Page 1837 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

You less know how to value her desert
Than she to scant her duty.

LEAR
Say? how is that?

REGAN
I cannot think my sister in the least
Would fail her obligation. If, Sir, perchance

She have restrain’d the riots of your followers, [140]
’Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end,
As clears her from all blame.

LEAR
My curses on her!

REGAN
O, Sir! you are old;

Nature in you stands on the very verge
Of her confine: you should be rul’d and led [145]
By some discretion that discerns your state
Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you

That to our sister you do make return;
Say you have wrong’d her.

LEAR
Ask her forgiveness?
Do you but mark how this becomes the house: [150]

‘Dear daughter, I confess that I am old;
Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg
(Kneeling.)
That you’ll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.’

REGAN
Good sir, no more; these are unsightly tricks.

Return you to my sister.