Shakespeare's King Lear Act 4, Scene 5

King Lear

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ACT IV SCENE V	Gloucester's castle.
[Enter REGAN and OSWALD]
REGAN	But are my brother's powers set forth?
OSWALD	Ay, madam.
REGAN	Himself in person there?
OSWALD	Madam, with much ado:
	Your sister is the better soldier.	5
REGAN	Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
OSWALD	No, madam.
REGAN	What might import my sister's letter to him?
OSWALD	I know not, lady.
REGAN	'Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.	10
	It was great ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out,
	To let him live: where he arrives he moves
	All hearts against us: Edmund, I think, is gone,
	In pity of his misery, to dispatch
	His nighted life: moreover, to descry	15
	The strength o' the enemy.
OSWALD	I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
REGAN	Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us;
	The ways are dangerous.
OSWALD	I may not, madam:	20
	My lady charged my duty in this business.
REGAN	Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
	Transport her purposes by word? Belike,
	Something--I know not what: I'll love thee much,
	Let me unseal the letter.	25
OSWALD	Madam, I had rather--
REGAN	I know your lady does not love her husband;
	I am sure of that: and at her late being here
	She gave strange oeillades and most speaking looks
	To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.	30
OSWALD	I, madam?
REGAN	I speak in understanding; you are; I know't:
	Therefore I do advise you, take this note:
	My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk'd;
	And more convenient is he for my hand	35
	Than for your lady's: you may gather more.
	If you do find him, pray you, give him this;
	And when your mistress hears thus much from you,
	I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her.
	So, fare you well.	40
	If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
	Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
OSWALD	Would I could meet him, madam! I should show
	What party I do follow.
REGAN	Fare thee well.	45
[Exeunt]