Page 1786 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

GONERIL

Let your study [275]
Be to content your lord, who hath receiv’d you
At Fortune’s alms; you have obedience scanted,

And well are worth the want that you have wanted.

CORDELIA

Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides;
Who covers faults, at last with shame derides. [280]
Well may you prosper!

FRANCE
Come, my fair Cordelia.
(Exeunt France and Cordelia.)

GONERIL

Sister, it is not little I have to say of what most nearly appertains to us both. I
think our father will hence to-night.

REGAN
That’s most certain, and with you; next month with [285] us.

GONERIL
You see how full of changes his age is; the observation we have made of it
hath not been little; he always lov’d our sister most; and with what poor

judgment he hath now cast her off appears too grossly. [290]

REGAN
’Tis the infirmity of his age; yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself.

GONERIL
The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then must we look
from his age, to receive not alone the imperfections of long-engraffed
condition, but therewithal [295] the unruly waywardness that infirm and

choleric years bring with them.

REGAN