ACT V.

SCENE I.

Enter EDMUND, REGAN, Gentleman, and Soldiers. Edm. Know of the Duke, if his last purpose Or whether, since, he is advis'd by aught [hold; To change the course? he's full of alteration, And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, Madam.

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

To the forefended place?

Edm. No, by mine honour, Madam.

[way

Reg. I never shall endure her; dear my Lord,

Be not familiar with her.

Edm. Fear not; she, and the Duke her husband

Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers.

Gon. I'd rather lose the battle, than that sister Should loosen him and me.[Aside.

Alb. Our very loving sister, well be met. 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,
I never yet was valiant: for this business,

It touches us, as France invades our land;
Not holds to th' King, with others, whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.——
Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.
Reg. Why is this reason'd?

Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy:
For these domestic and particular broils
Are not the question here.

Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent..
Alb. Let's then determine with th' ancients of

On our proceeding.

Reg. Sister, you'll go with us?

Gon. No.

[war

Reg. 'Tis most convenient, pray you, go with us. Gon. Oh ho, I know the riddle, I will go.

[Aside.

SCENE II.

Enter Edgar disguis'd.

Edg. If e'er your Grace had speech with man

Hear me one word.

Alb. I'll overtake you- -Speak.

[so poor

[Exeunt. Edm. Reg. Gon. and Attendants.

Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. If you have vict❜ry let the trumpet sound

For him that brought it: wretched though I seemt,
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. I was forbid it.

When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.

[Exit. Alb. Why fare thee well; I will o'erlook thy

paper.

Re-enter EDMUND.

Edm. The enemy's in view, draw up your powers. Hard is the guess of the true strength and forces, By diligent discovery: but your haste

Is now urg'd on you.

Alb. We will greet the time.

SCENE III.

[Exit.

Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love: Each jealous of the other, as the stung

Are of the adder. Which of whom shall I take?
Both? one? or neither? neither can be enjoy'd,
If both remain alive: to take the widow,
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
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
Which he intends to Lear and Cordelia,
The battle done, and they within our power,
They shall ne'er see his pardon: for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.

SCENE IV.

[Exit.

[Alarum within.] Enter with Drum and Colours, LEAR, CORDELIA, and Soldiers over the Stage, and Exeunt.

Enter EDGAR and GLO'STER.

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 be 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; Give me thy hand. Come on.

Glo. No further, Sir; a man may rot even here. Edg. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure

Their going hence, ev'n as their coming hither.

Ripeness is all; come on.

Glo. And that's true too.

SCENE V.

[Exeunt.

Enter in Conquest, with Drum and Colours, EDMUND; LEAR, and CORDELIA, as Prisoners ; Soldiers, Captain.

Edm. Some officers take them away: good guard Until their greater pleasures first be known, That are to censure them.

Cor. We're not the first,

Who with best meaning have incurr'd the worst. For thee, oppressed King, am I cast down; Myself could else outfrown false Fortune's frown. Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters? Lear. No, no, no, no; come, let's away to prison; We two alone will sing like birds i' th' cage. When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down, And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live,

And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh At gilded butterflies; and hear poor rogues

Talk of court-news, and we'll talk with them too, Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out: And take upon's the mystery of things,

As if we were God's spies. And we'll wear out, In a wall'd prison, packs and sects of great ones, That ebb and flow by th' moon."