Page:William Hazlitt - Characters of Shakespear's Plays (1817).djvu/199

Rh Regan, I dare avouch it, sir: What, fifty followers? Is it not well? What should you need of more? Yea, or so many? Sith that both charge and danger Speak 'gainst so great a number? How, in one house, Should many people, under two commands, Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible. Gonerill. Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance From those that she calls servants, or from mine? Regan. Why not, my lord? If then they chanc'd to slack you, We would controul them: if you will come to me (For now I spy a danger) I entreat you To bring but five-and-twenty; to no more Will I give place, or notice. Lear. I gave you all Regan. And in good time you gave it. Lear. Made you my guardians, my depositaries; But kept a reservation to be follow'd With such a number: what, must I come to you With five-and-twenty, Regan! said you so? Regan. And speak it again, my lord; no more with me. Lear. Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd, When others are more wicked; not being the worst, Stands in some rank of praise:I'll go with thee; [To Gonerill Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty, And thou art twice her love. Gonerill. Hear me, my lord; What need you five-and-twenty, ten, or five, To follow in a house, where twice so many Have a command to tend you? Regan. What need one? Lear. O, reason not the need: our basest beggars Are in the poorest thing superfluous: