Monologue

Duchess Monologue from The Duchess of Padua

From The Duchess of Padua by Oscar Wilde

female · anguished · 1:03 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
No, no, your lips are pure, and mine are soiled, For Guilt has been my paramour, and Sin Lain in my bed: O Guido, if you love me Get hence, for every moment is a worm Which gnaws your life away: nay, sweet, get hence, And if in after time you think of me, Think of me as of one who loved you more Than anything on earth; think of me, Guido, As of a woman merely, one who tried To make her life a sacrifice to love, And slew love in the trial: Oh, what is that? The bell has stopped from ringing, and I hear The feet of armed men upon the stair. GUIDO That is the signal for the guard to come.

About this piece

The Duchess expresses her deep sorrow and regret over her past choices and the impact they have on her love for Guido, while sensing the imminent arrival of danger.

30s · sadness · love · betrayal · sacrifice · isolation

Rehearse Duchess'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 The Duchess of Padua

Browse