King Lear

ING LEAR was old and tired. He was aweary of the business of

his kingdom, and wished only to end his days quietly near his three

daughters, whom he loved dearly. Two of his daughters were married

to the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall; and the Duke of Burgundy and

the King of France were both staying at Lear’s Court as suitors for the
hand of Cordelia, his youngest daughter.

Lear called his three daughters together, and told them that he pro-
posed to divide his kingdom between them. “ But first,” said he, “I
should like to know how much you love me.”

Goneril, who was really a very wicked woman, and did not love her
father at all, said she loved him more than words could say ; she loved
him dearer than eyesight, space or liberty, more than life, grace, health,
beauty, and honour.