Better for me I had not seen your face. Nay, Guido, listen for a while: Until you came to Padua I lived Wretched indeed, but with no murderous thought, Very submissive to a cruel Lord, Very obedient to unjust commands, As pure I think as any gentle girl Who now would turn in horror from my hands— You came: ah! Guido, the first kindly words I ever heard since I had come from France Were from your lips: well, well, that is no matter. You came, and in the passion of your eyes I read love’s meaning; everything you said Touched my dumb soul to music, so I loved you. And yet I did not tell you of my love. ’Twas you who sought me out, knelt at my feet As I kneel now at yours, and with sweet vows, Whose music seems to linger in my ears, Swore that you loved me, and I trusted you. I think there are many women in the world Who would have tempted you to kill the man. I did not. Yet I know that had I done so, I had not been thus humbled in the dust, But you had loved me very faithfully. I do not think you understand me, Guido: It was for your sake that I wrought this deed Whose horror now chills my young blood to ice, For your sake only. Will you not speak to me? Love me a little: in my girlish life I have been starved for love, and kindliness Has passed me by.

Duchess Monologue from The Duchess of Padua

Rehearse Duchess's monologue