King Lear by William Shakespeare
Act 4 - Scene 5
Gloucester’s Castle.
Regan : But are my brother's pow'rs set forth?
Oswald : Ay, madam.
Regan : Himself in person there?
Oswald : Madam, with much ado.
[p]Your sister is the better soldier.
Regan : Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
Oswald : No, madam.
Regan : What might import my sister's letter to him?
Oswald : I know not, lady.
Regan : Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.
[p]It was great
ignorance, Gloucester's eyes being out,
[p]To let him live. Where he
arrives he moves
[p]All hearts against us. Edmund, I think, is
gone,
[p]In pity of his misery, to dispatch
[p]His nighted life;
moreover, to descry
[p]The strength o' th' enemy.
Oswald : I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
Regan : Our troops set forth to-morrow. Stay with us.
[p]The ways are
dangerous.
Oswald : I may not, madam.
[p]My lady charg'd my duty in this business.
Regan : Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
[p]Transport her
purposes by word? Belike,
[p]Something- I know not what- I'll love
thee much-
[p]Let me unseal the letter.
Oswald : Madam, I had rather-
Regan : I know your lady does not love her husband;
[p]I am sure of that; and
at her late being here
[p]She gave strange eyeliads and most speaking
looks
[p]To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.
Oswald : I, madam?
Regan : I speak in understanding. Y'are! I know't.
[p]Therefore I do advise
you take this note.
[p]My lord is dead; Edmund and I have
talk'd,
[p]And more convenient is he for my hand
[p]Than for your
lady's. You may gather more.
[p]If you do find him, pray you give him
this;
[p]And when your mistress hears thus much from you,
[p]I pray
desire her call her wisdom to her.
[p]So farewell.
[p]If you do chance
to hear of that blind traitor,
[p]Preferment falls on him that cuts
him off.
Oswald : Would I could meet him, madam! I should show
[p]What party I do
follow.
Regan : Fare thee well. Exeunt.
Previous: Act 4 - Scene 4
Next: Act 4 - Scene 6
