Vol. 08 · Shakespeare ·Richard II, Act II.i ·John of Gaunt
"This sceptered isle."
Not quite the line.
How it's usually quoted
"This sceptered isle."
What Shakespeare actually wrote
"This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle." John of Gaunt — Richard II, Act II.i
Why it matters
The "sceptred isle" phrase is Shakespeare's; it is almost always cut loose from the "royal throne of kings" half. Together, they set up the whole anthem.
More from the canon.
Browse the rest of the shelf, or try a cold reading.