Act 5, Scene 1

Original Text

*The British camp near Dover. Enter with drum and colours, Edmund, Regan, Gentlemen, and Soldiers.* EDMUND. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold, Or whether since he is advised by aught To change the course. He's full of alteration, And self-reproving. Bring his constant pleasure. *Exit a Gentleman.*

Modern English

*The British camp near Dover. Edmund, Regan, Gentlemen, and Soldiers enter with drums and banners.* EDMUND. Find out from the Duke whether his latest plan still stands, or whether something has convinced him to change course. He keeps going back and forth, second-guessing himself. Bring me his final decision. *A Gentleman exits.*

Original Text

REGAN. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. EDMUND. 'Tis to be doubted, madam. REGAN. Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you. Tell me but truly — but then speak the truth — Do you not love my sister? EDMUND. In honoured love.

Modern English

REGAN. Our sister's husband is certainly dead. EDMUND. That's to be feared, madam. REGAN. Now, my sweet lord, you know how generously I plan to reward you. Tell me honestly — and I mean the truth — do you love my sister? EDMUND. With an honourable love.

Original Text

REGAN. But have you never found my brother's way To the forfended place? EDMUND. No, by mine honour, madam. REGAN. I never shall endure her. Dear my lord, Be not familiar with her. EDMUND. Fear not. She and the Duke her husband —

Modern English

REGAN. But have you never gone so far as to find your way into her bed? EDMUND. No, on my honour, madam. REGAN. I will never tolerate her. My dear lord, don't be intimate with her. EDMUND. Don't worry. She and the Duke, her husband —

Original Text

*Enter with drum and colours, Albany, Goneril, Soldiers.* ALBANY. Our very loving sister, well be-met. Sir, this I heard: the King is come to his daughter With others, whom the rigour of our state Forced to cry out.

Modern English

*Albany, Goneril, and Soldiers enter with drums and banners.* ALBANY. Our very loving sister, good to see you. Sir, I've heard the news: the King has gone to his daughter along with others whom the harshness of our rule has driven to protest.

Original Text

REGAN. Why is this reasoned? GONERIL. Combine together 'gainst the enemy. For these domestic and particular broils Are not the question here. ALBANY. Let's then determine with th' ancient of war On our proceeding.

Modern English

REGAN. Why are we discussing this? GONERIL. Let's unite against the common enemy. These domestic and personal quarrels are not the issue right now. ALBANY. Then let's confer with our senior commanders about how to proceed.

Original Text

REGAN. Sister, you'll go with us? GONERIL. No. REGAN. 'Tis most convenient. Pray go with us. GONERIL. Oh ho, I know the riddle. I will go. *Exeunt both the armies.*

Modern English

REGAN. Sister, you'll come with us? GONERIL. No. REGAN. It would be best. Please, come with us. GONERIL. Oh, I see what this is about. Fine, I'll come. *Both armies exit.*

Original Text

*Enter Edgar, disguised.* EDGAR. If e'er your Grace had speech with man so poor, Hear me one word. ALBANY. I'll overtake you. Speak. EDGAR. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. 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, Your business of the world hath so an end, And machination ceases. Fortune loves you.

Modern English

*Edgar enters, disguised.* EDGAR. If your Grace has ever spoken with a man as wretched as me, hear me out for just a moment. ALBANY. I'll catch up with the others. Go ahead, speak. EDGAR. Before you fight the battle, open this letter. If you win, have the trumpet sounded for the man who delivered it. Miserable as I look, I can produce a champion who will prove everything claimed in that letter. If you lose, your worldly affairs are over anyway, and all scheming comes to nothing. Good luck to you.

Original Text

ALBANY. Stay till I have read the letter. EDGAR. I was forbid it. When time shall serve, let but the herald cry, And I'll appear again. *Exit Edgar.* ALBANY. Why, fare thee well. I will o'erlook thy paper.

Modern English

ALBANY. Wait — let me read the letter now. EDGAR. I was told not to let you. When the time is right, just have the herald make the call, and I'll come back. *Edgar exits.* ALBANY. Well then, farewell. I'll read your letter when I can.

Original Text

*Enter Edmund.* EDMUND. The enemy's in view. Draw up your powers. Here is the guess of their true strength and forces, By diligent discovery. But your haste Is now urged on you. ALBANY. We will greet the time. *Exit.*

Modern English

*Edmund enters.* EDMUND. The enemy is in sight. Assemble your forces. Here's an estimate of their actual strength and numbers, from careful scouting. But you need to move immediately. ALBANY. We'll be ready to meet them. *He exits.*

Original Text

EDMUND. To both these sisters have I sworn my love, Each jealous of the other, as the stung Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoyed If both remain alive. To take the widow Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril, 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 His speedy taking off. As for the mercy Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia, The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon. For my state Stands on me to defend, not to debate. *Exit.*

Modern English

EDMUND. I've sworn my love to both these sisters, and each one is as jealous of the other as a snakebite victim is wary of the snake. Which one should I choose? Both? One? Or neither? I can't have either if both stay alive. If I take the widow, Regan, it'll drive her sister Goneril insane with rage, and I'll have a hard time carrying out my plans while her husband is still breathing. So here's what I'll do: I'll use Albany's authority to fight the battle, and once it's won, I'll let Goneril figure out how to get rid of him quickly. As for the mercy Albany plans to show Lear and Cordelia — once the battle's done and they're in our hands, they'll never see a pardon from him. My position depends on action now, not deliberation. *He exits.*

King Lear

Act 5, Scene 1

Act 5, Scene 1