1 The enemy's in view; draw up your powers.
2 News, madam; The British powers are marching hitherward.
3 Tis time to look about; the powers of the kingdom approach apace.
4 Back, Edmund, to my brother; Hasten his musters and conduct his powers.
5 Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me, I tell you all her wealth.
6 I do invest you jointly with my power, Pre-eminence, and all the large effects That troop with majesty.
7 None does offend, none, I say none; I'll able 'em; Take that of me, my friend, who have the power To seal the accuser's lips.'
8 I begin to find an idle and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny; who sways not as it hath power, but as it is suffered.
9 He led our powers; Bore the commission of my place and person; The which immediacy may well stand up And call itself your brother.
10 Though well we may not pass upon his life Without the form of justice, yet our power Shall do a courtesy to our wrath, which men May blame, but not control.
11 There is means, madam: Our foster nurse of nature is repose, The which he lacks; that to provoke in him Are many simples operative, whose power Will close the eye of anguish.
12 As for the mercy Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia, The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon: for my state Stands on me to defend, not to debate.