Tristan and the Classics | Shakespeare Explained| HENRY V PROLOGUE SPEECH @tristanandtheclassics6538 | Uploaded July 2021 | Updated October 2024, 1 hour ago.
In this episode of Shakespeare Explained we look at Henry V, Act I prologue is a remarkable example of evoking an atmosphere whilst amusing an audience.
Not as well known as other Henry V speeches, the Chorus's prologue, or the O for a muse of fire speech, is still a masterpiece of rhythm, imagery and lyrical magic.
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The Speech:
PROLOGUE
Enter Chorus
O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend
The brightest heaven of invention,
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!
Then should the warlike Harry, like himself,
Assume the port of Mars; and at his heels,
Leash'd in like hounds, should famine, sword and fire
Crouch for employment. But pardon, and gentles all,
The flat unraised spirits that have dared
On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth
So great an object: can this cockpit hold
The vasty fields of France? or may we cram
Within this wooden O the very casques
That did affright the air at Agincourt?
O, pardon! since a crooked figure may
Attest in little place a million;
And let us, ciphers to this great accompt,
On your imaginary forces work.
Suppose within the girdle of these walls
Are now confined two mighty monarchies,
Whose high upreared and abutting fronts
The perilous narrow ocean parts asunder:
Piece out our imperfections with your thoughts;
Into a thousand parts divide on man,
And make imaginary puissance;
Think when we talk of horses, that you see them
Printing their proud hoofs i' the receiving earth;
For 'tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings,
Carry them here and there; jumping o'er times,
Turning the accomplishment of many years
Into an hour-glass: for the which supply,
Admit me Chorus to this history;
Who prologue-like your humble patience pray,
Gently to hear, kindly to judge, our play.
Other channel mentioned in this video:
Shelby Loves Shakespeare
UC54s5ioQPA5P6iudpN7NS_w
If you love classic literature don't forget to subscribe and like. Also, if you have any suggestions for a video, please feel free to tell me and help me to become the best booktuber on youtube that I can be.
I wish you joy in your reading.
In this episode of Shakespeare Explained we look at Henry V, Act I prologue is a remarkable example of evoking an atmosphere whilst amusing an audience.
Not as well known as other Henry V speeches, the Chorus's prologue, or the O for a muse of fire speech, is still a masterpiece of rhythm, imagery and lyrical magic.
Buy me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/tristanclassics
Follow me for little extras
instagram.com/tristanandtheclassics
The Speech:
PROLOGUE
Enter Chorus
O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend
The brightest heaven of invention,
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!
Then should the warlike Harry, like himself,
Assume the port of Mars; and at his heels,
Leash'd in like hounds, should famine, sword and fire
Crouch for employment. But pardon, and gentles all,
The flat unraised spirits that have dared
On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth
So great an object: can this cockpit hold
The vasty fields of France? or may we cram
Within this wooden O the very casques
That did affright the air at Agincourt?
O, pardon! since a crooked figure may
Attest in little place a million;
And let us, ciphers to this great accompt,
On your imaginary forces work.
Suppose within the girdle of these walls
Are now confined two mighty monarchies,
Whose high upreared and abutting fronts
The perilous narrow ocean parts asunder:
Piece out our imperfections with your thoughts;
Into a thousand parts divide on man,
And make imaginary puissance;
Think when we talk of horses, that you see them
Printing their proud hoofs i' the receiving earth;
For 'tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings,
Carry them here and there; jumping o'er times,
Turning the accomplishment of many years
Into an hour-glass: for the which supply,
Admit me Chorus to this history;
Who prologue-like your humble patience pray,
Gently to hear, kindly to judge, our play.
Other channel mentioned in this video:
Shelby Loves Shakespeare
UC54s5ioQPA5P6iudpN7NS_w
If you love classic literature don't forget to subscribe and like. Also, if you have any suggestions for a video, please feel free to tell me and help me to become the best booktuber on youtube that I can be.
I wish you joy in your reading.
