Julia monologue (Act 4) — Fiesco; or, the Genoese Conspiracy: A Tragedy

(with emotion) If I betray the safeguards of my honor, that thou mayest cover me with shame at will, what have I less to lose than all? Wouldst thou know more, scoffer? Shall I confess that the whole secret wisdom of our sex is but a sorry precaution for the defence of this weak fortress, which in the end is the sole object of assault by all your vows and protestations, and which (I blush to own it) is so willingly surrendered--so often betrayed to the enemy upon the first wavering of virtue? That woman's whole art is enlisted in fortifying a defenceless position, just as in chess the pieces move and form a breastwork round the defenceless king?--surprise the latter--check-mate! and the whole board is thrown into confusion. (After a pause--with earnestness), behold the picture of our boasting weakness. Be generous, Fiesco!