Monologue

Leontes Monologue from The Winter's Tale

From The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 2:02 min

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How blest am I In my just censure, in my true opinion! Alack, for lesser knowledge! How accurs’d In being so blest! There may be in the cup A spider steep’d, and one may drink, depart, And yet partake no venom, for his knowledge Is not infected; but if one present Th’ abhorr’d ingredient to his eye, make known How he hath drunk, he cracks his gorge, his sides, With violent hefts. I have drunk, and seen the spider. Camillo was his help in this, his pander. There is a plot against my life, my crown; All’s true that is mistrusted. That false villain Whom I employ’d, was pre-employ’d by him. He has discover’d my design, and I Remain a pinch’d thing; yea, a very trick For them to play at will. How came the posterns So easily open? (FIRST LORD: By his great authority, Which often hath no less prevail’d than so On your command.) I know’t too well. Give me the boy. I am glad you did not nurse him. Though he does bear some signs of me, yet you Have too much blood in him. (HERMIONE: What is this? sport?) Bear the boy hence, he shall not come about her, Away with him, and let her sport herself With that she’s big with; for ’tis Polixenes Has made thee swell thus. (Exit Mamillius with some of the Guards.)

About this piece

Leontes grapples with his overwhelming jealousy and suspicion, convinced that a conspiracy against him is unfolding, leading to a deep sense of betrayal and anger.

30s · anger · betrayal · power · jealousy · madness

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