Monologue

Quar Monologue from Bartholomew Fair

From Bartholomew Fair by Ben Jonson

male · defiant · 2:22 min

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Keep it for your companions in beastliness, I am none of them, sir. If I had not already forgiven you a greater trespass, or thought you yet worth my beating, I would instruct your manners, to whom you made your offers. But go your ways, talk not to me, the hangman is only fit to discourse with you; the hand of beadle is too merciful a punishment for your trade of life. (Exit Edgworth.) --I am sorry I employ'd this fellow, for he thinks me such; facinus quos inquinat, æquat. But it was for sport; and would I make it serious, the getting of this license is nothing to me, without other circumstances concur. I do think how impertinently I labour, if the word be not mine that the ragged fellow mark'd: and what advantage I have given Ned Winwife in this time now of working her, though it be mine. He'll go near to form to her what a debauched rascal I am, and fright her out of all good conceit of me: I should do so by him, I am sure, if I had the opportunity. But my hope is in her temper yet; and it must needs be next to despair, that is grounded on any part of a woman's discretion. I would give, by my troth now, all I could spare, to my clothes and my sword, to meet my tatter'd soothsayer again, who was my judge in the question, to know certainly whose word he has damn'd or saved; for till then I live but under a reprieve. I must seek him. Who be these? (Enter BRISTLE and some of the Watch, with WASPE.)

About this piece

Quar confronts an individual he perceives as morally corrupt, expressing his disdain and reflecting on his own reputation while contemplating the consequences of his actions.

30s · anger · identity · betrayal · power · redemption

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