Corn.
How now, my noble friend? since I came hither,
Which I can call but now, I have heard 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?
^{5 note}

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

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

Glo.
I know not, Madam: 'tis too bad, too bad.

Edm.
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 his 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, I assure thee, Regan;
Edmund, I hear, that you have shewn your father
A child-like office.

Edm.
'Twas 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 ^{6 note}


in this instance

So much commends itself, you shall be ours;
Natures of such deep Trust we shall much need:
You we first seize on.

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

Glo.
I thank your Grace.

Corn.
You know not why we came to visit you—

Reg.
Thus out of season threading dark-ey'd night;
^{7 note}Occasions, noble Glo'ster, of some poise,
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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