Act VScene I
The Camp of the British Forces near Dover
Enter, with drum and colours Edmund, Regan, Officers, Soldiers and others.
Edmund
Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,Or whether since he is advis’d by aughtTo change the course, he’s full of alterationAnd self-reproving, bring his constant pleasure.
To an Officer, who goes out.
Regan
Our sister’s man is certainly miscarried.
Edmund
’Tis 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 wayTo the forfended place?
Edmund
That thought abuses you.
Regan
I am doubtful that you have been conjunctAnd 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!
Enter with drum and colours Albany, Goneril and Soldiers.
Goneril
Aside.
I had rather lose the battle than that sisterShould 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 stateForc’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 fearMost 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 broilsAre not the question here.
Albany
Let’s, then, determine with the ancient of warOn our proceeding.
Edmund
I shall attend you presently at your tent.
Regan
Sister, you’ll go with us?
Goneril
No.
Regan
’Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.
Goneril
Aside.
O, ho, I know the riddle. I will go.
Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers and Attendants.
As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised.
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 soundFor him that brought it: wretched though I seem,I can produce a champion that will proveWhat is avouched there. If you miscarry,Your business of the world hath 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 thee well. I will o’erlook thy paper.
Exit Edgar.
Enter Edmund.
Edmund
The enemy’s in view; draw up your powers.Here is the guess of their true strength and forcesBy diligent discovery; but your hasteIs now urg’d on you.
Albany
We will greet the time.
Exit.
Edmund
To both these sisters have I sworn my love;Each jealous of the other, as the stungAre 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 widowExasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;And hardly shall I carry out my side,Her husband being alive. Now, then, we’ll useHis countenance for the battle; which being done,Let her who would be rid of him deviseHis speedy taking off. As for the mercyWhich he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,The battle done, and they within our power,Shall never see his pardon: for my stateStands on me to defend, not to debate.
Exit.