Scene 2
The battlefield between the two camps.
(Powers of France; Cordelia; Lear; Edgar; Gloucester)
Edgar sits Gloucester against a tree out of harm’s way to wait for the battle to be over. Soon after, he rushes back in: the French have lost, and they are all in danger. Edgar leads Gloucester away. (13 lines)
Alarum within. Enter, with Drum and Colors, the Powers of France over the stage, Cordelia with her Father in her hand, and exeunt.
Enter Edgar and Gloucester.
Here, father, take the shadow of this tree
For your good host; pray that the right may thrive.
If ever I return to you again,
I’ll bring you comfort.
Grace go with you, sir!
Exit Edgar.
Alarum and retreat within.
Enter Edgar.
Away, old man, give me thy hand, away!
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta’en.
Give me thy hand; come on.
No further, sir, a man may rot even here.
What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure
Their going hence even as their coming hither,
Ripeness is all. Come on.
And that’s true too.
Exeunt.