I must change arms at home, and give the distaff,
Into my husband’s hands.
– William Shakespeare
King Lear, Act 4, Scene 2. Goneril tells Edmund that her husband Albany is such a coward that must reverse the normal gender roles so that she is the man of the house. Learning of Albany’s reluctance to fight against Lear and Cordelia, Goneril says that Albany is only fit for domestic duties and should be given the “distaff.” She on the other hand will “change arms” and take over his position as sword-carrying military leader.