Shakespeare Monologue (Helena – A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Line 1 O spite! O hell! I see you all are bent
Line 2 To set against me for your merriment
Line 3 If you were civil and knew courtesy
Line 4 You would not do me thus much injury
Line 5 Can you not hate me, as I know you do
Line 6 But you must join in souls to mock me too?
Line 7 If you were men, as men you are in show
Line 8 You would not use a gentle lady so
Line 9 To vow, and swear, and superpraise my parts
Line 10 When I am sure you hate me with your hearts
Line 11 You both are rivals, and love Hermia
Line 12 And now both rivals, to mock Helena
Line 13 A trim exploit, a manly enterprise
Line 14 To conjure tears up in a poor maid’s eyes
Line 15 With your derision! None of noble sort
Line 16 Would so offend a virgin, and extort
Line 17 A poor soul’s patience, all to make you sport