The Rape of Lucrece


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.6 stars; 18 reviews)

The Rape of Lucrece (1594) is a narrative poem by William Shakespeare about the legendary Lucretia. Lucrece draws on the story described in both Ovid's Fasti and Livy's history of Rome. In 509 BC, Sextus Tarquinius, son of Tarquin, the king of Rome, raped Lucretia (Lucrece), wife of Collatinus, one of the king's aristocratic retainers. As a result, Lucrece committed suicide. Her body was paraded in the Roman Forum by the king's nephew. This incited a full-scale revolt against the Tarquins led by Lucius Junius Brutus, the banishment of the royal family, and the founding of the Roman republic. (Summary by Wikipedia) (2 hr 9 min)

Chapters

Dedication. The Argument. 6:21 Read by Martin Geeson
"From the besieged Ardea all in post..." 13:31 Read by Martin Geeson
"Now stole upon the time the dead of night..." 10:29 Read by Martin Geeson
"As corn o'ergrown by weeds, so heedful fear..." 19:53 Read by Martin Geeson
"'Lucrece,' quoth he, 'this night I must enjoy thee...'" 14:44 Read by Elizabeth Klett
"He like a thievish dog creeps sadly thence..." 8:26 Read by Elizabeth Klett
"'O Opportunity, thy guilt is great...'" 8:39 Read by Elizabeth Klett
"'In vain I rail at Opportunity...'" 9:58 Read by Elizabeth Klett
"'Dear lord of that dear jewel I have lost...'" 10:04 Read by Arielle Lipshaw
"At last she calls to mind..." 12:20 Read by Arielle Lipshaw
"But now the mindful messenger..." 7:18 Read by Arielle Lipshaw
"Here with a sigh, as if her heart would break..." 7:47 Read by Arielle Lipshaw

Reviews

fabulous work


(5 stars)

I never got a chance to read or hear this story by Shakespeare until now. this is one of those few Librivox recordings which is not only excellent, but so excellent that I'll revisit it multiple times in future years. not all professional readings I've come across get to this caliber.

great


(5 stars)

very well read by the three readers

Outstanding really enjoyed this thx readers!!!


(5 stars)