James Monologue from The Return of Peter Grimm

From The Return of Peter Grimm by David Belasco

male · anguished · 1:18 min

But I will say it--I will speak my mind. I don't care how fond you were of your uncle or how much he did for you--it wasn't right to ask this of you. It wasn't fair. The whole thing is the mistake of a very obstinate old man. (CATHERINE: James!) I loved him, too; but he was an obstinate old man. Sometimes I think it was the Dutch blood in his veins. (PETER: A very frank, outspoken fellow. I like to hear him talk--now.) Do you know why I was sent away? Why I quarrelled with your uncle? I said that I loved you... he asked me.... I didn't tell him because I had any hopes--I hadn't.... I haven't now.... (Struck.) But in spite of what I'm saying... I don't know what makes me think that I... I could take you in my arms and you would let me... but I do think it.

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