Lear's Labour's Lost
                                                         copyright © 2007 Jeff Goode

            ACT IV

            SCENE 10 - Gloucester's castle.
                  Enter EDMUND and REGAN
            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 honour'd love.
            REGAN
               But have you never found a lover's way 
               To the forfended place?
            EDMUND
                                  That thought abuses you.
            REGAN
               I am doubtful that you have been conjunct 
               And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers.
            EDMUND
               No, by mine honour, madam.
            REGAN
               I never shall endure her: dear my lord, 
               Be not familiar with her.
            EDMUND
                                     Fear me not:
            REGAN 
               [Aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister 
               Should loosen him and me. 
                                                                      Exit
            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 enjoy'd, 
               If both remain alive: to take the younger
               Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril; 
               And hardly shall I carry out my side, 
               My brother being alive. Therefore my state 
               Stands on me to defend, not to debate. 
                                                                      Exit

Forth!