Scene
SCENE.
Clo.
Hey Robin, jolly Robin, tell me how my lady
does.
[Singing.
Mal.
Good fool, as ever thou wilt deserve well
at my hand, help me to a candle, and pen, ink,
and paper; as I am a gentleman, I will live to be
thankful to thee for't.
-- 337 --
Clo.
Mr. Malvolio!
Mal.
Ay, good fool.
Clo.
Alas, Sir, how fell you besides your five wits?
Mal.
Fool, there was never man so notoriously
abus'd; I am as well in my wits, fool, as thou art.
Clo.
But as well! then thou art mad indeed, if
you be no better in your wits than a fool.
Mal.
Good fool, some ink, paper, and light;
and convey what I set down to my lady: it shall
advantage thee more, than ever the bearing of letters
did.
Clo.
I will help you to't. But tell me true, are
you not mad indeed, or do you but counterfeit!
Mal.
Believe me, I am not: I tell thee true.
Clo.
Nay, I'll ne'er believe a madman, 'till I see
his brains. I will fetch you light, and paper, and
ink.
Mal.
Fool, I'll requite it in the highest degree:
I pr'ythee, begone.
Clo.
I am gone, Sir, and anon, Sir,
[Singing.
I'll be with you again.
[Exit.
John Bell [1774], Bell's Edition of Shakespeare's Plays, As they are now performed at the Theatres Royal in London; Regulated from the Prompt Books of each House By Permission; with Notes Critical and Illustrative; By the Authors of the Dramatic Censor (Printed for John Bell... and C. Etherington [etc.], York) [word count] [S10401].
