Another captain arrives and announces that
Edmund has died. But, as Albany relates, that is “but a trifle here” (294). Edmund’s death does not matter to him, and his passing deserves no notice.
The Duke of Albany hopes to do some good despite all of the sadness surrounding him. He relinquishes his power and authority to King Lear, and announces that Lear will remain the sole and absolute monarch of England until his death. Albany also restores the rights and privileges and titles to the Earl of Kent and to Edgar (who becomes Earl of Gloucester).
Lear is too overcome by the death of
Cordelia, however, to attend to Albany’s words.
Holding Cordelia in his arms, the old king dies. The play then ends with Albany, Kent, and Edgar overcome with grief.