Kent. I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it being so proper*. Glo. But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though this knave came somewhat saucily into the world before he was sent for, yet was his mother fair; there was good sport at his making, and the whoreson must be acknowledged.-Do you know this noble gentleman, Edmund? Edm. No, my lord. Glo. My lord of Kent: remember him hereafter as my honourable friend. Edm. My services to your lordship. Kent. I must love you, and sue to know you better. Edm. Sir, I shall study deserving. Glo. He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again:-The king is coming. [Trumpets sound within. Enter Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and Attendants. Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloster. Glo. I shall, my liege. [Exeunt Gloster and Edmund. Lear. Mean-time we shall express our darker t purpose. Give me the map there.-Know, that we have di vided, In three, our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent wall, And you, our no less loving son of Albany, We have this hour a constant will to publish Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy, Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love, Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, And here are to be answer'd.-Tell me, my daugh ters (Since now we will divest us, both of rule, Which of you, shall we say, doth love us most? Where merit doth most challenge it.-Goneril, Gon. Sir, I Do love you more than words can wield the matter, Dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty; Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare; No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour: As mach as child e'er lov'd, or father found. A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable; Beyond all manner of so much I love you. Cor. What shall Cordelia do? Love, and be si[Aside. lent. Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, With shadowy forests and with champains* rich'd, Reg. I am made of that self metal as my sister, Only she comes too short,-that I profess Myself an enemy to all other joys, Which the most precious square t of sense possesses; * Open plains. + Comprehension. And find, I am alone felicitate* In your dear highness' love. Cor. Then poor Cordelia! And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love's More richer than my tongue. [Aside. Lear. To thee, and thine, hereditary ever, Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom; No less in space, validity †, and pleasure, Than that confirm'd on Goneril.-Now, our joy, Although the last, not least; to whose young love The vines of France, and milk of Burgundy, Strive to be interess'd: what can you say, to draw A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak. Cor. Nothing, my lord. Lear. Nothing? Cor. Nothing. Lear. Nothing can come of nothing: speak again. My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty Lear. How, how, Cordelia? mend your speech a little, Lest it may mar your fortunes. Good my lord, Cor. You have begot me, bred me, lov'd me: I Return those duties back as are right fit, Obey you, love you, and most honour you. Why have my sisters husbands, if they say, They love you, all? Haply, when I shall wed, That lord, whose hand must take my plight, shall carry Half my love with him, half my care, and duty: Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters, To love my father all. Lear. But goes this with thy heart? Cor. Lear. So young, and so untender? * Made happy. ↑ Value. Ay, good my lord. Perhaps. Cor. So young, my lord, and true. Lear. Let it be so.-Thy truth then be thy dower: From whom we do exist, and cease to be; The barbarous Or he that makes his generation messes Kent. Lear. Peace, Kent! Good my liege,— Come not between the dragon and his wrath: [To Cordelia. 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, With my two daughters' dowers digest this third: That troop with majesty.-Ourself, by monthly course, With reservation of an hundred knights, Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain The sway, • Kindred. + From this time. Revenue, execution of the rest*, Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm, This coronet part between you. [Giving the crown. Lov'd as my father, as my master follow'd, Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly, When Lear is mad. What would'st thou do, old man? Think'st thou, that duty shall have dread to speak, When power to Aattery bows? To plainness honour's bound, When majesty stoops to folly. Reverse thy doom; And, in thy best consideration, check This hideous rashness: answer my life my judge ment, Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; Lear. Kent, on thy life, no more. Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn To wage against thine enemies; nor fear to lose it, Thy safety being the motive. Lear. Out of my sight! Kent. See better, Lear; and let me still remain The true blank of thine eye. Lear. Now, by Apollo, |