Part IV, The Early Modern Literary Period, also known as the English Renaissance
Part IV, The Early Modern Literary Period, also known as the English Renaissance
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ACT 5
Scene 1
Enter, with Drum and Colors, Edmund, Regan,
Gentlemen, and Soldiers.
EDMUND, to a Gentleman
Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,
Or whether since he is advised by aught
To change the course. Bring his constant pleasure.
A Gentleman exits.
REGAN
Our sister’s man is certainly miscarried. 5
EDMUND
’Tis to be doubted, madam.
REGAN Now, sweet lord,
You know the goodness I intend upon you;
Tell me but truly, but then speak the truth,
Do you not love my sister? 10
EDMUND In honored love.
REGAN
But have you never found my brother’s way
To the forfended place?
EDMUND That thought abuses you.
REGAN
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct 15
And bosomed with her as far as we call hers.
EDMUND No, by mine honor, madam.
REGAN
I never shall endure her. Dear my lord,
Be not familiar with her.
EDMUND
Fear me not. She and the Duke, her husband. 20
Enter, with Drum and Colors, Albany, Goneril, Soldiers.
GONERIL, aside
I had rather lose the battle than that sister
Should loosen him and me.
ALBANY
Our very loving sister, well bemet.—
Sir, this I heard: the King is come to his daughter,
With others whom the rigor of our state 25
Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest,
I never yet was valiant. For this business,
It touches us as France invades our land,
Not bolds the King, with others whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose. 30
EDMUND
Sir, you speak nobly.
REGAN Why is this reasoned?
GONERIL
Combine together ’gainst the enemy,
For these domestic and particular broils
Are not the question here. 35
ALBANY Let’s then determine
With th’ ancient of war on our proceeding.
EDMUND
I shall attend you presently at your tent.
REGAN Sister, you’ll go with us?
GONERIL No. 40
REGAN
’Tis most convenient. Pray, go with us.
GONERIL, aside
Oho, I know the riddle.—I will go.
They begin to exit.
Enter Edgar dressed as a peasant.
EDGAR, to Albany
If e’er your Grace had speech with man so poor,
Hear me one word.
ALBANY, to those exiting
I’ll overtake you.—Speak. 45
Both the armies exit.
EDGAR, giving him a paper
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter.
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it. Wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion that will prove
What is avouchèd there. Fortune love you.
ALBANY Stay till I have read the letter.
EDGAR I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry 55
And I’ll appear again. He exits.
ALBANY
Why, fare thee well. I will o’erlook thy paper.
Enter Edmund.
EDMUND
The enemy’s in view. Draw up your powers.
Giving him a paper.
Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
By diligent discovery. But your haste 60
Is now urged on you.
ALBANY We will greet the time.
He exits.
EDMUND
To both these sisters have I sworn my love,
Each jealous of the other as the stung
Are of the adder. Which of them