Alexander monologue — The Duke of Gandia

God or no God, man Must live and let man live—while one man’s life Galls not another’s. Fools and fiends are men Who play the fiend that is not. Why shouldst thou, Girt with the girdle of the church, and given Power to preside on spirit and flesh—or thou, Clothed with the glad world’s glory—priest or prince, Turn on thy brother an evil eye, or deem Your father God hath dealt his doom amiss Toward either or toward any? Hath not Rome, Hath not the Lord Christ’s kingdom, where his will Is done on earth, enough of all that man Thirsts, hungers, lusts for—pleasure, pride, and power— To sate you and to share between you? Whence Should she, the godless heathen’s goddess once, Discord, heave up her hissing head again Between love’s Christian children—love’s? Hath God Cut short the thrill that glorifies the flesh, Chilled the sharp rapturous pang that burns the blood, Because an hundred even as twain at once Partake it? Boys, my boys, be wise, and rest, Whatever fire take hold upon your flesh, Whatever dream set all your life on fire, Friends.