Monologue

Duke Senior Monologue from As You Like It

From As You Like It by William Shakespeare

male · philosophical · 1:07 min

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Now, my co-mates and brothers in exile, Hath not old custom made this life more sweet Than that of painted pomp? Are not these woods More free from peril than the envious court? Here feel we not the penalty of Adam, The seasons’ difference, as the icy fang And churlish chiding of the winter’s wind, Which when it bites and blows upon my body Even till I shrink with cold, I smile and say: “This is no flattery. These are counsellors That feelingly persuade me what I am.” Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head; And this our life, exempt from public haunt, Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything.

About this piece

Duke Senior reflects on the joys of life in exile, contrasting it with the dangers of court life, as he finds wisdom and beauty in nature and adversity.

40s · hope · freedom · adversity · nature · identity

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