The Authentic Lear?

QUARTO version

LEAR:

Meantime we will express our darker purposes.

The map there; know we have divided

In three, our kingdom; and tis our first intent,

To shake all cares and business of our state,

Confirming them on younger years.

The two great Princes France and Burgundy,

Great rivals in our youngest daughter’s love,

Long in our Court have made their amorous sojourn,

And here are to be answered.  Tell me my daughters,

Which of you shall we say doth love us most,

That we our largest bounty may extend,

Where merit doth most challenge it?

Goneril our eldest borne, speake first?

FOLIO version

LEAR:

Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.

Give me the Map there. Know, that we have divided

In three our Kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent,

To shake all Cares and Business from our Age,

Conferring them on younger strengths, while we

Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,

And you our no less loving Son of Albany,

We have this hour a constant will to publish

Our daughters several Dowers, that future strife

May be prevented now. The Princes, France & Burgundy,

Great Rivals in our youngest daughters love,

Long in our Court, have made their amorous sojourn,

And here are to be answer'd. Tell me my daughters

(Since now we will divest us both of Rule,

Interest of Territory, Cares of State)

Which of you shall we say doth love us most,

That we, our largest bounty may extend

Where Nature doth with merit challenge. Gonerill,

Our eldest borne, speak first.