Alb. Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?
Gon. Never afflict yourself to know the cause;
But let his disposition have that scope 316
That dotage gives it.
Enter Lear.
Lear. What! fifty of my followers at a clap,
Within a fortnight?
Alb. What's the matter, sir?
Lear. I'll tell thee. [To Goneril.] Life and death! I am asham'd 320
That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus,
That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,
Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee!
Th' untented woundings of a father's curse 324
Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,
Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out,
And cast you, with the waters that you lose,
To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this? 328
Let it be so: I have another daughter,
Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:
When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails
She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find
That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think 333
I have cast off for ever; thou shalt, I warrant thee.
Gon. Do you mark that?
Alb. I cannot be so partial, Goneril, 336
To the great love I bear you,—
Gon. Pray you, content. What, Oswald, ho!
[To the Fool.] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.
324 untented: unsearchable
326 Beweep: if you weep for
328 temper: soften
330 comfortable: comforting
