Edm.
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 ^note,
And self-reproving:—bring his constant pleasure. [to an Officer; who bows, and goes out.

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, ^note but then speak the truth,
Do you not love my sister?

Edm.
In honour'd ^note love.

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

Edm.
That thought abuses you. ^note

Reg.
I never shall endure her: Dear my lord,

Be not familiar with her.

Edm.
Fear me ^note not:—
She, and the duke her husband,— Enter, with Drum and Colours, attended, Albany, and Goneril.

&clquo;Gon.
&clquo;I had rather lose the battle, than that sister&crquo; ^note
&clquo;Should loosen him and me.&crquo;

Alb.
Our very loving sister, well be met.—
Sir, this ^note I hear, ^note The king is come to his daughter,
With others, whom the rigour of our state
Forc'd to cry out. ^note Where I could not be honest,
I never yet was valiant: for this business,14Q1376
It toucheth ^note us as France invades our land,
Not holds for the ^note 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:
For these domestick and particular ^note broils
Are not to question ^note here.

Alb.
Let's then determine
With the ancient of war on our proceeding. ^note

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

Reg.
Sister, you'll go with us?

Gon.
No.

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

&clquo;Gon.
&clquo;O, ho, I know the riddle:&crquo; I will go. [As they are going out, and Albany last, Enter Edgar.

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

Alb.
I'll overtake you.—Speak.

[Exeunt Edm. Reg. Gon. Off. and Att.

Edg.
Before you fight the battle, ope this &dagger2; letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it: wretched though ^note 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. ^note 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 Edgar.

Alb.
Why, fare thee well; I will o'er-look ^note thy paper. ^note Re-enter Edmund.

Edm.
The enemy's in view, draw up your powers.
Here &dagger2; is ^note the guess14Q1377 of their true strength ^note and forces
By diligent discovery;—but your haste
Is now urg'd on you.

Alb.
We will greet the time. [Exit Albany.

Edm.
To both these sisters ^note have I sworn my love;
Each jealous of the other, as the stung ^note
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 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 ^note be rid of him, devise
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy ^note
Which he intends ^note to Lear, and to 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.

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