Act 5, Scene 2

Original Text

*A field between the two camps. 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.*

Modern English

*A field between the two camps. Edgar and Gloucester enter.* EDGAR. Here, father — rest in the shade of this tree. It will shelter you. Pray that the right side wins. If I make it back to you, I'll bring good news. GLOUCESTER. God be with you, sir. *Edgar exits.*

Original Text

*Alarum and retreat within. 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 further, sir. A man may rot even here.

Modern English

*Sounds of battle and retreat offstage. Edgar returns.* EDGAR. Run, old man! Take my hand. Hurry! King Lear has lost the battle. He and his daughter have been captured. Take my hand. Come on. GLOUCESTER. No farther, sir. A man can just as well die right here.

Original Text

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.*

Modern English

EDGAR. What, giving in to despair again? We have to endure our death just as we endured being born. Being ready for it is what matters. Come on. GLOUCESTER. That's true enough. *They exit.*