King Lear! 2.4

King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare.

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Lear, an elderly man looking to retire from his position of power, makes a decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. He promises the largest share to the daughter who can profess her affection for him most genuinely. Despite Goneril and Regan's over-the-top declarations of love, it is Cordelia's sincere but reserved response that incites Lear's wrath. Enraged, he disinherits Cordelia and divides the kingdom between her sisters. Kent, witnessing this unjust act, voices his objection only to face banishment at Lear's hands. Soon after, Cordelia's suitors make an appearance. Upon learning of her disinheritance, the Duke of Burgundy withdraws his offer of marriage, but the King of France, moved by Cordelia's integrity, marries her despite the loss.

Lear then proclaims his intention to alternate his residence between Goneril and Regan, along with their spouses, the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall. He demands a following of one hundred knights to be maintained by his daughters. Privately conniving, Goneril and Regan unite in their opinion that Lear's age and folly...