Edm.
Some Officers take them away. Good guard,
Until their greater pleasures first be known,
That are to censure them.

Cor.
We're not the first,
Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst.
For thee, oppressed King, am I cast down;
Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown.
—Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters?

Lear.
No, no, no, no! come, let's away to prison;
We two alone will sing, like birds i'th' cage.
When thou dost ask me Blessing, I'll kneel down,
And ask of thee Forgiveness. So we'll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies; and hear poor rogues
Talk of Court-news, and we'll talk with them too,
Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out;
^{8 note}

Edm.
Take them away.

Lear.
^{1 note}
Upon such Sacrifices, my Cordelia,

The Gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee?
He that parts us, shall bring a brand from heav'n,
And fire us hence, like foxes. Wipe thine eye,
The goujeers shall devour them, ^{2 note}flesh and fell,
Ere they shall make us weep; we'll see them starv'd first.
Come. [Exeunt Lear and Cordelia guarded.

Edm.
Come hither, Captain. Hark.
Take thou this note; go, follow them to prison.
One step I have advanc'd thee; if thou dost
As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way
To noble fortunes. Know thou this, that men
Are as the time is; to be tender-minded
Does not become a sword. ^{3 note}

Capt.
I'll do't, my Lord.

Edm.
About it, and write happy, when thou'st done.
Mark, I say, instantly; and carry it so,
As I have set it down. [Exit Captain.

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