ALBANY.
I'll overtake you. — Speak.
[Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril, Officers, Soldiers, and
Attendants.]
EDGAR.
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!
ALBANY.
Stay till I have read the letter.
EDGAR.
I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry,
And I'll appear again.
ALBANY.
Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper.
[Exit Edgar.]
[Re-enter Edmund.]
EDMUND.
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 urg'd on you.
ALBANY.
We will greet the time.
[Exit.]
EDMUND.
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,
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.]
