| [Enter REGAN and OSWALD] | |
| REGAN | But are my brother's powers set forth? |
| OSWALD | Ay, madam. |
| REGAN | Himself in person there? |
| OSWALD | Madam, with much ado: Your sister is the better soldier. |
| REGAN | Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home? |
| OSWALD | No, madam. |
| REGAN | What might import my sister's letter to him? |
| OSWALD | I know not, lady. |
| REGAN | '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' the enemy. |
| OSWALD | I must needs after him, madam, with my letter. |
| REGAN | Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us; The ways are dangerous. |
| OSWALD | I may not, madam: My lady charged my duty in this business. |
| REGAN | 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. |
| OSWALD | Madam, I had rather-- |
| REGAN | I know your lady does not love her husband; I am sure of that: and at her late being here She gave strange oeillades and most speaking looks To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom. |
| OSWALD | I, madam? |
| REGAN | I speak in understanding; you 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, fare you well. If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, Preferment falls on him that cuts him off. |
| OSWALD | Would I could meet him, madam! I should show What party I do follow. |
| REGAN | Fare thee well. |
| [Exeunt] |