Fool. Why, to put his head in; not to give it away to his daughters, and leave his horns without a case. Lear. I will forget my nature. So kind a father! - Be my horses ready? Fool. Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why the seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason. Lear. Because they are not eight? Fool. Yes, indeed. Thou wouldest make a good fool. Monster ingratitude! Fool. If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'd have thee beaten for being old before thy time. Lear. How's that? Fool. Thou shouldst not have been old before thou hadst been wise. Lear. O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven! Keep me in temper: I would not be mad! Enter Gentleman. How now! Are the horses ready? Gent. Ready, my lord. Lear. Come, boy. Fool. She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure, Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter. [Exeunt. ACT II. SCENE 1. A Court within the Castle of the Earl of GLOSTER. Enter EDMUND and CURAN, meeting. Edm. Save thee, Curan. Cur. And you, Sir. I have been with your father, and given him notice, that the duke of Cornwall, and Regan his duchess, will be here with him to-night. Edm. How comes that? Cur. Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news abroad? I mean, the whispered ones, for they are yet but ear-bussing arguments. Edm. Not I pray you, what are they? Cur. Have you heard of no likely wars toward, 'twixt the dukes of Cornwall and Albany? Edm. Not a word. Cur. You may do, then, in time. Fare you well, Sir. [Exit. Edm. The duke be here to-night? The better! Best! This weaves itself perforce into my business. My father hath set guard to take my brother; Which I must act. - Briefness, and fortune, work! My father watches. Enter EDGAR. O Sir! fly this place; Intelligence is given where you are hid: You have now the good advantage of the night. - Upon his party 'gainst the duke of Albany? Advise yourself. Edg. I am sure on 't, not a word. Edm. I hear my father coming. - Pardon me; [Exit EDGAR. Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion [Wounds his arm. Enter GLOSTER, and Servants with Torches. Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon [Exit Serv.] By no Sir, in fine, Edm. Persuade me to the murder of your lordship; Full suddenly he fled. dispatch. The noble duke my master, My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night: By his authority I will proclaim it, That he, which finds him, shall deserve our thanks, He, that conceals him, death. Edm. When I dissuaded him from his intent, VI. 145 My very character) I'd turn it all To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice : To make thee seek it." Glo. Would he deny his letter? Strong and fasten'd villain! I never got him. [Tucket within. Hark! the duke's trumpets. I know not why he comes. All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not 'scape; Enter CORNWALL, REGAN, and Attendants. Corn. How now, my noble friend! since I came hither, (Which I can call but now) I have heard strange news. Reg. If it be true, all vengeance comes too short, Glo. O, lady, lady! shame would have it hid. Glo. I know not, Madam: 't is too bad, too bad. Reg. No marvel, then, though he were ill affected: 'T is they have put him on the old man's death, To have th' expense and waste of his revenues. I have this present evening from my sister Been well inform'd of them; and with such cautions, I'll not be there. Corn. Nor I, assure thee, Regan. Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father Glo. He did bewray his practice; and receiv'd Glo. Ay, my good lord. Corn. If he be taken, he shall never more Be fear'd of doing harm: make your own purpose, Edm. Truly, however else. Glo. I shall serve you, Sir, For him I thank your grace. Corn. You know not why we came to visit you. Reg. Thus out of season, threading dark-ey'd night. Wherein we must have use of your advice. To answer from our home: the several messengers Your needful counsel to our business, Which craves the instant use. Glo. I serve you, Madam. Your graces are right welcome. [Exeunt. SCENE II. Before GLOSTER'S Castle. Enter KENT and OSWALD, severally. Osw. Good dawning to thee, friend: art of this house? Kent. Ay. |