“Cordelia’s Monologue” – King Lear, Act 1, Scene 1

Cordelia’s Monologue – King Lear, Act 1, Scene 1

Cordelia: Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave 
My heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty 
According to my bond; no more nor less. […]
You have begot me, bred me, lov’d me; I
Return those duties back as are right fit,
Obey you, love you, and most honour you. 
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed, 
That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry
Half my love with him, half my care and duty.
Sure I shall never marry like my sisters, 
To love my father all.