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.]