Once there was a king named King Lear in England. He wanted to divide his kingdom among his three daughters - Goneril, Regan and Cordelia.
So, he called them in the court and asked each of them how much they loved him. The king decided to give the largest bounty to the one who loved him most.
At first Lear asked his eldest daughter, Goneril. She declared that she loved him more than she could say. Being satisfied, he gave her one-third of his kingdom. Then, he asked his second daughter Regan, the same question. Regan replied that her love for him would never end and change. Lear was very pleased with her reply and gave her another one-third of his kingdom. Now, it was the turn of Cordelia, his youngest and most beloved daughter. With a great hope the king asked his dearest daughter but Cordelia spoke the truth and did not flatter her father like her other sisters. Being displeased, King Lear gave her portion to his other daughters equally.