Lear's Labour's Lost
                                                         copyright © 2007 Jeff Goode

            ACT IV

            SCENE 7 - The French camp, near Dover.
                  Enter CORDELIA and a Messenger
            CORDELIA 
               What news?
            MESSENGER
               O, majesty, the Duke of Gloucester's dead:
               Slain by your sister, going to put out
               The other eye of Gloucester's serving maid.
               Opposed against the act, bending his sword
               Against the princess; who, thereat enraged,
               Flew on him, and amongst them fell'd him dead.
            CORDELIA 
               But, O poor Jaquenetta! 
               Lost she her other eye?
            MESSENGER
                                   Both, both, my lady. 
            CORDELIA 
               Where was his son when they did take her eyes?
            MESSENGER 
               He was not there.
            CORDELIA 
                                 Knows he the wickedness? 
            MESSENGER
               Ay, majesty; 'twas he inform'd against them;
               And quit the house on purpose, that their punishment
               Might have the freer course.
            CORDELIA 
                                    Gloucester, I live
               To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the king,
               And to revenge thy Jaquenetta's eyes. 
               Come hither, friend: Tell me what more thou know'st. 
            MESSENGER
               The British powers are marching hitherward.
            CORDELIA
               'Tis known before; our preparation stands 
               In expectation of them. O dear father, 
               It is thy business that I go about; 
               Therefore great France
               My mourning and important tears hath pitied.
               No blown ambition doth our arms incite,
               But love, dear love, and our aged father's right:
               Soon may I hear and see him!
                                                                    Exeunt

Forth!