[Enter Goneril and Oswald, her Steward.]
GONERIL Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding
of his Fool?
OSWALD Ay, madam.
GONERIL
By day and night he wrongs me. Every hour
[5] He flashes into one gross crime or other
That sets us all at odds. I’ll not endure it.
His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us
On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,
I will not speak with him. Say I am sick.
[10] If you come slack of former services,
You shall do well. The fault of it I’ll answer.
OSWALD He’s coming, madam. I hear him.
GONERIL
Put on what weary negligence you please,
You and your fellows. I’d have it come to question.
[15] If he distaste it, let him to my sister,
Whose mind and mine I know in that are one,
Not to be overruled. Idle old man
That still would manage those authorities
That he hath given away. Now, by my life,
[20] Old fools are babes again and must be used
With checks as flatteries, when they are seen
abused.
Remember what I have said.
OSWALD Well, madam.
[25]GONERIL
And let his knights have colder looks among you.
What grows of it, no matter. Advise your fellows so.
I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,
That I may speak. I’ll write straight to my sister
To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner.
[They exit in different directions.]