So speedily can venge!-But, O poor Glofter! Mef. Both, both, my lord.This letter, madam, craves a fpeedy answer; 'Tis from your fifter. Gon. [Afide.] One way I like this well; But being widow, and my Glofter with her,' Upon my hateful life: Another way, The news is not so tart.-I'll read, and answer. [Exit. Alb. Where was his fon, when they did take his eyes? Mef. Come with my lady hither. Alb. He is not here. Mef. No, my good lord; I met him back again. Mef. Ay, my good lord; 'twas he inform'd against him; And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment Might have the freer course. Alb. Glofter, I live To thank thee for the love thou show'dft the king, SCENE III. The French Camp, near Dover. Enter KENT, and a Gentleman. [Exeunt. Kent. Why the king of France is fo fuddenly gone back know you the reason? Gent. Somethi g he left imperfect in the state, Which fince his coming forth is thought of; which Imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger, That That his personal return was most requir'd, Kent. Who hath he left behind him general? Gent. The Marefchal of France, Monfieur le Fer. Kent. Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief? Gent. Ay, fir; she took them, read them in my presence; And now and then an ample tear trill'd down Her delicate cheek: it feem'd, fhe was a queen Over her paffion; who, most rebel-like, Sought to be king o'er her. Kent. O, then it mov'd her. Gent. Not to a rage: patience and forrow strove Could fo become it. Kent. Made fhe no verbal question? Gent. 'Faith, once, or twice, the heav'd the name of father Pantingly forth, as if it prefs'd her heart; Cry'd, Sifters! fifters !-Shame of ladies! fifters! Kent! father! fifters! What? i the form? i the night? The holy water from her heavenly eyes, And clamour moisten'd: then away she started The stars above us, govern our conditions; Elfe one felf mate and mate could not beget Gent. No. Kent. Was this before the king return'd? Gent. No, fince. Kent. Well, fir; The poor diftrefs'd Lear is i' the town: Who fometime, in his better tune, remembers What we are come about, and by no means Will yield to fee his daughter. Gent. Why, good fir? Kent. A fovereign fhame fo elbows him : his own un kindness, That ftripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her To his dog-hearted daughters,-these things fting Gent. Alack, poor gentleman! Kent. Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not? Kent. Well, fir, I'll bring you to our master Lear, When I am known aright, you shall not grieve [Exeunt. SCENE IV. The fame. A Tent. Enter CORDELIA, Phyfician, and Soldiers. Cor. Alack, 'tis he; why, he was met even now Crown'd with rank fumiter, and furrow weeds, 7 Darnel, Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow In our fustaining corn.-A century fend forth; And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer.]-What can man's wisdom do, In the restoring his bereaved sense? He, that helps him, take all my outward worth. Phy. There is means, madam : Our fofter-nurfe of nature is repose, The which he lacks; that to provoke in him, Cor. All blefs'd fecrets, All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth, Spring with my tears! be aidant, and remediate, That wants the means to lead it. Mef. Enter a Meffenger. Madam, news; The British powers are marching hitherward. Cor. 'Tis known before; our preparation stands In expectation of them.-O dear father, It is thy business that I go about; Therefore great France My mourning, and important tears, hath pitied. But love, dear love, and our ag'd father's right: [Exeunt. SCENE G 3 SCENE V. A Room in GLOSTER'S Caftle. Enter REGAN and Steward. Reg. But are my brother's powers set forth? Stew. Reg. Ay, madam. In person there ? Stew. Madam, with much ado: Your fifter is the better foldier. Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home? Reg. What might import my fifter's letter to him? Reg. 'Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter. His nighted life; moreover, to descry The strength o' the enemy. Stew. I must needs after him, madam, with my letter. Reg. Our troops fet forth to-morrow; stay with us; The ways are dangerous. Stew. I may not, madam; My lady charg'd my duty in this business. Reg. Why fhould fhe write to Edmund? Might not you Transport her purposes by word? Belike, Something I know not what :—I'll love thee much, Sterw. Madam, I had rather Reg. I know, your lady does not love her husband; |