I'll throw in one proof more, and that a bold one; Be honesty my int'rest, and I can Be honest too; and what saint, so divine. [Exit, r.h SCENE III.-The Court before the Duke of Enter Kent, disguised, l.h. Kent. Now, banish'd Kent, if thou can'st pay thy duty, In this disguise, where thou dost stand condemn'd, Thy master Lear shall find thee full of labors. (Retires a little, r.h.) Enter King Lear, attended by his Physician and three Knights, l.h. Lear. In there, and tell our daughter we are here. [Exi 1st Kni ht, r hou? Ken advanc s, r h.) K nt. A man sir. Lear. What dost thou profess, or would'st with us? Kent. I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve him truly that puts me in trust, to love him that's honest, to converse with him that's wise and speaks little, to fight when I can't chose, and to eat no fish. Lear. I say, what art thou? Kent. A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king. Lear. If thou be as poor for a subject, as he is for a king, thou art poor enough. Dost thou know me, fellow? Kent. No, sir; but you have that in your countenance, which I would fain call master. Lear. What's that? Kent. Authority. Lear. What services can'st thou do? Kent. I can keep honest counsel, mar a curious tale in the telling, deliver a plain message bluntly; that which or dinary men are fit for, I am qualified in; and the best of me, is diligence. Lear. How old art thou? Kent. Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing; nor so old, to dote on her for any thing; I have years on my back forty-eight. Lear. Thy name? Kent. Caius. (Kent goes to r.h. of 2d Knight.) Enter Oswald, l.h., singing, and passing King Lear carelessly. Now, sir? Osw. Sir !—Tol de rol, &c. [Exit singing, r.h. Lear. What says the fellow? call the clodpole back. [Exeunt Kent and 2d Knight, r.h. 3d Knight. My lord, I know not; but, methinks, your highness is entertain'd with slender ceremony. Lear. Say'st thou so? Thou but remember'st me of mine own conception. Re-enter 1st Knight, r.h. Why came not that slave back when I call'd him? 1st Knight. My lord, he answered i'th' surliest manner, that he would not. (Goes to his former place.) Lear. I hope our daughter did not so instruct him. Oswald brought in by Kent and 2d Knight, r.h. 1st and 2d Knight go behind, l.h.—2d Knight goes to his former place.—Kent puts Oswald next the King. Now, who am I sir? Osw My lady's father. Lear. My ladies' father! My lord's knave. (Strikes him.) Osw. I'll not be struck, my lord. Kent. Nor tript, neither, you vile civet-box. (Trips up his heels.) Lear. I thank thee, fellow: thou serv'st me. Kent. Come, sir, arise, away; I'll teach you differences. [Exit Oswald, crying out, r.h.u.e. (Kent pursues him with his staff till he is off the stage, then returns to the Knights, l.h.) Gon. (Within, r.h.) By day and night! this is insufferable; I will not bear it. Enter Goneril, r h., attended by Page and two Ladies. Lear Now, daughter, why that frontlet on? Lear. Are you our daughter? Gon. Come, sir, let me entreat you to make use Of your discretion, and put off betimes This disposition that of late transforms you From what you rightly are. Lear. Does any here know me? Why, this is not Lea. ! Does Lear walk thus? Speak thus! Where are his eyes? Who is it that can tell me who I am? Your name, fair gentlewoman? Gon. Come, sir, this admiration's much o'th' savour (1) Of other your new humors; I beseech you To understand my purposes aright; As you are old, you should be staid and wise: Lear. Darkness and devils !— Saddle my horses, call my train together. I yet have left a daughter Serpent! Monster I- (1) Of the complexion All men approv'd, of choice and rarest parts, How small, Cordelia, was thy fault?—O Lear, Beat at this gate—(Strikes his head.)—that let thy folly in, And thy dear judgment out !—Go, go, my people. Enter Albany, l.h. Ingrateful Duke !—Prepare my horses.—Was this your will? Who stirs ! [Exit Knight, LH. Alb. What, sir? Lear. Death! fifty of my followers at a clap? (To Goneril.) Gon. Never afflict yourself to know the cause, But give his dotage way. Lear. Blasts upon thee! Th' untented woundings of a father's curse Gon. Mark ye that? Alb. I'm ignorant, Lear. It may be so, my lord, (Lear throws away his hat and staff as he falls on his knees.) Hear, nature, hear; Dear goddess, hear! Suspend thy purpose, if Thou did'st intend to make this creature fruitful! Dry up in her the organs of increase; That from her derogate (1) body never spring (1) Degraded; blasted. (2) Wanting natural affection. Turn all her mother's pains, and benefits, (1) To have a thankless child! (Rises) Away, away! Kent and the Physician raise the King and bear and staff.) [Exeunt King Lear and his Attendants, l.h.Albany, Goneril and their Attendants, r.h. end of act i. ACT II. SCENE I.—The Earl of Gloster's Castle. Enter Edmund, l.h. Edm. The duke comes here to night; I'll take advantage Of this arrival to complete my project.—(Knocks, m.d.) Brother, a word; come forth; it's I, your friend! " Enter Edgar, m.d. (Comes forward, r.h.) My father watches for you, fly this place; Edg. Nothing; why ask you? Edm. Because he's coming here to night in haste, And Regan with him. Edg. Let him come on; I'll stay and clear myself. But Gloster's storming rage as yet is deaf, And you may perish ere allow'd the hearing. (Gloster without, l.h.) This way, this way. I hear our father coming—Pardon me :— (1) Good offices. |