Act 1 scene 1
Lear: Know that we have divided in three kingdom, and ‘tis our fast intent to shake all cares and business from our age, conferring them on younger strengths while we unburdened crawl toward death.
Tell me, my daughters (since now we will divest us both of rule, interest of territory, cares of state), which of you shall we say doth love us most?
Goneril: Sir, I love you more than word can wield the matter;
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour; as much a child e’er loved, or father found; a love makes breath poor, and speech unable.
Regan: She comes too short, that I profess myself an enemy to all other joys
In your dear Highness’ love.
Lear exits.
Goneril: You see how full of changes his age is. The observation we have made of it hath not been little. He always loved our sister most, and with what poor judgement he hath now cast her off appears too grossly.
Regan: ‘Tis the infirmity of his age; yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself.
Goneril: We look from his age to receive, not alone the imperfections of long-engraffed condition, but therewithal the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric years bring with them.
Regan: Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him
Goneril: Pray you let’s hit together. If our father carry authority with such deposition as he bears, this last surrender of his will but offend us.
Regan: We shall further think of it.
Goneril: We must do something , and I’ the heat.
Act 1 scene 4
Lear: How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on? You are too much o’ late I’ the frown.
Goneril: I had thought, by making this well known to have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful, by what yourself too late have spoke and done, that you protect this course,
Might in their working do you that offence which else were shame, that then necessity must call discreet proceeding.
Lear: Are you our daughter?
Goneril: I do beseech you to understand my purposes aright. As you...