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The First Web Folio Edition of Shakespeare's Works

KING LEAR  1.3

The Duke of Albany's palace.

[Enter GONERIL, and OSWALD, her steward]

GONERIL Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?

OSWALD Yes, madam.

GONERIL By day and night he wrongs me; every hour
He flashes into one gross crime or other,
That sets us all at odds: I'll not endure it:5
His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us
On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,
I will not speak with him; say I am sick:
If you come slack of former services,
You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.10

OSWALD He's coming, madam; I hear him.
[Horns within]

GONERIL Put on what weary negligence you please,
You and your fellows; I'll have it come to question:
If he dislike it, let him to our sister,
Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one,15
Not to be over-ruled. Idle old man,
That still would manage those authorities
That he hath given away! Now, by my life,
Old fools are babes again; and must be used
With cheques as flatteries,--when they are seen abused.20
Remember what I tell you.

OSWALD Well, madam.

GONERIL And let his knights have colder looks among you;
What grows of it, no matter; advise your fellows so:
I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,25
That I may speak: I'll write straight to my sister,
To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner.
[Exeunt]

 


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