Monologue

King Henry Monologue from Richard II

From Richard II by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 1:22 min

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Exton, I thank thee not, for thou hast wrought A deed of slander with thy fatal hand Upon my head and all this famous land. (EXTON: From your own mouth, my lord, did I this deed.) They love not poison that do poison need, Nor do I thee. Though I did wish him dead, I hate the murderer, love him murdered. The guilt of conscience take thou for thy labour, But neither my good word nor princely favour. With Cain go wander thorough shades of night, And never show thy head by day nor light. Lords, I protest my soul is full of woe That blood should sprinkle me to make me grow. Come, mourn with me for what I do lament, And put on sullen black incontinent. I’ll make a voyage to the Holy Land To wash this blood off from my guilty hand. March sadly after; grace my mournings here In weeping after this untimely bier. (Exeunt.)

About this piece

King Henry expresses his deep sorrow and guilt over the murder of a man he loved, grappling with the moral implications of the act and calling for mourning among his lords.

40s · sadness · death · guilt · mourning · redemption

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