Page:King Lear (1917) Yale.djvu/144

128

It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows

That ever I have felt.

Kent. O, my good master!

Lear. Prithee, away.

Edg. 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.

Lear. A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!

I might have sav'd her; now, she's gone for ever!

Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha!

What is 't thou sayst? Her voice was ever soft.

Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.

I kill'd the slave that was a hanging thee.

Capt. 'Tis true, my lord, he did.

Lear. Did I not, fellow?

I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion

I would have made them skip: I am old now,

And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you?

Mine eyes are not o' the best: I'll tell you straight.

Kent. If fortune brag of two she lov'd and hated,

One of them we behold.

Lear. This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?

Kent. The same,

Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius?

Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that;

He'll strike, and quickly too. He's dead and rotten.

Kent. No, my good lord; I am the very man—

Lear. I'll see that straight.

Kent. That, from your first of difference and decay,

Have follow'd your sad steps.

Lear. You are welcome hither.

 280 crosses: perversities, troubles

284 sight: referring to his power of vision

290 first of difference: first perversity

