King Lear: Act 5, Scene 2

    tragedy

    A field between the two camps.

    Scene Summary

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    The battle is brief. The French lose. Lear and Cordelia are taken prisoner. Edgar has led Gloucester to safety on the edge of the field.

    Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, KING LEAR, CORDELIA, and Soldiers, over the stage; and exeunt
    Enter EDGAR and GLOUCESTER
    EDGAR
    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.
    GLOUCESTER
    Grace go with you, sir!
    Exit EDGAR
    Alarum and retreat within. Re-enter EDGAR
    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.
    GLOUCESTER
    No farther, sir; a man may rot even here.
    EDGAR
    What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure
    Their going hence, even as their coming hither;
    Ripeness is all: come on.
    GLOUCESTER
    And that's true too.
    Exeunt