Monologue

King Richard Monologue from Richard III

From Richard III by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 1:20 min

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As I intend to prosper and repent, So thrive I in my dangerous affairs Of hostile arms! Myself myself confound! Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours! Day, yield me not thy light, nor, night, thy rest! Be opposite all planets of good luck To my proceeding if with dear heart’s love, Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts, I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter. In her consists my happiness and thine; Without her follows to myself and thee, Herself, the land, and many a Christian soul, Death, desolation, ruin, and decay. It cannot be avoided but by this; It will not be avoided but by this. Therefore, dear mother—I must call you so— Be the attorney of my love to her; Plead what I will be, not what I have been; Not my deserts, but what I will deserve. Urge the necessity and state of times, And be not peevish found in great designs.

About this piece

King Richard expresses his deep desire for love and the lengths he is willing to go to secure his happiness, revealing his internal conflict and ambition amidst a backdrop of impending doom.

30s · longing · love · power · ambition · fate

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