Kent and a Gentleman enter, talking about the King of France, who has had to leave England suddenly to deal with an urgent problem in his own country. He has left the Marshal of France, Monsieur la Far, to lead the army under Cordelia in his absence. Kent asks him if Cordelia received his letters and the Gentleman says that she did and cried when she read them, though she composed herself with queenly dignity. Kent tells the Gentleman that Lear is in the town but refuses to see Cordelia as he is so ashamed of the way he treated her. He asks if there is any news of Albany and Cornwall’s troops and learns that they are on the march. Kent says he must go and that it is necessary for him to remain disguised for a while. He thanks the man for his friendship and they leave to find Lear, so that the Gentleman and Cordelia’s attendants can take care of him.
