Monologue

Pericles Monologue

From Pericles by William Shakespeare

male · contemplative · 2:01 min

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An armour, friends! I pray you, let me see it. Thanks, Fortune, yet, that, after all my crosses, Thou givest me somewhat to repair myself, And though it was mine own, part of my heritage, Which my dead father did bequeath to me, With this strict charge, even as he left his life. ‘Keep it, my Pericles; it hath been a shield ’Twixt me and death;’—and pointed to this brace;— ‘For that it saved me, keep it; in like necessity— The which the gods protect thee from!—may defend thee.’ It kept where I kept, I so dearly loved it; Till the rough seas, that spares not any man, Took it in rage, though calm’d have given’t again: I thank thee for’t: my shipwreck now’s no ill, Since I have here my father gave in his will. (FIRST FISHERMAN: What mean you sir?) To beg of you, kind friends, this coat of worth, For it was sometime target to a king; I know it by this mark. He loved me dearly, And for his sake I wish the having of it; And that you’d guide me to your sovereign court, Where with it I may appear a gentleman; And if that ever my low fortune’s better, I’ll pay your bounties; till then rest your debtor. (FIRST FISHERMAN: Why, wilt thou tourney for the lady?) I’ll show the virtue I have borne in arms.

About this piece

Pericles reflects on the significance of his father's bequeathed armor, expressing gratitude for its protection and contemplating his past struggles and future challenges.

30s · hope · family · fate · redemption · identity

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