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 · anguished · 1:15 min

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:As in a theatre, the eyes of men :After a well-grac'd actor leaves the stage :Are idly bent on him that enters next, :Thinking his prattle to be tedious; :Even so, or with much more contempt, men's eyes :Did scowl on Richard: no man cried 'God save him;' :No joyful tongue gave him his welcome home; :But dust was thrown upon his sacred head, :Which with such gentle sorrow he shook off, :His face still combating with tears and smiles, :The badges of his grief and patience, :That had not God, for some strong purpose, steel'd :The hearts of men, they must perforce have melted, :And barbarism itself have pitied him. :But heaven hath a hand in these events, :To whose high will we bound our calm contents. :To Bolingbroke are we sworn subjects now, :Whose state and honour I for aye allow.

About this piece

York reflects on the public's cold reception of King Richard upon his return, expressing sorrow for the king's plight and the shifting loyalties in the kingdom.

40s · sadness · power · honor · betrayal · fate

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