Act 1 — Scene III. The Duke of Albany's palace.
Reading edition
Enter Goneril and Oswald, her steward.[2770]
Gon. Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool? Osw. Yes, madam.[2771][2772] Gon. By day and night he wrongs me; every hour[2773][2774] He flashes into one gross crime or other,[2774] 5 That sets us all at odds: I'll not endure it: His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us[2775] On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,[2776] I will not speak with him; say I am sick: If you come slack of former services, 10 You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer. Osw. He's coming, madam; I hear him. [Horns within.[2777] Gon. Put on what weary negligence you please,[2778][2779] You and your fellows; I'ld have it come to question:[2778][2780] If he distaste it, let him to our sister,[2778][2781] 15 Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one,[2778] Not to be over-ruled. Idle old man,[2782] That still would manage those authorities[2782] That he hath given away! Now, by my life,[2782] Old fools are babes again, and must be used[2782][2783] 20 With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abused.[2782][2784] Remember what I tell you. Osw. Very well, madam.[2785] Gon. And let his knights have colder looks among you;[2786] What grows of it, no matter; advise your fellows so:[2786][2787] I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,[2788] 25 That I may speak: I'll write straight to my sister,[2788][2789] To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner. [Exeunt.[2789][2790]