Since now we will divest us both of rule, 50 Interest of territory, cares of state, Which of you shall we say doth love us most, That we our largest bounty may extend Where nature doth with merit challenge? Goneril, Our eldest-born, speak first. 55 Gon. Sir, I love you more than word can wield the matter; Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty ; Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare; No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour; As much as child e'er lov’d, or father found; 60 A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable : Beyond all manner of so much I love you. Cor. [Aside.] What shall Cordelia speak? Love and be silent. Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, With shadowy forests and with champains rich’d, 65 With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads, We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issues Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter, Our dearest Regan, wife of Cornwall ? Speak. 70 Reg. I am made of that self metal as my sister, 54. where nature doth with merit challenge: where natural affection deservedly claims. Lear's proposed trial and reward of his daughters' love seems merely a device to satisfy his desire for their protestations of affection. He has already determined his division of the kingdom. 56. wield the matter=express. 62. all manner of so much : all possible comparison; it cannot be bounded by “so much this" or "so much that.” 63. speak : the Qs. read do. 71. self=same. 80 And prize me at her worth. In my true heart 75 [Aside.] Then poor Cordelia ! And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love 's More ponderous than my tongue. Lear. To thee and thine hereditary ever Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom; No less in space, validity, and pleasure, Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy, Although our last and least, to whose young love 85 The vines of France and milk of Burgundy Strive to be interess’d, what can you say to draw A third more opulent than your sisters ? Speak. Cor. Nothing, my lord. Lear. Nothing! 90 Cor. Nothing Lear. Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again. Cor. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty According to my bond; no more nor less. 95 Lear. How, how, Cordelia! Mend your speech a little, Lest you may mar your fortunes. 76. precious square of sense: the most highly appreciated region of our senses. possesses : the reading of Qs.; the F. has professes. 85. our last and least : Cordelia was the smallest. Cf. 1. 201. Cor. Good my lord, 100 105 [To love my father all]. Lear. But goes thy heart with this? Ay, my good lord. Lear. Let it be so; thy truth, then, be thy dower! For, by the sacred radiance of the sun, 111 The mysteries of Hecate, and the night ; By all the operation of the orbs From whom we do exist, and cease to be; Here I disclaim all my paternal care, 115 Propinquity and property of blood, And as a stranger to my heart and me Hold thee, from this, for ever. The barbarous Scyth ian, Or he that makes his generation messes To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom 120 Be as well neighbour'd, piti'd, and reliev'd, As thou my sometime daughter. Kent. Good my liege, — 102. all=exclusively. 125 Lear. Peace, Kent ! Come not between the dragon and his wrath. I lov'd her most, and thought to set my rest On her kind nursery. [To Cor.] Hence, and avoid my sight! So be my grave my peace, as here I give Her father's heart from her! Call France. - Who stirs ? Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany, With my two daughters' dowers digest the third ; 130 Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her. I do invest you jointly with my power, Pre-eminence and all the large effects That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course, With reservation of an hundred knights, 135 By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode Make with you by due turn. Only we shall retain The name, and all the addition to a king; The sway, revenue, execution of the rest, Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm, 140 This coronet part between you. Kent. Royal Lear, Whom I have ever honour'd as my king, Lov'd as my father, as my master follow'd, As my great patron thought on in my prayers, — Lear. The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft. 145 125. set my rest : the phrase was a term at cards, almost equivalent to “stand pat.” Here rest also carries its usual meaning of repose. 126. nursery=nursing. 128. Who stirs : apparently all are too astonished to move. 138. addition=title and honor. Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man ? Thinkst thou that duty shall have dread to speak, When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound, 150 When majesty falls to folly. Reserve thy state; And, in thy best consideration, check This hideous rashness. Answer my life my judge ment. Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sounds 155 Reverb no hollowness. Lear. Kent, on thy life, no more. Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn To wage against thy enemies, ne'er fear to lose it, Thy safety being motive. Lear. 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. Corn. 146. fork : head of the arrow. 151. falls . . . Reserve thy state : Kent pleads with Lear to retain his royal authority. Qs. read stoops . . . Reverse thy doom (judgment), which would be a plea for mercy to Cordelia. 156. Reverb=reverberates. } |