ACT IV. Scene V.
Gloucester's Castle.
Enter Regan and [Oswald the] Steward.
| REG. | But are my brother's pow'rs set forth?
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| OSW. | Ay, madam.
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| REG. | Himself in person there?
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| OSW. | Madam, with much ado.
Your sister is the better soldier.
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| REG. | Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
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| OSW. | No, madam.
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| REG. | What might import my sister's letter to him?
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| OSW. | I know not, lady.
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| REG. | Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.
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
The strength o' th' enemy.
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| OSW. | write_ads(1,1)> I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
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| REG. | Our troops set forth to-morrow. Stay with us.
The ways are dangerous.
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| OSW. | I may not, madam.
My lady charg'd my duty in this business.
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| REG. | 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.
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| OSW. | Madam, I had rather-
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| REG. | I know your lady does not love her husband;
I am sure of that; and at her late being here
She gave strange eliads and most speaking looks
To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.
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| OSW. | I, madam?
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| REG. | 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
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.
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor,
Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
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| OSW. | Would I could meet him, madam! I should show
What party I do follow.
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| REG. | Fare thee well
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Exeunt.
Next
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