Scene IV. A Hall in Albany's Palace.
[Enter Kent, disguised.]
KENT.
If but as well I other accents borrow,
That can my speech defuse, my good intent
May carry through itself to that full issue
For which I rais'd my likeness. — Now, banish'd Kent,
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,
So may it come, thy master, whom thou lov'st,
Shall find thee full of labours.
[Horns within. Enter King Lear, Knights, and Attendants.]
LEAR.
Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready.
[Exit an Attendant.]
How now! what art thou?
KENT.
A man, sir.
LEAR.
What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
KENT.
I do profess to be no less than I seem; to serve him truly that
will put me in trust; to love him that is honest; to converse
with him that is wise and says little; to fear judgment; to fight
when I cannot choose; and to eat no fish.
LEAR.
What art thou?
KENT.
A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.
LEAR.
If thou be'st as poor for a subject as he's for a king, thou art
poor enough. What wouldst thou?
KENT.
Service.
LEAR.
Who wouldst thou serve?
