A Room in Gloucester's Castle.
 Enter REGAN and OSWALD.

Regan	But are my brother's powers set forth?

Oswald										Ay, madam,

Regan	Himself in person there?

Oswald								Madam, with much ado.
	Your sister is the better soldier.

Regan	Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?

Oswald	No, madam.

Regan	What might import my sister's letter to him?

Oswald	I know not, 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.

Oswald	I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.

Regan	Our troops set forth tomorrow. Stay with us;
	The ways are dangerous.

Oswald								I may not, madam;
	My lady charged my duty in this business.

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.

Oswald									Madam, I had 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 oeilliades and most speaking looks
	To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.

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.

Oswald	Would I could meet him, madam; I should show
	What party I do follow.

Regan									Fare thee well.
												[Exeunt.
