Peer Reviewed
King LearThe History of King Leir (Modern)
- Introduction
- Texts of this edition
- Contextual materials
- Facsimiles
1807.1[Scene 21] [Video Sc.21]
By this, our father understands our mind
I fear my sister will dissuade his mind,
Fear not, my love, since that we know the worst,
Well, if I once see Britain again, 1820I have sworn I'll ne'er come home without my wench, 1821and I'll not be forsworn; 1822I'll rather never come home while I live.
Are you sure, Mumford, she is a maid still?
Nay, I'll not swear she is a maid, but she goes for one. 1825I'll take her at all adventures, if I can get her.
Ay, that's well put in.
Well put in? Nay, it was ill put in, for had it 1828been as well put in as e'er I put in in my days, 1829I would have made her follow me to France.
Nay, you'd have been so kind as take her with you, 1831or else, were I as she, 1832I would have been so loving as I'd stay behind you. 1833Yet I must confess, you are a very proper man, 1834and able to make a wench do more than she would do.
Well, I have a pair of slops for the nonce 1836will hold all your mocks.
Nay, we see you have a handsome hose.
Ay, and of the newest fashion.
More bobs, more; put them in still! 1840They'll serve instead of bombast; yet put not in too many, 1841lest the seams crack and they fly out amongst you again. 1842You must not think to outface me so easily in my mistress' quarrel, 1843who if I see once again, ten team of horses shall 1844not draw me away till I have full and whole possession.
Ay, but one team and a cart will serve the turn.
Not only for him, but also for his wench.
Well, you are two to one; I'll give you over; 1848and since I see you so pleasantly disposed, 1849which indeed is but seldom seen, I'll claim 1850a promise of you which you shall not deny me, 1851for promise is debt, and by this hand you promised it me, 1852therefore you owe it me, and you shall pay it me, 1853or I'll sue you upon an action of unkindness.
Prithee, Lord Mumford, what promise did I make thee?
Faith, nothing but this: 1856that the next fair weather, which is very now, 1857you would go in progress down to the seaside, 1858which is very near.
Faith, in this motion I will join with thee,
Entreaty needs not where you may command;
We'll go disguised, all unknown to any.
Howsoever you make one, I'll make another.
And I the third. Oh, I am overjoyed!
Faith, thus: my queen and I will be disguised
'Twere more than time; this device is excellent.
21.45.1Exeunt.