READ STUDY GUIDE: Act I, scenes iii–iv |
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Act I, Scene iv
| The DUKE'S palace. |
| [Enter VALENTINE, and VIOLA in man's attire.] |
| VALENTINE: |
| If the duke continue these favours towards you, Cesario, you are |
| like to be much advanc'd. He hath known you but three days, and |
| already you are no stranger. |
| VIOLA: |
| You either fear his humour or my negligence, that you call in |
| question the continuance of his love. Is he inconstant, sir, in |
| his favours? |
| VALENTINE: |
| No, believe me. |
| VIOLA: |
| I thank you. Here comes the Count. |
| [Enter DUKE, CURIO, and ATTENDANTS.] |
| DUKE: |
| Who saw Cesario, ho? |
| VIOLA: |
| On your attendance, my lord; here. |
| DUKE: |
| Stand you awhile aloof. Cesario, |
| Thou know'st no less but all; I have unclasp'd |
| To thee the book even of my secret soul. |
| Therefore, good youth, address thy gait unto her; |
| Be not denied access, stand at her doors, |
| And tell them, there thy fixed foot shall grow |
| Till thou have audience. |
| VIOLA: |
| Sure, my noble lord, |
| If she be so abandon'd to her sorrow |
| As it is spoke, she never will admit me. |
| DUKE: |
| Be clamorous and leap all civil bounds |
| Rather than make unprofited return. |
| VIOLA: |
| Say I do speak with her, my lord, what then? |
| DUKE: |
| O, then unfold the passion of my love, |
| Surprise 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 of more grave aspect. |
| VIOLA: |
| I think not so, my lord. |
| DUKE: |
| 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, |
| And all is semblative a woman's part. |
| I know thy constellation is right apt |
| For this affair. Some four or five attend him; |
| All, if you will; for I myself am best |
| When least in company. Prosper well in this, |
| And thou shalt live as freely as thy lord, |
| To call his fortunes thine. |
| VIOLA: |
| I'll do my best |
| To woo your lady,—[Aside]yet, a barful strife! |
| Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife. |
| [Exeunt.] |
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