KING LEAR Better thou Hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better.
>from 155614 > I don't get the feeling from his demeanor and > facial expressions and the ways that he talks > in the videos I've seen that he's having fun. > It's more like working out old-man losing- > control issues. > > The image of King Lear has sprung to mind more > than a few times lately. I mean, we've got Reagan > (Hagelin) and Goneril (Bevan) jockeying to take > over things in the background, Lear (MMY) making > absurd demands of people to test their "loyalty," > etc. If someone highly-placed but who still has > a brain gives MMY some real feedback and gets > sent away in disgrace, that'll be Cordelia. > > What is needed IMO is a Fool, who could tell him > the truth. > > And before Jim and Rory come running in to suggest > that I'm perfect for the position :-), I no longer > "work for the company." Haven't for 30 years now. > What happens to the TMO is only entertainment for > me, not a matter of identification. AS entertainment, > it's fabulous. But I really do feel for those who > still identify, and have to put themselves through > the same ups and downs they see in the machinations > of the court and its courtiers at the end of an > old king's reign. >From Turq in subsequent king Lear post 160650: Ok, the man is old and feeble and he's having premonitions of death. While I have both com- passion and sensitivity for this situation, I really have to remind people of the parallels here to *another* old man with similar premon- itions who made similar requests of those around him in the "royal court." Heaven help the Raja who loves and honors the man but who no longer has the big bucks to build a big enough memorial lingam. KING LEAR Meantime we shall express our darker purpose. Give me the map there. Know that we have divided In three our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent To shake all cares and business from our age; Conferring them on younger strengths, while we Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall, And you, our no less loving son of Albany, We have this hour a constant will to publish Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy, Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love, Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters,-- Since now we will divest us both of rule, Interest of territory, cares of state,-- Which of you shall we say doth love us most? That we our largest bounty may extend Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril, Our eldest-born, speak first. GONERIL Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter; Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty; Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare; No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour; As much as child e'er loved, or father found; A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable; Beyond all manner of so much I love you. CORDELIA [Aside] What shall Cordelia do? Love, and be silent. LEAR Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd, With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads, We make thee lady: to thine and Albany's issue Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter, Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak. REGAN Sir, I am made Of the self-same metal that my sister is, And prize me at her worth. In my true heart I find she names my very deed of love; Only she comes too short: that I profess Myself an enemy to all other joys, Which the most precious square of sense possesses; And find I am alone felicitate In your dear highness' love. CORDELIA [Aside] Then poor Cordelia! And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love's More richer than my tongue. KING LEAR To thee and thine hereditary ever Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom; No less in space, validity, and pleasure, Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy, Although the last, not least; to whose young love The vines of France and milk of Burgundy Strive to be interess'd; what can you say to draw A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak. CORDELIA Nothing, my lord. KING LEAR Nothing! CORDELIA Nothing. KING LEAR Nothing will come of nothing: speak again. CORDELIA Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty According to my bond; nor more nor less. KING LEAR How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little, Lest it may mar your fortunes. . . . CORDELIA I yet beseech your majesty,-- If for I want that glib and oily art, To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend, I'll do't before I speak,--that you make known It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness, No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step, That hath deprived me of your grace and favour; But even for want of that for which I am richer, A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue As I am glad I have not, though not to have it Hath lost me in your liking. KING LEAR Better thou Hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better. > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/message/160650 >
