As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
As badness would desire.
Glou.

What, is he dead? Edg. Sit you down, father; rest you 260 Let's see these pockets: the letters that he speaks of

May be my friends. He's dead; I am only sorry

He had no other death's-man. Let us see: Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not:

To know our enemies' minds, we'ld rip their hearts;

Their papers, is more lawful.

[Reads] Let our reciprocal vows be remem bered. You have many opportunities to cut him off if your will want not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is nothing done, if he return the conqueror: then am I the prisoner, and his bed my goal; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your labor. Your-wife, so I would sayAffectionate servant, 'GONERIL.'

O undistinguish'd space of woman's will! A plot upon her virtuous husband's life; And the exchange my brother! Here, in the sands, 280

Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified
Of murderous lechers: and in the mature
time

With this ungracions paper strike the sight
Of the death practised duke: for him 'tis well
That of thy death and business I can tell.

Glou. The king is mad: how stiff is my vile sense,

That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling
Of my huge sorrows! Better I were distract:
So should my thoughts be sever'd from my
griefs,

And woes by wrong imaginations lose 290
The knowledge of themselves.
Edg.

Give me your hand : [Drum afar off. Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum: Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. [Exeunt.

SCENE VII. A tent in the French camp. LEAR on a bed asleep, soft music playing; Gentleman, and others attending

Enter CORDELIA, KENT, and Doctor. Cor. O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work,

To match thy goodness? My life will be too short,

And every measure fail me.

Kent. To be acknowledged, madam, is o'erpaid.

All my reports go with the modest truth:
Nor more nor clipp'd, but so.

Cor

Be better suited

Doct. He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile.

Lear. Where have I been? Where am I?
Fair daylight?
[pity,

I am mightily abused. I should e'en die with
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 assured
Of my condition!
O, look upon me, sir,

Cor.
And hold your hands in benediction o'er me:
No, sir, you must not kneel.

Lear.

60

Pray, do not mock me : I am a very foolish fond old man, Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;

And, to deal plainly,

great rage,

You see, is kill'd in him and yet it is danger To make him even o'er the time he has lost. Desire him to go in; trouble him no more 81 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 all but Kent and Gentleman. Gent. Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain ?

Kent. Most certain, sir.

90

Gent. Who is conductor of his people? Kent. As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloucester. Gent. They say Edgar, his banished son, is with the Earl of Kent in Germany. Kent, Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the powers of the kingdom approach apace.

Gent. The arbitrement is like to be bloody. Fare you well, sir.

Sir, do you know me ?

Kent. My point and period will be through.

Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought

50

Cor. Still, still, far wide!

ly wrought,

Let her who would be rid of him devise
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,
The battle done, and they within our power,
Shall never see his pardon; for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate. [Exit.

SCENE II. A field between the two camps. Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colors, LEAR, CORDELIA, and Soldiers, over the stage; and exeunt.

Enter EDGAR and GLOUCESTER,

Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this