King Lear, Act 4, Scene 5

But are my brother’s powers set forth?

But have my brother-in-law's forces marched out?

Ay, madam.

Yes, madam.

Himself in person there?

And he himself is there in person?

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

Madam, but 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 home?

No, madam.

No, madam.

What might import my sister’s letter to him?

What could my sister's letter to him mean?

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 hurried away from here on a serious matter. It was a great mistake, once Gloucester's eyes were out, to let him live. Wherever he goes he turns all hearts against us. Edmund, I think, has gone out of pity for his misery, to put an end to his darkened life, and also to find out the strength of the enemy.

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

I must 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 gave me strict orders about this business.

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 break the letter's seal.

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 doesn't love her husband; I'm sure of that. And when she was here recently she gave strange glances and the most 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 do find him, please give him this. And when your mistress hears all this from you, please ask her to call her good sense back to her. So, goodbye. If you happen to hear anything of that blind traitor, promotion goes to whoever kills him.

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

I wish I could meet him, madam! I would show which side I'm on.

Fare thee well.

Goodbye to you.