Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: Anonymous
Editor: Andrew Griffin
Peer Reviewed

The History of King Leir (Modern)

1353.1[Scene 18] [Video Sc.18]
Enter Cornwall and Gonorill
1355Cornwall
I wonder that the messenger doth stay
Whom we dispatched for Cambria so long since.
If that his answer do not please us well,
And he do show good reason for delay,
I'll teach him how to dally with his king,
1360And to detain us in such long suspense.
Gonorill
My lord, I think the reason may be this:
My father means to come along with him
And, therefore, 'tis his pleasure he shall stay
For to attend upon him on the way.
1365Cornwall
It may be so, and therefore till I know
The truth thereof, I will suspend my judgment.
Enter Servant
Servant 1
An't like your grace, there is an ambassador
Arrived from Gallia and craves admittance to your majesty.
1370Cornwall
From Gallia? What should his message
Hither import? Is not your father haply
Gone thither? Well, whatsoe'er it be,
Bid him come in; he shall have audience.
Enter Ambassador
1375What news from Gallia? Speak, ambassador.
Ambassador
The noble king and queen of Gallia first salute,
By me, their honorable father, my lord Leir;
Next, they commend them kindly to your graces,
As those whose welfare they entirely wish.
1380Letters I have to deliver to my lord Leir,
And presents too, if I might speak with him.
Gonorill
If you might speak with him? Why, do you think
We are afraid that you should speak with him?
Ambassador
Pardon me, madam, for I think not so,
1385But say so only 'cause he is not here.
Cornwall
Indeed, my friend, upon some urgent cause
He is at this time absent from the court,
But if a day or two you here repose
'Tis very likely you shall have him here,
1390Or else have certain notice where he is.
Gonorill
Are not we worthy to receive your message?
Ambassador
I had in charge to do it to himself.
Gonorill
[Aside] It may be then 'twill not be done in haste. --
[To the Ambassador] How doth my sister brook the air of France?
1395Ambassador
Exceeding well, and never sick one hour
Since first she set her foot upon the shore.
Gonorill
I am the more sorry.
Ambassador
I hope not so, madam.
Gonorill
Didst thou not say that she was ever sick
1400Since the first hour that she arrivèd there?
Ambassador
No, madam, I said quite contrary.
Gonorill
Then I mistook thee.
Cornwall
Then she is merry, if she have her health.
Ambassador
Oh no, her grief exceeds until the time
1405That she be reconciled unto her father.
Gonorill
God continue it.
Ambassador
What, madam?
Gonorill
Why, her health.
Ambassador
Amen to that, but God release her grief
1410And send her father in a better mind
Than to continue always so unkind.
Cornwall
I'll be a mediator in her cause,
And seek all means to expiate his wrath.
Ambassador
Madam, I hope your grace will do the like.
1415Gonorill
Should I be a mean to exasperate his wrath
Against my sister, whom I love so dear? No, no.
Ambassador
To expiate or mitigate his wrath,
For he hath misconceived without a cause.
Gonorill
Oh, ay, what else?
1420Ambassador
'Tis pity it should be so; would it were otherwise.
Gonorill
It were great pity it should be otherwise.
Ambassador
Than how, madam?
Gonorill
Than that they should be reconciled again.
Ambassador
It shows you bear an honorable mind.
1425Gonorill
[Aside] It shows thy understanding to be blind,
And that thou hadst need of an interpreter.
Well, I will know thy message ere't be long,
And find a mean to cross it, if I can.
Cornwall
Come in, my friend, and frolic in our court
1430Till certain notice of my father come.
Exeunt.