Monologue

King John Monologue

From King John by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 53 sec

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What earthy name to interrogatories Can task the free breath of a sacred king? Thou canst not, cardinal, devise a name So slight, unworthy, and ridiculous, To charge me to an answer, as the pope. Tell him this tale; and from the mouth of England Add thus much more, that no Italian priest Shall tithe or toll in our dominions; But as we under God are supreme head, So, under Him, that great supremacy, Where we do reign, we will alone uphold Without th’ assistance of a mortal hand. So tell the pope, all reverence set apart To him and his usurp’d authority.

About this piece

King John confronts the cardinal about the pope's authority, asserting his own power and the supremacy of the English crown over foreign influence.

40s · anger · power · authority · defiance · identity

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