Malfi: Heroines

Let all ladies break their flattering

glasses and dress themselves in her.

Antonio,

Act 1, Scene 2

A clear light presented

to me a face folded in sorrow

Duchess, Act 5 Scene 3

“I go, I know

not whither”

Julia, Act 5 Scene 2

“I am sudden with you. We that are

great women of pleasure”

Julia, Act 5 Scene 2

So, now the ground’s broke, you may discover what

a wealthy mine I make you lord of.

Duchess,

Act 1, Scene 3

This a

prison?

Duchess,

Act 4, Scene 2

Ay, wife’s

voice.

Duchess,

Act 5, Scene 3

Diamonds are of most value, they say, that

have passed through most jewellers’ hands.

Duchess,

Act 1, Scene 2

Lay a naked sword between us,

keep us chaste.

Duchess,

Act 1, Scene 3

What joy can

two lovers find in sleep?

Duchess,

Act 3, Scene 2

‘Tis a pretty art,

this grafting.

Bosola,

Act 2, Scene 1

Damn her! That

body of hers

Ferdinand,

Act 4, Scene 1

But for their sister, the right noble Duchess, you never

cast your eye on three fair medals cast in one figure of so different temper.

Antonio,

Act 1, Scene 2

And even now, even in this hate […] I, through frights and threatenings,

will assay this dangerous venture. Let old wives report I winked and chose a husband

Duchess,

Act 1, Scene 2

‘Tis welcome, for whether I am doomed to live

or die, I can do both like a prince.

Duchess (to Ferdinand),

Act 3, Scene 2

Pull, and pull strongly, for your

able strength must pull down heaven upon me.

Duchess,

Act 4, Scene 2

Oh, heaven, shall I never see her more? Echo:

Never see her more

Antonio, Duchess’ echo,

Act 5, Scene 3

When thou kill’dst thy sister, thou took’st from Justice

her most equal balance, and left her naught but her sword.

Bosola,

Act 5, Scene 5

Help me! I

am your brother!

Cardinal,

Act 5, Scene 5

My sister, O my sister! There’s the cause on’t. Whether

we fall by ambition, blood or lust, like diamonds, we are cut with our own dust.

Ferdinand,

Act 5, Scene 5

Revenge for the Duchess of Malfi, murdered

by th’Aragonian brethren.

Bosola,

Act 5, Scene 5

Let us make use of this great ruin and […] establish

this young hopeful gentleman in’s mother’s right.

Delio,

Act 5, Scene 5

This tyranny

I think was never practised till this hour.

Cariola,

Act 4, Scene 2

Sit down; discourse

to me some dismal tragedy.

Duchess,

Act 4, Scene 2

Thou art a fool. The robin redbreast and the

nightingale never live long in cages.

Duchess,

Act 4, Scene 2

Duchess: Dost thou think we shall know each other

in th’other world? Cariola: Yes, out of question

Act 4, Scene 2

Peace! It affrights

not me.

Duchess,

Act 4, Scene 2

Not a

whit

Duchess,

Act 4, Scene 2

I’ll never

marry
Duchess, Act 1 Scene 3

“Some reverend monument

whose ruins are even to be pitied”
Cariola, Act 4 Scene 2