That’s but a trifle here. –
You lords and noble friends, know our intent:
What comfort to this great decay may come
Shall be applied. For us, we will resign,
During the life of this old Majesty,
To him our absolute power; you to your rights,
With boot and such addition as your Honours
Have more than merited.
– William Shakespeare
King Lear, Act 5, Scene 3. Albany’s speech is sparked by a messenger entering and announcing that Edmund is dead. Albany treats his death as if it is of no consequence – "a trifle." As sole remaining ruler in the kingdom after the battle between Cordelia’s army and the combined armies of Albany and Edmund, Albany is more concerned with restoring power to the rightful people. He shows his loyalty to King Lear by giving the monarch "absolute power" – even though moments earlier Albany observed the old King’s deteriorated mental state, "He knows not what he says, and vain it is That we present us to him." And he restores Edgar’s and Kent’s positions and titles to them, along with extra rewards that he says they have more than earned – "With boot, and such addition as your honours Have more than merited."