Maria.
Oli.
I have sent after him; 5 note
he says he'll come;
How shall I feast him? what bestow on him?
For youth is bought more oft, than begg'd or borrow'd.
I speak too loud.—
Where is Malvolio? he is sad and civil,
And suits well for a servant with my fortunes.
Where is Malvolio?
Mar.
He's coming, Madam; but in very strange manner.
-- 412 --
He is sure possest, Madam.
Oli.
Why, what's the matter, does he rave?
Mar.
No, Madam, he does nothing but smile;
your ladyship were best to have some guard about you,
if he come; for, sure, the man is tainted in his wits.
Oli.
Go call him hither.
Enter Malvolio.
I'm as mad as he,
If sad and merry madness equal be.
How now, Malvolio?
Mal.
Sweet lady, ha, ha.
[Smiles fantastically.
Oli.
Smil'st thou? I sent for thee upon a sad occasion.
Mal.
Sad, lady? I could be sad; this does make
some obstruction in the blood; this cross-gartering;
but what of it? if it please the eye of One, it is with
me as the very true sonnet is: Please one, and please all.
Oli.
Why? how dost thou, man? what is the matter
with thee?
Mal.
Not black in my mind, tho' yellow in my
legs: it did come to his hands, and commands shall
be executed. I think, we do know that sweet Roman
hand.
Oli.
Wilt thou go to bed, Malvolio?
Mal.
To bed? ay, sweet heart; and I'll come to
thee.
Oli.
God comfort thee! why dost thou smile so,
and kiss thy hand so oft?
Mar.
How do you, Malvolio?
Mal.
At your request?
Yes, nightingales answer daws!
Mar.
Why appear you with this ridiculous boldness
before my lady?
Mal.
Be not afraid of Greatness;—'twas well writ.
Oli.
What meanest thou by that, Malvolio?
Mal.
Some are born Great—
-- 413 --
Oli.
Ha?
Mal.
Some atchieve Greatness—
Oli.
What say'st thou?
Mal.
And some have Greatness thrust upon them—
Oli.
Heav'n restore thee!
Mal.
Remember, who commended thy yellow stockings.—
Oli.
Thy yellow stockings?
Mal.
And wish'd to see thee cross-garter'd—
Oli.
Cross-garter'd?
Mal.
Go to, thou art made, if thou desirest to be
so—
Oli.
Am I made?
Mal.
If not, let me see thee a servant still.
Oli.
Why, this is a very midsummer madness.6 note
Enter Servant.
Ser.
Madam, the young gentleman of the Duke Orsino's
is return'd; I could hardly entreat him back;
he attends your ladyship's pleasure.
Oli.
I'll come to him. Good Maria, let this fellow
be look'd to. Where's my uncle Toby? let some
of my people have a special care of him; I would not
have him miscarry for half of my dowry.
[Exit.
Samuel Johnson [1765], The plays of William Shakespeare, in eight volumes, with the corrections and illustrations of Various Commentators; To which are added notes by Sam. Johnson (Printed for J. and R. Tonson [and] C. Corbet [etc.], London) [word count] [S11001].
