Monologue

Queen Katherine Monologue from Henry VIII

From Henry VIII by William Shakespeare

female · anguished · 59 sec

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So may he rest. His faults lie gently on him! Yet thus far, Griffith, give me leave to speak him, And yet with charity. He was a man Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking Himself with princes; one that by suggestion Tied all the kingdom. Simony was fair-play. His own opinion was his law. I’ th’ presence He would say untruths, and be ever double Both in his words and meaning. He was never, But where he meant to ruin, pitiful. His promises were, as he then was, mighty; But his performance, as he is now, nothing. Of his own body he was ill, and gave The clergy ill example.

About this piece

Queen Katherine reflects on the faults and failures of a powerful man, expressing a mix of sorrow and disdain for his actions and their impact on the kingdom.

40s · sadness · betrayal · power · redemption · identity

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