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To make him even o'er the time he has lost.1
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more
Till farther settling.

Cor. Will 't please your highness walk?
Lear.

You must bear with me:

Pray now, forget and forgive: I am old and foolish. [Exeunt Lear, Cordelia, Physician, and Attendants. Gen. Holds it true, sir,

That the duke of Cornwall was so slain?

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His banish'd son, is with the earl of Kent

In Germany.

Kent. Report is changeable.

"Tis time to look about; the powers o' the kingdom Approach apace.

Gen. The arbitrement 2 is like to be a bloody. Fare you well, sir.

[Exit.

Kent. My point and period will be throughly

wrought,

Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. [Exit.

1 To reconcile the interval of his insanity to his apprehension.

2 Decision.

ACT V.

SCENE I.

The camp of the British forces, near Dover. Enter, with drums and colors, EDMUND, REGAN, Officers, Soldiers, and others.

hold;

Edm. Know of the duke, if his last purpose Or, whether since he is advised by aught To change the course: he's full of alteration, And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure.1

[to an Officer, who goes out.

Re. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.
Edm. 'Tis to be doubted, madam.

Re.

Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you. Tell me, but truly,-but then speak the truth :— you not love my sister?

Do

Edm.

In honor'd love.

brother's way

That thought abuses you.3

Re. But have you never found my To the forefended 2 place?

Edm.

Re. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers. Edm. No, by mine honor, madam.

1 His settled resolution.
i. e. you are deceived.

2 Forbidden.

Re. I never shall endure her. Dear my lord,

Be not familiar with her.

Edm.

Fear me not:

She, and the duke her husband,

Enter ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers.

Gon. I had 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 rigor of our state
Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest,
I never yet was valiant: for this business,

It toucheth us as France invades our land,
Not bolds the king; 1 with others, whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.

Edm. Sir, you speak nobly.

Re.

Why is this reason'd?

Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy: For these domestic and particular broils

Are not to question here.

Alb.

Let us then determine

With the ancient of war on our proceedings.

Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent.
Re. Sister, you'll go with us?

Gon. No.

Re. 'Tis most convenient: pray you, go with us.

1 i. e. not as it emboldens the king to assert his former title.

2 Opposition.

Gon. O ho, I know the riddle. [aside.] I will

go,

As they are going out, enter EDGar disguised.

Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so

poor,

Hear me one word,

Alb.

I'll overtake you.—Speak.

[Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants.

Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. If you have victory, let the trumpet sound For him that brought it: wretched though I seem, 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 have 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.

Here is the guess of their true strength and forces By diligent discovery; but your haste

Is now urged on you.

Alb.

We will greet the time.1 [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 them 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,2

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 to Cordelia,-
The battle done, and they within our power,
Shall never see his pardon: for my state
Stands on me to defend, not to debate.

[Exit.

SCENE II.

A field between the two camps.

Alarums within.

Enter, with drum and colors, lear,

CORDELIA, and their forces; and exeunt.

Enter EDGAR and GLOSTER.

Edg. Here, father, take the shadow of this tree For your good host; pray that the right may

thrive :

1 Be ready to meet the occasion.
2 Make my party good.

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