28452573Enter Edmund [the Bastard], Regan, and their powers. [To an officer] Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,
28482575Or whether since he is advised by aught
28492576To change the course. He's full of alteration
28502577And self-reproving. Bring his constant pleasure.
[Exit officer.]
Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
'Tis to be doubted, madam.
'Tis to be doubted, madam. Now, sweet lord,
28542581You know the goodness I intend upon you.
28552582Tell me but truly--but then speak the truth--
Do you not love my sister? Ay, honored love.
But have you never found my brother's way
To the forfended place? That thought abuses you.
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct and
2859.22587Bosomed with her, as far as we call hers.
No, by mine honor, madam.
I never shall endure her. Dear my lord,
2862Be not familiar with her.
Be not familiar with her. Fear me not.--
She and the Duke her husband.
28642591Enter Albany and Goneril with troops. She and the Duke her husband. [Aside] I had rather
Lose the battle than that sister should
2864.22593loosen
Our very loving sister, well be-met.
28662595For this I hear: the King is come to his daughter
28672596With others, whom the rigor of our state
2868.22598I never yet was valiant. For this business,
2868.32599It touches us as France invades our land,
2868.42600Not bolds the king, with others, whom I fear
Sir, you speak nobly.
Sir, you speak nobly. Why is this reasoned?
Combine together 'gainst the enemy,
28712604For these domestic-door particulars
Are not to question here. Let us then determine
With the ensign of war
2874on our
2607proceedings.
I shall attend you presently at your tent.
59[Exit the Bastard with his men.] Sister, you'll go with us?
No.
'Tis most convenient. Pray you go with us.
[Aside] Oh ho, I know the riddle.--I will go.
2880Enter Edgar, [disguised, speaking to Albany as he is leaving.] If ere your grace had speech with man so poor,
Exeunt [all but Albany and Edgar].
Hear me one word. [To those leaving] I'll overtake you. [To Edgar] Speak.
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
28852615If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
28862616For him that brought it. Wretched though I seem,
28872617I can produce a champion that will prove
28882618What is avouchèd there. If you miscarry,
28892619Your business of the world hath so an end.
Stay till I have read the letter.
I was forbid it.
2893When time shall serve, let but the herald
2622cry,
2894And I'll appear again.
Why fare thee well, I will o'erlook the paper.
Exit [Edgar].
The enemy's in view. Draw up your powers.
28982626Hard is the guess of their great strength and forces
28992627By diligent discovery, but your haste
Is now urged on you. We will greet the time.
Exit.
To both these sisters have I sworn my love,
29032630Each jealous of the other as the stung
2904Are of the adder.
2631Which of them shall I take?
2905Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoyed
29062632If both remain alive. To take the widow
29072633Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
29082634And hardly shall I carry out my side,
29092635Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use
29102636His countenance for the battle; which, being done,
29112637Let her that would be rid of him devise
29122638His speedy taking off. As for his mercy
29132639Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,
29142640The battle done, and they within our power,
29152641Shall never see his pardon; for my state
29162642Stands on me to defend, not to debate.