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 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? wrongs, Have fo enrag'd their ruftick spirit, that with To-night repofe you; and i'th' morn we'll give 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 Edm. Sir, I approve it safest to pronounce Alb. Sir, by your favour, I hold you but a subject of this war, Regan. That's as we lift to grace him. Have you forgot that he did lead our pow'rs? 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, If Edmund dares but truft his caufe and fword. My lord, I beg you'd inftantly appoint 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; |