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  • Title: King Lear (Modern, Folio)
  • Editor: Michael Best
  • Textual editors: James D. Mardock, Eric Rasmussen
  • Coordinating editor: Michael Best
  • Research assistants: Quinn MacDonald, Michelle Spelay

    • ISBN: 978-1-55058-463-9

    Copyright Michael Best. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Michael Best
    Not Peer Reviewed

    King Lear (Modern, Folio)

    [Scene 19 in Quarto]
    4.4
    Enter Regan and [Oswald, the] steward.
    Regan
    But are my brother's powers set forth?
    2385Oswald
    Ay, madam.
    Regan
    Himself in person there?
    Oswald
    Madam, with much ado.
    Your sister is the better soldier.
    Regan
    Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
    2390Oswald
    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.
    It was great ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out,
    2395To 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
    The strength o'th'enemy.
    2400Oswald
    I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
    Regan
    Our troops set forth tomorrow. Stay with us;
    The ways are dangerous.
    Oswald
    I may not, madam.
    My lady charged my duty in this business.
    2405Regan
    Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
    Transport her purposes by word? Belike--
    Some things--I know not what. I'll love thee much.
    Let me unseal the letter.
    Oswald
    Madam, I had rather--
    2410Regan
    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.
    Oswald
    I, madam?
    2415Regan
    I speak in understanding. Y'are, I know't.
    Therefore I do advise you take this note.
    My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talked,
    And more convenient is he for my hand
    Than for your lady's. You may gather more.
    2420If 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.
    If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
    2425Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
    Oswald
    Would I could meet, madam, I should show
    What party I do follow.
    Regan
    Fare thee well.
    Exeunt [separately].
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