Monologue

Queen Elizabeth Monologue from Richard III

From Richard III by William Shakespeare

female · anguished · 54 sec

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
Cousins, indeed, and by their uncle cozened Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life. Whose hand soever lanced their tender hearts, Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction. No doubt the murd’rous knife was dull and blunt Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart, To revel in the entrails of my lambs. But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame, My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys Till that my nails were anchored in thine eyes, And I, in such a desp’rate bay of death, Like a poor bark of sails and tackling reft, Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom.

About this piece

Queen Elizabeth expresses her deep sorrow and rage over the murder of her children, blaming Richard III for their deaths and reflecting on her grief and desire for vengeance.

40s · anger · betrayal · death · family · revenge

Rehearse Queen Elizabeth'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 Richard III

Browse