Monologue

Kent Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · contemplative · 1:14 min

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Pray do not, sir: I have watch’d, and travell’d hard; Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I’ll whistle. A good man’s fortune may grow out at heels: Give you good morrow! (GLOUCESTER: The Duke’s to blame in this: ’twill be ill taken.) Good King, that must approve the common saw, Thou out of heaven’s benediction com’st To the warm sun. Approach, thou beacon to this under globe, That by thy comfortable beams I may Peruse this letter. Nothing almost sees miracles But misery. I know ’tis from Cordelia, Who hath most fortunately been inform’d Of my obscured course. And shall find time From this enormous state, seeking to give Losses their remedies. All weary and o’erwatch’d, Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold This shameful lodging. Fortune, good night: smile once more, turn thy wheel! (He sleeps.)

About this piece

Kent reflects on his loyalty to King Lear while grappling with the challenges posed by the king's deteriorating situation and the hope of receiving a letter from Cordelia.

40s · hope · family · fate · redemption · isolation

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