Monologue

York Monologue from Henry VI

From Henry VI by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 57 sec

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From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right And pluck the crown from feeble Henry’s head. Ring, bells, aloud; burn, bonfires, clear and bright, To entertain great England’s lawful king. Ah, _sancta majestas_, who would not buy thee dear? Let them obey that knows not how to rule. This hand was made to handle nought but gold. I cannot give due action to my words Except a sword or sceptre balance it. A sceptre shall it have, have I a soul, On which I’ll toss the fleur-de-luce of France. Whom have we here? Buckingham, to disturb me? The King hath sent him, sure. I must dissemble.

About this piece

York arrives from Ireland, determined to claim his rightful place as king and confronts the challenges posed by Buckingham's arrival.

40s · determination · power · ambition · identity · betrayal

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