To some retention, and appointed guard; 48
Whose age has charms in it, whose title more,
To pluck the common bosom on his side,
And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes
Which do command them. With him I sent the queen; 52
My reason all the same; and they are ready
To-morrow, or at further space, to appear
Where you shall hold your session. [At this time
We sweat and bleed; the friend hath lost his friend, 56
And the best quarrels, in the heat, are curs'd
By those that feel their sharpness;
The question of Cordelia and her father
Requires a fitter place.]
Alb. Sir, by your patience, 60
I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother.
Reg. That's as we list to grace him:
Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded,
Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers, 64
Bore the commission of my place and person;
The which immediacy may well stand up,
And call itself your brother.
Gon. Not so hot;
In his own grace he doth exalt himself 68
More than in your addition.
Reg. In my rights,
By me invested, he compeers the best.
Gon. That were the most, if he should husband you.
Reg. Jesters do oft prove prophets.
48 retention: detention
51 impress'd: enlisted
63 demanded: requested
66 immediacy: sovereignty
70 compeers: equals
