In this chapter, we learn that King Lear favors his son, Prince Alphonse, more than any other prince. Lear's brother, Prince John, died a decade ago, leaving his son with the position of heir to the throne. Since his death, rumors have spread throughout the palace that his son is in love with a pigeon. Lear asks the pigeon to deliver a message to his brother, who will reply to it wherever he is. Lear hopes that the pigeon will be able to deliver the message which he failed to deliver. The pigeon replies that he hopes that he will grow up to be a giant tree one day. In the meantime, the king has heard rumors about the pigeon's presence in the palace. If the king hears of the pigeon, Lear says, it will result in disaster. The king will eat the pigeon if he hears of it. If Lear makes a mistake again, he will eat him. Lear wonders if the pigeon has received a letter from his brother.