Page:King Lear (1917) Yale.djvu/55

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King Lear, II. i
39

I threaten'd to discover him: he replied, 68
'Thou unpossessing bastard! dost thou think,
If I would stand against thee, would the reposal
Of any trust, virtue, or worth, in thee
Make thy words faith'd? No: what I should deny,— 72
As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce
My very character,—I'd turn it all
To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice:
And thou must make a dullard of the world, 76
If they not thought the profits of my death
Were very pregnant and potential spurs
To make thee seek it.'

Glo. Strong and fasten'd villain!
Would he deny his letter? I never got him. 80
Tucket within.
Hark! the duke's trumpets. I know not why he comes.
All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not 'scape;
The duke must grant me that: besides, his picture
I will send far and near, that all the kingdom 84
May have due note of him; and of my land,
Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means
To make thee capable.

Enter Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants.

Corn. How now, my noble friend! since I came hither,— 88
Which I can call but now,—I have heard strange news.


68 discover: expose
69 unpossessing: incapable of inheriting
72 faith'd: credited
75 suggestion: evil prompting
damned practice: damnable trickery
78 pregnant: inciting
80 S. d. Tucket: trumpet-notes, indicating march-signal
82 ports: gates
86 natural: real, my own
87 capable: legal heir