Re-enter Lear, with Cordelia dead in his arms; Edgar, Captain, and others following.
Lear. Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones:[4813]
Had I your tongues and eyes, I'ld use them so
That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever![4814] 260
I know when one is dead and when one lives;
She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass;
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,[4815][4816]
Why, then she lives.[4815][4817]
Kent. Is this the promised end?
Edg. Or image of that horror?
Alb. Fall and cease.[4794][4818] 265
Lear. This feather stirs; she lives. If it be so,[4819]
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows[4819][4820]
That ever I have felt.[4819]
Kent. [Kneeling] O my good master![4821]
Lear. Prithee, away.
Edg. 'Tis noble Kent, your friend.