The Lion in Winter
written by James Goldman
Henry II: My life, when it is written, will read better than it lived. Henry Fitz-Empress, first Plantagenet, a king at twenty-one, the ablest soldier of an able time. He led men well, he cared for justice when he could and ruled, for thirty years, a state as great as Charlemagne's. He married out of love, a woman out of legend. Not in Rome, or Alexandria, or Camelot has there been such a queen. She bore him many children. But no sons. King Henry had no sons. He had three whiskered things but he disowned them. (to his sons) You're not mine! We're not connected! I deny you! None of you will get my crown, I leave you nothing and I wish you plague!! May all your children breach and die!! (storms out the door, turns and looks back) My boys are gone. (he starts unsteadily down the corridor) I've lost my boys. (he stops, glares towards the Deity) You dare to damn me, do You? Well, I damn you back. (like a biblical figure, shaking his fist to the sky) GODDAMN YOU!! (moving blindly down the corridor again) My boys are gone. I've lost my boys. Oh, Jesus, all my boys... (collapses, weeping on the stairs)
Kudos and much thanks go to Shawn for this monologue, it is very much appreciated.