Act III, Scene 1

A heath. Storm still.

Enter Kent and a Gentleman at several doors.

• Earl of Kent. Who's there, besides foul weather?

• Gentleman. One minded like the weather, most unquietly.

• Earl of Kent. I know you. Where's the King? 1620

• Gentleman. Contending with the fretful elements;
  Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea,
  Or swell the curled waters 'bove the main,
  That things might change or cease; tears his white hair,
  Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage, 1625
  Catch in their fury and make nothing of;
  Strives in his little world of man to outscorn
  The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.
  This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,
  The lion and the belly-pinched wolf 1630
  Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,
  And bids what will take all.

• Earl of Kent. But who is with him?

• Gentleman. None but the fool, who labours to outjest
  His heart-struck injuries. 1635

• Earl of Kent. Sir, I do know you,
  And dare upon the warrant of my note
  Commend a dear thing to you. There is division
  (Although as yet the face of it be cover'd
  With mutual cunning) 'twixt Albany and Cornwall; 1640
  Who have (as who have not, that their great stars
  Thron'd and set high?) servants, who seem no less,
  Which are to France the spies and speculations
  Intelligent of our state. What hath been seen,
  Either in snuffs and packings of the Dukes, 1645
  Or the hard rein which both of them have borne
  Against the old kind King, or something deeper,
  Whereof, perchance, these are but furnishings-
  But, true it is, from France there comes a power
  Into this scattered kingdom, who already, 1650
  Wise in our negligence, have secret feet
  In some of our best ports and are at point
  To show their open banner. Now to you:
  If on my credit you dare build so far
  To make your speed to Dover, you shall find 1655
  Some that will thank you, making just report
  Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow
  The King hath cause to plain.
  I am a gentleman of blood and breeding,
  And from some knowledge and assurance offer 1660
  This office to you.

• Gentleman. I will talk further with you.

• Earl of Kent. No, do not.
  For confirmation that I am much more
  Than my out-wall, open this purse and take 1665
  What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia
  (As fear not but you shall), show her this ring,
  And she will tell you who your fellow is
  That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm!
  I will go seek the King. 1670

• Gentleman. Give me your hand. Have you no more to say?

• Earl of Kent. Few words, but, to effect, more than all yet:
  That, when we have found the King (in which your pain
  That way, I'll this), he that first lights on him
  Holla the other. 1675

Exeunt [severally].