(Which nor our nature nor our place can bear) Kent. Fare thee well, king: since thus thou wilt appear, Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here. The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid, [to Cordelia. That justly think'st, and hast most rightly said! That good effects may spring from words of love. [Exit. Re-enter GLOSTER, with FRANCE, BURGUNDY, and Attendants. Glos. Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord. Lear. My lord of Burgundy, We first address towards you, who with this king Hath rival'd for our daughter. What, in the least, Will you require in present dower with her, SHAK. XIII. B Or cease your quest of love? Bur. Most royal majesty, I crave no more than hath your highness offer'd, Nor will you tender less. Lear. Right noble Burgundy, When she was dear to us, we did hold her so; And nothing more, may fitly like your grace, Bur. Lear. Sir, I know no answer. Will you, with those infirmities she owes,2 Unfriended, new-adopted to our hate, Dower'd with our curse, and stranger'd with our oath, Take her, or leave her? Bur. Pardon me, royal sir; Election makes not up on such conditions. Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that I tell made me, you all her wealth.-For you, great king, [to France. I would not from your love make such a stray, To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you Beautiful. 2 Owns, is possessed of. Comes not to a decision. To avert your liking a more worthier way, This is most strange! France. That she, that even but now was your best object, The argument of your praise, balm of your age, Most best, most dearest, should, in this trice of time, Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection Cor. I yet beseech your majesty, (If for 2 I want that glib and oily art, To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend, I'll do 't before I speak) that you make known, It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness, No unchaste action, or dishonor'd step, That hath deprived me of your grace and favor: But even for want of that, for which I am richer; A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue That I am glad I have not, though, not to have it, Hath lost me in your liking. Lear. Better thou 1 Reproach. 2 Because. Hadst not been born, than not to have pleased me better. France. Is it no more but this? a tardiness in nature, Which often leaves the history unspoke, That it intends to do?-My lord of Burgundy, Bur. Royal Lear, Give but that portion which yourself proposed, Duchess of Burgundy. Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm. Bur. I am sorry then, you have so lost a father, That you must lose a husband. Cor. Peace be with Burgundy! Since that respects of fortune are his love, I shall not be his wife. France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor; Most choice, forsaken; and most loved, despised; Thee and thy virtues here I seise upon : Be it lawful, I take up what's cast away. Gods, gods! 'tis strange, that from their cold'st neglect My love should kindle to inflamed respect. Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance, Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France. |