Monologue

Cleopatra Monologue from All for Love

From All for Love by John Dryden

female · anguished · 1:16 min

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The consequence indeed-- For I dare challenge him, my greatest foe, To say it was designed: 'tis true, I loved you, And kept you far from an uneasy wife,-- Such Fulvia was. Yes, but he'll say, you left Octavia for me;-- And, can you blame me to receive that love, Which quitted such desert, for worthless me? How often have I wished some other Caesar, Great as the first, and as the second young, Would court my love, to be refused for you! (VENTIDIUS: Words, words; but Actium, sir; remember Actium.) Even there, I dare his malice. True, I counselled To fight at sea; but I betrayed you not. I fled, but not to the enemy. 'Twas fear; Would I had been a man, not to have feared! For none would then have envied me your friendship, Who envy me your love.

About this piece

Cleopatra reflects on her tumultuous relationship with Caesar and the sacrifices made for love, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and longing for acceptance.

30s · longing · love · betrayal · identity · jealousy

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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.

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