Page 1847 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

But who is with him? [15]

GENTLEMAN
None but the Fool, who labours to out-jest
His heart-strook injuries.

KENT
Sir, I do know you;
And dare, upon the warrant of my note,

Commend a dear thing to you. There is division,
Although as yet the face of it is cover’d [20]
With mutual cunning, ’twixt Albany and Cornwall;
Who have-as who have not, that their great stars

Thron’d and set high?-servants, who seem no less,
Which are to France the spies and speculations
Intelligent of our state. What hath been seen, [25]
Either in snuffs and packings of the Dukes,

Or the hard rein which both of them have borne
Against the old kind King; or something deeper,
Whereof perchance these are but furnishings −
But, true it is, from France there comes a power [30]

Into this scatter’d kingdom; who already,
Wise in our negligence, have secret feet
In some of our best ports, and are at point
To show their open banner. Now to you:

If on my credit you dare build so far [35]
To make your speed to Dover, you shall find
Some that will thank you, making just report
Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow

The King hath cause to plain.
I am a gentleman of blood and breeding, [40]
And from some knowledge and assurance offer
This office to you.

GENTLEMAN
I will talk further with you.

KENT