Reg. I cannot think my sister in the least[3417]
Would fail her obligation: if, sir, perchance[3417][3419]
She have restrain'd the riots of your followers,[3417]
'Tis on such ground and to such wholesome end[3417] 140
As clears her from all blame.[3417]
Lear. My curses on her!
Reg. O, sir, you are old;
Nature in you stands on the very verge[3420][3421]
Of her confine: you should be ruled and led[3420][3422]
By some discretion that discerns your state[3420] 145
Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you[3420][3423]
That to our sister you do make return;[3420]
Say you have wrong'd her, sir.
Lear. Ask her forgiveness?[3424]
Do you but mark how this becomes the house:[3425]
[Kneeling] 'Dear daughter, I confess that I am old;[3426] 150
Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg
That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed and food.'
Reg. Good sir, no more; these are unsightly tricks:
Return you to my sister.
Lear. [Rising] Never, Regan:[3427]
She hath abated me of half my train; 155
Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue,[3428]
Most serpent-like, upon the very heart:
All the stored vengeances of heaven fall[3429]
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,[3429][3430]
You taking airs, with lameness.[3429]
Corn. Fie, sir, fie![3431] 160
Lear. You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames[3432]
Into her scornful eyes. Infect her beauty,
You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the powerful sun[3433]
To fall and blast her pride.[3433][3434]
Reg. O the blest gods! so will you wish on me,[3435] 165
When the rash mood is on.[3435][3436]
Lear. No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse:
Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give[3437][3438]
Thee o'er to harshness: her eyes are fierce, but thine[3438][3439]
Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee[3438] 170
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,[3438]
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,
And in conclusion to oppose the bolt
Against my coming in: thou better know'st[3440]
The offices of nature, bond of childhood, 175
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude;[3441]
Thy half o' the kingdom hast thou not forgot,[3442]
Wherein I thee endow'd.