The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long, So, out went the candle, and we were left darkling. Lear. Are you our daughter? Gon. Come, sir, I would, you would make use of that good wisdom whereof I know you are fraught 7; and put away these dispositions, which of late transform you from what you rightly are. Fool. May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse? Lear. Does any here know me? Why this is not Lear: does Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes? Either his notion weakens, or his discernings are lethargied. Sleeping or waking?. Ha! sure 'tis not so. Who is it that can tell me who I am? - Lear's shadow? I would learn that; for by the marks of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason, I should be false persuaded I had daughters.Fool. Which they will make an obedient father. Lear. Your name, fair gentlewoman? Gon. Come, sir; This admiration is much o' the favour Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you As you are old and reverend, you should be wise By her, that else will take the thing she begs, And the remainder, that shall still depend 9, Darkness and devils! 7 Stored. 8 Complexion. Continue in service. Saddle my horses; call my train together. - and your disorder'd rabble Make servants of their betters. Enter ALBANY. Lear. Woe, that too late repents, O, sir, are you come? - Is it your will? [To ALB.] Speak, sir. - Prepare my horses. Ingratitude! thou marble-hearted fiend, More hideous, when thou show'st thee in a child, Than the sea-monster ! Alb. Pray, sir, be patient. Lear. Detested kite! thou liest: [To GONEril. My train are men of choice and rarest parts, That all particulars of duty know; And in the most exact regard support The worships of their name. O most small fault, How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show! Which, like an engine', wrench'd my frame of na ture From the fix'd place; drew from my heart all love, [Striking his Head. And thy dear judgment out! — Go, go, my people. Alb. My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant Of what hath mov'd you. Lear. It may be so, my lord.— Hear, nature, hear; Dear goddess, hear! Suspend thy purpose, if Thou didst intend to make this creature fruitful! Into her womb convey sterility! 1 The rack, 2 Dry up in her the organs of increase; feel -Away, away! [Exit. Alb. Now, gods, that we adore, whereof comes this? Gon. Never afflict yourself to know the cause; But let his disposition have that scope That dotage gives it. Re-enter LEar. Lear. What, fifty of my followers, at a clap! Within a fortnight? Alb. What's the matter, sir? Lear. I'll tell thee;- Life and death! I am asham'd That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus: [To GONERIL. That these hot tears, which break from me perforce, Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee! The untented woundings of a father's curse 2 Degraded. 3 Falling. She'll flay thy wolfish visage. Thou shalt find, Gon. Do you mark that, my lord? Alb. I cannot be so partial, Goneril, To the great love I bear you, What, Oswald, ho! You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master. Fool. Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry, and take the fool with thee. A fox, when one has caught her, Should sure to the slaughter, So the fool follows after. [Exit. Gon. This man hath had good counsel:- A hundred knights! 'Tis politick, and safe, to let him keep At point, a hundred knights. Yes, that on every dream, -- Each buz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike, Oswald? 1 How now, 5 Armed. Enter Steward. What, have you writ that letter to my sister? Gon. Take you some company, and away to horse: Inform her full of my particular fear; And thereto add such reasons of your own, This milky gentleness, and course of yours, Alb. How far your eyes may pierce, I cannot tell; Striving to better, oft we mar what 's well. Gon. Nay, then — Alb. Well, well; the event. [Exeunt. SCENE V. Court before the same. Enter LEAR, KENT, and Fool. Lear. Go you before to Gloster with these letters: acquaint my daughter no further with any thing you know, than comes from her demand out of the letter: If your diligence be not speedy, I shall be there before you. Kent. I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter. [Exit. 6 Liable to reprehension." |