Monologue

Ulysses Monologue from Troilus and Cressida

From Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare

male · philosophical · 54 sec

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They tax our policy and call it cowardice, Count wisdom as no member of the war, Forestall prescience, and esteem no act But that of hand. The still and mental parts That do contrive how many hands shall strike When fitness calls them on, and know, by measure Of their observant toil, the enemies’ weight— Why, this hath not a finger’s dignity: They call this bed-work, mapp’ry, closet-war; So that the ram that batters down the wall, For the great swinge and rudeness of his poise, They place before his hand that made the engine, Or those that with the fineness of their souls By reason guide his execution.

About this piece

Ulysses reflects on the nature of war and the undervaluation of strategic thinking compared to brute force, highlighting the complexities of leadership and the misconceptions surrounding courage.

40s · determination · power · honor · strategy · conflict

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