My English class just finished the reading play Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare. It is the story of Roman men who decide to kill their new king because they think his power will go his head and he will destroy Rome. We had to do a project at the end of the unit, and I chose to perform a monologue spoken by the protagonist's wife, Portia. In the monologue, she is begging her husband, Brutus, to tell her why he's been so anxious lately. She doesn't know it's because he's about to betray his best friend, Caesar. It's a very powerful monologue, and even though I did not perform it well in class at all, it is very moving onstage.
You have ungently, Brutus,
stole from my bed, and yesternight at supper
you suddenly arose and walked about
musing and sighing with arms across
and when I asked you what the matter was
you stared upon me with ungentle looks
I urged you further, then you scratched your head
and too impatiently stamped with your foot
yet I insisted, yet you answered not
but with an angry wafture of your hand
gave sign for me to leave you so I did
fearing to strenghten that impatience
which seemed much too enkindled and withal
hoping it was an effect of humor
which sometimes hath his hour with every man
It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep
and could it work so much upon your shape
as it hath prevailed in your condition.
I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord,
make me acquainted with your cause of greif.
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