In the opening scene, Edmond is present when Gloucester, talking to Kent, makes crude references to his conception and birth. He publicly reacts as expected.
In scene 2, in a soliloquy, Edmond tells us how he really feels. He appeals to Nature as his goddess. Exactly what does he mean? When most people think of nature, they think of positive nature, flowers, trees, furry little animals, etc. Edmond is not appealing to those forces of nature. Rather he is talking to the negative power of nature.
In his world, he is marginalized due to circumstances beyond his control. That his mother was not married to Gloucester is not his fault yet society labels him a bastard.
When he compares himself to his brother, he discovers that physically and mentally they are alike. It is not as if he was born with a B branded on his forehead, yet in his world it exits none the less.
He takes comfort in the fact that at least there was fun in his illegitimate conception as compared to the duty performed in legitimate conception.
He justifies his betrayal of his brother and his father.
"Now gods, stand up for bastards!"
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