2 When she was dear to us, we did hold her so; Bur. Lear. Sir, I know no answer. Will you, with those infirmities she owes,3 Unfriended, new-adopted to our hate, Dower'd with our curse, and stranger'd with our oath, Take her, or leave her? Bur. 4 Pardon me, royal sir; Election makes not up on such conditions. Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me, I tell you all her wealth.-For you, great king, [To FRANCE. 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, Than on a wretch whom nature is asham'd Almost to acknowledge hers. France. This is most strange! That she, thát even but now was your best object, The argument of your praise, balm of your age, Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle So many folds of favour! Sure, her offence Must be of such unnatural degree, Owns, is possessed of. 4 Concludes not. 5 Turn. That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd' affection Fall into taint:7 which to believe of her, Must be a faith, that reason without miracle Could never plant in me. Cor. I yet beseech your majesty, (If for I want that glib and oily art, To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend, That hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour: Lear. Better thou Hadst not been born, than not to have pleas'd me better. France. Is it but this? a tardiness in nature, Which often leaves the history unspoke, That it intends to do?-My lord of Burgundy, What say you to the lady? Love is not love, When it is mingled with respects, that stand Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her? She is herself a dowry. Give but that portion which yourself propos'd, Duchess of Burgundy. Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm. 8 Because. 6 Former declaration of. 7 Reproach or censure. Bur. I am sorry then, you have so lost a father, That you must lose a husband. Cor. Peace be with Burgundy! Since that respects of fortune are his love, I shall not be his wife. France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor; Most choice, forsaken; and most lov'd, despis'd! Be it lawful, I take up what's cast away. Gods, gods! 'tis strange, that from their cold'st neglect Lear. Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see That face of her's again:-Therefore be gone, [Flourish. Exeunt LEAR, BURGUNDY, CORNWALL, ALBANY, GLOSTER, and Attendants. France. Bid farewell to your sisters. Cor. The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes Cordelia leaves you: I know you what And, like a sister, am most loath to call you are; Your faults, as they are nam'd. Use well our father: To your professed bosoms I commit him : Gon. Prescribe not us our duties. Reg. Let your study Be, to content your lord; who hath receiv'd you At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted, And well are worth the want that you have wanted. 4 Cor. Time shall unfold what plaited + cunning hides; Who cover faults, at last shame them derides. Well may you prosper! France. Come, my fair Cordelia. [Exeunt FRANCE and CORDELIA. Gon. Sister, it is not a little I have to say, of what most nearly appertains to us both. I think, our father will hence to-night. Reg. That's most certain, and with you; next month with us. Gon. You see how full of changes his age is; the observation we have made of it hath not been little: he always loved our sister most; and with what judgment he hath now cast her off, appears too grossly. poor Reg. 'Tis the infirmity of his age: yet he hath ever but 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 the imperfections of long-engrafted condition, but therewithal, the unruly waywardness that infirm and cholerick years bring with them. 4 Folded, doubled. 5 Qualities of mind. Reg. Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him, as this of Kent's banishment. Gon. There is further compliment of leave-taking between France and him. Pray you, let us hit together: If our father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears, this last surrender of his will but offend us. Reg. We shall further think of it. Gon. We must do something, and i'the heat." SCENE II. [Exeunt. A Hall in the Earl of Gloster's Castle. Enter EDMUND, with a Letter. Edm. Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law My services are bound: Wherefore should I Stand in the plague of custom; and permit The curiosity of nations to deprive me, For that I am some twelve or fourteen moon-shines 7 The injustice. 6 Strike while the iron's hot. |