LEAR: The bow is bent and drawn. Make from the shaft.
KENT: Let it fall rather, though the fork invade
The region of my heart.
– William Shakespeare
King Lear, Act 1, Scene 1. Using a bent bow and shaft as a metaphor to warn off Kent from challenging his decision to banish Cordelia, Lear tells the Earl that he is angry and ready to snap. Kent replies that Lear should let his anger fall on him even if its sharpness pierces his heart. Kent, as always, tries to be Lear’s honest and loyal adviser.