Edm.
Know of the duke, if his last purpose hold;
Or whether since he is advis'd by aught
To change the course: He's full ^{6 note}
of alteration,
And self-reproving:—bring ^{7 note}his constant pleasure.

Reg.
Our sister's man is certainly miscarry'd.

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,
Do you not love my sister?

Edm.
In honour'd love.

[Reg.
^{8 note}But have you never found my brother's way
To the ^{9 note}fore-fended place?

Edm.
That thought abuses you.

Reg.
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
And ^{1 note}

Edm.
No, by mine honour, madam.]

Reg.
I never shall endure her: Dear my lord,
Be not familiar with her.

Edm.
Fear me not:—
She, and the duke her husband,— Enter Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers.

Gon.
I had rather lose the battle, than that sister
Should loosen him and me. [Aside.

Alb.
Our very loving sister, well be met.—
^{2 note}

With others, whom the rigour of our state
Forc'd to cry out^{3 note}. [Where I could not be honest,
I never yet was valiant^{4 note}


: for this business,
It toucheth us as France invades our land,
^{5 note}
Not bolds the king; with others, whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.

Edm.
Sir, you speak nobly.]

Reg.
Why is this reason'd?

Gon.
Combine together 'gainst the enemy:
^{6 note}
For these domestic and particular broils
^{7 note}
Are not to question here.

Alb.
Let us then determine
With the ancient of war on our proceedings.

^{8 note}Edm.
I shall attend you presently at your tent.

Reg.
Sister, you'll go with us?

Gon.
No.

Reg.
'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.

Gon. [Aside.]
O, ho, I know the riddle: I will go. As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised.

Edg.
If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor,
Hear me one word.

Alb.
I'll overtake you.—Speak. [Exeunt Edm. Reg. Gon. and Attendants.

Edg.
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 hath so an end,
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!

Alb.
Stay 'till I have read the letter.

Edg.
I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again. [Exit.

Alb.
Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy paper. Re-enter Edmund.

Edm.
The enemy's in view, draw up your powers.
^{9 note}Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
By diligent discovery;—but your haste
Is now urg'd on you.

Alb.
^{1 note}We will greet the time. [Exit.

Edm.
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 ^{2 note}