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)

    14653.3
    Enter Sebastian and Antonio.
    Sebastian
    I would not by my will have troubled you,
    But since you make your pleasure of your pains,
    I will no further chide you.
    1470Antonio
    I could not stay behind you. My desire,
    More sharp than filèd steel, did spur me forth;
    And not all love to see you--though so much
    As might have drawn one to a longer voyage--
    But jealousy what might befall your travel,
    1475Being 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.
    1480Sebastian
    My kind Antonio,
    I can no other answer make but thanks,
    And thanks, and ever thanks; and oft good turns
    Are shuffled off with such uncurrent pay.
    But were my worth, as is my conscience, firm,
    1485You should find better dealing. What's to do?
    Shall we go see the relics of this town?
    Antonio
    Tomorrow, sir; best first go see your lodging.
    Sebastian
    I am not weary, and 'tis long to night.
    I pray you, let us satisfy our eyes
    1490With the memorials and the things of fame
    That do renown this city.
    Antonio
    Would you'd pardon me.
    I do not without danger walk these streets.
    Once in a sea-fight 'gainst the count his galleys
    1495I did some service, of such note indeed
    That were I ta'en here it would scarce be answered.
    Sebastian
    Belike you slew great number of his people.
    Antonio
    Th'offence is not of such a bloody nature,
    Albeit the quality of the time and quarrel
    1500Might well have given us bloody argument.
    It might have since been answered 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 lapsèd in this place,
    1505I shall pay dear.
    Sebastian
    Do not then walk too open.
    Antonio
    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,
    1510Whiles you beguile the time, and feed your knowledge
    With viewing of the town. There shall you have me.
    Sebastian
    Why I your purse?
    Antonio
    Haply your eye shall light upon some toy
    You have desire to purchase; and your store,
    1515I think, is not for idle markets, sir.
    Sebastian
    I'll be your purse-bearer, and leave you for
    An hour.
    Antonio
    To th'Elephant.
    Sebastian
    I do remember.
    Exeunt [different ways].