Page 1806 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Lear’s shadow.

LEAR
I would learn that; for by the marks of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason, I
should be false persuaded I had [225] daughters.

FOOL
Which they will make an obedient father.

LEAR
Your name, fair gentlewoman?

GONERIL
This admiration, Sir, is much o’th’savour

Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you [230]
To understand my purposes aright:
As you are old and reverend, should be wise.
Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;

Men so disorder’d, so debosh’d, and bold,
That this our court, infected with their manners, [235]
Shows like a riotous inn: epicurism and lust
Makes it more like a tavern or a brothel

Than a grac’d palace. The shame itself doth speak
For instant remedy; be then desir’d
By her, that else will take the thing she begs, [240]
A little to disquantity your train;

And the remainders, that shall still depend,
To be such men as may besort your age,
Which know themselves and you.

LEAR
Darkness and devils!
Saddle my horses; call my train together. [245]

Degenerate bastard! I’ll not trouble thee:
Yet have I left a daughter.

GONERIL