. Use well our father:[2642][2644] 270
To your professed bosoms I commit him:[2645]
But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,
I would prefer him to a better place.[2646]
So farewell to you both.
Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are;[2642][2643]
And, like a sister, am most loath to call[2642]
Your faults as they are named. Use well our father:[2642][2644] 270
To your professed bosoms I commit him:[2645]
But yet, alas, stood I within his grace,
I would prefer him to a better place.[2646]
So farewell to you both.
Reg. Prescribe not us our duties.[2647]
Gon. Let your study[2648] 275
Be to content your lord, who hath received you[2648]
At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted,[2648][2649]
And well are worth the want that you have wanted.[2650]
Be to content your lord, who hath received you[2648]
At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted,[2648][2649]
And well are worth the want that you have wanted.[2650]
Cor. Time shall unfold what plaited cunning hides:[2651]
Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.[2652] 280
Well may you prosper!
Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.[2652] 280
Well may you prosper!
France. Come, my fair Cordelia.
[Exeunt France and Cordelia.[2653]
Gon. Sister, it is not a little I have to say of what most[2654][2655][2656]
nearly appertains to us both. I think our father will hence[2655][2657]
to-night.[2655]
nearly appertains to us both. I think our father will hence[2655][2657]
to-night.[2655]
Reg. That's most certain, and with you; next month[2658] 285
with us.
with us.
Gon. You see how full of changes his age is; the observation[2659]
we have made of it hath not been little: he always[2660]
loved our sister most; and with what poor judgement he hath
now cast her off appears too grossly.[2661] 290
we have made of it hath not been little: he always[2660]
loved our sister most; and with what poor judgement he hath
now cast her off appears too grossly.[2661] 290
Reg. 'Tis the infirmity of his age: yet he hath ever but
slenderly known himself.
slenderly known himself.
Gon. The best and soundest of his time hath been but
rash; then must we look to receive from his age, not alone[2662]
the imperfections of long ingrafted condition, but therewithal[2663] 295
the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric[2664]
years bring with them.
rash; then must we look to receive from his age, not alone[2662]
the imperfections of long ingrafted condition, but therewithal[2663] 295
the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric[2664]
years bring with them.
Reg. Such unconstant starts are we like to have from[2665]
him as this of Kent's banishment.
him as this of Kent's banishment.
Gon. There is further compliment of leave-taking between[2666] 300
France and him. Pray you, let's hit together: if our[2667]
father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears,[2668]
this last surrender of his will but offend us.
France and him. Pray you, let's hit together: if our[2667]
father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears,[2668]
this last surrender of his will but offend us.
Reg. We shall further think on 't.[2669]
Gon. We must do something, and i' the heat. [Exeunt.305
We’ll remember where you stopped. All chapters