Page 1776 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Give me the map there. Know that we have divided
In three our kingdom; and ’tis our fast intent
To shake all cares and business from our age,
Conferring them on younger strengths, while we

Unburthen’d crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall, [40]
And you, our no less loving son of Albany,
We have this hour a constant will to publish
Our daughters’ several dowers, that future strife

May be prevented now. The Princes, France and Burgundy,
Great rivals in our youngest daughter’s love, [45]
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,
And here are to be answer’d. Tell me, my daughters,

(Since now we will divest us both of rule,
Interest of territory, cares of state)
Which of you shall we say doth love us most? [50]
That we our largest bounty may extend

Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,
Our eldest-born, speak first.

GONERIL
Sir, I love you more than word can wield the matter;
Dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty; [55]
Beyond what can be valued rich or rare;

No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;
As much as child e’er lov’d, or father found;
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable;

Beyond all manner of so much I love you. [60]

CORDELIA

(aside) What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent.

LEAR
Of all these bounds, even from this line to this,
With shadowy forests and with champains rich’d,
With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,
We make thee lady: to thine and Albany’s issues [65]

Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter
Our dearest Regan, wife of Cornwall?