Monologue

Bolingbroke Monologue from Richard II

From Richard II by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:24 min

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Look what I speak, my life shall prove it true: That Mowbray hath received eight thousand nobles In name of lendings for your highness’ soldiers, The which he hath detained for lewd employments, Like a false traitor and injurious villain. Besides I say, and will in battle prove, Or here or elsewhere to the furthest verge That ever was surveyed by English eye, That all the treasons for these eighteen years Complotted and contrived in this land Fetch from false Mowbray their first head and spring. Further I say, and further will maintain Upon his bad life to make all this good, That he did plot the Duke of Gloucester’s death, Suggest his soon-believing adversaries, And consequently, like a traitor coward, Sluiced out his innocent soul through streams of blood, Which blood, like sacrificing Abel’s, cries Even from the tongueless caverns of the earth To me for justice and rough chastisement. And, by the glorious worth of my descent, This arm shall do it, or this life be spent.

About this piece

Bolingbroke confronts the treachery of Mowbray, vowing to seek justice for the Duke of Gloucester's death and asserting his determination to prove Mowbray's guilt in battle.

30s · anger · betrayal · revenge · justice · power

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