Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall? He's coming hither; now, i' the night, i' the haste, And Regan with him: have you nothing said Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany? Advise yourself.

Edg.

I am sure on 't, not a word.

Edm. I hear my father coming: pardon me; In cunning I must draw my sword upon you: Draw; seem to defend yourself; now quit you well. Yield: come before my father. Fly, brother. Torches, torches!

Light, ho, here!

So, farewell.
[Exit Edgar.

Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion

[Wounds his arm.

Of my more fierce endeavour: I have seen drunk

ards

Do more than this in sport. Father, father!
Stop, stop! No help?

Enter GLOUCESTER, and Servants with torches

Glou. Now, Edmund, where 's the villain? Edm. Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out, Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon To stand auspicious mistress,

Glou.

Edm. Look, sir, I bleed.

Glou.

But where is he?

Where is the villain, Edmund ?

Edm. Fled this way, sir. When by no means

he could

Glou. Pursue him, ho! Go after. [Exeunt some servants.] By no means what?

30

40

Edm. Persuade me to the murder of your lord

ship; But that I told him, the revenging gods 'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend; Spoke, with how manifold and strong a bond The child was bound to the father; sir, in fine, 50 Seeing how loathly opposite I stood To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion, With his prepared sword, he charges home My unprovided body, lanced mine arm: But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits, Bold in the quarrel's right, roused to the encounter, Or whether gasted by the noise I made, Full suddenly he fled. Glou.

Let him fly far: Not in this land shall he remain uncaught; And found - dispatch. The noble duke my master,

60 My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night: By his authority I will proclaim it, That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks, Bringing the murderous coward to the stake; He that conceals him, death.

Edm. When I dissuaded him from his intent, And found him pight to do it, with curst speech I threaten'd to discover him: he replied, “Thou unpossessing bastard! dost thou think, If I would stand against thee, would the reposal Of any trust, virtue, or worth in thee Make thy words faith'd? No: what I should

deny, — As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce

70

My very character, - I’ld turn it all
To thy suggestion, plot, and damn'd practice :
And thou must make a dullard of the world,
If they not thought the profits of my death
Were very pregnant and potential spurs
To make thee seek it."
Glou.

Strong and fasten'd villain ! Would he deny his letter? I never got him. 80

[Tucket within. Hark, the duke's trumpets! I know not why he

comes. All ports I 'll bar; the villain shall not 'scape; The duke must grant me that: besides, his picture I will send far and near, that all the kingdom May have due note of him; and of my land, Loyal and natural boy, I 'll work the means To make thee capable.

Enter CORNWALL, REGAN, and Attendants Corn. How now, my noble friend! since I came

hither, Which I can call but now, I have heard strange

news.

Reg. If it be true, all vengeance comes too short 90 Which can pursue the offender. How dost, my

lord ? Glou. O, madam, my old heart is crack'd, is

crack'd! Reg. What, did my father's godson seek your

life? He whom my friend named? your Edgar?

Glou. O, lady, lady, shame would have it hid !

100

Reg. Was he not companion with the riotous

knights That tend upon my father? Glou. I know not, madam: 't is too bad,

too bad. Edm. Yes, madam, he was of that consort. Reg. No marvel, then, though he were ill

affected :
'T is they have put him on the old man's death,
To have the expense and waste of his revenues.
I have this present evening from my sister
Been well inform’d of them; and with such cau-

tions,
That if they come to sojourn at my house,
I 'll not be there.
Corn.

Nor I, assure thee, Regan.
Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father
A child-like office.
Edm.

'T was my duty, sir.
Glou. He did bewray his practice; and received
This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.

Corn. Is he pursued ?
Glou.

Ay, my good lord.
Corn. If he be taken, he shall never more
Be fear'd of doing harm: make your own purpose,
How in my strength you please. For you, Edmund,
Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant
So much commend itself, you shall be ours:
Natures of such deep trust we shall much need;
You we first seize on.
Edm.

I shall serve you, sir,
Truly, however else.

110

Glou.

For him I thank your grace. Corn. You know not why we came to visit you,

120 Reg. Thus out of season, threading dark-eyed

night: Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise, Wherein we must have use of

your

advice: Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister, Of differences, which I least thought it fit To answer from our home; the several messengers From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend, Lay comforts to your bosom; and bestow Your needful counsel to our business, Which craves the instant use. Glou.

I serve you, madam : 130 Your graces are right welcome.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II — Before Gloucester's castle

Enter KENT and OswALD, severally
Osw. Good dawning to thee, friend : art of this
house?

Kent. Ay.
Osw. Where may we set our horses ?
Kent. I the mire.
Osw. Prithee, if thou lovest me, tell me.
Kent. I love thee not.
Osw. Why, then, I care not for thee.

Kent. If I had thee in Lipsbury pinfold, I would make thee care for me.

Osw. Why dost thou use me thus ? I know thee not.

Kent. Fellow, I know thee.

10