Page:King Lear (1917) Yale.djvu/20

4

I find she names my very deed of love;

Only she comes too short: that I profess

Myself an enemy to all other joys

Which the most precious square of sense possesses

And find I am alone felicitate

In your dear highness' love.

Cor. [Aside.] Then, poor Cordelia!

And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love 's

More richer than my tongue.

Lear. To thee and thine, hereditary ever,

Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom,

No less in space, validity, and pleasure,

Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy,

Although our last, not least; to whose young love

The vines of France and milk of Burgundy

Strive to be interess'd; what can you say to draw

A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.

Cor. Nothing, my lord.

Lear. Nothing?

Cor. Nothing.

Lear. Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.

Cor. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave

My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty

According to my bond; nor more nor less.

Lear. How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little,

Lest you may mar your fortunes.

Cor. Good my lord,

You have begot me, bred me, lov'd me: I

Return those duties back as are right fit,

Obey you, love you, and most honour you.

 76 square; cf. n.

77 felicitate: made happy

83 validity: value

86 milk: pasture land

87 interess'd: given a share

95 bond: obligation of duty

