King Lear: Act 4, Scene 5 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 4, Scene 5 of King Lear from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

Original Text	Translated Text
Source: Folger Shakespeare Library
Enter Regan and Oswald, the Steward. REGAN But are my brother’s powers set forth? OSWALD Ay, madam. REGAN Himself in person there? OSWALD Madam, with much ado. Your sister is the better soldier. 5 REGAN Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home? OSWALD No, madam. REGAN What might import my sister’s letter to him? OSWALD I know not, lady.	At Gloucester's castle, Oswald has arrived to deliver Goneril's letter to Edmund. Regan tries to wheedle information out of him and learns that Albany's troops are on the move, seemingly at Goneril's insistence. Mostly, though, she's curious about the letter her sister has written to Edmund. She wants to know what it's about, but Oswald says he doesn't know.
REGAN Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter. 10 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 15 The strength o’ th’ enemy. OSWALD I must needs after him, madam, with my letter. REGAN Our troops set forth tomorrow. Stay with us. The ways are dangerous. OSWALD I may not, madam. 20 My lady charged my duty in this business. REGAN Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you Transport her purposes by word? Belike, Some things—I know not what. I’ll love thee much— Let me unseal the letter. 25	Regan tells Oswald that Edmund isn't there. She thinks he's gone after his pop, Gloucester, to finish him off—and to figure out how big the enemy army is. She tries to get Oswald to stay the night instead of going after Edmund, and then she tries to get him to just show her the letter. Please? She'll be his best friend...
OSWALD Madam, I had rather— REGAN I know your lady does not love her husband; I am sure of that; and at her late being here, She gave strange eliads and most speaking looks To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom. 30 OSWALD I, madam?	Oswald hesitates, and Regan says fine. She knows what's what. It's pretty obvious Goneril doesn't love her husband, and Regan noticed her flirting with Edmund before. She presses Oswald to confirm her theory, but he stalls.
REGAN 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 talked, And more convenient is he for my hand 35 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. 40 If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, Preferment falls on him that cuts him off. OSWALD Would I could meet him, madam. I should show What party I do follow. REGAN Fare thee well. 45 They exit.	Regan tells Oswald to listen up if he knows what's good for him. First off, Regan and Edmund have already talked and they agree it makes much more sense for Edmund to marry Regan. Second, she also has a note for Edmund that she wants Oswald to deliver. Third, when Oswald sees Goneril again, he should tell her to wise up and use her head next time instead of trying to go around her sister. Finally, Regan informs him that there's a reward for killing Gloucester. Oswald says he's eager to kill Gloucester to prove his loyalty.