Monologue

Edgar Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:24 min

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Know my name is lost; By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit. Yet am I noble as the adversary I come to cope. (ALBANY: Which is that adversary?) What’s he that speaks for Edmund, Earl of Gloucester? (EDMUND: Himself, what say’st thou to him?) Draw thy sword, That if my speech offend a noble heart, Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine. Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours, My oath, and my profession: I protest, Maugre thy strength, youth, place, and eminence, Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune, Thy valour and thy heart, thou art a traitor; False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father; Conspirant ’gainst this high illustrious prince; And, from the extremest upward of thy head To the descent and dust beneath thy foot, A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou ‘No,’ This sword, this arm, and my best spirits are bent To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak, Thou liest.

About this piece

Edgar confronts a traitor, expressing his outrage and determination to fight for honor and justice against betrayal.

20s · anger · betrayal · honor · power · revenge

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