William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear

ACT I. 5. Scene V. Court before the Duke of Albany's Palace. (continued)

Lear.
I will forget my nature. So kind a father!--Be my horses ready?

Fool.
Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why the seven stars are
no more than seven is a pretty reason.

Lear.
Because they are not eight?

Fool.
Yes indeed: thou wouldst make a good fool.

Lear.
To tak't again perforce!--Monster ingratitude!

Fool.
If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten for being
old before thy time.

Lear.
How's that?

Fool.
Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise.

Lear.
O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven!
Keep me in temper; I would not be mad!--

[Enter Gentleman.]

How now? are the horses ready?

Gent.
Ready, my lord.

Lear.
Come, boy.

Fool.
She that's a maid now, and laughs at my departure,
Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter.

[Exeunt.]