Page:King Lear (1917) Yale.djvu/105

King Lear, IV. ii

His answer was, 'The worse:' of Gloucester's treachery,

And of the loyal service of his son,

When I inform'd him, then he call'd me sot,

And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out:

What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him;

What like, offensive.

Gon. [To Edmund.] Then, shall you go no further.

It is the cowish terror of his spirit

That dares not undertake; he'll not feel wrongs

Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way

May prove effects. Back, Edmund, to my brother;

Hasten his musters and conduct his powers:

I must change arms at home, and give the distaff

Into my husband's hands. This trusty servant

Shall pass between us; ere long you are like to hear,

If you dare venture in your own behalf,

A mistress's command. Wear this; spare speech;

Decline your head: this kiss, if it durst speak,

Would stretch thy spirits up into the air.

Conceive, and fare thee well.

Edm. Yours in the ranks of death.

Gon. My most dear Gloucester!

O! the difference of man and man!

To thee a woman's services are due:

My fool usurps my bed.

Osw. Madam, here comes my lord.

Gon. I have been worth the whistle.

Alb. O Goneril!

You are not worth the dust which the rude wind

 12 cowish: easily cowed

14 tie him to: require

29 worth the whistle; cf. n.

