Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Michael Best
Not Peer Reviewed

King Lear (Modern, Quarto)

[Scene 19]
Enter Regan and [Oswald, the] steward.
But are my brother's powers set forth?
Ay, madam.
Regan
Himself in person?
Oswald
Madam, with much ado.
Your sister is the better soldier.
Lord Edmund spake not with your lady at home?
No, madam.
What might import my sister's letters to him?
I know not, lady.
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'army.
I must needs after him with my letters.
Our troop sets forth tomorrow; stay with us.
The ways are dangerous.
Oswald
I may not, madam.
My lady charged my duty in this business.
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.
Oswald
Madam I'd rather--
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.
I, madam?
I speak in understanding, for 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 farewell.
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
2425Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
Would I could meet him, madam, I would show
What lady I do follow.
Regan
Fare thee well.
Exeunt [separately].