Monologue

King Richard Monologue from Richard II

From Richard II by William Shakespeare

male · contemplative · 1:04 min

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He is our cousin, cousin, but ’tis doubt, When time shall call him home from banishment, Whether our kinsman come to see his friends. Ourself and Bushy, Bagot here and Green, Observed his courtship to the common people, How he did seem to dive into their hearts With humble and familiar courtesy, What reverence he did throw away on slaves, Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles And patient underbearing of his fortune, As ’twere to banish their affects with him. Off goes his bonnet to an oyster-wench; A brace of draymen bid God speed him well, And had the tribute of his supple knee, With “Thanks, my countrymen, my loving friends”, As were our England in reversion his, And he our subjects’ next degree in hope.

About this piece

King Richard reflects on the uncertain return of his cousin from banishment, contemplating the implications of his popularity among the common people and the potential threat it poses to his reign.

30s · anticipation · power · identity · betrayal · family

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