Know thou this: that men
Are as the time is; to be tender-minded
Does not become a sword.
– William Shakespeare
King Lear, Act 5, Scene 3. Edmund demonstrates his savagery and ruthlessness in war when he gives instructions to the captain of the soldiers ordered to follow Lear and Cordelia to the prison. He hands the captain a note to ensure that Lear and his daughter are put to death.