Duke of Burgundy — the dowerless suitor

This is most strange

There is nothing to differentiate France and Burgundy as suitors. Lear is equally friendly to both and it seems that he would be happy to have either one as his son-in-law. Each has argued his case for a substantial dowry and after lengthy negotiations mutually satisfactory agreements have finally been reached.

KING LEAR
The princes, France and Burgundy,
Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,
Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn,
And here are to be answer'd.

When they enter the court to receive Lear's answer, Lear makes it abundantly clear that there is a difference between the two suitors, a gigantic difference! But why? Lear very pointedly and most strongly suggests to France that he not marry Cordelia and yet he unhesitatingly offers her to Burgundy. What could possibly be his reason for making such a clear distinction?

KING LEAR
My lord of Burgundy.
We first address towards you, who with this king
Hath rivall'd for our daughter:

To KING OF FRANCE
For you, great king,
I would not from your love make such a stray,
To match you where I hate;

Lear obviously regards Burgundy as of a much lower status than France. Could it be that the Duke is not the ruler of Burgundy? Perhaps he is the son or brother of the King of Burgundy and under orders not to marry Cordelia unless Lear grants a substantial dowry. The Duke would not be so foolish as to have disclosed this restriction as it would have limited his negotiating position. Lear's refusal to grant a dowry puts an end to his quest.

And what would France be thinking at this time? He sees Lear's offer of a dowerless Cordelia get a blunt refusal from Burgundy. He is unlikely to be surprised by Burgundy's response. But does France interpret this as merely a ploy to get rid of Burgundy as a suitor? If so, the implication is that Lear prefers him. He can, therefore, offer to marry Cordelia with the expectation that her dowry will be re-established when the two kings meet privately.

Peace be with Burgundy — a fanciful invention

So little of the Duke is disclosed that we must not assume, as Cordelia does, that respects of fortune are his real love! A more romantic possibility might be that the Duke of Burgundy, during his amorous sojourn, has fallen in love with Cordelia! Burgundy would happily marry Cordelia without a dowry but is bound by the King of Burgundy's orders. Twice he desperately tries to persuade Lear to grant the dowry, as agreed, but Lear firmly refuses.

BURGUNDY
Most royal majesty,
I crave no more than what your highness offer'd,
Nor will you tender less.
KING LEAR
Right noble Burgundy,
When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;
But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands:
If aught within that little seeming substance,
Or all of it, with our displeasure pieced,
And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,
She's there, and she is yours.
BURGUNDY
I know no answer.
KING LEAR
........ Take her, or leave her?
BURGUNDY
Pardon me, royal sir;
Election makes not up on such conditions.
KING LEAR
Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me,
I tell you all her wealth.

KING OF FRANCE
........ My lord of Burgundy,
What say you to the lady?
........ Will you have her?
BURGUNDY
Royal Lear,
Give but that portion which yourself proposed,
And here I take Cordelia by the hand,
Duchess of Burgundy.
KING LEAR
Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.

Sadly, the broken-hearted Burgundy tells Cordelia he cannot marry her.

BURGUNDY
I am sorry, then, you have so lost a father
That you must lose a husband.

Cordelia, unaware that Burgundy loves her, scathingly dismisses him.

CORDELIA
Peace be with Burgundy!
Since that respects of fortune are his love,
I shall not be his wife.