Monologue

Ventidius Monologue from All for Love

From All for Love by John Dryden

male · dramatic · 1:22 min

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She looked, methought, As she would say--Take your old man, Octavia; Thank you, I'm better here.-- Well, but what use Make we of this discovery? (OCTAVIA: Let it die.) I pity Dolabella; but she's dangerous: Her eyes have power beyond Thessalian charms, To draw the moon from heaven; for eloquence, The sea-green Syrens taught her voice their flattery; And, while she speaks, night steals upon the day, Unmarked of those that hear. Then she's so charming, Age buds at sight of her, and swells to youth: The holy priests gaze on her when she smiles; And with heaved hands, forgetting gravity, They bless her wanton eyes: Even I, who hate her, With a malignant joy behold such beauty; And, while I curse, desire it. Antony Must needs have some remains of passion still, Which may ferment into a worse relapse, If now not fully cured. I know, this minute, With Caesar he's endeavouring her peace.

About this piece

Ventidius expresses his complex feelings towards Dolabella, recognizing her beauty and charm while grappling with his own conflicting emotions of desire and disdain.

30s · longing · love · desire · jealousy · power

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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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