Not Peer Reviewed
King Lear (Modern, Extended Folio)
23484.3
2351Cordelia
Alack, 'tis he. Why, he was met even now,
2352As mad as the vexed sea, singing aloud;
2353Crowned with rank fumitor and furrow-weeds,
2354With burdocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo flowers,
2355Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow
2356In our sustaining corn. [To an officer] A century send forth.
2357Search every acre in the high-grown field
2358And bring him to our eye.
[Exit soldier(s).]
What can man's wisdom
2359In the restoring his bereavèd sense? He that helps him
2360Take all my outward worth.
2361Gentleman
There is means madam.
2362Our foster nurse of nature is repose,
2363The which he lacks; that to provoke in him
2364Are many simples operative, whose power
2365Will close the eye of anguish.
2366Cordelia
All blest secrets,
2367All you unpublished virtues of the earth,
2368Spring with my tears; be aidant and remediate
2369In the good man's distress. Seek, seek for him,
2370Lest his ungoverned rage dissolve the life
2371That wants the means to lead it.
2372Enter Messenger.
2373Messenger
News, madam.
2374The British powers are marching hitherward.
2375Cordelia
'Tis known before. Our preparation stands
2376In expectation of them.--O dear father,
2377It is thy business that I go about. Therefore great France
2378My mourning and importuned tears hath pitied.
2379No blown ambition doth our arms incite,
2380But love, dear love, and our agèd father's right.
2381Soon may I hear and see him.
43Exeunt.