Monologue

King Monologue from Henry VIII

From Henry VIII by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:01 min

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Things done well, And with a care, exempt themselves from fear; Things done without example, in their issue Are to be feared. Have you a precedent Of this commission? I believe, not any. We must not rend our subjects from our laws And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each? A trembling contribution! Why, we take From every tree lop, bark, and part o’ t’ timber, And though we leave it with a root, thus hacked, The air will drink the sap. To every county Where this is questioned send our letters with Free pardon to each man that has denied The force of this commission. Pray, look to’t; I put it to your care.

About this piece

The King expresses his concerns about the legitimacy and consequences of a commission that could disrupt the established laws and order, emphasizing the need for caution and care in governance.

40s · fear · power · law · authority

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