William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear

ACT II. 1. Scene I. A court within the Castle of the Earl of Gloster. (continued)

Glou.
Strong and fast'ned villain!
Would he deny his letter?--I never got him.

[Trumpets within.]

Hark, the duke's trumpets! I know not why he comes.--
All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not scape;
The duke must grant me that: besides, his picture
I will send far and near, that all the kingdom
May have due note of him; and of my land,
Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means
To make thee capable.

[Enter Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants.]

Corn.
How now, my noble friend! since I came hither,--
Which I can call but now,--I have heard strange news.

Reg.
If it be true, all vengeance comes too short
Which can pursue the offender. How dost, my lord?

Glou.
O madam, my old heart is crack'd,--it's crack'd!

Reg.
What, did my father's godson seek your life?
He whom my father nam'd? your Edgar?

Glou.
O lady, lady, shame would have it hid!

Reg.
Was he not companion with the riotous knights
That tend upon my father?

Glou.
I know not, madam:--
It is too bad, too bad.

Edm.
Yes, madam, he was of that consort.

Reg.
No marvel then though he were ill affected:
'Tis they have put him on the old man's death,
To have the expense and waste of his revenues.
I have this present evening from my sister
Been well inform'd of them; and with such cautions
That if they come to sojourn at my house,
I'll not be there.

Corn.
Nor I, assure thee, Regan.--
Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father
A childlike office.

Edm.
'Twas my duty, sir.

Glou.
He did bewray his practice; and receiv'd
This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.