Act IV, Scene 5

Gloucester’s Castle.

Enter Regan and [Oswald the] Steward.

• Regan. But are my brother's pow'rs set forth?

• Oswald. Ay, madam.

• Regan. Himself in person there?

• Oswald. Madam, with much ado.
  Your sister is the better soldier. 2555

• 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. 2560
  It was great ignorance, Gloucester'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 dispatch
  His nighted life; moreover, to descry 2565
  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.
  The ways are dangerous.

• Oswald. I may not, madam. 2570
  My lady charg'd my duty in this business.

• Regan. 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. 2575

• Oswald. Madam, I had rather-

• Regan. 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. 2580

• Oswald. I, madam?

• Regan. I speak in understanding. Y'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 2585
  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 farewell. 2590
  If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
  Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.

• Oswald. Would I could meet him, madam! I should show
  What party I do follow.

• Regan. Fare thee well. Exeunt. 2595