MITHRIDATE Argumentative Essay Example For Students

MITHRIDATE Argumentative Essay A monologue from the play by Jean Racine NOTE: This monologue is reprinted from The Dramatic Works of Jean Racine. Trans. Robert Bruce Boswell. London: George Bell and Sons, 1911. MONIMA: I cannot keep the secret longer,My sorrow is too violent for silence.Tho Dutys stern decree condemns my tongue,Yet must I violate her harsh commands,And utter for the first time and the lastThe language of my heart. Long have you loved me,Long has an equal tenderness for youMoved me with sad concern. Retrace the timeWhen first you ownd affection for these charmsUnworthy of your praise, the short-lived hope,The trouble that your fathers passion raised,Tortured to lose me and to see him blest,To bow to duty when your heart was torn.You cannot, Prince, recall those memoriesWithout repeating in your own misfortunesMy story too; and, when I heard this morningYour tale, my heart responded to it all.Futile or rather fatal sympathy!Union too perfect to be realized!Ah! with what cruel care did Heavn entwineTwo hearts it never destined for each other!For, howsoeer my heart is drawn to yours,I tell you once for all, where Honour leadsI needs must follow, even to the altar,To swear to yo u an everlasting silence.I hear you groan: but, miserable fate,Your father claims me, I may neer be yours.You must yourself support my feeble will,And help me from my heart to banish you;Let me at least rely upon your kindnessMy presence to avoid henceforth for ever.Have I not said enough, Sir, to persuade youHow many reasons urge you to obey me?After this moment, if that gallant heartHas ever felt true love for Monima,I will not recognize its loyaltySave by the care you take to shun me always.