King Lear: Act 4, Scene 5

    tragedy

    Gloucester's castle.

    Scene Summary

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    Regan questions Oswald about a letter Goneril has sent Edmund. She wants to know what is in it. She asks Oswald to kill Gloucester if he finds him, and offers him a reward if he kills Edgar.

    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