_Reg._ I cannot think my sister in the least[3417] Would fail her obligation: if, sir, perchance[3417][3419] She have restrain'd the riots of your followers,[3417] 'Tis on such ground and to such wholesome end[3417] 140 As clears her from all blame.[3417] _Lear._ My curses on her! _Reg._ O, sir, you are old; Nature in you stands on the very verge[3420][3421] Of her confine: you should be ruled and led[3420][3422] By some discretion that discerns your state[3420] 145 Better than you yourself. Therefore I pray you[3420][3423] That to our sister you do make return;[3420] Say you have wrong'd her, sir. _Lear._ Ask her forgiveness?[3424] Do you but mark how this becomes the house:[3425] [Kneeling] 'Dear daughter, I confess that I am old;[3426] 150 Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed and food.' _Reg._ Good sir, no more; these are unsightly tricks: Return you to my sister. _Lear._ [_Rising_] Never, Regan:[3427] She hath abated me of half my train; 155 Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue,[3428] Most serpent-like, upon the very heart: All the stored vengeances of heaven fall[3429] On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,[3429][3430] You taking airs, with lameness.[3429] _Corn._ Fie, sir, fie![3431] 160 _Lear._ You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames[3432] Into her scornful eyes. Infect her beauty, You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the powerful sun[3433] To fall and blast her pride.[3433][3434] _Reg._ O the blest gods! so will you wish on me,[3435] 165 When the rash mood is on.[3435][3436] _Lear._ No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse: Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give[3437][3438] Thee o'er to harshness: her eyes are fierce, but thine[3438][3439] Do comfort and not burn. 'Tis not in thee[3438] 170 To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,[3438] To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes, And in conclusion to oppose the bolt Against my coming in: thou better know'st[3440] The offices of nature, bond of childhood, 175 Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude;[3441] Thy half o' the kingdom hast thou not forgot,[3442] Wherein I thee endow'd. _Reg._ Good sir, to the purpose.[3443] _Lear._ Who put my man i' the stocks? [_Tucket within._[3444] _Corn._ What trumpet's that? _Reg._ I know't; my sister's: this approves her letter,[3445] 180 That she would soon be here. _Enter_ OSWALD.[3446] Is your lady come?