Corn.
How now, my noble friend? since I came hither,
Which I can call but now, I have heard ^{b note}strange news.

Reg.
If it be true, all vengeance comes too short
Which can pursue th' offender; how does my lord?

Glo.
O madam, my old heart is crack'd, it's crack'd.

Reg.
What, did my father's godson seek your life?
He whom my father nam'd, your Edgar?

Glo.
O lady, lady, shame would have it hid.

Reg.
Was he not companion with the riotous Knights
That tended upon my father?

Glo.
I know not, madam; 'tis too bad, too bad.

Bast.
Yes, madam, he was of that consort.

Reg.
No marvel then, though he were ill-affected;
'Tis they have put him on the old man's death,
To have th' expence and waste of revenues.
I have this present evening from my sister
Been well inform'd of them, and with such cautions,
That if they come to sojourn at my house,
I'll not be there.

Corn.
Nor I, assure thee, Regan;
Edmund, I hear that you have shewn your father
A child-like office.

Bast.
It's my duty, Sir.

Glo.
He did bewray his practice, and receiv'd
This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.

Corn.
Is he pursued?

Glo.
Ay, my good lord.

Corn.
If he be taken, he shall never more
Be fear'd of doing harm: make your own purpose,
How in my strength you please. As for you Edmund,
Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant
So much commend it self, you shall be ours;
Natures of such deep trust we shall much need:
You we first seize on.

Bast.
I shall serve you, Sir,
Truly, however else.

Glo.
I thank your grace.

Corn.
You know not why we came to visit you
Thus out of season thredding dark-ey'd night?

Reg.
Occasions, noble Glo'ster, of some prize,
Wherein we must have use of your advice—
Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,
Of diff'rences, which I best thought it fit
To answer from our home; the sev'ral messengers
From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend

Lay comforts to your bosom, and bestow
Your needful counsel to our businesses,
Which crave the instant use.

Glo.
I serve you, madam,
Your graces are right welcome. [Exeunt.

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