Chastelard Monologue from Chastelard, a Tragedy

From Chastelard, a Tragedy by Algernon Charles Swinburne

male · anguished · 1:03 min

You know I cannot live for two hours more. Our fate was made thus ere our days were made: Will you fight fortune for so small a grief? But for one thing I were full fain of death. (QUEEN: What thing is that?) No need to name the thing. Why, what can death do with me fit to fear? For if I sleep I shall not weep awake; Or if their saying be true of things to come, Though hell be sharp, in the worst ache of it I shall be eased so God will give me back Sometimes one golden gracious sight of you-- The aureole woven flowerlike through your hair, And in your lips the little laugh as red As when it came upon a kiss and ceased, Touching my mouth.

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