King Lear | Act IV, Scene V

Scene V

Gloucester's castle.

[Enter Regan and Oswald]

REGAN:
But are my brother's powers set forth?
OSWALD:
Ay, madam.
REGAN:
Himself in person there?
OSWALD:
Madam, with much ado:
Your sister is the better soldier.(5)
REGAN:
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
OSWALD:
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.(10)
It was great ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out,
To 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(15)
The strength o' the enemy.
OSWALD:
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
REGAN:
Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us;
The ways are dangerous.
OSWALD:
I may not, madam:(20)
My lady charged my duty in this business.
REGAN:
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.(25)
OSWALD:
Madam, I had rather—
REGAN:
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.(30)
OSWALD:
I, madam?
REGAN:
I speak in understanding; you 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(35)
Than for your lady's: you may gather more.
If 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.(40)
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
OSWALD:
Would I could meet him, madam! I should show
What party I do follow.
REGAN:
Fare thee well.(45)

[Exeunt]

  • trouble
  • mean
  • hastened
  • discover
  • ordered
  • reward
  • recently
  • fliratious glaces
  • promotion