Monologue

King Monologue from Hamlet

From Hamlet by William Shakespeare

male · contemplative · 55 sec

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A very riband in the cap of youth, Yet needful too, for youth no less becomes The light and careless livery that it wears Than settled age his sables and his weeds, Importing health and graveness. Two months since Here was a gentleman of Normandy,— I’ve seen myself, and serv’d against, the French, And they can well on horseback, but this gallant Had witchcraft in’t. He grew unto his seat, And to such wondrous doing brought his horse, As had he been incorps’d and demi-natur’d With the brave beast. So far he topp’d my thought That I in forgery of shapes and tricks, Come short of what he did.

About this piece

The King reflects on a remarkable knight from Normandy, expressing admiration and a sense of wonder at his extraordinary abilities, while also contemplating the nature of youth and age.

40s · anticipation · identity · honor · ambition · power

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