HERMIONE

A pregnant queen, dragged from childbed to a public trial by her husband's delusion, refuses to beg — and stakes everything on the gods and the record of her life.

1:00Dramatic30s–40sAdvanced

The speech108 words · 3 beats

0:00 / 1:00

Off-book

But thus: if powers divine Behold our human actions, as they do, I doubt not then but innocence shall make False accusation blush and tyranny Tremble at patience.turn

You, my lord, best know, Who least will seem to do so, my past life Hath been as continent, as chaste, as true, As I am now unhappy; which is more Than history can pattern, though devised And play'd to take spectators.

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HERMIONE

The Winter's Tale · William Shakespeare · 1:00 · 108 words

Since what I am to say must be but that Which contradicts my accusation and The testimony on my part no other But what comes from myself, it shall scarce boot me To say "not guilty": mine integrity Being counted falsehood, shall, as I express it, Be so received. But thus: if powers divine Behold our human actions, as they do, I doubt not then but innocence shall make False accusation blush and tyranny Tremble at patience. You, my lord, best know, Who least will seem to do so, my past life Hath been as continent, as chaste, as true, As I am now unhappy; which is more Than history can pattern, though devised And play'd to take spectators.

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