Edm. How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature
thus gives way to loyalty, something fears me to think of.
Corn. I now perceive, it was not altogether your brother's
evil disposition made him seek his death, but a provoking[3809] 5
merit, set a-work by a reproveable badness in himself.[3809][3810]
Edm. How malicious is my fortune, that I must repent
to be just! This is the letter he spoke of, which approves[3811]
him an intelligent party to the advantages of France. O[3812]
heavens! that this treason were not, or not I the detector![3813] 10
Corn. Go with me to the duchess.
Edm. If the matter of this paper be certain, you have
mighty business in hand.
Corn. True or false, it hath made thee earl of Gloucester.
Seek out where thy father is, that he may be ready for our 15
apprehension.
Edm. [Aside] If I find him comforting the king, it will[3814]
stuff his suspicion more fully.—I will persever in my course[3815]
of loyalty, though the conflict be sore between that and my
blood. 20
Corn. I will lay trust upon thee, and thou shalt find a
dearer father in my love. [Exeunt.[3816]