Act 2, Scene 5 Summary

Three irritable soldiers lead Lear and four other prisoners, all bound, down a rough road. The prisoners are allowed to rest while one soldier reconnoiters the road ahead, and they pass a nearly empty canteen around as the soldiers study an outdated map and debate whether to desert and join the rebels. When the soldier sent down the road is late returning, the other soldiers wonder whether he's already done it. At the sound of gunfire the soldiers begin to become fearful, and Lear wonders where the Ghost is, calling out loud for him. The soldiers and prisoners, fearful that he'll attract gunfire, struggle to make him be quiet, eventually gagging him. A few moments later, the soldier who went out earlier is brought back in, having been captured by the Carpenter and other rebel soldiers. The rebels capture the other...