"and his bed my goal; from the loathed warmth "whereof deliver me, and fupply the place for your << labour. "Your (wife, fo I would fay) "affectionate Servant, GONERILL. Oh, undistinguish'd space of woman's will! And the exchange my brother. Here, i'th'fands Of murth'rous letchers: and in the mature time, Give me your hand: Come, fir, I will bestow you with a friend. [Exeunt. END of the FOURTH ACT. ACT SCENE, a Chamber. Lear afleep on a Couch, Cordelia, and Attendants; Phyf. Be by, him; Cordelia. Ye kind gods! Cure this great breach in his abused nature ! Th'untun'd and jarring fenfes, Oh, wind up Of this child-changed father! good madam, when we do awake I doubt not of his temperance. Cor. O my dear father! reftauration, hang Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss Repair thofe violent harms, that my two fifters Have in thy reverence made! Phyf. Kind and deareft princefs! Cor. O Regan! Gonerill, inhuman fifters! Had he not been your father, these white flakes Did challenge pity of you. Was this a face To be expos'd against the warring winds? To stand against the deep, dread-bolted thunder? In the most terrible and nimble ftroke Of quick, crofs lightning?-My very enemy's dog, In short and mufty straw? Alack, alack! Cor. Cor. How does my royal lord? how fares your Majefty? Lear. You do me wrong, to take me out o'th' grave. Ha! is this too a world of cruelty! I know my privilege; think not that I will Cor. Speak to me, fir, who am I? Lear. Thou art a foul in blifs; but I am bound Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears Do fcald like molten lead. Cor. Sir, do you know me? Lear. You are a fpirit, I know; when did you die? Car. Still, ftill, far wide Phyf. He's farce awake; he'll foon grow more compos'd. Lear. Where have I been? where am I? fair day-light? I'm mightily abus'd; I should even die with pity, And hold your hand in benediction o'er me. Lear. Pray, do not mock me; I am a very foolifh fond old man, Cor. Ah then farewel to patience! witnefs for me, Ye mighty pow'rs, I ne'er complain'd till now! Lear. Methinks, I fhould 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 thefe garments; nay, I know not Where I did fleep last night. Do not laugh at me, For, For, as I am a man, I think, this lady Cor. O my dear, dear father! Lear. Be your tears wet? yes faith; pray do not weep. I know I have giv'n thee caufe, and am fo humbled With croffes fince, that I cou'd afk Forgiveness of thee, were it poffible That thou cou'dft grant it; If thou haft poifon for me I will drink it, Bless thee, and die. Cor. O pity, fir, a bleeding heart, and ceafe This killing language. Lear. Tell me, Friends, where am I? Phyf. In your own kingdom, fir. Lear. Do not abuse me. Phyf. Be comforted, good madam, for the violence Of his diftemper's paft; we'll lead him in, Lear. You must bear with me; pray you now, forget and forgive! I am old and foolish. [They lead him off. Cor. The gods reftore you !-hark I hear afar The beaten Drum. Oh! for an arm Like the fierce Thunderer's, when the Earth-born fons Storm'd heav'n, to fight this injur'd father's battle! [Exit. Baftard in his Tent. Baft. To both these fifters have I fworn my love, Each jealous of the other, as the stung Are of the adder ;-neither can be held, If both remain alive.-Where fhall I fix? Cornwall is dead, and Regan's empty bed Seems caft by fortune for me-But bright Gonerill, Brings yet untafted beauty; I will ufe Her hufband's count'nance for the battle, then Ufurp at once his bed and throne. [Enter Officers. My trufty fcouts, you're well return'd; have ye defcry'd The ftrength and posture of the enemy? ; Off. We have, and were furpris'd to find The banish'd Kent return'd, and at their head Your brother Edgar on the rear; old Glo❜fter* (A moving fpectacle) led through the ranks, Whofe pow'rful tongue, and more prevailing wrongs, Have fo enrag'd their ruftic fpirit, that with Line well your ranks, and stand on your award. SCENE, a Valley near the Camp. Enter Edgar and Glocefter. [Exeunt. Edg. Here, fir, take you the fhadow of this tree For your good hoft; pray that the right may thrive: If ever I return to you again, I'll bring you comfort. Glo. Thanks, friendly fir; [Exit. The fortune your good caufe deferves betide you. Where's |