Reg.
But are my brother's powers set forth?

Osw.
Ay, madam.

Reg.
Himself in person there?

Osw.
Madam, with much ado:
Your sister is the better soldier.

Reg.
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord^{5 note} at home?

Osw.
No, madam.

Reg.
What might import my sister's letter to him?

Osw.
I know not, lady.

Reg.
'Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.
It was great ignorance, Gloster's eyes being out,
To let him live: where he arrives he moves
All hearts against us. Edmund, I think, is gone^{6 note},
In pity of his misery, to despatch
His nighted life; moreover, to descry
The strength o' the enemy.

Osw.
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.

Reg.
Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us;
The ways are dangerous.

Osw.
I may not, madam;
My lady charg'd my duty in this business.

Reg.
Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
Transport her purposes by word? Belike,
Something—I know not what.—I'll love thee much;
Let me unseal the letter.

Osw.
Madam, I had rather—

Reg.
I know your lady does not love her husband,
I am sure of that; and, at her late being here,
She gave strange œiliads^{7 note}, and most speaking looks
To noble Edmund. I know, you are of her bosom.

Osw.
I, madam?

Reg.
I speak in understanding: y' are, I know it;

Therefore, I do advise you, take this note^{8 note}:
My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk'd,
And more convenient is he for my hand,
Than for your lady's—You may gather more.
If you do find him, pray you, give him this^{9 note};
And when your mistress hears thus much from you,
I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her:
So, fare you well.
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.

Osw.
Would I could meet him, madam: I would show
What party I do follow.

Reg.
Fare thee well. [Exeunt.

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