Edm. (L.)
The duke comes here to night; I'll take advantage
Of this arrival to complete my project. [Knocks, C. D.
Brother, a word; come forth; it's I, your friend! Enter Edgar, C. D.
My father watches for you, fly this place;
Intelligence is giv'n where you are hid!
Take the advantage of the night.—Bethink,
Have you not spoke against the Duke of Cornwall.
Something might shew you a favourer of
Duke Albany's party?

Edg. (R.)
Nothing; why ask you?

Edm. (L.)
Because he's coming here to-night in haste,
And Regan with him.

Edg.
Let him come on; I'll stay and clear myself.

Edm.
Your innocence at leisure may be heard,
But Gloster's storming rage as yet is deaf,
And you may perish ere allow'd the hearing. [Gloster without, L.
This way, this way.
I hear our father coming—Pardon me:—
In cunning I must draw my sword upon you:—
Draw: seem to defend yourself; [They draw and fight.] now quit you well.
Yield: come before my father; help, ho, here!—
Fly, brother;—help, here, help!—Farewell, farewell.— [Exit Edgar, R.

Some blood drawn on me wou'd beget opinion
Of our more fierce encounter. I have seen
Drunkards do more than this in sport. [Stabs himself in the arm. Enter Gloster and two Servants, L. with torches.

Glo.
Now, Edmund, where's the traitor?

Edm.
Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,
Mumbling of wicked charms.

Glo.
But where is he?

Edm.
Look, sir, I bleed! [Wraps his arm up.

Glo.
Where is the villain, Edmund?

Edm.
Sir, he is fled. When by no means he could—

Glo.
By no means, what?

Edm.
Persuade me to the murder of your lordship;
But that I told him the revenging Gods
'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend;
Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond
The child was bound to the father;—sir, in fine,
Seeing how loathly opposite I stood
To this unnatural purpose, in fell motion,
With his prepared sword, he charges home
My unprovided body, lanc'd mine arm:
But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits,
Bold in the quarrel's right, rous'd to the encounter,
Or whether gasted by the noise I made,
Full suddenly he fled.

Glo.
Let him fly far, this kingdom shall not hide him.
The noble duke my partron comes to-night;
By his authority I will proclaim
Rewards for him that brings him to the stake,
And death for the concealer;
Then of my lands, loyal and natural boy,
I'll work the means to make thee capable. [Exeunt, L.

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