2847Bast. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,

2848Or whether since he is aduis'd by ought

2849To change the course, he's full of alteration,

2850And selfe reprouing, bring his constant pleasure.

2851Reg. Our Sisters man is certainely miscarried.

2852Bast. 'Tis to be doubted Madam.

2853Reg. Now sweet Lord,

2854You know the goodnesse I intend vpon you:

2855Tell me but truly, but then speake the truth,

2856Do you not loue my Sister?

2857Bast. In honour'd Loue.

2858Reg. But haue you neuer found my Brothers way,

2859To the fore-fended place?

2860Bast. No by mine honour, Madam.

2861Reg. I neuer shall endure her, deere my Lord

2862Be not familiar with her.

2863Bast. Feare not, she and the Duke her husband.

2865Alb. Our very louing Sister, well be-met:

2866Sir, this I heard, the King is come to his Daughter

2867With others, whom the rigour of our State

2868Forc'd to cry out.

2869Regan. Why is this reasond?

2870Gone. Combine together 'gainst the Enemie:

2871For these domesticke and particurlar broiles,

2872Are not the question heere.

2873Alb. Let's then determine with th'ancient of warre

2874On our proceeding.

2875Reg. Sister you'le go with vs?

2876Gon. No.

2877Reg. 'Tis most conuenient, pray go with vs.

2878Gon. Oh ho, I know the Riddle, I will goe.

2881Edg. If ere your Grace had speech with man so poore,

2882Heare me one word.

2883Alb. Ile ouertake you, speake.

2884Edg. Before you fight the Battaile, ope this Letter:

2885If you haue victory, let the Trumpet sound

2886For him that brought it: wretched though I seeme,

2887I can produce a Champion, that will proue

2888What is auouched there. If you miscarry,

2889Your businesse of the world hath so an end,

2890And machination ceases. Fortune loues you.

2891Alb. Stay till I haue read the Letter.

2892Edg. I was forbid it:

2893When time shall serue, let but the Herald cry,

2894And Ile appeare againe. Exit.

2895Alb. Why farethee well, I will o're-looke thy paper.

2897Bast. The Enemy's in view, draw vp your powers,

2898Heere is the guesse of their true strength and Forces,

2899By dilligent discouerie, but your hast

2900Is now vrg'd on you.

2901Alb. We will greet the time. Exit.

2902Bast. To both these Sisters haue I sworne my loue:

2903Each iealous of the other, as the stung

2904Are of the Adder. Which of them shall I take?

2905Both? One ? Or neither? Neither can be enioy'd

2906If both remaine aliue: To take the Widdow,

2907Exasperates, makes mad her Sister Gonerill,

2908And hardly shall I carry out my side,

2909Her husband being aliue. Now then, wee'l vse

2910His countenance for the Battaile, which being done,

2911Let her who would be rid of him, deuise

2912His speedy taking off. As for the mercie

2913Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,

2914The Battaile done, and they within our power,

2915Shall neuer see his pardon: for my state,

2916Stands on me to defend, not to debate. Exit.