Edgar places Gloucester in the shelter of a tree before going off to fight. He says that if he returns, he will bring Gloucester some comfort. Gloucester gives him his blessing and Edgar leaves. There are noises offstage and then the sounding of a retreat. Edgar returns to Gloucester and tells him that Lear and Cordelia have been captured. He tries to lead Gloucester away to safety. Gloucester is in despair and says he will stay and die. Edgar rebukes him for this attitude and says men cannot decide on the time of their own deaths. Gloucester agrees and leaves with Edgar.
