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)

    1.4
    250Enter Valentine, and Viola in man's attire [as Cesario].
    Valentine
    If the Duke continue these favors towards you, Cesario, you are like to be much advanced. He hath known you but three days, and already you are no stranger.
    Viola
    You either fear his humor, or my negligence, 255that you call in question the continuance of his love. Is he inconstant, sir, in his favors?
    Valentine
    No, believe me.
    Enter Orsino, Curio, and Attendants.
    Viola
    I thank you. Here comes the count.
    Orsino
    Who saw Cesario, ho?
    260Viola
    On your attendance, my lord, here.
    Orsino
    [To the Courtiers] Stand you awhile aloof. [All but Viola stand apart.] Cesario,
    Thou know'st no less but all; I have unclasped
    To thee the book even of my secret soul.
    Therefore, good youth, address thy gait unto her,
    265Be not denied access, stand at her doors,
    And tell them, there thy fixèd foot shall grow
    Till thou have audience.
    Viola
    Sure, my noble lord,
    If she be so abandoned to her sorrow
    270As it is spoke, she never will admit me.
    Orsino
    Be clamorous, and leap all civil bounds,
    Rather than make unprofited return.
    Viola
    Say I do speak with her, my lord, what then?
    Orsino
    O then unfold the passion of my love,
    275Surprise 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's [Indicating Valentine] of more grave aspect.
    Viola
    I think not so, my lord.
    280Orsino
    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;
    285And all is semblative a woman's part.
    I know thy constellation is right apt
    For this affair. [To the Courtiers] Some four or five attend him--
    All if you will, for I myself am best
    When least in company. Prosper well in this,
    290And thou shalt live as freely as thy lord
    To call his fortunes thine.
    Viola
    I'll do my best
    To woo your lady.
    [Exit Orsino.]
    [To the audience] Yet a barful strife;
    Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife.
    Exeunt [Viola, Courtiers, and Attendants].