Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me,
I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great king,[2586]
I would not from your love make such a stray,
To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you
To avert your liking a more worthier way[2587] 210
Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed
Almost to acknowledge hers.
France. This is most strange,[2588]
That she, that even but now was your best object,[2588][2589]
The argument of your praise, balm of your age,[2588][2590]
Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time[2588][2591] 215
Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle[2588]
So many folds of favour. Sure, her offence[2588][2592]
Must be of such unnatural degree[2588]
That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection[2593][2594]
Fall'n into taint: which to believe of her,[2594][2595] 220
Must be a faith that reason without miracle[2596]
Could never plant in me.[2596]
Cor. I yet beseech your majesty,—[2597][2598]
If for I want that glib and oily art,[2598][2599]
To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend,[2600]
I'll do't before I speak,—that you make known[2601] 225
It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,[2602]
No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step,[2603]
That hath deprived me of your grace and favour;[2604]
But even for want of that for which I am richer,[2605]
A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue[2606] 230
As I am glad I have not, though not to have it[2607]
Hath lost me in your liking.
Lear. Better thou[2608][2609]
Hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better.[2609][2610]
France. Is it but this, a tardiness in nature[2611]
Which often leaves the history unspoke[2612][2613] 235
That it intends to do? My lord of Burgundy,[2613][2614]
What say you to the lady? Love's not love[2613][2615]
When it is mingled with regards that stand[2613][2616]
Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?[2617]
She is herself a dowry.[2618]
Bur. Royal Lear,[2619][2620] 240
Give but that portion which yourself proposed,[2620]
And here I take Cordelia by the hand,[2620]
Duchess of Burgundy.[2620]
Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.[2621]
Bur. I am sorry then you have so lost a father[2622] 245
That you must lose a husband.
Cor. Peace be with Burgundy![2623][2624]
Since that respects of fortune are his love,[2623][2625]
I shall not be his wife.[2623]
France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich being poor,[2626]
Most choice forsaken, and most loved despised, 250
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon:[2627]
Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.[2628]
Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect[2629]
My love should kindle to inflamed respect.
Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance,[2630] 255
Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France:
Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy[2631]
Can buy this unprized precious maid of me.[2632]
Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind:[2633][2634]
Thou losest here, a better where to find.[2634] 260