Monologue

Chastelard Monologue from Chastelard, a Tragedy

From Chastelard, a Tragedy by Algernon Charles Swinburne

male · anguished · 1:53 min

I thank you, fair lord, for your nobleness. You likewise, for the courtesy you have I give you thanks, sir; and to all these lords That have not heart to load me at my death. Last, I beseech of the best queen of men And royallest fair lady in the world To pardon me my grievous mortal sin Done in such great offence of her: for, sirs, If ever since I came between her eyes She hath beheld me other than I am Or shown her honor other than it is, Or, save in royal faultless courtesies, Used me with favor; if by speech or face, By salutation or by tender eyes, She hath made a way for my desire to live, Given ear to me or boldness to my breath; I pray God cast me forth before day cease Even to the heaviest place there is in hell. Yea, if she be not stainless toward all men, I pray this axe that I shall die upon May cut me off body and soul from heaven. Now for my soul's sake I dare pray to you; Forgive me, madam. (QUEEN: Yea, I do, fair sir: With all my heart in all I pardon you.) God thank you for great mercies. Lords, set hence; I am right loth to hold your patience here; I must not hold much longer any man's. Bring me my way and bid me fare well forth. (As they pass out the QUEEN stays MARY BEATON.)

Rehearse Chastelard'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.