Brisk Monologue from The Double Dealer

From The Double Dealer by William Congreve

male · comedic · 2:08 min

Sir Paul, will you send Careless into the hall if you meet him? (SIR PAUL: I will, I will, I'll go and look for him on purpose.) So now they are all gone, and I have an opportunity to practice. Ah! My dear Lady Froth, she's a most engaging creature, if she were not so fond of that damned coxcombly lord of hers; and yet I am forced to allow him wit too, to keep in with him. No matter, she's a woman of parts, and, egad, parts will carry her. She said she would follow me into the gallery. Now to make my approaches. Hem, hem! Ah ma- (bows.) dam! Pox on't, why should I disparage my parts by thinking what to say? None but dull rogues think; witty men, like rich fellows, are always ready for all expenses; while your blockheads, like poor needy scoundrels, are forced to examine their stock, and forecast the charges of the day. Here she comes, I'll seem not to see her, and try to win her with a new airy invention of my own, hem! (LADY FROTH: O heavens, Mr. Brisk! What's the matter?) My Lady Froth! Your ladyship's most humble servant. The matter, madam? Nothing, madam, nothing at all, egad. I was fallen into the most agreeable amusement in the whole province of contemplation: that's all--(I'll seem to conceal my passion, and that will look like respect.) (Aside.)

About this piece

Brisk is alone and seizing the moment to practice his approach to Lady Froth, reflecting on her charms and his competition with her lord while preparing to impress her.

20s · anticipation · love · jealousy · identity · ambition

Rehearse Brisk'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 free Start rehearsing

Brisk Monologue from The Double Dealer

About this piece

Rehearse Brisk's monologue

More from The Double Dealer

Browse