According to legend, an 8th-century BC British king named Leir shared out his kingdom between two of his daughters, after they pleased him with their flattery. A third daughter got nothing, as she was less grushing in her affections, and he was pleased when the King of France took her off his hands.

Once they had taken possession of his kingdom, Leir’s daughters roved much less affectionate than their words had suggested, and Leir turned to Cordelia for help. She proved as loving as he could have hoped. Leir regained his lost kingdom, and Cordelia inherited his crown, but later she killed herself after a revolt by her nephew.

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