Page:King Lear (1917) Yale.djvu/26

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Cor. I yet beseech your majesty—

If for I want that glib and oily art

To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend,

I'll do 't before I speak—that you make known

It is no vicious blot nor other foulness,

No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step,

That hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour,

But even for want of that for which I am richer,

A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue

That I am glad I have not, though not to have it

Hath lost me in your liking.

Lear. Better thou

Hadst not been born than not to have pleas'd me better.

France. Is it but this? a tardiness in nature

Which often leaves the history unspoke

That it intends to do? My Lord of Burgundy,

What say you to the lady? Love is not love

When it is mingled with regards that stand

Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?

She is herself a dowry.

Bur. Royal Lear,

Give but that portion which yourself propos'd,

And here I take Cordelia by the hand,

Duchess of Burgundy.

Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.

Bur. I am sorry, then, you have so lost a father

That you must lose a husband.

Cor. Peace be with Burgundy!

Since that respects of fortune are his love,

I shall not be his wife.

 228 speak and purpose not: speak deceitfully

251 respects: considerations

