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
in the division of the kingdom, it appears not
which of the Dukes he values most; for qualities
are so weigh'd, that 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 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, some year elder
-- 2 --
than this; who yet is no dearer in my account, though this
knave came somewhat sawcily to the world before he was sent
for; yet was his mother fair, there was good sport at his making,
and the whorson must be acknowledg'd. Do you know
this nobleman, Edmund?
Bast.
No, my Lord.
Glo.
My lord of Kent;
Remember him hereafter as my honourable friend.
Bast.
My services to your lordship.
Kent.
I must love you, and sue to know you better.
Bast.
Sir, I shall study your deserving.
Glo.
He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again.
The King is coming.
George Sewell [1723–5], The works of Shakespear in six [seven] volumes. Collated and Corrected by the former Editions, By Mr. Pope ([Vol. 7] Printed by J. Darby, for A. Bettesworth [and] F. Fayram [etc.], London) [word count] [S11101].
