The barrenness of the King's daughters
Was suggested, even though they were still young.

Goneril first,
Like with all things, the sharp angles of her,
The way she seemed as much blade
As woman. Then Regan: younger,

Less sharp than her sister but still essentially
Empty. The King's favourites sent them
Gifts in order to amuse him.

Some were girlish things:
Soaps, flowers. Others sexual - the King's Fool
Sent three boxes of obscene magazines
To Goneril’s womanish husband and the same to prudish Regan.

Cordelia, the favourite, was young, beautiful and full of fertile potential.