Act IV · Scene III
The French camp near Dover.
Hover a speech to translate it — or press play to hear it performed.
Enter KENT and a Gentleman
KENT
Why the King of France is so suddenly gone backknow you the reason?
Gentleman
Something he left imperfect in thestate, which since his coming forth is thoughtof; which imports to the kingdom so muchfear and danger, that his personal return wasmost required and necessary.
KENT
Who hath he left behind him general?
Gentleman
The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.
KENT
Did your letters pierce the queen to anydemonstration of grief?
Gentleman
Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence;And now and then an ample tear trill'd downHer delicate cheek: it seem'd she was a queenOver her passion; who, most rebel-like,Sought to be king o'er her.
KENT
O, then it moved her.
Gentleman
Not to a rage: patience and sorrow stroveWho should express her goodliest. You have seenSunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tearsWere like a better way: those happy smilets,That play'd on her ripe lip, seem'd not to knowWhat guests were in her eyes; which parted thence,As pearls from diamonds dropp'd. In brief,Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved,If all could so become it.
KENT
Made she no verbal question?
Gentleman
'Faith, once or twice she heaved the name of 'father'Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart:Cried 'Sisters! sisters! Shame of ladies! sisters!Kent! father! sisters! What, i' the storm? i' the night?Let pity not be believed!' There she shookThe holy water from her heavenly eyes,And clamour moisten'd: then away she startedTo deal with grief alone.
KENT
It is the stars,The stars above us, govern our conditions;Else one self mate and mate could not begetSuch different issues. You spoke not with her since?
Gentleman
No.
KENT
Was this before the king return'd?
Gentleman
No, since.
KENT
Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' the town;Who sometime, in his better tune, remembersWhat we are come about, and by no meansWill yield to see his daughter.
Gentleman
Why, good sir?
KENT
A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own unkindness,That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd herTo foreign casualties, gave her dear rightsTo his dog-hearted daughters, these things stingHis mind so venomously, that burning shameDetains him from Cordelia.
Gentleman
Alack, poor gentleman!
KENT
Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not?
Gentleman
'Tis so, they are afoot.
KENT
Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear,And leave you to attend him: some dear causeWill in concealment wrap me up awhile;When I am known aright, you shall not grieveLending me this acquaintance. I pray you, goAlong with me.
Exeunt