Alb. I'll overtake you. Speak.
[Exeunt Edmund, Regan, Goneril.]
Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. 40
If you have victory, let the trumpet sound
For him that brought it: wretched though I seem,
I can produce a champion that will prove
What is avouched there. If you miscarry, 44
Your business of the world hath so an end,
And machination ceases. Fortune love you!
Alb. Stay till I have read the letter.
Edg. I was forbid it.
When time shall serve, let but the herald cry, 48
And I'll appear again. Exit.
Alb. Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper.
Enter Edmund.
Edm. The enemy's in view; draw up your powers.
Here is the guess of their true strength and forces 52
By diligent discovery; but your haste
Is now urg'd on you.
Alb. We will greet the time. Exit.
Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love;
Each jealous of the other, as the stung 56
Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?
Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd
If both remain alive: to take the widow
Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril; 60
And hardly shall I carry out my side,
Her husband being alive. Now then, we'll use
His countenance for the battle; which being done
Let her who would be rid of him devise 64
His speedy taking off. As for the mercy
44 avouched: asserted
53 discovery: reconnoitring
54 time: occasion
56 jealous: suspicious
