The Duke Monologue from L'Aiglon

From L'Aiglon by Edmond Rostand

male · anguished · 1:15 min

What! After all your modest heroism? (FLAMBEAU: One had to do far greater deeds to win it.) You made no claim? (FLAMBEAU: The Little Corporal Didn't bestow it; so I hadn't earned it.) Then I, who have no power, no throne, no title, I, who am but a memory in a phantom, That Duke of Reichstadt who with helpless grief Can only wander under Austrian trees, Carving an N upon their mossy trunks, Wayfarer, only noticed when I cough; Who have no longer even the little piece Of watered silk so scarlet in my cradle; I, on whose woes they vainly lavish stars, Who only wear two crosses, not the One! I, exiled, prisoner, sick, who may not ride Along the front of pompous regiments Scattering stars among my heroes; yet I hope--I think--the son of such a father-- Into whose hands a firmament was given-- I think, in spite of shadows and dead days, A little of the star clings to my fingers:-- John Seraph Peter Flambeau, I adorn you!

Rehearse The Duke'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 free Get started free