Act V, Scene 1

The British camp near Dover.

Enter, with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Regan, Gentleman, and Soldiers.

• Edmund. 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. 3025

[Exit an Officer.]

• Regan. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.

• Edmund. Tis to be doubted, madam.

• Regan. Now, sweet lord,
  You know the goodness I intend upon you. 3030
  Tell me- but truly- but then speak the truth-
  Do you not love my sister?

• Edmund. In honour'd love.

• Regan. But have you never found my brother's way
  To the forfended place? 3035

• Edmund. That thought abuses you.

• Regan. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
  And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.

• Edmund. No, by mine honour, madam.

• Regan. I never shall endure her. Dear my lord, 3040
  Be not familiar with her.

• Edmund. Fear me not.
  She and the Duke her husband!
  Enter, with Drum and Colours, Albany, Goneril, Soldiers.

• Goneril. [aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister 3045
  Should loosen him and me.

• Duke of Albany. Our very loving sister, well bemet.
  Sir, this I hear: 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, 3050
  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.

• Edmund. Sir, you speak nobly. 3055

• Regan. Why is this reason'd?

• Goneril. Combine together 'gainst the enemy;
  For these domestic and particular broils
  Are not the question here.

• Duke of Albany. Let's then determine 3060
  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.

• Regan. 'Tis most convenient. Pray you go with us. 3065

• Goneril. [aside] O, ho, I know the riddle.- I will go.
  [As they are going out,] enter Edgar [disguised].

• Edgar. If e'er your Grace had speech with man so poor,
  Hear me one word.

• Duke of Albany. I'll overtake you.- Speak. 3070

Exeunt [all but Albany and Edgar].

• Edgar. 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 3075
  What is avouched there. If you miscarry,
  Your business of the world hath so an end,
  And machination ceases. Fortune love you!

• Duke of Albany. Stay till I have read the letter.

• Edgar. I was forbid it. 3080
  When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
  And I'll appear again.

• Duke of Albany. Why, fare thee well. I will o'erlook thy paper.

Exit [Edgar].

Enter Edmund.

• Edmund. 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.

• Duke of Albany. We will greet the time. Exit. 3090

• 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 shall I take?
  Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd,
  If both remain alive. To take the widow 3095
  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 3100
  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. 3105