READ STUDY GUIDE: Act IV, scenes iii–v |
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Act IV, Scene v:
A Room in Gloster's Castle.
A Room in Gloster's Castle.
| [Enter Regan and Oswald.] |
| 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 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, |
| 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 eyeliads and most speaking looks |
| To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom. |
| Osw.: |
| I, madam? |
| Reg.: |
| I speak in understanding; you are, I know't: |
| Therefore I do advise you, take this 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; |
| 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 should show |
| What party I do follow. |
| Reg.: |
| Fare thee well. |
| [Exeunt.] |
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