_Lear._ Let it be so; thy truth then be thy dower:[2505] For, by the sacred radiance of the sun, The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;[2506] By all the operation of the orbs[2507] From whom we do exist and cease to be; 110 Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of blood, And as a stranger to my heart and me Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,[2508] Or he that makes his generation messes[2509] 115 To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom[2509][2510] Be as well neighbour'd, pitied and relieved,[2510] As thou my sometime daughter. _Kent._ Good my liege,--[2511] _Lear._ Peace, Kent![2512] Come not between the dragon and his wrath.[2512] 120 I loved her most, and thought to set my rest On her kind nursery. Hence, and avoid my sight![2513] So be my grave my peace, as here I give Her father's heart from her! Call France. Who stirs? Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,[2514] 125 With my two daughters' dowers digest this third:[2515] Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her. I do invest you jointly with my power,[2516] Pre-eminence and all the large effects[2517] That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,[2518] 130 With reservation of an hundred knights By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain[2519] The name and all the additions to a king;[2520][2521] The sway, revenue, execution of the rest,[2520][2522] 135 Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm, This coronet part betwixt you.[2523] _Kent._ Royal Lear, Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,[2524] Loved as my father, as my master follow'd,[2525] As my great patron thought on in my prayers,--[2526] 140 _Lear._ The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft. _Kent._ Let it fall rather, though the fork invade[2527] The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly, When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?[2528] Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak, 145 When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound,[2529] When majesty stoops to folly. Reverse thy doom,[2530] And in thy best consideration check[2531] This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgement,[2532] Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; 150 Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound[2533] Reverbs no hollowness.[2533] _Lear._ Kent, on thy life, no more.[2534] _Kent._ My life I never held but as a pawn[2535] To wage against thy enemies, nor fear to lose it,[2536] Thy safety being the motive.[2537] _Lear._ Out of my sight! 155