Oswald appears and tells Goneril that Albany
has changed his views regarding many things. He has even called Oswald a sot and accuses him of being a turncoat.
Goneril takes command, instructs
Edmund to find Cornwall and help him gather an army to fight France.
Goneril kisses Edmund and hints
that should he do what she says she will be his mistress.
Edmund vows complete loyalty to
her.
After Edmund leaves, Goneril praises his manhood which she contrasts with her husband's.
Albany comes out and rebukes Goneril
for her treatment of her father. He feels that if the heavens do not come down and intervene chaos will ensue.
In bitterness Goneril calls Albany a "milk-livered man" and a "moral fool."
A messager enters with news that Cornwall died from the injury he had received.
Albany says that Cornwall death
is a sign of God.
Goneril remarks that since Cornwall
is dead, she and Edmund have a chance to rule Britain. But she is concerned that Regan, who is a widow, will now have easier access to Edmund.
Albany's loyalty to the good is very much evident.
