King Lear

The British forces are encamped near Dover. Before the battle begins, the rivalries inside the camp are already noisier than anything coming from the French side. Regan presses Edmund directly: has he been intimate with Goneril? "Have you never found my brother's way to the forfended place?" Edmund denies it. She tells him not to be familiar with her sister. When Goneril arrives with Albany, her aside is flat and honest: "I had rather lose the battle than that sister should loosen him and me." Albany states his position clearly. He is fighting because France has invaded England — not to vindicate Goneril and Regan's treatment of Lear. He draws a distinction between defending the kingdom and endorsing cruelty. Edmund calls this noble. They agree to settle tactical questions with their commanders and separate. As they go, Edgar — still disguised — stops Albany. He gives him a letter and instructs him to open it before the battle. If Albany wins, he should sound a trumpet; Edgar promises to produce a champion who will prove what the letter contains. Then he is gone. Edmund returns and Albany exits. Alone, Edmund speaks plainly about his situation. He has sworn love to both sisters. "Which of them shall I take? Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd, if both remain alive." His plan: use Albany's authority through the battle, then let Goneril arrange his "speedy taking off." As for Lear and Cordelia — whatever mercy Albany intends toward them, Edmund will ensure they never see it. His position requires action, not debate. The battle is over in a few lines. Lear and Cordelia's forces lose. They are taken prisoner. Edgar returns to Gloucester under the tree where he left him. "King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en." Gloucester does not want to move. "A man may rot even here." Edgar will not allow it. "Men must endure their going hence, even as their coming hither; ripeness is all." Gloucester considers this. "And that's true too." He takes the hand offered to him and gets up. They move on.