Monologue

King Philip Monologue from King John

From King John by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 2:00 min

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When I have said, make answer to us both. Lo, in this right hand, whose protection Is most divinely vow’d upon the right Of him it holds, stands young Plantagenet, Son to the elder brother of this man, And king o’er him and all that he enjoys. For this down-trodden equity we tread In warlike march these greens before your town, Being no further enemy to you Than the constraint of hospitable zeal In the relief of this oppressed child Religiously provokes. Be pleased then To pay that duty which you truly owe To him that owes it, namely, this young prince, And then our arms, like to a muzzled bear, Save in aspect, hath all offence seal’d up; Our cannons’ malice vainly shall be spent Against th’ invulnerable clouds of heaven; And with a blessed and unvex’d retire, With unhack’d swords and helmets all unbruis’d, We will bear home that lusty blood again Which here we came to spout against your town, And leave your children, wives, and you, in peace. But if you fondly pass our proffer’d offer, ’Tis not the roundure of your old-fac’d walls Can hide you from our messengers of war, Though all these English, and their discipline Were harbour’d in their rude circumference. Then, tell us, shall your city call us lord In that behalf which we have challeng’d it? Or shall we give the signal to our rage And stalk in blood to our possession?

About this piece

King Philip addresses the opposing city, asserting the legitimacy of his claim to the young prince and warning of the consequences of refusal, showcasing his determination to fight for justice.

40s · determination · power · honor · family · war

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