Viola in man's attire.
Val.
If the duke continue these favours towards
you, Cesario, you are like to be much advanced;
he hath known you but three days, and already you
are no stranger.
Vio.
You either fear his humour, or my negligence,
that you call in question the continuance of
his love: Is he inconstant, sir, in his favours?
Val.
No, believe me.
Enter Duke, Curio, and Attendants.
Vio.
I thank you. Here comes the count.
Duke.
Who saw Cesario, ho?
Vio.
On your attendance, my lord; here.
Duke.
Stand you awhile aloof.—Cesario,
Thou know'st no less but all; I have unclasp'd
To thee the book even of my secret soul5 note
:
Therefore, good youth, address thy gait unto her;
Be not deny'd access, stand at her doors,
And tell them, there thy fixed foot shall grow,
Till thou have audience.
-- 360 --
Vio.
Sure, my noble lord,
If she be so abandon'd to her sorrow
As it is spoke, she never will admit me.
Duke.
Be clamorous, and leap all civil bounds,
Rather than make unprofited return.
Vio.
Say I do speak with her, my lord; What then?
Duke.
O, then unfold the passion of my love,
Surprise her with discourse of my dear faith:
It shall become thee well to act my woes;
She will attend it better in thy youth,
Than in a nuncio of more grave aspéct.
Vio.
I think not so, my lord.
Duke.
Dear lad, believe it;
For they shall yet belie thy happy years,
That say, thou art a man: Diana's lip
Is not more smooth, and rubious; thy small pipe
Is as the maiden's organ, shrill, and sound,
And all is semblative a woman's part6 note.
I know, thy constellation is right apt
For this affair:—Some four, or five, attend him;
All, if you will; for I myself am best,
When least in company:—Prosper well in this,
And thou shalt live as freely as thy lord,
To call his fortunes thine.
Vio.
I'll do my best,
To woo your lady: yet, [Aside.] a barful strife7 note!
Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife.
[Exeunt.
-- 361 --
James Boswell [1821], The plays and poems of William Shakspeare, with the corrections and illustrations of various commentators: comprehending A Life of the Poet, and an enlarged history of the stage, by the late Edmond Malone. With a new glossarial index (J. Deighton and Sons, Cambridge) [word count] [S10201].
