Monologue

Kent Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:26 min

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Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter! My lord, if you’ll give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into mortar and daub the walls of a jakes with him. Spare my grey beard, you wagtail? (CORNWALL: Peace, sirrah! You beastly knave, know you no reverence?) Yes, sir; but anger hath a privilege. (CORNWALL: Why art thou angry?) That such a slave as this should wear a sword, Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these, Like rats, oft bite the holy cords a-twain Which are too intrince t’unloose; smooth every passion That in the natures of their lords rebel; Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods; Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks With every gale and vary of their masters, Knowing naught, like dogs, but following. A plague upon your epileptic visage! Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool? Goose, if I had you upon Sarum plain, I’d drive ye cackling home to Camelot.

About this piece

Kent confronts a deceitful character, expressing his outrage at the dishonesty and treachery he perceives in those around him.

40s · anger · betrayal · power · honor · identity

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