KENT Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you the reason? GENTLEMAN Something he left imperfect in the state, which since his coming forth is thought of; which imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger, that his personal return was most required and necessary. KENT Who hath he left behind him general? GENTLEMAN The Marshall of France, Monsieur La Far. KENT Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief? GENTLEMAN Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence; And now and then an ample tear trilled down Her delicate cheek: it seemed she was a queen Over her passion; who, most rebel-like, Sought to be king o'er her. KENT O, then it moved her. GENTLEMAN Not to a rage: patience and sorrow strove Which should express her goodliest. You have seen Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears Were like a better way: those happy smilets, That play'd on her ripe lip, seem'd not to know What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence, As pearls from diamonds dropp'd. In brief, Sorrow and joy in her met and fought, That like two spirits in the air contended, Which should express her best. Sometimes her eyes Would moisten, and her voice would catch, And then she smiled, as if she mock'd herself For weeping; and again she would weep As if she mock'd herself for smiling. KENT Made she no verbal question? GENTLEMAN Faith, once or twice she heaved the name of 'father' Pantingly forth, as if it press'd her heart; Cry'd 'Sisters! sisters! Shame of ladies! sisters! Kent! father! sisters! What, i' the storm? i' the storm?' And clamour moisten'd: then away she started To deal with grief alone. KENT It is the stars, The stars above us, govern our conditions; Else one self mate and mate could not beget Such different issues. You spoke not with her since? GENTLEMAN No. KENT Was this before the king return'd? GENTLEMAN No, since. KENT Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' the town; Who sometime, in his better tune, remembers What we are come about, and by no means Will yield to see his daughter. GENTLEMAN Why, good sir? KENT A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own unkindness, That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights To his dog-hearted daughters, will clog his heart With such a shame, that he will not see Cordelia. GENTLEMAN Alack, poor gentleman! KENT Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not? GENTLEMAN Tis so, they are afoot. KENT Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear, And leave you to attend him: some dear cause Will in concealment wrap me up awhile; When I am known aright, you shall not grieve Lending your favor to me. GENTLEMAN I will go seek the king. KENT In which your pain that way, I'll this, Dry towards Dover. [Exeunt severally]