Monologue

Bolingbroke Monologue from Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Oxford 1911)/Volume 4/The Tragedy of King Richard the Second

From Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Oxford 1911)/Volume 4/The Tragedy of King Richard the Second by Oxford 1911

male · defiant · 1:21 min

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:O! let no noble eye profane a tear :For me, if I be gor'd with Mowbray's spear. :As confident as is the falcon's flight :Against a bird, do I with Mowbray fight. :My loving lord, I take my leave of you; :Of you, my noble cousin, Lord Aumerle; :Not sick, although I have to do with death, :But lusty, young, and cheerly drawing breath. :Lo! as at English feasts, so I regreet :The daintiest last, to make the end most sweet: :O thou, the earthly author of my blood, :Whose youthful spirit, in me regenerate, :Doth with a twofold vigour lift me up :To reach at victory above my head, :Add proof unto mine armour with thy prayers, :And with thy blessings steel my lance's point, :That it may enter Mowbray's waxen coat, :And furbish new the name of John a Gaunt, :Even in the lusty haviour of his son.

About this piece

Bolingbroke prepares to leave for battle, expressing confidence and seeking blessings from his noble kin, while acknowledging the gravity of the impending conflict.

20s · determination · honor · family · ambition · death

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