SCENE III. ［Gloucester’s castle］
Enter GLOUCESTER and EDMUND
GLOU. Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural dealing. When I desired their leave that I might pity him, they took from me the use of mine own house; charg’d me, on pain of perpetual displeasure, neither to speak of him, entreat for him, or any way sustain him.
EDM. Most savage and unnatural!
GLOU. Go to; say you nothing. There is division between the Dukes, and a worse matter than that. I have received a letter this night; ’tis dangerous to be spoken; I have lock’d the letter in my closet. These injuries the King now bears will be revenged home;〖Fully.〗 there is part of a power already footed.〖Army already on the march.〗 We must incline to the King. I will look him, and privily relieve him. Go you and maintain talk with the Duke, that my charity be not of him perceived. If he ask for me, I am ill, and gone to bed. If I die for it, as no less is threat’ned me, the King my old master must be relieved. There is strange things toward,〖About to happen.〗 Edmund; pray you, be careful. Exit.
EDM. This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the Duke
Instantly know; and of that letter too.
This seems a fair deserving,〖An action deserving reward.〗 and must draw me
That which my father loses; no less than all.
The younger rises when the old doth fall. Exit.