Monologue

Octavia Monologue from All for Love

From All for Love by John Dryden

female · anguished · 1:06 min

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Thus long I have attended for my welcome; Which, as a stranger, sure I might expect. Who am I? (ANTONY: Caesar's sister.) That's unkind. Had I been nothing more than Caesar's sister, Know, I had still remained in Caesar's camp: But your Octavia, your much injured wife, Though banished from your bed, driven from your house, In spite of Caesar's sister, still is yours. 'Tis true, I have a heart disdains your coldness, And prompts me not to seek what you should offer; But a wife's virtue still surmounts that pride. I come to claim you as my own; to show My duty first; to ask, nay beg, your kindness: Your hand, my lord; 'tis mine, and I will have it. (Taking his hand.)

About this piece

Octavia confronts her husband, expressing her deep emotional turmoil and desire for reconciliation despite feeling rejected and hurt.

30s · longing · love · betrayal · identity · family

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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.

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