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Act 4, Scene 4
King Lear Translation Act 4, Scene 5
Enter REGAN and the steward OSWALD
REGAN
But are my brother’s powers set forth?
REGAN
But have my brother-in-law Albany's troops been sent forward?
OSWALD
Ay, madam.
OSWALD
Yes, madam.
REGAN
Himself in person there?
REGAN
Is he there in person?
OSWALD
Madam, with much ado.Your sister is the better soldier.
OSWALD
Yes, madam, and making a big fuss. Your sister Goneril is the better soldier of the two.
REGAN
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
REGAN
Did Lord Edmund speak with your lord at home?
OSWALD
No, madam.
OSWALD
No, madam.
REGAN
What might import my sister’s letter to him?
REGAN
What did my sister's letter to him say?
OSWALD
I know not, lady.
OSWALD
I don't know, lady.
REGAN
Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter. It was great ignorance, Gloucester’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 dispatch His nighted life; moreover to descry The strength o' th' enemy.
REGAN
Well, he hurried away on some serious business. It was foolishness to let Gloucester live after plucking out his eyes. Wherever he goes, everyone pities him and turns against us. I think Edmund left to put his father out of his misery and end his sightless life—and also to spy out the strength of the enemy army.
OSWALD
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
OSWALD
I must go after him with my letter, madam.
REGAN
Our troops set forth tomorrow. Stay with us.The ways are dangerous.
REGAN
Our troops will set out tomorrow. Stay with us. The roads are dangerous.
OSWALD
I may not, madam.My lady charged my duty in this business.
OSWALD
I can't, madam. My lady ordered me to carry out her instructions.
REGAN
Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you Transport her purposes by word? Belike Some things—I know not what. I’ll love thee much. Let me unseal the letter.
REGAN
Why should she write to Edmund? Couldn't you just deliver her message verbally? Perhaps it's . . . I don't know what. I'll make it worth your while if you let me unseal that letter.
OSWALD
Madam, I had rather—
OSWALD
Madam, I'd rather—
REGAN
I know your lady does not love her husband. I am sure of that. And at her late being here She gave strange oeillades and most speaking looks To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.
REGAN
I know your lady Goneril does not love her husband Albany. I'm sure of that. And when she was here recently she was giving strange, loving glances and significant looks to the noble Edmund. I know you're in her confidence.
OSWALD
I, madam?
OSWALD
I, madam?
REGAN
I speak in understanding. Y' are. I know ’t. Therefore I do advise you, take this note. My lord is dead. Edmund and I have talked, And more convenient is he for my hand Than for your lady’s. You may gather more. If you do find him, pray you give him this. And when your mistress hears thus much from you, I pray desire her call her wisdom to her. So fare you well. If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
REGAN
I'm sure about this. She trusts you, I know it. So I advise you to take note of what I'm about to tell you. My husband is dead. Edmund and I have talked, and it's more appropriate for him to marry me than to marry Goneril. You can draw your own conclusions from that. If you do find Edmund, please give him this. [She gives Oswald a favor] And when you talk to your mistress about all of this, please tell her to come to her senses. So farewell. If you happen to hear anything about that blind traitor Gloucester, there will be a reward for anyone who cuts his life short.
OSWALD
Would I could meet him, madam, I should showWhat party I do follow.
OSWALD
I wish I could meet him, madam. Then I would prove where my loyalties lie.
REGAN
Fare thee well.
REGAN
Farewell.
Exeunt severally
