Though well we may not pass upon his life
Without the form of justice, yet our power
Shall do a courtesy to our wrath, which men
May blame but not control.

– William Shakespeare

King Lear, Act 3, Scene 7. This is the Duke of Cornwall’s homage to nihilism. While Cornwall recognizes that he doesn’t have the authority to execute Gloucester without a formal trial, he argues that he still has the power to do something to express his wrath. Some men may blame him for that, but they won’t be able to do anything about it, he says. When Gloucester is brought before him Cornwall makes no attempt to control himself and goes on to pluck out the unfortunate Gloucester’s eyes. Cornwall abuses power, doesn’t believe in being morally just and believes he can do whatever he wants.