(Line differences from Q1 are in brackets, lines in F1 only are in italics)

Act 5 Scene 2

Somewhere near the battle
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

Battle noises. Call for retreat. 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.

Exit

Comments on Act 5 Scene 2

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King Lear Home

Footnotes

father: Edgar uses this term out of respect, much as we would say, “sir.” He does not reveal himself to be Gloucester’s son until after the battle (told in the final scene).

ta’en: taken, captured

rot: die

ripeness is all: The gods determine when the time is ripe, when each is appointed to die, “going hence”

Comments on Act 5 Scene 2

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King Lear Home