Lear Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 1:21 min

Right noble Burgundy, When she was dear to us, we did hold her so; But now her price is fall’n. Sir, there she stands: If aught within that little-seeming substance, Or all of it, with our displeasure piec’d, And nothing more, may fitly like your grace, She’s there, and she is yours. (BURGUNDY: I know no answer.) Will you, with those infirmities she owes, Unfriended, new adopted to our hate, Dower’d with our curse, and stranger’d with our oath, Take her or leave her? (BURGUNDY: Pardon me, royal sir; Election makes not up in such conditions.) Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me, I tell you all her wealth. (To France) For you, great king, I would not from your love make such a stray To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you T’avert your liking a more worthier way Than on a wretch whom nature is asham’d Almost t’acknowledge hers.

Rehearse Lear's monologue

Run it out loud with a spotlight that follows your voice, line by line, until it's off the page. Free to start, no credit card.

Rehearse free Start rehearsing