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EDGAR:

How now, brother Edmund! what serious contemplation
are you in?

EDMUND:

I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other(135)
day, what should follow these eclipses.

EDGAR:

Do you busy yourself about that?

EDMUND:

I promise you, the effects he writes of succeed
unhappily; as of unnaturalness between the child and
the parent; death, dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities;(140)
divisions in state, menaces and maledictions against king
and nobles; needless diffidences, banishment of friends,
dissipation of cohorts, nuptial breaches, and I know not
what.

EDGAR:

How long have you been a sectary astronomical?(145)

EDMUND:

Come, come; when saw you my father last?

EDGAR:

Why, the night gone by.

EDMUND:

Spake you with him?

EDGAR:

Ay, two hours together.

EDMUND:

Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure in(150)
him by word or countenance?

EDGAR:

None at all.

EDMUND:

Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended
him: and at my entreaty forbear his presence till some little
time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure; which at(155)
this instant so rageth in him, that with the mischief of your
person it would scarcely allay.

EDGAR:

Some villain hath done me wrong.

EDMUND:

That's my fear. I pray you, have a continent forbearance
till the speed of his rage goes slower; and, as I say, retire with(160)
me to my lodging, from whence I will fitly bring you to hear
my lord speak: pray ye, go; there's my key: if you do stir
abroad, go armed.

EDGAR:

Armed, brother!

EDMUND:

Brother, I advise you to the best; go armed: I am no(165)
honest man if there be any good meaning towards you: I have
told you what I have seen and heard; but faintly, nothing like
the image and horror of it: pray you, away.

EDGAR:

Shall I hear from you anon?

EDMUND:

I do serve you in this business.(170)

[Exit Edgar]

A credulous father! and a brother noble,
Whose nature is so far from doing harms
That he suspects none: on whose foolish honesty
My practices ride easy! I see the business.
Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit:(175)
All with me's meet that I can fashion fit.

[Exit]

• result
• terminations or breaking up into parts
• peaceful relations or friendships asylum, which is also referred to as “Bedlam”
• curses
• breaches of trust
• associates or supporters
• devotee
• facial expressions or features
• earnest request
• avoid
• pacified
• discreet distance
• honorable (i.e., married)
• presently
• believing too much
• plots
• suitable, acceptable

1. Strategies for Understanding Shakespeare's Language
2. Reading Pointers for Sharper Insight
3. Act I
   1. Scene I
   2. Scene II
   3. Scene III
   4. Scene IV
   5. Scene V
4. Act II
   1. Scene I
   2. Scene II
   3. Scene III
   4. Scene IV
5. Act III
   1. Scene I
   2. Scene II
   3. Scene III
   4. Scene IV
   5. Scene V
   6. Scene VI
   7. Scene VII
6. Act IV
   1. Scene I
   2. Scene II
   3. Scene III
   4. Scene IV
   5. Scene V
   6. Scene VI
   7. Scene VII
7. Act V
   1. Scene I
   2. Scene II
   3. Scene III
8. Copyright