Lear has given away the whole kingdom and is at his eldest daughter’s house. A hundred knights have come with him. The crown is gone and the name of king is left.
The servants of that house begin to treat him a little differently. They come slowly when called and answer shortly when asked. Lear notices, and at first puts it down to his own imagining.
A strange servant comes into the house. His speech is rough and he looks people in the face. It is Kent, in a changed face.