Act 5 — Scene I. The British camp near Dover.
Reading edition
Enter, with drum and colours, Edmund, Regan, Gentlemen, and Soldiers.[4541]
Edm. Know of the duke if his last purpose hold, Or whether since he is advised by aught To change the course: he's full of alteration[4542] And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure.
[To a Gentleman, who goes out.[4543]
Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. 5 Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, madam. Reg. Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you: Tell me, but truly, but then speak the truth,[4544] Do you not love my sister? Edm. In honour'd love.[4545] Reg. But have you never found my brother's way[4546] 10 To the forfended place?[4546] Edm. That thought abuses you.[4546][4547] Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct[4546][4547][4548] And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.[4546][4547][4548] Edm. No, by mine honour, madam.[4546][4549] Reg. I never shall endure her: dear my lord,[4550] 15 Be not familiar with her.[4550] Edm. Fear me not.—[4551][4552] She and the duke her husband![4551]
Enter, with drum and colours, Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers.[4553]
Gon. [Aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister[4554][4555] Should loosen him and me.[4554][4556] Alb. Our very loving sister, well be-met.[4557] 20 Sir, this I hear; the king is come to his daughter,[4558] With others whom the rigour of our state Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest,[4559] I never yet was valiant: for this business,[4559][4560] It toucheth us, as France invades our land,[4559] 25 Not bolds the king, with others, whom, I fear,[4559][4561] Most just and heavy causes make oppose.[4559] Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.[4559][4562] Reg. Why is this reason'd? Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy; For these domestic and particular broils[4563] 30 Are not the question here.[4564] Alb. Let's then determine[4565] With the ancient of war on our proceedings.[4565][4566] Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent.[4567] Reg. Sister, you'll go with us? Gon. No. 35 Reg. 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.[4568] Gon. [Aside] O, ho, I know the riddle.—I will go.
As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised.[4569]
Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor,[4570] Hear me one word. Alb. I'll overtake you. Speak.
[Exeunt all but Albany and Edgar.[4571]
Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. 40 If you have victory, let the trumpet sound For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,[4572] I can produce a champion that will prove What is avouched there. If you miscarry, Your business of the world hath so an end, 45 And machination ceases. Fortune love you![4573] Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.[4574] Edg. I was forbid it.[4575] When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,[4575] And I'll appear again.[4575] Alb. Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper. 50
[Exit Edgar.
Re-enter Edmund.[4576]
Edm. The enemy's in view: draw up your powers.[4577] Here is the guess of their true strength and forces[4578] By diligent discovery; but your haste[4579][4580] Is now urged on you.[4579] Alb. We will greet the time. [Exit.[4581] Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love;[4582] 55 Each jealous of the other, as the stung[4583][4584] Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?[4583] Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,[4583][4585] If both remain alive: to take the widow Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril; 60 And hardly shall I carry out my side,[4586] 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[4587] His speedy taking off. As for the mercy[4588] 65 Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,[4589] The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon; for my state[4590] Stands on me to defend, not to debate. [Exit.