King Lear, Act 1, Scene 3

Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?

Did my father hit my servant for telling off his fool?

Ay, madam.

Yes, madam.

By day and night, he wrongs me; every hour 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. If you come slack of former services, You shall do well; the fault of it I’ll answer.

By day and night, he wrongs me; every hour he bursts out into one outrage or another, and it sets us all at odds. I won't put up with it. His knights are getting out of control, and he himself scolds us over every little thing. When he comes back from hunting, I won't speak with him; say I'm sick. If you fall short of the service you used to give him, you'll be doing well; I'll take the blame for it.

He’s coming, madam; I hear him.

He's coming, madam; I hear him.

Put on what weary negligence you please, You and your fellows; I’d have it come to question: If he distaste it, let him to our 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, Old fools are babes again; and must be us’d With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abus’d. Remember what I have said.

Take on whatever bored carelessness you like, you and your fellow servants; I want it to become an issue. If he doesn't like it, let him go to our sister, whose mind and mine, I know, are one on this point: not to be dictated to. Useless old man, who still wants to wield the powers he has given away! Now, on my life, old fools become babies again, and must be handled with harsh words as much as flattery, when they are seen to be misusing kindness. Remember what I've told you.

Very well, madam.

Very well, madam.

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.

And let his knights get colder looks from all of you. It doesn't matter what comes of it; tell your fellow servants to do the same. I want to create opportunities out of this, and I will, so that I can speak out. I'll write to my sister right away to follow exactly the same course I do. Get ready for dinner.