For him that brought it: wretched though I seem, I was forbid it. Edg. Alb. Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper. Re-enter EDMUND. Edm. The enemy's in view; draw up your powers. Is now urg'd on you. Alb. We will greet the time. Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love; Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use His speedy taking off. As for the mercy [Exit. (Exit. [Exit. SCENE II. A Field between the two Camps. Alarum within. Enter, with Drum and Colours, Lear, CorDELIA, and their Forces; and exeunt. Enter EDGAR and Gloster. Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree I'll bring you comfort. Glo. Grace go with you, Sir! [Exit Edgar. Alarum; afterwards a Retreat. Re-enter EDGAR. Glo. No farther, Sir: a man may rot even here. Enter, in Conquest, with Drum and Colours, Edmund; Lear and CORDELIA, as Prisoners; Captain, Officers, Soldiers, &c. Edm. Some officers take them away: good guard, Until their greater pleasures first be known, That are to censure them. Cor. Who, with best meaning, We are not the first, have incurr'd the worst. Myself could else out-frown 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' the cage : When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down, And ask of thee forgiveness. So we 'll live, Talk of court news; and we 'll talk with them too, As if we were God's spies: and we 'll wear out, Edm. Take them away. Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia, The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee? Ere they shall make us weep: we 'll see them starve first. [Exeunt LEAR and CORDELIA, guarded. Edm. Come hither, captain; hark. Take thou this note; [Giving a Paper.] go, follow them to prison. One step I have advanc'd thee; if thou dost As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way To noble fortunes. Know thou this, that men Does not become a sword. Thy great employment Capt. I'll do 't, my lord. Edm. About it; and write happy, when thou hast done. Mark, I say, instantly; and carry it so, As I have set it down. Capt. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats; If it be man's work, I will do it. [Exit Captain. Flourish. Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, REGAN, Officers, and Attendants. Alb. Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant strain, And fortune led you well. You have the captives Who were the opposites of this day's strife: Edm. Sir, I thought it fit To send the old and miserable king To some retention, and appointed guard; Whose age has charms in it, whose title more, Which do command them. With him I sent the queen; Where you shall hold your session. At this time, By those that feel their sharpness. Methinks, our pleasure might have been demanded, Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers, The which immediacy may well stand up, And call itself your brother. Gon. That were the most, if he should husband you. Reg. Jesters do oft prove prophets. Gon. Holla, holla! That eye that told you so look'd but a-squint. Reg. Lady, I am not well; else I should answer From a full-flowing stomach. General, Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony: My lord and master. Gon. Mean you to enjoy him? Alb. The let-alone lies not in your good will. Edm. Nor in thine, lord. Alb. Reg. Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine. Half-blooded fellow, yes. [To EDMUND. For your claim, fair sister, Alb. Stay yet; hear reason. - Edmund, I arrest thee On capital treason; and, in thy arrest, This gilded serpent. I bar it in the interest of my wife; 'Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord, My lady is bespoke. Alb. Thou at am'd, Gloster. If none appear to prove upon thy person, Let the trumpet sound: Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons, There is my pledge. [Throwing down a Glove.] I'll prove it on thy heart, Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less Than I have here proclaim'd thee. Reg. Sick! O, sick! Gon. [Aside.] If not, I'll ne'er trust poison. Edm. There's my exchange: [Throwing down a Glove.] what in the world he is That names me traitor, villain-like he lies. VI. 209 |