Monologue

Edgar Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · dark · 1:54 min

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I know thee well. A serviceable villain, As duteous to the vices of thy mistress As badness would desire. (GLOUCESTER: What, is he dead?) Sit you down, father; rest you. Let’s see these pockets; the letters that he speaks of May be my friends. He’s dead; I am only sorry He had no other deathsman. Let us see: Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not. To know our enemies’ minds, we rip their hearts, Their papers is more lawful. (Reads.) ‘Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is nothing done if he return the conqueror: then am I the prisoner, and his bed my gaol; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your labour. ‘Your (wife, so I would say) affectionate servant, ‘Goneril.’ O indistinguish’d space of woman’s will! A plot upon her virtuous husband’s life, And the exchange my brother! Here in the sands Thee I’ll rake up, the post unsanctified Of murderous lechers: and in the mature time, With this ungracious paper strike the sight Of the death-practis’d Duke: for him ’tis well That of thy death and business I can tell. (Exit Edgar, dragging out the body.)

About this piece

Edgar discovers a treacherous plot against his father and reflects on the betrayal and the implications of the letters he has found, revealing the dark intentions of those around him.

20s · anger · betrayal · death · revenge · power

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