Cor. Still, still, far wide! Phys. He's scarce awake; let him alone awhile. I am mightily abus'd.—I should even die with pity, Cor. O, look upon me, sir, And hold your hands in benediction o'er me :- Lear. Pray, do not mock me: I am a very foolish fond old man, Fourscore and upward; and, to deal plainly, I fear, I am not in my perfect mind. Methinks, I should know you, and know this man: To be my child Cordelia. If Cor. And so I am, I am. Lear. Be your tears wet? Yes, 'faith. not: I pray, weep you have poison for me, I will drink it. Lear. Am I in France? Lear. Do not abuse me. No cause, no cause. In your own kingdom, sir. Phys. Be comforted, good madam: the great rage, You see, is cur'd in him: and yet it is danger To make him even o'er the time he has lost. Cor. Will't please your highness walk? Lear. You must bear with me: Pray now, forget and forgive: I am old, and foolish. [Exeunt Lear, Cordelia, Physician, and Attendants. Gent. Holds it true, sir, That the duke of Cornwall was so slain? Kent. Most certain, sir. Gent. Who is conductor of his people? Kent. The bastard son of Gloster. Gent. His banish'd son, is with the earl of Kent In Germany. Kent. As 'tis said, They say, Edgar, Report is changeable. "Tis time to look about; the powers o'the kingdom Approach apace. Gent. The arbitrement is like to be a bloody. Fare you well, sir. [Exit. [Exit. Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought, Or well, or ill, as this day's battle's fought. The Camp of the British Forces, near DovER. Enter, with Drums and Colours, EDMUND, REGAN, Officers, Soldiers, and others. Edm. Know of the duke, if his last purpose hold; Or, whether since he is advis'd by aught To change the course: He's full of alteration, [To an Officer, who goes out. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, madam. Now, sweet lord, Reg. Edm. In honour'd love. Reg. But have you never found my brother's way To the forefended place? Edm. That thought abuses you. Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct Reg. I never shall endure ber: Dear, my lord, Edm. Fear me not: She, and the duke her husband, Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers. Gon. I had rather lose the battle, than that sister Should loosen him and me. [Aside. Alb. Our very loving sister, well be met.— Sir, this I hear,-The king is come to his daughter, With others, whom the rigour of our state Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest, I never yet was valiant: for this business, It toucheth us as France invades our land, Not bolds the king; with others, whom, I fear, Reg. Why is this reason'd? Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy: Alb. Let us then determine. With the ancient of war on our proceedings. Gon. No. Reg. 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us. Gon. O, ho, I know the riddle: [Aside] I will go. As they are going out, enter EDGAR, disguised. Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor, Hear me one word. Alb. I'll overtake you.-Speak. [Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants. Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. If you have victory, let the trumpet sound For him that brought it: wretched though I seem, Edg. [Exit. Alb. Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy paper. Re-enter EDMUND. Edm. The enemy's in view, draw up your powers. Here is the guess of their true strength and forces By diligent discovery;-but your Is now urg'd on you. Alb. haste We will greet the time. [Exit. Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love; Each jealous of the other, as the stung Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use [Exit. SCENE II. A Field between the two Camps. Alarum within. Enter, with Drum and Colours, Lear, CORDELIA, and their Forces; and exeunt. Enter EDGAR and GLOSTER. Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree For your good host; pray that the right' may thrive; |