Monologue

Troilus Monologue from Troilus and Cressida

From Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 58 sec

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You are for dreams and slumbers, brother priest; You fur your gloves with reason. Here are your reasons: You know an enemy intends you harm; You know a sword employ’d is perilous, And reason flies the object of all harm. Who marvels, then, when Helenus beholds A Grecian and his sword, if he do set The very wings of reason to his heels And fly like chidden Mercury from Jove, Or like a star disorb’d? Nay, if we talk of reason, Let’s shut our gates and sleep. Manhood and honour Should have hare hearts, would they but fat their thoughts With this cramm’d reason. Reason and respect Make livers pale and lustihood deject.

About this piece

Troilus expresses his frustration with the concept of reason in the face of impending conflict, questioning the effectiveness of rational thought when confronted with danger and betrayal.

20s · anger · honor · betrayal · power · conflict

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