King Lear

King Lear

ACT V SCENE I	The British camp, near Dover.
	Enter, with drum and colours, EDMUND, REGAN,Gentlemen, and Soldiers
EDMUND	Know of the duke if his last purpose hold,
	Or whether since he is advised by aught
	To change the course: he's full of alteration
	And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure.	5
	To a Gentleman, who goes out
REGAN	Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
EDMUND	'Tis to be doubted, madam.
REGAN	Now, sweet lord,
	You know the goodness I intend upon you:
	Tell me--but truly--but then speak the truth,	10
	Do you not love my sister?
EDMUND	In honour'd love.
REGAN	But have you never found my brother's way
	To the forfended place?
EDMUND	That thought abuses you.	15
REGAN	I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
	And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.
EDMUND	No, by mine honour, madam.
REGAN	I never shall endure her: dear my lord,
	Be not familiar with her.	20
EDMUND	Fear me not:
	She and the duke her husband!
	Enter, with drum and colours, ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers
GONERIL	Aside
	Should loosen him and me.
ALBANY	Our very loving sister, well be-met.
	Sir, this I hear; the king is come to his daughter,	25
	With others whom the rigor of our state
	Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest,
	I never yet was valiant: for this business,
	It toucheth us, as France invades our land,
	Not bolds the king, with others, whom, I fear,	30
	Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
EDMUND	Sir, you speak nobly.
REGAN	Why is this reason'd?
GONERIL	Combine together 'gainst the enemy;
	For these domestic and particular broils	35
	Are not the question here.
ALBANY	Let's then determine
	With the ancient of war on our proceedings.
EDMUND	I shall attend you presently at your tent.
REGAN	Sister, you'll go with us?	40
GONERIL	No.
REGAN	'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.
GONERIL	Aside
	As they are going out, enter EDGAR disguised
EDGAR	If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor,
	Hear me one word.
ALBANY	I'll overtake you. Speak.	45
	Exeunt all but ALBANY and EDGAR
EDGAR	Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
	If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
	For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,
	I can produce a champion that will prove
	What is avouched there. If you miscarry,	50
	Your business of the world hath so an end,
	And machination ceases. Fortune love you.
ALBANY	Stay till I have read the letter.
EDGAR	I was forbid it.
	When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,	55
	And I'll appear again.
ALBANY	Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper.
	Exit EDGAR
	Re-enter EDMUND
EDMUND	The enemy's in view; draw up your powers.
	Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
	By diligent discovery; but your haste	60
	Is now urged on you.
ALBANY	We will greet the time.
	Exit
EDMUND	To both these sisters have I sworn my love;
	Each jealous of the other, as the stung
	Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?	65
	Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,
	If both remain alive: to take the widow
	Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
	And hardly shall I carry out my side,
	Her husband being alive. Now then we'll use	70
	His countenance for the battle; which being done,
	Let her who would be rid of him devise
	His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
	Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,
	The battle done, and they within our power,	75
	Shall never see his pardon; for my state
	Stands on me to defend, not to debate.
	Exit