Bast.
Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold.
Or whether since he is advis'd by ought
To change the course; he's full of alteration,
And self reproving; bring his constant pleasure.

Reg.
Our Sister's Man is certainly miscarried.

Bast.
'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?

Bast.
In honour'd Love.

Reg.
But have you never found my Brother's way,
To the fore-fended place?

Bast.
No by mine Honour, Madam.

Reg.
I never shall endure her; dear my Lord,
Be not familiar with her.

Bast.
Fear not, she and the Duke her Husband— Enter Albany, Gonerill, and Soldiers.

Alb.
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.

Reg.
Why is this reason'd?

Gon.
Combine together 'gainst the Enemy:
For these Domestick, and particular Broils,
Are not the question here.

Alb.
Let's then determine with th' ancient of War
On our proceeding.

Reg.
Sister, you'll go with us?

Gon.
No.

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

Gon.
Oh, ho, I know the Riddle, I will go. [Exeunt.

Manet Albany. Enter Edgar.

Edg.
If e'er your Grace had Speech with Man so poor,
Hear me one word.

Alb.
I'll overtake you, speak.

Edg.
Before you fight the Battel, 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 loves 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. Enter Bastard.

Bast.
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.

Alb.
We will greet the time. [Exit.

Bast.
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 Gonerill,
And hardly shall I carry out my side,
Her Husband being alive. Now then, we'll use
His countenance for the Battel, 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 Battel done, and they within our power;
Shall never see his pardon: for my state,
Stands on me to defend, not to debate. [Exit.

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