King Lear, Act 4, Scene 5

But are my brother’s powers set forth?

But has my brother-in-law's army marched out?

Ay, madam.

Yes, madam.

Himself in person there?

And he is there himself, in person?

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

Madam, only after a great deal of fuss. Your sister is the better soldier.

Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?

Lord Edmund didn't speak with your master at his house?

No, madam.

No, madam.

What might import my sister’s letter to him?

What could my sister's letter to him be about?

I know not, lady.

I don't know, my lady.

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.

Believe me, he has ridden off from here on grave business. It was a great mistake, once Gloucester's eyes were out, to let him live. Wherever he goes he turns every heart against us. Edmund, I think, has gone out of pity for his suffering, to put an end to his darkened life — and also to spy out the enemy's strength.

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

I have to go after him, madam, with my letter.

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

Our troops march out tomorrow; stay with us. The roads are dangerous.

I may not, madam: My lady charg’d my duty in this business.

I can't, madam. My lady laid this business on me as my duty.

Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you Transport her purposes by word? Belike, Somethings, I know not what, I’ll love thee much. Let me unseal the letter.

Why should she write to Edmund? Couldn't you have carried her intentions by word of mouth? Probably there is something — I don't know what. I'll be very fond of you. Let me open the letter.

Madam, I had rather—

Madam, I would rather—

I know your lady does not love her husband; I am sure of that; and at her late being here She gave strange oeillades and most speaking looks To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.

I know your lady does not love her husband; I'm sure of that. And when she was here lately she gave strange amorous glances and very eloquent looks to noble Edmund. I know you are in her confidence.

I, madam?

Me, madam?

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 talk’d, 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.

I speak knowing what I say. You are, I know it. So I advise you to take note of this: my husband is dead; Edmund and I have talked, and he is better suited to my hand than to your lady's. You can work out the rest. If you find him, please give him this. And when your mistress hears all this from you, please ask her to think sensibly. So, goodbye. If you happen to hear anything of that blind traitor, promotion goes to the man who kills him.

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

I wish I could meet him, madam! I'd show whose side I'm on.

Fare thee well.

Goodbye.