King Lear

Act 3. Scene V

Enter CORNWALL and EDMUND

CORNWALL

I will have my revenge ere I depart his house.

EDMUND

How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature thus

gives way to loyalty, something fears me to think

of.

CORNWALL

I now perceive, it was not altogether your

brother's evil disposition made him seek his death;

but a provoking merit, set a-work by a reprovable

badness in himself.

EDMUND

How malicious is my fortune, that I must repent to

be just! This is the letter he spoke of, which

approves him an intelligent party to the advantages

of France: O heavens! that this treason were not,

or not I the detector!

CORNWALL

o with me to the duchess.

EDMUND

If the matter of this paper be certain, you have

mighty business in hand.

CORNWALL

True or false, it hath made thee earl of

Gloucester. Seek out where thy father is, that he

may be ready for our apprehension.

EDMUND

[Aside] If I find him comforting the king, it will

stuff his suspicion more fully.--I will persevere in

my course of loyalty, though the conflict be sore

between that and my blood.

CORNWALL

I will lay trust upon thee; and thou shalt find a

dearer father in my love.