King Lear : Act 5, Scene 2
Alarum trumpet signal. within i.e., from offstage over the stage
Cordelia, King Lear, and the French army are on the march. They all come out of one stage door and exit at the other, without a pause. Edgar and Gloucester are in the vicinity, but they do not come in with the French army.
Alarum within. Enter, with drum and
colours, [the Powers of France] over the stage,
CORDELIA [leading her father by the hand,]
and exeunt.
Enter EDGAR and GLOUCESTER.
EDGAR
1
Here, father, take the shadow of this tree
1. father: This is a term of respect for an elderly man. Edgar has not revealed that he is Gloucester's son.
2
For your good host; pray that the right may thrive:
2. that the right may thrive: i.e., that Cordelia and the French win the battle.
3
If ever I return to you again,
4
I'll bring you comfort.
4. comfort: food and supplies (?); good news (?).
GLOUCESTER
Grace go with you, sir!
Exit [EDGAR].
Alarum and retreat within. Enter EDGAR.
retreat: trumpet signal to withdraw.
EDGAR
6
Away, old man; give me thy hand; away!
6. Away: Let's go.
7
King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en:
7. ta'en: taken captive.
8
Give me thy hand; come on.
GLOUCESTER
9
No farther, sir; a man may rot even here.
EDGAR
10
What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure
11
Their going hence, even as their coming hither;
12
Ripeness is all: come on.
12. Ripeness is all: Edgar counters Gloucester's "rot" by saying that it's all-important to await the proper time for death, as fruit falls from the tree only when ripe.
GLOUCESTER
And that's true too.
Exeunt.