Cord. The gods restore you !-hark, I hear afar The beaten drum. Oh! for an arm

Like the fierce thunderer's, when the earth-born fons
Storm'd Heav'n, to fight this injur'd father's battle!
That I could fhift my fex, and dye me deep
In his oppofers' blood! but, as I may,
With womens' weapons, piety and pray'rs,
I'll aid his caufe.-You never-erring gods
Fight on his fide, and thunder on his foes
Such tempefts as his poor ag'd head fuftain'd:
Your image fuffers when a monarch bleeds:
'Tis your own caufe; for that your fuccours bring;
Revenge yourselves, and right an injur'd king!

Edmund in his tent.

[Exit.

Edm. To both these fifters have I fworn my love, Each jealous of the other, as the ftung Are of the adder;-neither can be held, If both remain alive.-Where fhall I fix? Cornwall is dead, and Regan's empty bed Seems caft by fortune for me—But bright Gonerill, Brings yet untasted beauty; I will use

Her husband's count'nance for the battle, then Ufurp at once his bed and throne. [Enter Officers. My trufty scouts, you're well return'd; have ye defcried

The ftrength and pofture of the enemy?
Off. We have, and were furpris'd to find
The banish'd Kent return'd, and at their head;
Your brother Edgar on the rear; old Glo'ster
(A moving fpectacle) led through the ranks,
Whose pow'rful tongue, and more prevailing

wrongs,

Have fo enrag'd their ruftick spirit, that with
Th' approaching dawn we muft expect a battle.
Edm. You bring a welcome hearing. Each to
his charge;

To-night repofe you; and i'th' morn we'll give
The fun a fight that shall be worth his rifing.

Scene, a valley near the camp.

Enter Edgar and Glocefter.

[Exit.

Edgar. Here, Sir, take you the fhadow of this tree For your good hoft; pray that the right may thrive: If ever I return to you again,

I'll bring you comfort.

Glac. Thanks, friendly Sir,

[Exit.

The fortune your good caufe deferves betide you.

An alarm, after which Glocefter fpeaks.

The fight grows hot; the whole war's now at work.

Where's

Where's Glo'fter now, that us'd to head the fray? No more of fhelter, thou blind worm, but forth To th' open field? the war may come this way, And crush thee into reft.-Here lay thee down, And tear the earth. When, Edgar, wilt thou come To pardon, and dismiss me to the grave?

[A retreat founded. Hark! a retreat; the king I fear has loft.

Re-enter Edgar.

Edgar. Away, old man, give me your hand, away! King Lear has loft; he and his daughter ta'en: Give me your hand. Come on!

Gloc. No farther, Sir; a man may rot, even here. Edgar. What! in ill thoughts again? men must endure

Their going hence ev'n as their coming hither. Gloc. Heaven's will be done then! henceforth I'll

endure

Affliction, till it do cry out itself,

Enough, enough, and die.

[Exeunt.

Flourish. Enter in conqueft, Albany, Gonerill, Regan, Edmund.-Lear, Kent, Cordelia, prisoners.

Alb. It is enough to have conquer'd; cruelty Should ne'er furvive the fight. Captain o'th' guard,

Treat well your royal prifoners, 'till you have
Our further orders, as you hold our pleasure.

Edm. Sir, I approve it safest to pronounce
Sentence of death upon this wretched king,
Whofe age has charms in it, his title more,
To draw the commons once more to his fide;
'Twere beft
prevent-

Alb. Sir, by your favour,

I hold you but a subject of this war,
Not as a brother.

Regan. That's as we lift to grace him.

Have you forgot that he did lead our pow'rs?
Bore the commiffion of our place and perfon?
And that authority may well stand up,
And call itself your brother.

Gon. Not fo hot!

In his own merit he exalts himself,

More than in your addition.

Enter Edgar difguis'd.

Alb. What art thou?

Edgar. Pardon me, Sir, that I prefume to stop A prince and conqueror; yet ere you triumph, Give ear to what a stranger can deliver Of what concerns you more than triumph can. I do impeach your general there of treason,

Lord

Lord Edmund, that ufurps the name of Glo'fter,
Of fouleft practice 'gainst your life and honour;
This charge is true: and wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion that will prove
In fingle combat what I do avouch,

If Edmund dares but truft his caufe and fword.
Edm. What will not Edmund dare?

My lord, I beg you'd inftantly appoint
The place where I may meet this challenger,
Whom I will facrifice to my wrong'd fame:
Remember, Sir, that injur'd honour's nice,
And cannot brook delay!

Alb. Anon, before our tent, i'th' army's view, There let the herald cry!

Edgar. I thank your highness in my champion's

name:

He'll wait your trumpet's call.

Alb. Lead!

[Exeunt Alb. and train.

Edm. Come hither, captain, hark! take thou

this note;

[Giving a paper.

One ftep I have advanc'd thee; if thou dost

As this inftructs thee, thou doft make thy way To nobler fortunes: know thou this, that men Are as the time is; to be tender-minded

Does not become a fword; my great employment Will not bear question; either say, thou'lt do't;