Kent. Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the powers of the kingdom approach apace. Gent. The arbitrement is like to be bloody. Fare you well, sir. [Exit. Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought, Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. [Exit. ACT V. SCENE I. 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, To change the course: he's full of alteration [To an Officer, who goes out. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. 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. 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. Edm. Sir, you speak nobly. Reg. Why is this reason'd? For these domestic and particular broils Are not the question here. Alb. Let's, then, determine With the ancient of war on our proceedings. Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent. Gon. No. Reg. "Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us. - 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 all except Albany and Edgar. 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've read the letter. Edg. When time shall serve, And I'll appear again. I was forbid it. let but the herald cry, Alb. Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper. Re-enter EDMUND. [Exit Edgar. Edm. The enemy's in view; draw up your powers. Is now urg'd on you. Alb. We will greet the time. Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love; Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? Her husband being alive. Now, then, we'll use SCENE II. A field between the two camps. [Exit. [Exit. Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, LEAR, CORDELIA, and their Forces; and exeunt. Enter EDGAR and GLOSTER. Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree For your good host; pray that the right may thrive: If ever I return to you again, I'll bring you comfort. Glo. Grace go with you, sir! [Exit Edgar. Alarum and retreat within. Re-enter EDGAR. Edg. Away, old man,― give me thy hand, -away! King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en: Glo. No further, sir; a man may rot even here. Glo. come on. SCENE III. The British camp, near Dover. Enter, in conquest, with drum and colours, EDMUND; LEAR and CORDELIA prisoners; Officers, Soldiers, &c. Edm. Some officers take them away: good guard, Until their greater pleasures first be known That are to censure them. Cor. We are not the first Who, with best meaning, have incurr'd the worst. Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown. Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison: Edm. Take them away. Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia, - The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee? He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven, And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes The goujeers shall devour them, flesh and fell, Edm. Come hither, captain; hark. Take thou this note [Giving a paper]; go follow them to prison: One step I have advanc'd thee; if thou dost As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way Are as the time is: to be tender-minded Does not become a sword: thy great employment Will not bear question; either say thou'lt do 't, Or thrive by other means. Off. I'll do 't, my lord. Edm. About it; and write happy when thou hast done. Mark, — I say, instantly; and carry it so As I have set it down. Off. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats; If 't be man's work, I'll do 't. [Exit. Flourish. Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, REGAN, Officers, and Attendants. Alb. Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant strain, And fortune led you well: you have the captives Who were the opposites of this day's strife: Edm. Sir, I thought it fit To send the old and miserable king To some retention and appointed guard; Whose age has charms in it, whose title more, To pluck the common bosom on his side, And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes Which do command them. With him I sent the queen; |