Page:William Hazlitt - Characters of Shakespear's Plays (1817).djvu/197

Rh Regan. Good sir, to the purpose.[Trumpets within. Lear. Who put my man i' the stocks? Cornwall. What trumpet's that?

Enter Steward.

Regan. I know't, my sister's; this approves her letter, That she would soon be here.Is your lady come? Lear. This is a slave, whose easy-borrow'd pride Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows: Out, varlet, from my sight! Cornwall. What means your grace? Lear. Who stock'd my servant? Regan, I have good hope Thou did'st not know on't.Who comes here? O heavens,

Enter.

If you do love old men, if your sweet sway Allow obedience, if yourselves are old, Make it your cause; send down, and take my part! Art not asham'd to look upon this beard? [To Gonerill. O, Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand? Gonerill. Why not by the hand, sir? How have I offended? All's not offence, that indiscretion finds, And dotage terms so. Lear. O, sides, you are too tough! Will you yet hold?How came my man i' the stocks? Cornwall. I set him there, sir: but his own disorders Deserv'd much less advancement. Lear. You! did you? Regan. I pray you, father, being weak, seem so. If, till the expiration of your month, You will return and sojourn with my sister, Dismissing half your train, come then to me;