Monologue

Acres Monologue from The Rivals

From The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

male · comedic · 1:02 min

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Ha! ha! you've taken notice of it--'tis genteel, isn't it!--I didn't invent it myself though; but a commander in our militia, a great scholar, I assure you, says that there is no meaning in the common oaths, and that nothing but their antiquity makes them respectable;--because, he says, the ancients would never stick to an oath or two, but would say, by Jove! or by Bacchus! or by Mars! or by Venus! or by Pallas, according to the sentiment: so that to swear with propriety, says my little major, the oath should be an echo to the sense; and this we call the oath referential, or sentimental swearing--ha! ha! 'tis genteel, isn't it?

About this piece

Acres humorously reflects on the nature of swearing and the significance of oaths, showcasing his desire to appear genteel and cultured in conversation.

20s · joy · identity · honor · power

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