Paper prepared for the Shakespeare Association of America, 2001.
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The True Chronicle History of King Leir and his Three Daughters, Gonorill, Ragan, and Cordella
- Mess. That to be true, in sight of heaven I swear
- Leir. Swear not by heaven, for fear of punishment:
- The heavens are guiltless of such heinous acts.
- Mess. I swear by earth, the mother of us all.
- Leir. Swear not by earth: for she abhors to bear
- Such bastards, as are murderers of her sons.
- Mess. Why then, by hell, and all the devils I swear.
- Leir. Swear not by hell; for that stands gaping wide,
- To swallow thee, and if thou do this deed.
- Thunder and Lightning.
- Mess. I would that word were in his belly again,
- It hath frighted me even to the very heart;
- This old man is some strong magician:
- His words have turn'd my mind from this exploit.
- Then neither heaven, earth, nor hell, be witness;
- But let this paper witness for them all.
- Shows Gonorill's letter.