William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear

ACT IV. 6. Scene VI. The country near Dover. (continued)

Edg.
I thank you, sir.

[Exit Gentleman.]

Glou.
You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me;
Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
To die before you please!

Edg.
Well pray you, father.

Glou.
Now, good sir, what are you?

Edg.
A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows;
Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows,
Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand,
I'll lead you to some biding.

Glou.
Hearty thanks:
The bounty and the benison of heaven
To boot, and boot!

[Enter Oswald.]

Osw.
A proclaim'd prize! Most happy!
That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh
To raise my fortunes.--Thou old unhappy traitor,
Briefly thyself remember:--the sword is out
That must destroy thee.

Glou.
Now let thy friendly hand
Put strength enough to it.

[Edgar interposes.]

Osw.
Wherefore, bold peasant,
Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence;
Lest that the infection of his fortune take
Like hold on thee. Let go his arm.

Edg.
Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'casion.

Osw.
Let go, slave, or thou diest!

Edg.
Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor voke pass. An chud
ha' bin zwaggered out of my life, 'twould not ha' bin zo long as
'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near the old man; keep out,
che vore ye, or ise try whether your costard or my bat be the
harder: chill be plain with you.

Osw.
Out, dunghill!

Edg.
Chill pick your teeth, zir. Come! No matter vor your foins.