Act 4 — Scene III. The French camp near Dover.[4140]

Kent. Why the King of France is so suddenly gone[4141] back know you the reason?[4141][4142] Gent. Something he left imperfect in the state which[4143] since his coming forth is thought of, which imports to the[4143][4144] kingdom so much fear and danger that his personal return[4143][4145] 5 was most required and necessary.[4143] Kent. Who hath he left behind him general?[4146] Gent. The Marshal of France, Monsieur La Far.[4147] Kent. Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration[4148] of grief?[4148] 10 Gent. Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence,[4149] And now and then an ample tear trill'd down Her delicate cheek: it seem'd she was a queen[4150] Over her passion, who most rebel-like[4150][4151] Sought to be king o'er her.[4150] Kent. O, then it moved her. 15 Gent. Not to a rage: patience and sorrow strove[4152] Who should express her goodliest. You have seen[4153] Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears[4154] Were like a better way: those happy smilets[4154][4155] That play'd on her ripe lip seem'd not to know[4156] 20 What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence As pearls from diamonds dropp'd. In brief,[4157][4158] Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved,[4157] If all could so become it.[4157] Kent. Made she no verbal question?[4159] Gent. Faith, once or twice she heaved the name of 'father'[4160] 25 Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart; Cried 'Sisters! sisters! Shame of ladies! sisters![4161] Kent! father! sisters! What, i' the storm? i' the night?[4161][4162] Let pity not be believed!' There she shook[4163] The holy water from her heavenly eyes, 30 And clamour moisten'd: then away she started[4164] To deal with grief alone. Kent. It is the stars,[4165][4166] The stars above us, govern our conditions;[4166] Else one self mate and mate could not beget[4167] Such different issues. You spoke not with her since?[4168] 35 Gent. No. Kent. Was this before the king return'd? Gent. No, since. Kent. Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' the town;[4169] Who sometime in his better tune remembers[4170] What we are come about, and by no means[4171] 40 Will yield to see his daughter.[4171] Gent. Why, good sir? Kent. A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own unkindness[4172] That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her[4173] To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights To his dog-hearted daughters: these things sting[4174][4175] 45 His mind so venomously that burning shame[4174][4175] Detains him from Cordelia.[4174][4176] Gent. Alack, poor gentleman! Kent. Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not?[4177] Gent. 'Tis so; they are afoot.[4178] Kent. Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear, 50 And leave you to attend him: some dear cause Will in concealment wrap me up awhile; When I am known aright, you shall not grieve Lending me this acquaintance. I pray you, go[4179] Along with me. [Exeunt.[4179][4180] 55