Fool. Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear! tarry, and
take the fool with thee. 341
A fox, when one has caught her,
And such a daughter,
Should sure to the slaughter, 344
If my cap would buy a halter;
So the fool follows after. Exit.
Gon. This man hath had good counsel. A hundred knights!
'Tis politic and safe to let him keep 348
At point a hundred knights; yes, that on every dream,
Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike,
He may enguard his dotage with their powers,
And hold our lives in mercy. Oswald, I say! 352
Alb. Well, you may fear too far.
Gon. Safer than trust too far.
Let me still take away the harms I fear,
Not fear still to be taken: I know his heart.
What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister; 356
If she sustain him and his hundred knights,
When I have show'd the unfitness,—
Enter Oswald.
How now, Oswald!
What! have you writ that letter to my sister?
Osw. Ay, madam. 360
Gon. Take you some company, and away to horse;
Inform her full of my particular fear;
And thereto add such reasons of your own
As may compact it more. Get you gone, 364
And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald.] No, no, my lord,
This milky gentleness and course of yours
349 At point: in readiness
364 compact: strengthen
366 gentleness and course: gentleness of your course
