Monologue

Autolycus Monologue from The Winter's Tale

From The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare

male · sarcastic · 1:19 min

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He has a son, who shall be flayed alive; then ’nointed over with honey, set on the head of a wasp’s nest; then stand till he be three quarters and a dram dead; then recovered again with aqua-vitæ or some other hot infusion; then, raw as he is, and in the hottest day prognostication proclaims, shall he be set against a brick wall, the sun looking with a southward eye upon him, where he is to behold him with flies blown to death. But what talk we of these traitorly rascals, whose miseries are to be smiled at, their offences being so capital? Tell me (for you seem to be honest plain men) what you have to the king. Being something gently considered, I’ll bring you where he is aboard, tender your persons to his presence, whisper him in your behalfs; and if it be in man besides the king to effect your suits, here is man shall do it.

About this piece

Autolycus delivers a darkly humorous monologue filled with grotesque imagery, reflecting on the fate of traitors while offering to assist others in gaining favor with the king.

30s · disgust · betrayal · power · revenge · identity

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