EDMUND
Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,
Or whether since he is advis’d by
To change the course, he’s full of alteration
And self-reproving, bring his constant pleasure.
REGAN
Our sister’s man is certainly miscarried.
EDMUND
to be doubted, madam.
REGAN
Now, sweet lord,
You know the goodness I intend upon you:
Tell me but truly, but then speak the truth,
Do you not love my sister?
EDMUND
In honour’d love.
REGAN
But have you never found my brother’s way
To the forfended place?
EDMUND
That thought abuses you.
REGAN
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
And bosom’d with her, as far as we call hers.
EDMUND
No, by mine honour, madam.
REGAN
I never shall endure her, dear my lord,
Be not familiar with her.
EDMUND
Fear not,
She and the Duke her husband!
GONERIL
I had rather lose the battle than that sister
Should loosen him and me.
ALBANY
Our very loving sister, well be-met.
Sir, this I heard: the King is come to his daughter,
With others whom the rigour of our state
Forc’d to cry out. Where I could not be honest,
I never yet was valiant. For this business,
It toucheth us as France invades our land,
Not bolds the King, with others whom I fear
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
EDMUND
Sir, you speak nobly.
REGAN
Why is this reason’d?
GONERIL
Combine together ’gainst the enemy;
For these domestic and particular broils
Are not the question here.
ALBANY
Let’s, then, determine with the ancient of war
On our proceeding.
EDMUND
I shall attend you at your tent.
REGAN
Sister, you’ll go with us?
GONERIL
No.
REGAN
most convenient; pray you, go with us.
GONERIL
O, ho, I know the riddle. I will go.
EDGAR
If e’er your grace had speech with man so poor,
Hear me one word.
ALBANY
I’ll overtake you. Speak.
EDGAR
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion that will prove
What is avouched there. If you miscarry,
Your business of the world so an end,
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!
ALBANY
Stay till I have read the letter.
EDGAR
I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I’ll appear again.
ALBANY
Why, fare well. I will o’erlook paper.
EDMUND
The enemy’s in view; draw up your powers.
Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
By diligent discovery; but your haste
Is now urg’d on you.
ALBANY
We will greet the time.
EDMUND
To both these sisters have I sworn my love;
Each jealous of the other, as the stung
Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?
Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoy’d,
If both remain alive. To take the widow
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
And hardly shall I carry out my side,
Her husband being alive. Now, then, we’ll use
His countenance for the battle; which being done,
Let her who would be rid of him devise
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,
The battle done, and they within our power,
Shall never see his pardon: for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.