And the exchange my brother! In the mature time, [Distant drum. Far off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum: SCENE 4.-The French Camp. Enter KENT and a Gentleman. Kent. HY the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you the reason? Gent. Something he left imperfect in the state, which since his coming forth is thought of. Kent. Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief? Gent. Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence; And now and then an ample tear trill'd down Sought to be king o'er her. O, then it mov'd her. Kent. Gent. Not to a rage: patience and sorrow strove Who should express her goodliest. You have seen Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears Were like a better way: those happy smilets, That played on her ripe lip, seem'd not to know What guests were in her eyes. In brief, Sorrow would be a rarity most belov'd, If all could so become it. Kent. Made she no verbal question? Gent. Faith, once or twice she heav'd the name of "father" Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart; Cried." Sisters! sisters! What, i' the storm ? i' the night? Let pity not be believ'd!" There she shook And clamour moisten'd: then away she started You spoke not with her since? Kent. Gent. No. Kent. Was this before the king return'd? Gent. No, since. Kent. Well, sir, the poor distress'd Lear's i' the town; Who sometime in his better tune remembers What we are come about, and by no means Will yield to see his daughter. Gent. Kent. His own unkindness, Why, good sir ? That stripp'd her from his benediction, stings Gent. Alack, poor gentleman! Kent. Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not? Gent. 'Tis so, they are afoot. Kent. Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear, And leave you to attend him : When I am known aright, you shall not grieve [Exeunt. E SCENE 5.-A Tent in the French Camp. Soft music playing. CORDELIA and KENT. Physician, Gentleman, and others watching. Cordelia. THOU good Kent, how shall I live and work, too short, And every measure fail me. My life will be Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'erpaid. Cor. How does the king? Phy. Madam, sleeps well. Cor. O you kind gods, Cure this great breach in his abusèd nature! So please your majesty Phy. That we may wake the king: he hath slept long. Cor. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed I' th' sway of your own will. Is he array'd? Phy. Ay, madam; in the heaviness of sleep We put fresh garments on him. Kent. Be by, good madam, when we do awake him; I doubt not of his temperance. Cor. Very well. Phy. Please you, draw near. Louder the music there! Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss Kent. Kind and dear princess ! Cor. Had you not been their father, these white flakes Had challeng'd pity of them. Was this a face Mine enemy's dog, Though he had bit me, should have stood that night Had not concluded all.-He wakes; speak to him. Cor. How does my royal lord? how fares your majesty ? Lear. You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave: Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears Cor. Sir, do you know me? Lear. You are a spirit, I know: when did you die ? Cor. Still, still, far wide! Phy. He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile. Lear. Where have I been? Where am I?-Fair daylight ?— I'm mightily abus'd.—I should e'en 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, not an hour more or less; And, to deal plainly, I fear I am not in my perfect mind. E 2 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; nor 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. Lear. Be your tears wet? yes, faith. I pray you weep not: If you have poison for me, I will drink it. I know you do not love me; for your sisters Cor. Lear. Am I in France? Lear. Do not abuse me. No cause, no cause. In your own kingdom, sir. Phy. Be comforted, good madam: the great rage, You see, is cur'd in him: desire him to go in. Cor. Will't please your highness walk? Lear. You must bear with me; Pray you now, forget and forgive: I'm old and |