Drama  |  William Shakespeare  |  King Lear  |  Scene 3.

King Lear — Scene 3. (Part 4 of 12)

EDMUND

There's my exchange:
Throwing down a glove
what in the world he is
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies:
Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach,
On him, on you, who not? I will maintain
My truth and honour firmly.

ALBANY

A herald, ho!

EDMUND

A herald, ho, a herald!

ALBANY

Trust to thy single virtue; for thy soldiers,
All levied in my name, have in my name
Took their discharge.

REGAN

My sickness grows upon me.

ALBANY

She is not well; convey her to my tent.
Exit Regan, led
Enter a Herald
Come hither, herald, –Let the trumpet sound,
And read out this.

Captain

Sound, trumpet!
A trumpet sounds

Herald

[Reads] 'If any man of quality or degree within
the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund,
supposed Earl of Gloucester, that he is a manifold
traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the
trumpet: he is bold in his defence.'

EDMUND

Sound!
First trumpet

Herald

Again!
Second trumpet