Monologue

Alexas Monologue from All for Love

From All for Love by John Dryden

male · dramatic · 1:41 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
You misjudge; You see through love, and that deludes your sight; As, what is straight, seems crooked through the water: But I, who bear my reason undisturbed, Can see this Antony, this dreaded man, A fearful slave, who fain would run away, And shuns his master's eyes: If you pursue him, My life on't, he still drags a chain along. That needs must clog his flight. (CLEOPATRA: Could I believe thee!--) By every circumstance I know he loves. True, he's hard prest, by interest and by honour; Yet he but doubts, and parleys, and casts out Many a long look for succour. (CLEOPATRA: He sends word, He fears to see my face.) And would you more? He shows his weakness who declines the combat, And you must urge your fortune. Could he speak More plainly? To my ears, the message sounds-- Come to my rescue, Cleopatra, come; Come, free me from Ventidius; from my tyrant: See me, and give me a pretence to leave him!-- I hear his trumpets. This way he must pass. Please you, retire a while; I'll work him first, That he may bend more easy.

About this piece

Alexas is caught in a moment of desperation, urging Cleopatra to rescue him from the oppressive presence of Ventidius, revealing his internal conflict and desire for freedom.

30s · longing · love · power · freedom · betrayal

Rehearse Alexas's monologue

Run it out loud with a spotlight that follows your voice, line by line, until it's off the page. Free to start, no credit card.

Rehearse freeStart rehearsing

More from All for Love

Browse