Monologue

Machiavel Monologue from Egmont

From Egmont by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

male · philosophical · 1:20 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
Pardon me, your Highness, my thoughts will appear to you but as idle fancies; and though you always seem well satisfied with my services, you have seldom felt inclined to follow my advice. How often have you said in jest: "You see too far, Machiavel! You should be an historian; he who acts, must provide for the exigence of the hour." And yet have I not predicted this terrible history? Have I not foreseen it all? (Regent: I too foresee many things, without being able to avert them.) In one word, then:---you will not be able to suppress the new faith. Let it be recognized, separate its votaries from the true believers, give them churches of their own, include them within the pale of social order, subject them to the restraints of law,--do this, and you will at once tranquillize the insurgents. All other measures will prove abortive, and you will depopulate the country.

About this piece

40s · anticipation · power · freedom · faith · insurgency

Rehearse Machiavel'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 freeStart rehearsing

More from Egmont