Monologue

Cressida Monologue from Troilus and Cressida

From Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare

female · contemplative · 1:03 min

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By the same token, you are a bawd. Words, vows, gifts, tears, and love’s full sacrifice, He offers in another’s enterprise; But more in Troilus thousand-fold I see Than in the glass of Pandar’s praise may be, Yet hold I off. Women are angels, wooing: Things won are done; joy’s soul lies in the doing. That she belov’d knows naught that knows not this: Men prize the thing ungain’d more than it is. That she was never yet that ever knew Love got so sweet as when desire did sue; Therefore this maxim out of love I teach: ‘Achievement is command; ungain’d, beseech.’ Then though my heart’s content firm love doth bear, Nothing of that shall from mine eyes appear. (Exit.)

About this piece

Cressida reflects on the complexities of love and desire, grappling with her feelings for Troilus while acknowledging the superficiality of romantic gestures.

20s · longing · love · betrayal · desire · identity

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