READ STUDY GUIDE: Act V, scenes i–ii |
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Act V, Scene i:
The Camp of the British Forces near Dover.
The Camp of the British Forces near Dover.
| [Enter, with drum and colours, Edmund, Regan, Officers, Soldiers,and others.] |
| Edm.: |
| Know of the duke if his last purpose hold, |
| Or whether since he is advis'd by aught |
| To change the course: he's full of alteration |
| And self-reproving:—bring his constant pleasure. |
| [To an Officer, who goes out.] |
| Reg.: |
| Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. |
| Edm.: |
| Tis to be doubted, madam. |
| Reg.: |
| 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? |
| Edm.: |
| In honour'd love. |
| Reg.: |
| But have you never found my brother's way |
| To the forfended place? |
| Edm.: |
| That thought abuses you. |
| Reg.: |
| I am doubtful that you have been conjunct |
| And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers. |
| Edm.: |
| No, by mine honour, madam. |
| Reg.: |
| I never shall endure her: dear my lord, |
| Be not familiar with her. |
| Edm.: |
| Fear me not:— |
| She and the duke her husband! |
| [Enter, with drum and colours, Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers.] |
| Gon.: |
| [Aside.] I had rather lose the battle than that sister |
| Should loosen him and me. |
| Alb.: |
| Our very loving sister, well be-met.— |
| Sir, this I heard,—the king is come to his daughter, |
| With others whom the rigour of our state |
| Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest, |
| I never yet was valiant: for this business, |
| It toucheth us, as France invades our land, |
| Not bolds the king, with others whom, I fear, |
| Most just and heavy causes make oppose. |
| Edm.: |
| Sir, you speak nobly. |
| Reg.: |
| Why is this reason'd? |
| Gon.: |
| Combine together 'gainst the enemy; |
| For these domestic and particular broils |
| Are not the question here. |
| Alb.: |
| Let's, then, determine |
| With the ancient of war on our proceeding. |
| Edm.: |
| I shall attend you presently at your tent. |
| Reg.: |
| Sister, you'll go with us? |
| Gon.: |
| No. |
| Reg.: |
| 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us. |
| Gon.: |
| [Aside.] O, ho, I know the riddle.—I will go. |
| [As they are going out, enter Edgar disguised.] |
| Edg.: |
| If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor, |
| Hear me one word. |
| Alb.: |
| I'll overtake you.—Speak. |
| [Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers, andAttendants.] |
| Edg.: |
| 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 avouched there. If you miscarry, |
| Your business of the world hath so an end, |
| And machination ceases. Fortune love you! |
| Alb.: |
| Stay till I have read the letter. |
| Edg.: |
| I was forbid it. |
| When time shall serve, let but the herald cry, |
| And I'll appear again. |
| Alb.: |
| Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper. |
| [Exit Edgar.] |
| [Re-enter Edmund.] |
| Edm.: |
| The enemy's in view; draw up your powers. |
| Here is the guess of their true strength and forces |
| By diligent discovery;—but your haste |
| Is now urg'd on you. |
| Alb.: |
| We will greet the time. |
| [Exit.] |
| Edm.: |
| To both these sisters have I sworn my love; |
| Each jealous of the other, as the stung |
| Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? |
| Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd, |
| If both remain alive: to take the widow |
| Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril; |
| And hardly shall I carry out my side, |
| Her husband being alive. Now, then, we'll use |
| His countenance for the battle; which being done, |
| Let her who would be rid of him devise |
| His speedy taking off. As for the mercy |
| Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia,— |
| The battle done, and they within our power, |
| Shall never see his pardon: for my state |
| Stands on me to defend, not to debate. |
| [Exit.] |
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