Monologue

Norfolk Monologue from Henry VIII

From Henry VIII by William Shakespeare

male · dramatic · 1:00 min

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How holily he works in all his business, And with what zeal! For, now he has cracked the league Between us and the Emperor, the Queen’s great nephew, He dives into the King’s soul and there scatters Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience, Fears and despairs—and all these for his marriage. And out of all these to restore the King, He counsels a divorce, a loss of her That like a jewel has hung twenty years About his neck, yet never lost her lustre; Of her that loves him with that excellence That angels love good men with; even of her That, when the greatest stroke of fortune falls, Will bless the King. And is not this course pious?

About this piece

Norfolk expresses deep concern over the King's potential divorce from the Queen, highlighting the emotional and political turmoil surrounding the situation.

40s · fear · betrayal · love · power · divorce

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