This hideous rashness: answer my life my judge ment, Kent, on thy life, no more. Out of my sight! Lear. Now, by Apollo, — Now, by Apollo, king, O, vassal! miscreant ! [Laying his hand on his sword. Alb. Dear sir, forbear. Kent. Do; Hear me, recreant ! } 170 To shield thee from diseases of the world; Kent. Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear, Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here. [To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid, That justly think’st, and hast most rightly said! That good effects may spring from words of love. 180 He'll shape his old course in a country new. [Exit. 190 Flourish. Re-enter GLOUCESTER, with FRANCE, BURGUNDY, and Attendants Glou. Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord. Lear. My lord of Burgundy, We first address towards you, who with this king Hath rivall'd for our daughter: what, in the least, Will you require in present dower with her, Or cease your quest of love? Bur. Most royal majesty, I crave no more than what your highness offer'd, Nor will you tender less. Lear. Right noble Burgundy, When she was dear to us, we did hold her so; But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands : 200 I know no answer. oath, Take her, or leave her? Bur. Pardon me, royal sir; Election makes not up on such conditions. Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me, 210 I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great king, 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 ashamed Almost to acknowledge hers. France. This is most strange, That she, that 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 220 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, I'll do 't before I speak, that you make known That hath deprived me of your grace and favour; As I am glad I have not, though not to have it Lear. Better thou Hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better. France. Is it but this, a tardiness in nature Give but that portion which yourself proposed, Duchess of Burgundy. Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm. Bur. I am sorry, then, you have so lost a father That you must lose a husband. Cor. 230 240 Peace be with Burgundy! 250 Since that respects of fortune are his love, being poor; neglect My love should kindle to inflamed respect. Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance, of of ours, and our fair France: 260 Lear. Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see (Flourish. Exeunt all but France, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. France. Bid farewell to your sisters. 270 Cor. The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are; And like a sister am most loath to call Your faults as they are named. Use well our father : To your professed bosoms I commit him: |