Monologue

Berowne Monologue from Love's Labour's Lost

From Love's Labour's Lost by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 1:45 min

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I can but say their protestation over. So much, dear liege, I have already sworn, That is, to live and study here three years. But there are other strict observances: As not to see a woman in that term, Which I hope well is not enrolled there; And one day in a week to touch no food, And but one meal on every day beside, The which I hope is not enrolled there; And then to sleep but three hours in the night, And not be seen to wink of all the day, When I was wont to think no harm all night, And make a dark night too of half the day, Which I hope well is not enrolled there. O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep, Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep. (KING: Your oath is passed to pass away from these.) Let me say no, my liege, an if you please. I only swore to study with your Grace And stay here in your court for three years’ space. (LONGAVILLE: You swore to that, Berowne, and to the rest.) By yea and nay, sir, then I swore in jest. What is the end of study, let me know?

About this piece

20s · longing · love · isolation · ambition · freedom

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