Monologue

King Richard Monologue from Richard II

From Richard II by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 1:10 min

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Alack, why am I sent for to a king Before I have shook off the regal thoughts Wherewith I reigned? I hardly yet have learned To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my knee. Give sorrow leave awhile to tutor me To this submission. Yet I well remember The favours of these men. Were they not mine? Did they not sometime cry “All hail!” to me? So Judas did to Christ, but He in twelve, Found truth in all but one; I, in twelve thousand, none. God save the King! Will no man say, “Amen”? Am I both priest and clerk? Well then, amen. God save the King, although I be not he, And yet, Amen, if heaven do think him me. To do what service am I sent for hither?

About this piece

King Richard grapples with his loss of power and the expectations placed upon him as he prepares to confront those who once hailed him as king.

30s · sadness · identity · power · betrayal · submission

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