Monologue

King Richard Monologue from Richard II

From Richard II by William Shakespeare

male · dramatic · 1:35 min

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Let them lay by their helmets and their spears, And both return back to their chairs again. Withdraw with us, and let the trumpets sound While we return these dukes what we decree. (A long flourish.) (To the Combatants.) Draw near, And list what with our council we have done. For that our kingdom’s earth should not be soiled With that dear blood which it hath fostered; And for our eyes do hate the dire aspect Of civil wounds ploughed up with neighbours’ swords; And for we think the eagle-winged pride Of sky-aspiring and ambitious thoughts, With rival-hating envy, set on you To wake our peace, which in our country’s cradle Draws the sweet infant breath of gentle sleep, Which so roused up with boist’rous untuned drums, With harsh-resounding trumpets’ dreadful bray, And grating shock of wrathful iron arms, Might from our quiet confines fright fair peace And make us wade even in our kindred’s blood: Therefore we banish you our territories. You, cousin Hereford, upon pain of life, Till twice five summers have enriched our fields Shall not regreet our fair dominions, But tread the stranger paths of banishment.

About this piece

King Richard addresses the nobles, seeking to prevent civil war and bloodshed by banishing his cousin Hereford, reflecting on the consequences of ambition and conflict within the kingdom.

30s · sadness · power · betrayal · civil conflict · exile

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