Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Michael Best
Not Peer Reviewed

King Lear (Quarto 1, 1608)

Enter Regan and Steward.
Reg. But are my brothers powers set forth?
2385Stew. I Madam. Reg. Himselfe in person?
Stew. Madam with much ado, your sister is the better soldier.
Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your Lady at home.
2390Stew. No Madam.
Reg. What might import my sisters letters to him?
Stew. I know not Lady.
Reg. Faith he is posted hence on serious matter,
It was great ignorance, Glosters eyes being out
2395To let him liue, where he ariues he moues
All harts against vs, and now I thinke is gone
In pitie of his misery to dispatch his nighted life,
Moreouer to discrie the strength at'h army.
2400Stew. I must needs after him with my letters
Reg. Our troope sets forth to morrow stay with vs,
The wayes are dangerous.
Stew. I may not Madame, my Lady charg'd my dutie in this
busines.
2405Reg. Why should she write to Edmund? might not you
Transport her purposes by word, belike
Some thing, I know not what, ile loue thee much,
Let me vnseale the letter.
Stew. Madam I'de rather---
2410Reg. I know your Lady does not loue her husband
I am sure of that, and at her late being here
Shee gaue strange aliads, and most speaking lookes
To noble Edmund, I know you are of her bosome.
Stew. I Madam.
2415Reg. I speake in vnderstanding, for I know't,
Therefore I doe aduise you take this note,
My Lord is dead, Edmund and I haue talkt,
And more conuenient is he for my hand
Then for your Ladies, you may gather more
2420If you doe find him, pray you giue him this,
And when your mistris heares thus much from you
I pray desire her call her wisedome to her, so farewell,
If you doe chance to heare of that blind traytor,
2425Preferment fals on him that cuts him off.
Ste. Would I could meet him Madam, I would shew
What Lady I doe follow.
Reg. Fare thee well.
Exit.