Shakespear Monologue from The Dark Lady of the Sonnets

From The Dark Lady of the Sonnets by Bernard Shaw

male · defiant · 47 sec

I am not cruel, madam; but you know the fable of Jupiter and Semele. I could not help my lightnings scorching her. (ELIZABETH: You have an overweening conceit of yourself, sir, that displeases your Queen.) Oh, madam, can I go about with the modest cough of a minor poet, belittling my inspiration and making the mightiest wonder of your reign a thing of nought? I have said that "not marble nor the gilded monuments of princes shall outlive" the words with which I make the world glorious or foolish at my will. Besides, I would have you think me great enough to grant me a boon.

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