Monologue

Cleopatra Monologue from All for Love

From All for Love by John Dryden

female · anguished · 1:53 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
I have none, And none would have: My love's a noble madness, Which shows the cause deserved it. Moderate sorrow Fits vulgar love, and for a vulgar man: But I have loved with such transcendent passion, I soared, at first, quite out of reason's view, And now am lost above it. No, I'm proud 'Tis thus: Would Antony could see me now Think you he would not sigh, though he must leave me? Sure he would sigh; for he is noble-natured, And bears a tender heart: I know him well. Ah, no, I know him not; I knew him once, But now 'tis past. (IRAS: Let it be past with you: Forget him, madam.) Never, never, Iras. He once was mine; and once, though now 'tis gone, Leaves a faint image of possession still. (ALEXAS: Think him inconstant, cruel, and ungrateful.) I cannot: If I could, those thoughts were vain. Faithless, ungrateful, cruel, though he be, I still must love him. Enter CHARMION Now, what news, my Charmion? Will he be kind? and will he not forsake me? Am I to live, or die?--nay, do I live? Or am I dead? for when he gave his answer, Fate took the word, and then I lived or died.

About this piece

Cleopatra reflects on her intense love for Antony, expressing both pride and sorrow as she grapples with the reality of their separation and her own emotional turmoil.

30s · longing · love · madness · identity · loss

Rehearse Cleopatra'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 freeStart rehearsing

More from All for Love

Browse