Corn.
I'll have revenge ere I depart this house.
Regan, see here! a plot upon our state;
'Tis Glo'ster's character; he has betray'd
His double trust, of subject and of host.

Reg.
Then double be our vengeance!

Edm.
Oh that this treason had not been, or I
Not the discoverer!

Corn.
Edmund, thou shalt find
A dearer father in our love. Henceforth
We call thee earl of Glo'ster.

Edm.

I am much bounden to your grace, and will persevere in my loyalty, tho' the conflict before between that and my blood.

Corn.

Our dear sister Gonerill, do you post speedily to my lord your husband; shew him this letter: the army of France is landed; seek out the traitor Glo'ster.

Reg.

Hang him instantly.

Gon.

Pluck out his eyes.

Corn.

Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep you our sister company; the revenges we are bound to take upon your father, are not fit for your beholding. Advise the Duke, where you are going, to a most hasty preparation; we are bound to the like. Our posts shall be swift, and intelligent betwixt us. Farewel, dear sister; farewel my lord of Glo'ster.

How now? where's the King?

Stew.
My lord of Glo'ster has convey'd him hence.
Some five or six-and-thirty of his knights
Are gone with him tow'rd Dover! where they boast
To have well-armed friends.

Corn.
Get horses for your mistress.

Gon.
Farewel, sweet lord and sister. [Exeunt Gon. and Edm.

Corn.
Edmund, Farewel.—Go seek the traitor Glo'ster;
Pinion him like a thief, bring him before us:
Though well we may not pass upon his life
Without the form of justice; yet our pow'r
Shall do a court'sie to our wrath, which men
May blame, but not controul. Enter Glocester, brought in by Servants.
Who's there? the traitor?

Reg.
'Tis he: thank heaven, he's ta'en.

Corn.
Bind fast his arms.

Glo.
What mean your graces?

You are my guests: do me no foul play, friends.

Corn.
Bind him, I say. [They bind him.

Reg.
Hard, hard: O traitor! thou shalt find—

Corn.
Come, sir, what letters had you late from France?
And what confed'racy have you with the traitors,
Late footed in the kingdom?

Reg.
To whose hands
Have you sent the lunatick king? speak.

Corn.
Where hast thou sent the king?

Glo.
To Dover.

Reg.
Wherefore to Dover?
Wast thou not charg'd, at peril—

Corn.
Wherefore to Dover? let him first answer that.

Glo.
I am ty'd to th' stake and I must stand the course.

Reg.
Wherefore to Dover?

Glo.
Because I would not see thy cruel nails
Pluck out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister
Carve his anointed flesh; but I shall see
The winged vengeance overtake such children.

Duke.
See't thou shalt never; slaves, perform your work;
Out with those treacherous eyes; dispatch, I say; [Ex. Glo. and Servants.
If thou seest vengeance—

Glost. [without]
He that will think to live 'till he be old
Give me some help.—O cruel! oh! ye gods.

Serv.
Hold, hold, my lord, I bar your cruelty;
I cannot love your safety, and give way
To such barbarous practice.

Duke.
Ah, my villain!

Serv.
I have been your servant from my infancy,
But better service have I never done you
Than with this boldness—

Duke.
Take thy death, slave.

Serv.
Nay then, revenge! [Fight.

Reg.
Help here! are you not hurt, my lord?

Re-enter Glocester and Servants.

Glo.
All dark and comfortless—where's my son Edmund?
Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature
To quit this horrid act.

Reg.
Out, treacherous villain.
Thou call'st on him that hates thee: It was he,
That broach'd thy treasons to us.

Glo.
O my follies!
Then Edgar was abus'd. Kind gods, forgive
Me that, and prosper him!

Reg.
Go thrust him out
At gates, and let him smell his way to Dover. [Exeunt with Glo.
How is't, my lord? how look you?

Corn.
I have receiv'd a hurt: follow me, lady.—
Turn out that eyeless villain; throw this slave
Upon the dunghill.—Regan, I bleed apace.
Untimely comes this hurt. Give me your arm. [Exit, led by Regan. END of the THIRD ACT.

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