7

In short and musty straw? alack! alack!
'Tis wonder that thy life and wits, at once,
Had not concluded.--Ah! he wakes; speak
Phys. Madam, do you, 'tis fittest.

[to him. Cor. How does my royal Lord? how fares your Majesty ?

[grave; Lear. You do me wrong to take me out o' th' Thou art a soul in bliss, but I am bound

Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears
Do scald like molten lead.

Cor. Sir, do you know me?

Lear. You are a spirit, I know; when did
Cor. Still, still, far wide-

you

[die?

Phys. He's scarce awake, let him alone awhile.
Lear. Where have I been? where am I? fair

day-light?

I'm mightily abus'd; I should even die with pity,
To see another thus. I know not what to say;
I will not swear these are my hands; let's see,
I feel this pin prick: 'would I were assur'd
Of my condition.

Cor. O look upon me, Sir,

And hold your hand in benediction o'er me.
No, Sir, you must not kneel.

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 ; Yet I am doubtful; for I'm mainly ignorant What place this is; and all the skill I have, Remembers not these garments; nay, I know not Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me; For, as I am a man, I think this lady

To be my child Cordelia.

Cor. And so I am; I am

[weep not.

tears wet? yes, 'faith; I pray you,

Lear. Be your tears wet?

If you have poison for me, I will drink it.
I know you do not love me ; for your sisters
Have, as I do remember, done me wrong.
You have some cause, they have none.

Cor. No cause, no cause.

Lear. Am I in France?

Kent. In your own kingdom, Sir.

Lear. Do not abuse me.

[rage,

Phys. Be comforted, good Madam; the great You see, is cur'd in him :—and yet 'twere danger To make him even o'er the time h' has lost.

Desire him to go in; trouble him no more,
Till further settling.

Cor. Will't please your Highness walk?
Lear. You must bear with me;

Pray you now, forget and forgive.

I am old and foolish.

[Exeunt Lear, Cor. Phys. and Attendants.

ACT V.

SCENE I.

Enter EDMUND, REGAN, Gentleman, and Soldiers. Edm. Know of the Duke, if his last purpose Or whether, since, he is advis'd by aught [hold; To change the course? he's full of alteration, And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, Madam.

Reg. Now, sweet Lord,

You know the goodness I intend upon you.
Tell me but truly, but then speak the truth,

Do

you not love my sister?

Edm. In honour'd love.

Reg. But have you never found my brother's

To the forefended place?

Edm. No, by mine honour, Madam.

[way

Reg. I never shall endure her; dear my Lord,

Be not familiar with her.

Edm. Fear not; she, and the Duke her husband

Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers. Gon. I'd 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 touches us, as France invades our land;
Not holds to th' King, with others, whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.
Reg. Why is this reason'd?

Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy:
For these domestic and particular broils

Are not the question here.

Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent, Alb. Let's then determine with th'ancients of

On our proceeding..

Reg. Sister, you'll go with us?

Gon. No.

[war

Reg. 'Tis most convenient, pray you, go with us. Gon. Oh ho, I know the riddle, I will go.

SCENE IÍ.

Enter Edgar disguis'd.

[Aside.

Edg. If e'er your Grace had speech with man

Hear me one word.

Alb. I'll overtake you- -Speak.

[so poor

[Exeunt. Edm. Reg. Gon, and Attendants.

If

Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
you have vict❜ry let the trumpet sound

For him that brought it: wretched though I seemo,
I can produce a champion, that will prove
What is avouched there. If you miscarry,
Your business of the world hath so an end,
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!
Alb. Stay till I've read the letter.
Edg. I was forbid it.

When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.

[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. Hard is the guess of the true strength and forces, By diligent discovery: but your haste

Is now urg'd on you.

Alb. We will greet the time.

SCENE III.

[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 whom shall I take? Both? one? or neither? neither can be enjoy'd, If both remain alive: to take the widow, Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril; And hardly shall I carry out my side,