Episode 3 · Act I, Scene I

Lear: Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, With shadowy forests and with champains rich’d, With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads, We make thee lady: to thine and Albany’s issue Be this perpetual.—What says our second daughter, Our dearest Regan, wife of Cornwall?

Speak.

Regan: Sir, I am made of the self mettle as my sister, And prize me at her worth.

In my true heart I find she names my very deed of love; Only she comes too short, that I profess Myself an enemy to all other joys Which the most precious square of sense possesses, And find I am alone felicitate In your dear highness’ love.

Cordelia: Aside. Then poor Cordelia, And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love’s More ponderous than my tongue.

Lear: To thee and thine hereditary ever Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom; No less in space, validity, and pleasure Than that conferr’d on Goneril.—Now, our joy, Although the last and least;

to whose young love The vines of France and milk of Burgundy Strive to be interess’d; what can you say to draw A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.

Cordelia: Nothing, my lord.

Lear: Nothing?

Next · Episode 4

Cordelia: Nothing. Lear: Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.

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King Lear
William Shakespeare · Episode 3
King Lear · Episode 3 — Footnotes