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William Aldis Wright [1863–1866], The works of William Shakespeare edited by William George Clark... and John Glover [and William Aldis Wright] (Macmillan and Co., London) [word count] [S10701].
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ACT III. Scene I. Olivia's garden. note Enter Viola, and Clown with a tabor. note

Vio.

Save thee, friend, and thy music: dost thou live by thy note tabor?

Clo.

No, sir, I live by the church.

Vio.

Art thou a churchman?

Clo.

No such matter, sir: I do note live by the church; for I do live at my house, and my house doth stand by the church.

Vio.

So thou mayst say, the king note lies note by a beggar, if a beggar dwell near him; or, the church stands by thy tabor, if thy tabor stand by the church.

Clo.

You have said, sir. To see this age! A sentence is but a cheveril glove to a good wit: how quickly the wrong side may be turned outward!

Vio.

Nay, that's certain; they that dally nicely with words may quickly make them wanton.

Clo.

I would, therefore, my sister had had note no name, sir.

Vio.

Why, man?

Clo.

Why, sir, her name's a word; and to dally with

-- 264 --

that word might make my sister wanton. But indeed words are very rascals since bonds disgraced them.

Vio.

Thy reason, man?

Clo.

Troth, sir, I can yield you none without words; and words are grown so false, I am loath to prove reason with them.

Vio.

I warrant thou art a merry fellow and carest for nothing.

Clo.

Not so, sir, I do care for something; but in my conscience, sir, I do not care for you: if that be to care for nothing, sir, I would it would make you invisible.

Vio.

Art not thou note the Lady Olivia's fool?

Clo.

No, indeed, sir; the Lady Olivia has no folly: she will keep no fool, sir, till she be married; and fools are as like husbands as pilchards note are to herrings; the husband's the bigger: I am indeed not her fool, but her corrupter of words.

Vio.

I saw thee late at the Count note Orsino's.

Clo.

Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun note, it shines every where. I would be sorry, sir, but the fool should be as oft with your master as with my mistress: I think I saw your wisdom there.

Vio.

Nay, an note thou pass upon me, I'll no more with notethee. Hold, there's expenses note for thee.

Clo.

Now Jove, in his next commodity of hair, send thee a beard!

Vio.

By my troth, I'll tell thee, I am almost sick for one; [Aside note] though I would not have it grow on my chin. Is thy lady within?

Clo.

Would not a pair of these have bred note, sir?

Vio.

Yes, being kept together and put to use.

Clo.

I would play Lord Pandarus of Phrygia, sir, to bring a Cressida to this Troilus.

Vio.

I understand you, sir; 'tis well begged.

-- 265 --

Clo.

The matter, I hope, is not great, sir, begging note but a beggar: Cressida was a beggar. My lady is within, sir. I will construe note to them note whence you come; who you are and what you would are note out of my welkin, I might say ‘element,’ but the word is over-worn.

[Exit.

Vio.
This fellow is wise enough to play the fool;
And to do that well craves a kind of wit:
He must observe their mood on whom he jests,
The quality of persons, and the time,
And note, like the haggard, check at every feather
That comes before his eye. This is a practice
As full of labour as a wise man's note art:
For folly that he note wisely shows is fit;
But wise men, folly-fall'n, quite taint note their wit.
Enter Sir Toby, and Sir Andrew note. note

Sir To. note

Save you, gentleman.

Vio.

And you, sir.

Sir And. note

Dieu vous garde note, monsieur.

Vio.

Et vous aussi note; votre serviteur note.

Sir And. note

I hope, sir, you are; and I am yours.

Sir To. note

Will you encounter the house? my niece is desirous you should enter, if your trade be to her.

Vio.

I am bound to your niece, sir; I mean, she is the list of my voyage.

-- 266 --

Sir To.

Taste your legs, sir; put them to motion.

Vio.

My legs do better understand me, sir, than I understand what you mean by bidding me taste my legs.

Sir To.

I mean, to go, sir, to enter.

Vio.

I will answer you with gait and entrance. But we are prevented.

Enter Olivia and Maria note.

Most excellent accomplished lady, the heavens rain odours on you!

Sir And.

That youth's a rare courtier: ‘Rain odours;’ well.

Vio.

My matter hath no voice, lady, but to your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear.

Sir And.

‘Odours,’ ‘pregnant,’ and ‘vouchsafed:’ I'll noteget 'em all three all ready note.

Oli.

Let note the garden door be shut, and leave me to my notehearing. [Exeunt note Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Maria.] Give me your hand, sir.

Vio.

My duty, madam, and most humble service.

Oli.

What is your name?

Vio.
Cesario is your servant's name, fair princess.

Oli.
My servant, sir! 'Twas never merry world
Since lowly feigning was call'd compliment:
You're note servant to the Count note Orsino, youth.

Vio.
And he is yours, and his must needs be yours:
Your servant's servant is your servant, madam.

Oli.
For him, I think not on him: for his thoughts,
Would they were blanks, rather than fill'd with me!

Vio.
Madam, I come to whet your gentle thoughts
On his behalf.

Oli.
O, by your leave, I pray you,
I bade you never speak again of him:
But, would you undertake another suit,

-- 267 --


I had note rather hear you to solicit that
Than music from the spheres.

Vio.
Dear note lady,— note

Oli.
Give note me leave, beseech note you. I did send,
After the last enchantment you did here note,
A ring in chase of you: so did I abuse
Myself, my servant and, I fear me, you:
Under your hard construction must I sit,
To force that on you, in a shameful note cunning,
Which you knew none of yours: what might you think?
Have you not set mine honour at the stake
And baited it with all the unmuzzled thoughts
That tyrannous heart can think? To one of note your receiving note
Enough is shown: a cypress note, not a bosom,
Hides note my heart note. So, let me note hear you speak.

Vio.
I pity you. note

Oli.
That's a degree to love.

Vio.
No, not a grize note; for 'tis a vulgar proof,
That very oft we pity enemies.

Oli.
Why, then, methinks 'tis time to smile again.
O world, how apt the poor are to be proud!
If one should be a prey, how much the better note
To fall before the lion than the wolf! [Clock strikes.
The clock upbraids me with the waste of time.
Be not afraid, good youth, I will not have you:
And yet, when wit and youth is come note to harvest,
Your wife is like to reap a proper man:

-- 268 --

note
There lies your way, due west.

Vio.
Then westward-ho!
Grace and good disposition attend note your ladyship note!
You'll nothing, madam, to my lord by me? note

Oli.
Stay:
I note prithee, tell me what thou think'st of me.

Vio.
That you do think you are not what you are.

Oli.
If I think so, I think the same of you.

Vio.
Then think you right: I am not what I am.

Oli.
I would you were as I would have you be!

Vio.
Would it be better, madam, than I am? note
I wish it might, for now I am your fool.

Oli.
O, what a deal of scorn looks beautiful
In the contempt and anger of his lip! note
A murderous guilt shows not itself more soon
Than love that would seem hid: love's night is noon.
Cesario, by the roses of the spring,
By maidhood, honour, truth and every thing,
I love thee so, that, maugre all thy note pride,
Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide.
Do not extort thy note reasons from this clause,
For that I woo, thou therefore hast no cause;
But rather reason thus with reason fetter,
Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.

Vio.
By innocence I swear, and by my youth,
I have one heart, one bosom and one truth,
And that no woman has; nor never none
Shall mistress be of it, save I alone.
And note so adieu, good madam: never more
Will I my master's tears to you deplore.

Oli.
Yet come again; for thou perhaps mayst move
That heart, which now abhors, to like his love.
[Exeunt.

-- 269 --

note Scene II. [Footnote: Olivia's house. note Enter Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Fabian.

Sir And.

No, faith, I'll not stay a jot longer.

Sir To.

Thy reason, dear venom, give thy reason.

Fab.

You must needs yield your reason, Sir Andrew.

Sir And.

Marry, I saw your niece do more favours to the count's note serving-man than ever she bestowed upon note me; I saw 't i' the orchard.

Sir To.

Did she see thee the note while, old boy? tell me that.

Sir And.

As plain as I see you now.

Fab.

This was a great argument of love in her toward you.

Sir And.

'Slight note, will you make an ass o' me?

Fab.

I will note prove it legitimate, sir, upon the oaths of judgement and reason.

Sir To.

And they have been grand-jurymen since before Noah was a sailor.

Fab.

She did show favour to the youth in your sight only to exasperate you, to awake your dormouse valour, to put fire in your heart, and brimstone in your liver. You should then have accosted her; and with some excellent jests, fire-new from the mint, you should have banged the youth into dumbness. This was looked for at your hand, and this was balked: the double gilt of this opportunity you let time wash off, and you are now sailed into the north of my lady's opinion; where you will hang like an icicle on a Dutchman's beard, unless you do redeem it by some laudable note attempt either of valour or policy.

-- 270 --

Sir And.

An't note be any way, it must be with valour; for policy I hate: I had as lief be a Brownist as a politician.

Sir To.

Why, then, build me thy fortunes upon the basis of valour. Challenge me the count's note youth to fight note with him note; hurt him in eleven places: my niece shall take note of it; and assure thyself, there is no love-broker in the world can more prevail in man's commendation with woman note than report of valour.

Fab.

There is no way but this, Sir Andrew.

Sir And.

Will either of you bear me a challenge to him?

Sir To.

Go, write it in a martial hand; be curst note and brief; it is no matter how witty, so it be eloquent and full of invention: taunt him with the license of ink: if thou thou'st him some thrice, it shall not be amiss; and as many lies as will lie in thy sheet of paper, although the sheet were big enough for the bed of Ware in England, set 'em down: go, about note it. Let there be gall enough in thy ink, though thou write note with a goose-pen, no matter: about it.

Sir And.

Where shall I find you?

Sir To.

We'll call thee at the note cubiculo: go.

[Exit Sir Andrew. note

Fab.

This is a dear manakin to you, Sir Toby.

Sir To.

I have been dear to him, lad, some two thousand strong, or so.

Fab.

We shall have a rare letter from him: but you'll not deliver't?

Sir To.

Never trust me, then; and by all means stir on the youth to an answer. I think oxen and wainropes cannot hale them together. For Andrew note, if he were opened, and note you find so much blood in his liver as will clog the foot of a flea, I'll eat the rest of the anatomy.

-- 271 --

Fab.

And his opposite, the youth, bears in his visage no great presage of cruelty.

Enter Maria.

Sir To.

Look, where the youngest wren of nine note comes.

Mar.

If you desire the spleen, and will laugh yourselves into stitches, follow me. Yond note gull Malvolio is turned heathen note, a very renegado note; for there is no Christian, that means to be saved by believing rightly, can ever believe such impossible passages of grossness. He's in yellow stockings.

Sir To.

And cross-gartered?

Mar.

Most villanously; like a pedant that keeps a school i' the church. I have dogged him, like his murderer. He does obey every point of the letter that I dropped to betray him: he does smile his face into more lines than is note in the new map with the augmentation of the Indies: you have not seen such a thing as 'tis. I can hardly forbear hurling things at him. I know my lady will strike him: if she do, he'll smile and take't for a great favour.

Sir To.

Come, bring us, bring us where he is.

[Exeunt. note note Scene III. [Footnote: A street. note Enter Sebastian and Antonio.

Seb.
I would not by my will have troubled you;
But, since you make your pleasure of your pains,
I will no further chide you.

Ant.
I could not stay behind you: my desire,
More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth;
And not all love to see you, though so much
As might have drawn one note to a longer voyage,

-- 272 --


But jealousy what might befall your travel,
Being skilless in these parts; which to a stranger,
Unguided and unfriended, often prove
Rough and unhospitable: my willing love,
The rather by these arguments of fear,
Set forth in your pursuit.

Seb.
My kind Antonio,
I can no other answer make but thanks,
And thanks; and ever......oft good turns note
Are shuffled off with such uncurrent pay note:
But, were my worth note as is my conscience firm,
You should find better dealing. What's to do?
Shall we go see the reliques of this town?

Ant.
To-morrow, sir: best first go see your lodging. note

Seb.
I am not weary, and 'tis long to night:
I pray you, let us satisfy our eyes
With the memorials and the things of fame
That do renown this city.

Ant.
Would you'ld pardon me;
I do not without danger walk these streets:
Once, in a sea-fight, 'gainst the count his note galleys
I did some service; of such note indeed,
That were I ta'en here it would scarce be answer'd.

Seb.
Belike you slew great number of his people. note

Ant.
The offence is not of such a bloody nature;

-- 273 --


Albeit the quality of the time and quarrel
Might well have given us bloody argument.
It might have since been answer'd in repaying
What we took from them; which, for traffic's sake,
Most of our city did: only myself stood out;
For which, if I be lapsed note in this place,
I shall pay dear.

Seb.
Do not then walk too open.

Ant.
It doth not fit me. Hold, sir, here's my purse.
In the south suburbs, at the Elephant,
Is best to lodge: I will bespeak our diet,
Whiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledge
With viewing of the town: there shall you have me.

Seb.
Why I your purse?

Ant.
Haply your eye shall light upon some toy
You have desire to purchase; and your store,
I think, is not for idle markets, sir.

Seb.
I'll be your purse-bearer and leave you
For an note hour.

Ant.
To the Elephant.

Seb.
I do remember.
[Exeunt. note note Scene IV. [Footnote: Olivia's garden. note Enter Olivia and Maria.

Oli.
I have sent after him: he says he'll note come;
How shall I feast him? what bestow of note him?
For youth is bought more oft than begg'd or borrow'd note.

-- 274 --


I speak too loud.
Where is note Malvolio? he is sad and civil note,
And suits well for a servant with my fortunes:
Where is Malvolio?

Mar.

He's note coming, madam; but in very note strange manner. He is, sure, possessed, madam.

Oli.

Why, what's the matter? does he rave? note

Mar.

No, madam, he does nothing note but smile: your ladyship were best to have some guard about you, if he come; for, sure, the man is tainted in's note wits.

Oli.
Go call him hither. [Exit Maria. note] I am note as mad as he,
If sad and merry note madness equal be. Re-enter Maria, with Malvolio. note
How note now, Malvolio!
note

Mal.
Sweet lady, ho, ho note.

Oli.
Smilest thou?
I sent for thee upon a sad occasion note.

Mal.

Sad, lady! I could be sad: this does make some obstruction in the blood, this cross-gartering; but what of that? if it please the eye of one, it is with me as the very true sonnet is note, ‘Please one, and please all.’

Oli. note

Why, how dost thou, man? what is the matter with thee? note

-- 275 --

Mal.

Not black in my mind, though yellow in my legs. It did come to his hands, and commands shall be executed: I think we do know the sweet note 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 note thou by that, Malvolio?

Mal.

‘Some are born great,’—

Oli.

Ha!

Mal.

‘Some achieve greatness,’—

Oli.

What sayest thou?

Mal.

‘And some have greatness thrust upon them.’

Oli.

Heaven restore thee!

Mal.

‘Remember who commended thy yellow stockings,’—

Oli.

Thy note yellow stockings!

Mal.

‘And wished to see thee cross-gartered.’

Oli.

Cross-gartered!

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 very note midsummer madness.

Enter Servant.

Ser.

Madam, the young gentleman of the Count note Orsino's is returned: I could hardly entreat him back: he attends your ladyship's pleasure.

Oli.

I'll come to him. [Exit Servant. note] Good Maria, let this fellow be looked to. Where's my cousin note Toby?

-- 276 --

Let some of my people have a special care of him: I would not have him miscarry for the half of my dowry.

[Exeunt Olivia and Maria. note note

Mal.

O, ho! do you come near me now? no worse man than Sir Toby to look to me! This concurs directly with the letter: she sends him on purpose, that I may appear stubborn to him; for she incites me to that in the letter. ‘Cast thy humble slough,’ says she; ‘be opposite with a kinsman, surly with servants; let thy tongue tang with note arguments of state; put thyself into the trick of singularity;’ and consequently sets down the manner how; as, a sad face, a reverend carriage, a slow tongue, in the habit of some sir of note, and so forth. I have limed her; but it is Jove's note doing, and Jove note make me thankful! And when she went away now, ‘Let this fellow be looked to:’ fellow! not Malvolio, nor after my degree, but fellow. Why, every thing adheres together, that no dram of a scruple, no scruple of a scruple, no obstacle, no incredulous or unsafe circumstance —What can be said? Nothing that can be can come between me and the full prospect of my hopes. Well, Jove, not I, is the doer of this, and he is to be thanked.

Re-enter note Maria, with Sir Toby and Fabian. note

Sir To.

Which way is he, in the name of sanctity note? If all the devils of hell be drawn in little, and Legion himself possessed him, yet I'll speak to him.

Fab.

Here he is, here he is. How is't note with you, sir? how is't with you, man?

Mal.

Go off; I discard you: let me enjoy my private note: go off.

Mar.

Lo, how hollow the fiend speaks within him! did not I tell you? Sir Toby, my lady prays you to have a care of him.

-- 277 --

Mal.

Ah, ha! does she so?

Sir To.

Go to, go to; peace, peace; we must deal gently with him: let me note alone. How do you note, Malvolio? how is't with you? What, man! defy the devil: consider, he's an enemy to mankind.

Mal.

Do you know what you say?

Mar.

La you, an note you speak ill of the devil, how he takes it at heart! Pray God, he be not bewitched!

Fab.

Carry his water to the wise woman.

Mar.

Marry, and it shall be done to-morrow morning, if I live. My lady would not lose him for more than I'll say.

Mal.

How now, mistress!

Mar.

O Lord!

Sir To.

Prithee, hold thy peace; this note is not the way: do you not see you move him? let me alone with him note.

Fab.

No way but gentleness; gently, gently: the fiend is rough, and will not be roughly used.

Sir To.

Why, how now, my bawcock note! how dost thou, chuck?

Mal.

Sir!

Sir To.

Ay, Biddy, come with me. note What, man! 'tis not for gravity to play at cherry-pit with Satan: hang him, foul collier!

Mar.

Get him to say his prayers, good Sir Toby, get him to pray.

Mal.

My prayers, minx!

Mar. note

No, I warrant you, he will not hear of godliness.

Mal.

Go, hang yourselves all! you are idle shallow things: I am not of your element: you shall know more hereafter.

[Exit.

Sir To.

Is't Possible?

Fab.

If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction.

-- 278 --

Sir To.

His very genius hath taken the infection of the device, man.

Mar.

Nay, pursue him now, lest note the device take air and taint.

Fab.

Why, we shall make him mad indeed.

Mar.

The house will note be the quieter.

Sir To.

Come, we'll have him in a dark room and bound. My niece is already in the belief that he's mad: we may carry it thus, for our pleasure and his penance, till our very pastime, tired out of breath, prompt us to have mercy on him: at which time we will bring the device to the bar and crown thee for a finder of madmen. But see, but see.

noteEnter Sir Andrew.

Fab.

More matter for a May morning.

Sir And.

Here's the challenge, read it: I warrant there's vinegar and pepper in't.

Fab.

Is't so saucy?

Sir And.

Ay, is't note, I warrant him: do but read.

Sir To.

Give me. [Reads note] Youth, whatsoever thou art, thou art but a scurvy fellow.

Fab.

Good, and valiant.

Sir To. [reads]

Wonder not, nor admire not in thy mind, why I do call thee so, for I will show thee no reason for't.

Fab.

A good note note; that keeps you from the blow of the law.

Sir To. [reads]

Thou comest to the lady Olivia, and in my sight she uses thee kindly: but thou liest in thy throat; that is not the matter I challenge thee for.

Fab.

Very brief, and to note exceeding good sense—less note.

Sir To. [reads]

I will waylay thee going home; where if it be thy chance to kill me,—

-- 279 --

Fab.

Good.

Sir To. [reads]

Thou killest me like a rogue and a villain.

Fab.

Still you keep o' the windy side of the law: good.

Sir To. [reads]

Fare thee well; and God have mercy upon one of our souls! He may have mercy upon mine note; but my hope is better, and so look to thyself. Thy friend, as thou usest him, and thy sworn enemy,

Andrew Aguecheek.

If note this letter move him not, his legs cannot: I'll give't him.

Mar.

You may have very fit occasion for't: he is now in some commerce with my lady, and will by and by depart.

Sir To.

Go, Sir Andrew; scout me for him at the corner of the orchard like a bum-baily: note so soon as ever thou seest him, draw; and, as thou drawest, swear horrible note; for it comes to pass oft that a terrible oath, with a swaggering accent sharply twanged off, gives manhood more approbation than ever proof itself would have earned him. Away!

Sir And.

Nay, let me alone for swearing.

[Exit.

Sir To.

Now will not I deliver his letter: for the behaviour of the young gentleman gives him out to be of good capacity and breeding; his employment between his lord and my niece confirms no less: therefore this letter, being so excellently ignorant, will breed no terror in the youth: he will find it comes note from a clodpole. But, sir, I will deliver his challenge by word of mouth; set upon Aguecheek a notable report of valour; and drive the gentleman, as I know his youth will aptly receive it, into a most hideous opinion of his rage, skill, fury and impetuosity. This will so fright them both, that they will kill one another by the look, like cockatrices.

-- 280 --

Re-enter Olivia, with Viola. note note

Fab.

Here he comes with your niece: give them way till he take leave, and presently after him.

Sir To.

I will meditate the while upon some horrid message for a challenge.

[Exeunt Sir Toby, Fabian, and Maria. note

Oli.
I have note said too much unto a heart of stone
And laid mine honour too unchary out note:
There's something in me that reproves my fault;
But such a headstrong potent fault it is,
That it but mocks reproof.

Vio.
With the same 'haviour that your passion bears
Goes on my master's grief note note.

Oli.
Here, wear this jewel for me, 'tis my picture;
Refuse it not; it hath no tongue to vex you;
And I beseech you come again to-morrow.
What shall you ask of me that I'll deny,
That honour saved note may upon asking give?

Vio.
Nothing but this;—your true love for my master.

Oli.
How with mine honour may I give him that
Which I have given to you?

Vio.
I will acquit you.

Oli.
Well, come again to-morrow: fare thee well:
A fiend like thee might bear my soul to hell.
[Exit. noteRe-enter Sir Toby and Fabian.

Sir To.

Gentleman, God save thee.

Vio.

And you, sir.

Sir To.

That defence thou hast, betake thee to't: of what nature the wrongs are thou hast done him, I know

-- 281 --

not; but thy intercepter note, full of despite, bloody as the hunter, attends thee at the orchard-end: dismount thy tuck, be yare in thy preparation, for thy assailant is quick, skilful and deadly.

Vio.

You mistake, sir; I am sure note no man hath any quarrel to me: my remembrance is very free and clear from any image of offence done to any man.

Sir To.

You'll find it otherwise, I assure you: therefore, if you hold your life at any price, betake you to your guard; for your opposite hath in him what youth, strength, skill and wrath can furnish man note withal.

Vio.

I pray you, sir, what is he?

Sir To.

He is knight note, dubbed with unhatched note rapier and on carpet consideration; but he is a devil in private brawl: souls and bodies hath he divorced three; and his incensement at this moment is so implacable, that satisfaction can be none but by pangs of death and sepulchre. Hob, nob note, is his word; give't or take't.

Vio.

I will return again into the house and desire some conduct of the lady. I am no fighter. I have heard of some kind of men that put quarrels purposely on others, to taste their valour: belike this is a man of that quirk.

Sir To.

Sir, no note; his indignation derives note itself out of a very competent note injury: therefore, get you on and give him his desire. Back you shall not to the house, unless you undertake that with me which with as much safety you might answer him: note therefore, on, or note strip your sword note stark naked; for meddle you must, that's certain, or forswear to wear iron about you.

Vio.

This is as uncivil note as strange. I beseech you, do

-- 282 --

me this courteous office, as to know note of the knight what my offence to him is: it is something of my negligence, nothing of my purpose.

Sir To.

I will do so. Signior Fabian, stay you by this gentleman till my return.

[Exit.

Vio.

Pray you, sir, do you know of this matter?

Fab.

I know the knight is incensed against you, even to a mortal arbitrement; but nothing of the circumstance more.

Vio.

I beseech you, what manner of man is he?

Fab.

Nothing of that wonderful promise, to read him by his form, as you are like to find him in the proof of his valour. He is, indeed, sir, the most skilful, bloody and fatal opposite that you could possibly have found in any part of Illyria. Will you walk towards him? I will make your peace with him if I can.

Vio.

I shall be much bound to you for't: I am one that had rather go with sir priest than sir knight: I care not who knows so much of my mettle.

[Exeunt. note Re-enter note Sir Toby, with Sir Andrew. note

Sir To.

Why, man, he's a very devil; I have not seen such a firago note. I had a pass with him, rapier, scabbard and all, and he gives me the stuck in note with such a mortal motion, that it is inevitable; and on the answer, he pays you note as surely as your feet hit note the ground they step on. They say he has been fencer to the Sophy.

Sir And.

Pox on't, I'll not meddle with him.

Sir To.

Ay, but he will not now be pacified: Fabian can scarce hold him yonder note.

Sir And.

Plague on't, an note I thought he had been valiant

-- 283 --

and so cunning in fence, I'ld have seen him damned ere I'ld have challenged him. Let him let the matter slip, and I'll give him my horse, grey Capilet note.

Sir To.

I'll make the motion: stand here, make a good show on't: this shall end without the perdition of souls. [Aside note] Marry, I'll ride your horse as well as I ride you.

Re-enter Fabian and Viola. note [To Fab. note]

I have his horse to take up note the quarrel: I have persuaded him the youth's a devil.

Fab.

He is as horribly conceited of him; and pants and looks pale, as if a bear were at his heels.

Sir To. [To Vio. note]

There's no remedy, sir; he will fight with you for's oath sake note: marry, he hath better bethought him of his quarrel, and he finds that now scarce to be note worth talking of: therefore draw, for the supportance of his vow; he protests he will not hurt you.

Vio. [Aside note]

Pray God defend me! A little thing would make me tell them how much I lack of a man.

Fab.

Give ground, if you see him furious.

Sir To.

Come, Sir Andrew, there's no remedy; the gentleman will, for his honour's sake, have one bout with you; he cannot by the duello avoid it: but he has promised me, as he is a gentleman and a soldier, he will not hurt you. Come on; to't.

Sir And.
Pray God, he keep his oath!
note

Vio.
I do assure you, 'tis against my will.
[They draw. note Enter Antonio. note

Ant.
Put up your sword. If this young gentleman
Have done offence, I take the fault on me:

-- 284 --

note
If you offend him, I for him defy you.

Sir To.
You, sir! why, what are you?

Ant.
One, sir, that for his love dares yet do more
Than you have heard him brag to you he will.

Sir To.
Nay, if you be an undertaker, I am for you.
[They draw. note Enter Officers. note

Fab.

O good Sir Toby, hold! here come the officers.

note

Sir To.

I'll be with you anon.

note

Vio.

Pray, sir, put your sword up, if you please.

Sir And.

Marry, will I, sir; and, for that I promised you, I'll be as good as my word: he will bear you easily and reins well.

First Off.

This is the man; do thy office.

Sec. Off.

Antonio, I arrest thee at the suit of Count note Orsino.

Ant.

You do mistake me, sir. note

First Off.
No, sir, no jot; I know your favour well,
Though now you have no sea-cap on your head.
Take him away: he knows I know him well.

Ant.
I must obey. [To Vio. note] This comes with seeking you:
But there's no remedy; I shall answer it.
What will you do, now my necessity
Makes me to ask you for my purse? note It grieves me
Much more for what I cannot do for you
Than what befalls myself. You stand amazed;
But be of comfort.

Sec. Off.
Come, sir, away.

Ant.
I must entreat of you some of that money note.

-- 285 --

Vio.
What money, sir?
For the fair kindness you have show'd me here,
And, part, being prompted by your present trouble,
Out of my lean and low ability
I'll lend you something: my having is not much;
I'll make division of my present with you:
Hold, there's note note half my coffer.

Ant.
Will you deny me now? note
Is't possible that my deserts to you
Can lack persuasion? Do not tempt my misery,
Lest note that it make me so unsound a man
As to upbraid you with those kindnesses
That I have done for you.

Vio.
I know of none;
Nor know I you by voice or any feature:
I hate ingratitude more in a man
Than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness note,
Or any taint of vice whose strong corruption
Inhabits our frail blood.

Ant.
O heavens themselves!

Sec. Off.
Come, sir, I pray you, go note.

Ant.
Let me speak note a little. This youth note that you see here
I snatch'd one half out of the jaws of death;
Relieved him with such sanctity of love; note
And to his note image, which methought did promise
Most venerable note worth, did I devotion.

First Off.
What's that to us? The time goes by: away!

Ant.
But O how vile note an idol proves this god!
Thou hast, Sebastian, done good feature shame.

-- 286 --


In nature there's no blemish but the mind;
None can be call'd deform'd but the unkind:
Virtue is beauty; but the beauteous evil note
Are empty trunks, o'erflourish'd by the devil.

First Off.
The man note grows mad: away with him! Come note, come, sir.

Ant.
Lead me on.
[Exit with Officers. note

Vio.
Methinks his words do from such passion fly,
That he believes himself: so do not I.
Prove true, imagination, O, prove true,
That I, dear brother, be now ta'en for you!

Sir To.

Come hither, knight; come hither, Fabian: we'll note whisper o'er a couplet or two of most sage saws.

Vio.
He named Sebastian: I my brother know
Yet living in my glass; even such and so
In favour was my brother, and he went
Still in this fashion, colour, ornament,
For him I imitate: O, if note it prove,
Tempests are kind and salt waves fresh in love!
[Exit. note

Sir To.

A very dishonest paltry boy, and more a coward than a hare: his dishonesty appears in leaving his friend here in necessity and denying him; and for his cowardship, ask Fabian.

Fab.

A coward, a most note devout coward, religious in it.

Sir And.

'Slid note, I'll after him again and beat him.

Sir To.

Do; cuff him soundly, but never note draw thy sword.

Sir And.

An note I do not,— note

[Exit.

Fab.

Come, let's note see the event.

Sir To.

I dare lay any note money 'twill be nothing yet.

[Exeunt. note

-- 287 --

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William Aldis Wright [1863–1866], The works of William Shakespeare edited by William George Clark... and John Glover [and William Aldis Wright] (Macmillan and Co., London) [word count] [S10701].
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