Monologue

York Monologue from Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Oxford 1911)/Volume 4/The Tragedy of King Richard the Second

From Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Oxford 1911)/Volume 4/The Tragedy of King Richard the Second by Oxford 1911

male · contemplative · 57 sec

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:No; it is stopp'd with other flattering sounds, :As praises of his state: then there are fond, :Lascivious metres, to whose venom sound :The open ear of youth doth always listen: :Report of fashions in proud Italy, :Whose manners still our tardy apish nation :Limps after in base imitation. :Where doth the world thrust forth a vanity,— :So it be new there's no respect how vile,— :That is not quickly buzz'd into his ears? :Then all too late comes counsel to be heard, :Where will doth mutiny with wit's regard. :Direct not him whose way himself will choose: :'Tis breath thou lack'st, and that breath wilt thou lose.

About this piece

York reflects on the superficiality and vanity of the world, expressing concern over the influences that lead youth astray and the futility of advice that comes too late.

40s · disgust · vanity · imitation · youth · counsel

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