William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear

ACT IV. 5. Scene V. A Room in Gloster's Castle.

[Enter Regan and Oswald.]

Reg.
But are my brother's powers set forth?

Osw.
Ay, madam.

Reg.
Himself in person there?

Osw.
Madam, with much ado.
Your sister is the better soldier.

Reg.
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?

Osw.
No, madam.

Reg.
What might import my sister's letter to him?

Osw.
I know not, lady.

Reg.
Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter.
It was great ignorance, Gloster's eyes being out,
To let him live: where he arrives he moves
All hearts against us: Edmund, I think, is gone,
In pity of his misery, to despatch
His nighted life; moreover, to descry
The strength o' the enemy.

Osw.
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.

Reg.
Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us;
The ways are dangerous.

Osw.
I may not, madam:
My lady charg'd my duty in this business.

Reg.
Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you
Transport her purposes by word? Belike,
Something,--I know not what:--I'll love thee much--
Let me unseal the letter.

Osw.
Madam, I had rather,--

Reg.
I know your lady does not love her husband;
I am sure of that: and at her late being here
She gave strange eyeliads and most speaking looks
To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.

Osw.
I, madam?