Sir, I thought it fit
To send the old and miserable king
To some retention and appointed guard,
Whose age had charms in it, whose title more,
To pluck the common bosom on his side
And turn our impressed lances in our eyes,
Which do command them.
– William Shakespeare
King Lear, Act 5, Scene 3. Edmund lies to Albany. He claims that he sent Lear and Cordelia to be detained by armed guard, as Lear’s old age and title could attract the common people’s sympathy and turn their soldiers against them. Edmund says that both are ready to appear for trial whenever Albany wished. What he doesn’t tell Albany is that he has secretly ordered their execution.