Edmund Kean [1830], King Lear. A tragedy, In Five Acts, by William Shakspeare. Printed from the acting copy, with remarks, biographical and critical, by D.—G. To which are added, description of the costume,—cast of the characters,—entrances and exits,—relative positions of the performers on the stage, and the whole of the stage business, As performed at the Theatres Royal, London. Embellished with a fine engraving, By Mr. White, from a Drawing taken in the Theatre, by Mr R. Cruikshank (John Cumberland [etc.], London) [word count] [S34400].
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SCENE II.
—The Camp of the British Forces, near Dover.—Flourish..
Enter Edmund, Regan, Officers, Banners, and Soldiers, L.
Edm. (C.)
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 of alteration,
And self-reproving; bring his constant pleasure.
[To Officer, who exits R.
Reg. (L.)
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.
I never shall endure her.
Edm.
She and the duke her husband.
[Flourish
Enter Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers, R.
Alb. (R. C.)
Our very loving sister, well be met.
Sir, this I hear, the king is come to his daughter,
With others, whom the rigours of the state
Forc'd to cry out.
-- 59 --
Reg.
Why is this reason'd?
Gon. (R.)
Combine together 'gainst the enemy:
For these domestic and particular broils
Are not to question here.
Alb.
Let us then determine
With the ancient of war on our proceedings.
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.
I know the riddle: [Aside.] I will go.
[Going.
[Flourish—Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Banners, and Soldiers, L.
Enter Edgar, disguised, R.
Edg.
If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor,
Hear me one word.
Alb.
I'll overtake you.
Alb. (C.)
Speak!
Edg. (R.)
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it: wretched tho' 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, R.
Alb.
Why, fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy paper.
Re-enter Edmund, L. with a folded Paper.
Edm.
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, L.
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? To take the widow,
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril;
-- 60 --
And hardly shall I carry out my side,
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
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear and Cordelia—
The battle done, and they within our power,
Shall never see his pardon: for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.
[Exit, R
Edmund Kean [1830], King Lear. A tragedy, In Five Acts, by William Shakspeare. Printed from the acting copy, with remarks, biographical and critical, by D.—G. To which are added, description of the costume,—cast of the characters,—entrances and exits,—relative positions of the performers on the stage, and the whole of the stage business, As performed at the Theatres Royal, London. Embellished with a fine engraving, By Mr. White, from a Drawing taken in the Theatre, by Mr R. Cruikshank (John Cumberland [etc.], London) [word count] [S34400].
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