Monologue

Queen Monologue from Chastelard, a Tragedy

From Chastelard, a Tragedy by Algernon Charles Swinburne

female · anguished · 1:36 min

Would God I loved you not; You are too hard to be used lovingly. (DARNLEY: You are moved too much for such a little love As you bear me.) God knows you do me wrong; God knows the heart, sweet, that I love you with. Hark you, fair sir, I'd have all well with you; Do you not fear at sick men's time of night What end may come? are you so sure of heart? Is not your spirit surprisable in sleep? Have you no evil dreams? Nay, look you, love, I will not be flung off you heart and hand, I am no snake: but tell me for your love Have you no fancies how these things will end In the pit's mouth? how all life-deeds will look At the grave's edge that lets men into hell? For my part, who am weak and woman-eyed, It turns my soul tears: I doubt this blood Fallen on our faces when we twain are dead Will scar and burn them: yea, for heaven is sweet, And loves sweet deeds that smell not of split blood. Let us not kill: God that made mercy first Pities the pitiful for their deed's sake. (DARNLEY: Get you some painting; with a cheek like this You'll find no faith in listeners.) How, fair lord?

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