William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear

ACT V. 1. Scene I. The Camp of the British Forces near Dover.

[Enter, with drum and colours, Edmund, Regan, Officers, Soldiers,
and others.]

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

[To an Officer, who goes out.]

Reg.
Our sister's man is certainly miscarried.

Edm.
Tis to be doubted, madam.

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

Edm.
In honour'd love.

Reg.
But have you never found my brother's way
To the forfended place?

Edm.
That thought abuses you.

Reg.
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.

Edm.
No, by mine honour, madam.

Reg.
I never shall endure her: dear my lord,
Be not familiar with her.

Edm.
Fear me not:--
She and the duke her husband!

[Enter, with drum and colours, Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers.]

Gon.
[Aside.] I had rather lose the battle than that sister
Should loosen him and me.

Alb.
Our very loving sister, well be-met.--
Sir, this I heard,--the king is come to his daughter,
With others whom the rigour of our state
Forc'd 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, with others whom, I fear,
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.

Edm.
Sir, you speak nobly.