William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear

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

Corn.
Is he pursu'd?

Glou.
Ay, my good lord.

Corn.
If he be taken, he shall never more
Be fear'd of doing harm: make your own purpose,
How in my strength you please.--For you, Edmund,
Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant
So much commend itself, you shall be ours:
Natures of such deep trust we shall much need;
You we first seize on.

Edm.
I shall serve you, sir,
Truly, however else.

Glou.
For him I thank your grace.

Corn.
You know not why we came to visit you,--

Reg.
Thus out of season, threading dark-ey'd night:
Occasions, noble Gloster, of some poise,
Wherein we must have use of your advice:--
Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,
Of differences, which I best thought it fit
To answer from our home; the several messengers
From hence attend despatch. Our good old friend,
Lay comforts to your bosom; and bestow
Your needful counsel to our business,
Which craves the instant use.

Glou.
I serve you, madam:
Your graces are right welcome.

[Exeunt.]