Page 1779 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

By all the operation of the orbs [110]
From whom we do exist and cease to be,
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood,

And as a stranger to my heart and me
Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian, [115]
Or he that makes his generation messes
To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom

Be as well neighbour’d, pitied, and reliev’d,
As thou my sometime daughter.

KENT
Good my Liege, −

LEAR
Peace, Kent! [120]
Come not between the Dragon and his wrath.

I lov’d her most, and thought to set my rest
On her kind nursery. Hence, and avoid my sight!
So be my grave my peace, as here I give
Her father’s heart from her! Call France. Who stirs? [125]

Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,
With my two daughters’ dowers digest the third;
Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her.
I do invest you jointly with my power,

Pre-eminence, and all the large effects [130]
That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,
With reservation of an hundred knights
By you to be sustain’d, shall our abode

Make with you in due turn. Only we shall retain
The name and all th’addition to a king; the sway, [135]
Revenue, execution of the rest,
Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm,

This coronet part between you.

KENT
Royal Lear,
Whom I have ever honour’d as my King,