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32

Alb. Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?

Gon. Never afflict yourself to know the cause;

But let his disposition have that scope

That dotage gives it.

Lear. What! fifty of my followers at a clap,

Within a fortnight?

Alb. What's the matter, sir?

Lear. I'll tell thee. [To Goneril.] Life and death! I am asham'd

That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus,

That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,

Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee!

Th' untented woundings of a father's curse

Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,

Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out,

And cast you, with the waters that you lose,

To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this?

Let it be so: I have another daughter,

Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:

When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails

She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find

That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think

I have cast off for ever; thou shalt, I warrant thee.

[Exeunt Lear, Kent, and Attendants.]

Gon. Do you mark that?

Alb. I cannot be so partial, Goneril,

To the great love I bear you,—

Gon. Pray you, content. What, Oswald, ho!

[To the Fool.] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.

 324 untented: unsearchable

326 Beweep: if you weep for

328 temper: soften

330 comfortable: comforting

