France has spoken the first kind word of confidence; and to it Cordelia reacts as naturally as a flower to the sunlight. She is deeply moved by the king's faith in her; and, breaking through her natural reserve as well as her agony of suffering, begs her father to clear her from the suspicion of any foul crime since her fault is merely that she will neither fawn nor flatter. In this impulsive appeal her love for France unconsciously shines forth, the love of a pure heart won by his confidence in her purity. Yet, even to win a kindly word from her father, a word which might set her right in the eyes of France, she will not retract her position. Her will is as fixed as his. She is right; and her contempt for her sisters' methods is clearly evident. Cordelia's character is remarkable for its impressive, pervasive nature. She is like a subtle perfume. The words which she speaks throughout the entire play are few; and yet they flavour its entire atmosphere. Lear's words of reply to her appeal are a further revelation of the fact that he has lost all sense of proportion. This is in itself an element in his growing insanity. 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 's not love Aloof from th' entire point. Will you have her? Give but that portion which yourself propos'd And here I take Cordelia by the hand, Duchess of Burgundy. Lear. Nothing. I have sworn; I am firm. Burgundy. I am sorry then you have so lost a father That you must lose a husband. Cordelia. Peace be with Burgundy! Since that respect and fortunes are his love, I shall not be his wife. that love mingled with considerations. 242. entire point the essential matter of marriage based on love. 250. respect and fortunes : hendiadys for respect of fortune. 240 245 250 The characters of France and Burgundy stand revealed by the touchstone of a man's attitude to the woman he would make his wife. France states the principle that love mingled with respect for dower is not true love; Cordelia, in harmony with that principle, scorns the thought of marriage with Burgundy whose love is merely regard for her fortune. France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich being poor, Most choice forsaken, and most lov'd despis'd, Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon. Be it lawful I take up what 's cast away. Gods, gods! 't is strange that from their cold'st neglect My love should kindle to inflam'd respect. Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance, Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy Thou losest here, a better where to find. Lear. Thou hast her, France. Let her be thine, for we Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see That face of hers again. Therefore be gone Without our grace, our love, our benison. Come, noble Burgundy. (Exeunt all but France, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia.) 255. Be it lawful: if it is permitted. If, as the common saying is, finding 's having, I keep that which I here find. 260. waterish. Burgundy is indeed a well-watered territory; but the term, as here applied to the duke, is one of contempt for his weak and ignoble refusal to take a dowerless bride. 261. unpriz'd: unvalued by others, beyond all value to me. 262. unkind; unnatural in their treatment of Cordelia. 255 260 265 Respect is an essential element of the highest forms of love; and France finds his love for Cordelia, at first it may be little superior to that of Burgundy, growing into personal respect which alone can form the basis of happy married life. This development of noble love from a less worthy passion is not infrequent in Shakespeare, as for example in the case of Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice. That France accepts Cordelia is contrary to Lear's desire; and such opposition, though indirect, tends to increase his anger. In bind passion he sends Cordelia from him and shows such open favour to Burgundy as to add further insult to France. |