Edgar enters. He announces that he has heard himself declared an outlaw, but has escaped the manhunt by hiding in a hollow tree. He realises that he has been lucky so far to evade capture but if he wishes to remain free, he must take more drastic measures. He decides to take off his fine clothing, cover himself with mud and filth and tangle his hair. This way, he thinks he will be able to pretend to be a ‘Bedlam beggar’ (see the notes on Bedlam beggars in the introduction). This may be a horrible way to live, but it is better than being caught and executed.
