Monologue

Caesar Monologue from Antony and Cleopatra

From Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:16 min

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You are too indulgent. Let’s grant it is not Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy, To give a kingdom for a mirth, to sit And keep the turn of tippling with a slave, To reel the streets at noon, and stand the buffet With knaves that smell of sweat. Say this becomes him— As his composure must be rare indeed Whom these things cannot blemish—yet must Antony No way excuse his foils when we do bear So great weight in his lightness. If he filled His vacancy with his voluptuousness, Full surfeits and the dryness of his bones Call on him for’t. But to confound such time That drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud As his own state and ours, ’tis to be chid As we rate boys who, being mature in knowledge, Pawn their experience to their present pleasure And so rebel to judgment. Enter a Messenger.

About this piece

Caesar expresses his frustration with Antony's reckless behavior and the consequences of his indulgences, highlighting the contrast between their responsibilities and Antony's hedonism.

30s · anger · power · betrayal · judgment · ambition

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