I can't stand her. Please, my lord, don't be friendly with her.
EDMUND
Fear me not.—
She and the duke her husband!
EDMUND
Don't worry about me.—Your sister and the duke are here.
Enter with drum and colors ALBANY and GONERIL, with troops
ALBANY, GONERIL, and soldiers enter with drums and banners.
GONERIL
(aside) I had rather lose the battle than that sister
20
Should loosen him and me.
GONERIL
(to herself) I'd rather lose this battle than allow that sister of mine to come between me and Edmund.
ALBANY
Our very loving sister, well bemet.—
Sir, this I hear: the king is come to his daughter,
With others whom the rigor of our state
Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest
25
I never yet was valiant. For this business,
It touches us as France invades our land,
Not bolds the king, with others whom I fear
Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
ALBANY
My dear and loving sister-in-law, I'm happy to see you. (to EDMUND) Sir, I've heard that the king has joined up with his daughter as well as others who have complained about our strict policies. I've never fought for a cause I didn't believe in. I'm concerned about the French because they have invaded our soil, not because they support King Lear or those others—who, I'm afraid, may have legitimate grievances against us.
EDMUND
Sir, you speak nobly.
EDMUND
Noble words, sir.
REGAN
Why is this reasoned?
REGAN
Why are we talking about this?
GONERIL
30
Combine together 'gainst the enemy,
For these domestic and particular broils
Are not the question here.
GONERIL
We must join forces against the enemy. Our domestic squabbles are not the issue here.
ALBANY
Let's then determine with the ancient of war
On our proceedings.
ALBANY
Then let's meet with our senior command and discuss what to do next.
