Edmund the Bastard.
Kent.
I thought, the King had more affected the Duke of
Albany than Cornwall.
Glo.
It did always seem so to us, but now,
1 notein the Division of the Kingdom, it appears not,
which of the Dukes he values most; for2 note qualities
are so weigh'd, 3 notethat curiosity in neither can make
choice of either's moiety.
Kent.
Is not this your son, my Lord?
Glo.
His Breeding, Sir, hath been at my charge. I
-- 4 --
have so often blush'd to acknowledge him, that now
I am braz'd to't.
Kent.
I cannot conceive you.
Glo.
Sir, this young fellow's mother could, whereupon
she grew round-womb'd; and had, indeed, Sir,
a son for her cradle, ere she had a husband for her
bed. Do you smell a fault?
Kent.
I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of
it being so proper.
Glo.
But I have a son, Sir, by order of law, 4 note
some
year elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account.
Though this knave came somewhat saucily to
the world before he was sent for, yet was his mother
fair, there was good sport at his making, and the
whoreson must be acknowledged. Do you know this
Nobleman, Edmund?
Edm.
No, my Lord.
Glo.
My Lord of Kent.
Remember him hereafter as my honourable friend.
Edm.
My services to your Lordship.
Kent.
I must love you, and sue to know you better.
Edm.
Sir, I shall study your deserving.
Glo.
He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again.
[Trumpets sound, within.
—The King is coming.
-- 5 --
Samuel Johnson [1765], The plays of William Shakespeare, in eight volumes, with the corrections and illustrations of Various Commentators; To which are added notes by Sam. Johnson (Printed for J. and R. Tonson [and] C. Corbet [etc.], London) [word count] [S11001].
