Monologue

Serapion Monologue from All for Love

From All for Love by John Dryden

male · dramatic · 1:14 min

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I came from Pharos; From viewing (spare me, and imagine it) Our land's last hope, your navy-- (CLEOPATRA: Vanquished?) No: They fought not. (CLEOPATRA: Then they fled.) Nor that. I saw, With Antony, your well-appointed fleet Row out; and thrice he waved his hand on high, And thrice with cheerful cries they shouted back: 'Twas then false Fortune, like a fawning strumpet, About to leave the bankrupt prodigal, With a dissembled smile would kiss at parting, And flatter to the last; the well-timed oars, Now dipt from every bank, now smoothly run To meet the foe; and soon indeed they met, But not as foes. In few, we saw their caps On either side thrown up; the Egyptian galleys, Received like friends, passed through, and fell behind The Roman rear: And now, they all come forward, And ride within the port.

About this piece

Serapion reflects on the events surrounding Antony's fleet and their unexpected alliance with the Egyptian galleys, conveying a sense of foreboding about the outcome of the encounter.

40s · anticipation · fate · betrayal · power · friendship

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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.

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