Act 4 — Scene IV. The same. A tent.
Reading edition
Enter, with drum and colours, Cordelia, Doctor, and Soldiers.[4181]
Cor. Alack, 'tis he: why, he was met even now As mad as the vex'd sea; singing aloud;[4182] Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds,[4183] With bur-docks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers,[4184] Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow 5 In our sustaining corn. A century send forth;[4185] Search every acre in the high-grown field, And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer.] What can man's wisdom[4186][4187][4188][4189] In the restoring his bereaved sense?[4186][4188][4190] He that helps him take all my outward worth.[4186][4191] 10 Doct. There is means, madam:[4192] Our foster-nurse of nature is repose, The which he lacks: that to provoke in him,[4193] Are many simples operative, whose power Will close the eye of anguish. Cor. All blest secrets,[4194] 15 All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth,[4194] Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate[4195] In the good man's distress! Seek, seek for him;[4196] Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life That wants the means to lead it.
Enter a Messenger.[4197]
Mess. News, madam;[4198] 20 The British powers are marching hitherward.[4198] Cor. 'Tis known before; our preparation stands In expectation of them. O dear father, It is thy business that I go about;[4199] Therefore great France[4199] 25 My mourning and important tears hath pitied.[4200] No blown ambition doth our arms incite,[4201] But love, dear love, and our aged father's right:[4202] Soon may I hear and see him! [Exeunt.[4203]