Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Twelfth Night (Modern)
  • Editors: David Carnegie, Mark Houlahan
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-372-4

    Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editors: David Carnegie, Mark Houlahan
    Peer Reviewed

    Twelfth Night (Modern)

    4.3
    Enter Sebastian.
    2115Sebastian
    [To the audience] This is the air, that is the glorious sun,
    [Indicating the pearl] This pearl she gave me, I do feel't, and see't,
    And though 'tis wonder that enwraps me thus,
    Yet 'tis not madness. Where's Antonio then?
    I could not find him at the Elephant,
    2120Yet there he was, and there I found this credit,
    That he did range the town to seek me out.
    His counsel now might do me golden service,
    For though my soul disputes well (with my sense)
    That this may be some error, but no madness,
    2125Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune
    So far exceed all instance, all discourse,
    That I am ready to distrust mine eyes,
    And wrangle with my reason that persuades me
    To any other trust but that I am mad,
    2130Or else the lady's mad. Yet if 'twere so,
    She could not sway her house, command her followers,
    Take and give back affairs and their dispatch,
    With such a smooth, discreet, and stable bearing
    As I perceive she does. There's something in't
    2135That is deceivable.
    Enter Olivia, and Priest.
    But here the lady comes.
    Olivia
    Blame not this haste of mine. If you mean well,
    Now go with me, and with this holy man,
    Into the chantry by; there before him,
    2140And underneath that consecrated roof,
    Plight me the full assurance of your faith,
    That my most jealous and too doubtful soul
    May live at peace. He shall conceal it,
    Whiles you are willing it shall come to note
    2145What time we will our celebration keep
    According to my birth. What do you say?
    Sebastian
    I'll follow this good man, and go with you,
    And having sworn truth, ever will be true.
    Olivia
    Then lead the way, good father, and heavens so shine
    2150That they may fairly note this act of mine.
    Exeunt.