William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear

ACT V. 3. Scene III. The British Camp near Dover. (continued)

Kent.
Is this the promis'd end?

Edg.
Or image of that horror?

Alb.
Fall, and cease!

Lear.
This feather stirs; she lives! If it be so,
It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows
That ever I have felt.

Kent.
O my good master! [Kneeling.]

Lear.
Pr'ythee, away!

Edg.
'Tis noble Kent, your friend.

Lear.
A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all!
I might have sav'd her; now she's gone for ever!--
Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha!
What is't thou say'st?--Her voice was ever soft,
Gentle, and low,--an excellent thing in woman.--
I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee.

Off.
'Tis true, my lords, he did.

Lear.
Did I not, fellow?
I have seen the day, with my good biting falchion
I would have made them skip: I am old now,
And these same crosses spoil me.--Who are you?
Mine eyes are not o' the best:--I'll tell you straight.

Kent.
If fortune brag of two she lov'd and hated,
One of them we behold.

Lear.
This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent?

Kent.
The same,
Your servant Kent.--Where is your servant Caius?

Lear.
He's a good fellow, I can tell you that;
He'll strike, and quickly too:--he's dead and rotten.

Kent.
No, my good lord; I am the very man,--

Lear.
I'll see that straight.

Kent.
That from your first of difference and decay
Have follow'd your sad steps.

Lear.
You are welcome hither.