No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step, That hath deprived 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 pleased 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? When it is mingled with re- She is herself a dowry. Bur. Royal Lear, Give but that portion which yourself proposed, And here I take Cordelia by the hand, Duchess of Burgundy. sworn; I am firm. Bur. I am sorry, then, you have so lost a father That you must lose husband. Cor. Burgundy! a Peace be with Since that respects of fortune are his love, I shall not be his wife. France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor; Most choice, forsaken; and most loved, despised! Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon : Be it lawful I take up what's cast away. Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect My love should kindle to inflamed respect. Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance, Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France: Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy Shall buy this unprized precious maid of me. Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind: Thou losest here, a better where to find. Lear. Thou hast her, France; let her be thine, for we Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see That face of hers again; therefore be gone Without our grace, our love, our benison. Come, noble Burgundy. [Flourish. Exeunt LEAR," BURGUNDY, CORNWALL, and Attendants. France. Bid farewell to your sisters. Cor. The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes |