SCENE VIII.
Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants.
Gent.
O, here he is, lay hand upon him; Sir,
Your most dear daughter—
Lear.
No rescue? what, a prisoner? I am even
The natural fool of fortune. Use me well,
You shall have ransom. Let me have surgeons,
I am cut to th' brains.
Gent.
You shall have any thing.
Lear.
No seconds? all my self?
Why, this would make a man, a man of salt;
To use his eyes for garden-water-pots,
And laying autumn's dust. I will die bravely,
-- 119 --
Like a smug bridegroom. What? I will be jovial:
Come, come, I am a King. My Masters, know you that?
Gent.
You are a royal one, and we obey you.
Lear.
Then there's life in't. Come, an you get it,
You shall get it by running: sa, sa, sa, sa.
[Exit.
Gent.
A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch,
Past speaking of in a King. Thou hast one daughter,
Who redeems nature from the general curse
Which twain have brought her to.
Edg.
Hail, gentle Sir.
Gent.
Sir, speed you: what's your Will?
Edg.
Do you hear aught, Sir, of a battle toward?
Gent.
Most sure, and vulgar; every one hears that,
Which can distinguish sound.
Edg.
But by your favour,
How near's the other army?
Gent.
Near, and on speedy foot: the main descry
Stands on the hourly thought.
Edg.
I thank you, Sir: That's all.
Gent.
Though that the Queen on special cause is here
Her army is mov'd on.
[Exit.
Edg.
I thank you, Sir.
Glo.
You ever gentle Gods, take my breath from me;
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
To die before you please!
Edg.
Well pray you, father.
Glo.
Now, good Sir, what are you?
Edg.
A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows,
9 note
Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,
-- 120 --
Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand,
I'll lead you to some biding.
Glo.
Hearty thanks;
The bounty and the benizon of heav'n
To boot, and boot!—
Alexander Pope [1747], The works of Shakespear in eight volumes. The Genuine Text (collated with all the former Editions, and then corrected and emended) is here settled: Being restored from the Blunders of the first Editors, and the Interpolations of the two Last: with A Comment and Notes, Critical and Explanatory. By Mr. Pope and Mr. Warburton (Printed for J. and P. Knapton, [and] S. Birt [etc.], London) [word count] [S11301].