Have in thy reverence made! Kent. Kind and dear princess! Cor. Had you not been their father, these white flakes Had challenged pity of them. 30 Was this a face To be opposed against the warring winds? To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder? Of quick, cross lightning? to watch-poor perdu!— Though he had bit me, should have stood that Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father, Had not concluded all. He wakes; speak to him. Cor. How does my royal lord? How fares Lear. You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave: Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears Cor. Sir, do you know me? Lear. You are a spirit, I know: when did you die? Cor. Still, still, far wide! Doct. He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile. Lear. Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight? I should e'en die with pity, 40 50 helm; 42. concluded all, altogether come to an end. I will not swear these are my hands: let's see; I feel this pin prick. Of my condition! Cor. Would I were assured O, look upon me, sir, And hold your hands in benediction o'er me: Lear. Pray, do not mock me: I am a very foolish fond old man, I fear I am not in my perfect mind. Methinks I should know you, and know this man ; Yet I am doubtful: for I am mainly ignorant What place this is, and all the skill I have Remembers not these garments, nor I know not Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me; For, as I am a man, I think this lady To be my child Cordelia. If Cor. And so I am, I am. Lear. Be your tears wet? yes, 'faith. weep not: you have poison for me, I will drink it. I pray, sisters I know you do not love me; for your Cor. Lear. Am I in France? No cause, no cause. In your own kingdom, sir. Lear. Do not abuse me. Doct. Be comforted, good madam: the great rage, You see, is kill'd in him: and yet it is danger 80 80. make him even o'er, bridge over in memory, remember clearly. VOL. IX 129 K Cor. Will 't please your highness walk? Lear. [Exeunt all but Kent and Gentleman. Gent. Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain ? Kent. Most certain, sir. Gent. Who is conductor of his people? Kent. As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester. Gent. They say Edgar, his banished son, is 90 with the Earl of Kent in Germany. Kent. Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the powers of the kingdom approach apace. Gent. The arbitrement is like to be bloody. Fare you well, sir. [Exit. Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought, Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. [Exit. ACT V. SCENE I. The British camp, near Dover. Enter, with drum and colours, Edmund, Edm. Know of the duke if his last purpose hold, To change the course: he's full of alteration And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Reg. Edm. In honour'd love. Reg. But have you never found my brother's way 10 To the forfended place? Edm. That thought abuses you. Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers. Edm. No, by mine honour, madam. Reg. I never shall endure her: dear my lord, Be not familiar with her. Edm. Fear me not. She and the duke her husband! Enter, with drum and colours, ALBANY, Gon. [Aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister Should loosen him and me. Alb. Our very loving sister, well be-met. Sir, this I hear; the king is come to his daughter, It toucheth us, as France invades our land, 4. constant pleasure, fixed resolve. 13. bosom'd, taken into her confidence. 20 26. Not bolds the king, i.e. not (in so far as France) supports the king. Most just and heavy causes make oppose. Reg. Why is this reason'd? Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy; For these domestic and particular broils Are not the question here. Alb. 30 Let's then determine With the ancient of war on our proceedings. Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent. Gon. No. Reg. 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us. Gon. [Aside] O, ho, I know the riddle.—I will go. As they are going out, enter EDGAR disguised. Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor, Hear me one word. Alb. I'll overtake you. Speak. Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. 40 If you have victory, let the trumpet sound For him that brought it wretched though I seem, I can produce a champion that will prove Alb. Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper. [Exit Edgar. 50 32. the ancient of war, soldiers of experience. 36. convenient, expedient. |