Reg.
But are my brother's powers set forth?

Stew.
Ay, madam.

Reg.
Himself
In person there?

Stew.
Madam, with much ado:
Your sister is the better soldier.

Reg.
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord^{7 note}

Stew.
No, madam.

Reg.
What might import my sister's letter to him?

Stew.
I know not, lady.

Reg.
'Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.
It was great ignorance, Gloster'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 despatch
His nighted life^{8 note}; moreover, to descry
The strength o'the enemy.

Stew.
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter^{9 note}.

Reg.
Our troops set forth to-morrow; stay with us;
The ways are dangerous.

Stew.
I may not, madam;
My lady charg'd my duty in this business.

Reg.
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^{1 note}.

Stew.
Madam, I had rather—

Reg.
I know, your lady does not love her husband;
I am sure of that: and, at her late being here,
She gave strange œiliads^{2 note}

Stew.
I, madam?

Reg.
I speak in understanding: you are, I know it^{3 note}

If you do find him, pray you, give him this^{6 note};
And when your mistress hears thus much from you,
I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her.
So, fare you well.
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.

Stew.
'Would I could meet him, madam! I would show
What party^{7 note} I do follow.

Reg.
Fare thee well. [Exeunt. 8 ^note.

Previous section

Next section