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I will not swear, these are my hands :-let's see; I feel this pin prick. Would I were assured

Of

my Cor.

condition!

O, look upon me, sir,

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

Lear.

Pray, do not mock me:

I am a very foolish fond old man,

Fourscore and upward; and, to deal plainly,

I fear I am not in my perfect mind.

Methinks, I should know you, and know this man;
Yet I am doubtful: for I am 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.

If

Cor.

And so I am,

I am.

Lear. Be your tears wet? Yes, faith. I pray,

weep not:

you have poison for me, I will drink it.

I know, you do not love me; for your sisters
Have, as I do remember, done me wrong:

You have some cause, they have not.

Cor.

Lear. Am I in France?
Kent.

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 cured in him; and yet it is danger

To make him even o'er the time he has lost.1
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more
Till farther settling.

Cor. Will 't please your highness walk?
Lear.

You must bear with me:

Pray now, forget and forgive: I am old and foolish. [Exeunt Lear, Cordelia, Physician, and Attendants. Gen. Holds it true, sir,

That the duke of Cornwall was so slain?

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His banish'd son, is with the earl of Kent

In Germany.

Kent. Report is changeable.

"Tis time to look about; the powers o' the kingdom Approach apace.

Gen. The arbitrement 2 is like to be a bloody.

Fare you well, sir.

[Exit.

Kent. My point and period will be throughly

wrought,

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

To reconcile the interval of his insanity to his apprehension. * Decision.

ACT V.

SCENE I.

The camp of the British forces, near Dover. Enter, with drums and colors, EDMUND, REGAN, Officers, Soldiers, and others.

hold;

Edm. Know of the duke, if his last purpose
Or, whether since he is advised by aught
To change the course: he's full of alteration,
And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure.1

[to an Officer, who goes out.

Re. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, madam.

Re.
Now, sweet lord,
You know the goodness I intend upon you.
Tell me, but truly,-but then speak the truth:-
Do you not love my sister?

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Re. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.

Edm. No, by mine honor, madam.

1 His settled resolution.
3 i. e. you are deceived.

2 Forbidden.

Re. I never shall endure her. Dear my lord,

Be not familiar with her.

Edm.

Fear me not:

She, and the duke her husband,

Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers.

Gon. I had rather lose the battle, than that sister Should loosen him and me.

[aside.

Alb. Our very loving sister, well be met.— Sir, this I hear: the king is come to his daughter, With others, whom the rigor of our state Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest, I never yet was valiant: for this business,

It toucheth us as France invades our land,

1

Not bolds the king; 1 with others, whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.2

Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.

Re.

Why is this reason'd?

Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy: For these domestic and particular broils

Are not to question here.

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With the ancient of war on our proceedings.

Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent. Re. Sister, you'll go with us?

Gon. No.

Re. 'Tis most convenient: pray you, go with us.

1 i. e. not as it emboldens the king to assert his former title. 2 Opposition.

Gon. O ho, I know the riddle. [aside.] I will

go.

As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised.

Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so

poor,

Hear me one word.

If

Alb.

I'll overtake you.-Speak.

[Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants.

Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. you have victory, let the trumpet sound

For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion, that will prove
What is avouched there: if you miscarry,
Your business of the world hath so an end,
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!
Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.
Edg.
I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.

[Exit.

Alb. Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy

paper.

Re-enter EDMUND.

Edm. The enemy's in view; draw up your

powers.

Here is the guess of their true strength and forces By diligent discovery; but your haste

Is now urged on you.

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