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Act 3, Scene 3
Twelfth Night Translation Act 3, Scene 4
Enter OLIVIA and MARIA
OLIVIA
I have sent after him. He says he’ll come. How shall I feast him? What bestow of him? For youth is bought more oft than begged or borrow’d. I speak too loud. (to MARIA) Where’s Malvolio? He is sad and civil And suits well for a servant with my fortunes. Where is Malvolio?
OLIVIA
[To herself] I've sent for him. He says he'll come. What food should I give him? What gifts? For it's better to buy something than beg for it or borrow it—and it's the same with youth and love. But I'm speaking too loud.
[To MARIA] Where's Malvolio? He is very serious and solemn, which is appropriate for someone in mourning like I am. Where is Malvolio?
MARIA
He’s coming, madam; but in very strange manner. He is sure possessed, madam.
MARIA
He's coming, madam, but in a very strange manner. He seems crazy, madam.
OLIVIA
Why, what’s the matter? Does he rave?
OLIVIA
Why, what's the matter? Is he talking nonsense?
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MARIA
No, madam, he does nothing but smile. Your ladyship were best to have some guard about you if he come, for sure the man is tainted in ’s wits.
MARIA
No, madam, he does nothing but smile. It would be best if you had a guard nearby if he comes here, for the man is surely sick in his head.
OLIVIA
Go call him hither.
OLIVIA
Go call him here.
Exit MARIA
I am as mad as he, If sad and merry madness equal be.
I am as mad as he is, if sad madness and merry madness are equals.
Enter MARIA, with MALVOLIO
How now, Malvolio?
What's going on, Malvolio?
MALVOLIO
Sweet lady, ho, ho.
MALVOLIO
Sweet lady, hello.
OLIVIA
Smilest thou? I sent for thee upon a sad occasion.
OLIVIA
Are you smiling? I sent for you on a sad occasion.
MALVOLIO
Sad, lady! I could be sad. This does make some obstruction in the blood, this cross-gartering, but whatof that? If it please the eye of one, it is with me as the very true sonnet is, “Please one, and please all.”
MALVOLIO
Sad, my lady! I could be sad. These crossed laces do cut off the circulation in my legs a bit, but what of that? If a certain person likes them, then it's like that poem says: "Please one, and please all."
OLIVIA
Why, how dost thou, man? What is the matter with thee?
OLIVIA
Why, what's going on, man? What is the matter with you?
MALVOLIO
Not black in my mind, though yellow in my legs. It did come to his hands, and commands shall be executed. I think we do know the sweet Roman hand.
MALVOLIO
My legs are yellow, but I don't feel blue. The letter came to me, and its commands must be obeyed. I think I recognized the fancy Italian handwriting.
OLIVIA
Wilt thou go to bed, Malvolio?
OLIVIA
Don't you think you ought to go to bed, Malvolio?
MALVOLIO
To bed? “Ay, sweetheart, and I’ll come to thee.”
MALVOLIO
To bed? "Yes, sweetheart, I'll come to you."
OLIVIA
God comfort thee! Why dost thou smile so, and kiss thyhand so oft?
OLIVIA
For God's sake! Why are you smiling like that, and kissing your hand so often?
MARIA
How do you, Malvolio?
MARIA
Are you okay, Malvolio?
MALVOLIO
At your request! Yes, nightingales answer daws!
MALVOLIO
You think I'll answer you? Noblemen don't answer servants!
MARIA
Why appear you with this ridiculous boldness before my lady?
MARIA
Why are you acting with such ridiculous arrogance in front of my lady?
MALVOLIO
“Be not afraid of greatness.” 'Twas well writ.
MALVOLIO
"Don't be afraid of my greatness." It was well written.
OLIVIA
What meanest thou by that, Malvolio?
OLIVIA
What do you mean by that, Malvolio?
MALVOLIO
“Some are born great—”
MALVOLIO
"Some are born great—"
OLIVIA
Ha?
OLIVIA
What?
MALVOLIO
“Some achieve greatness—”
MALVOLIO
"Some achieve greatness—"
OLIVIA
What sayest thou?
OLIVIA
What did you say?
MALVOLIO
“And some have greatness thrust upon them.”
MALVOLIO
"And some have greatness thrust upon them."
OLIVIA
Heaven restore thee!
OLIVIA
May heaven restore your sanity!
MALVOLIO
“Remember who commended thy yellow stockings—”
MALVOLIO
"Remember who it was who complimented your yellow stockings—"
OLIVIA
Thy yellow stockings?
OLIVIA
Your yellow stockings?
MALVOLIO
“And wished to see thee cross-gartered.”
MALVOLIO
"And asked to see you always wearing crossed laces going up your legs."
OLIVIA
Cross-gartered?
OLIVIA
Crossed laces?
MALVOLIO
“Go to, thou art made, if thou desirest to be so—”
MALVOLIO
"Now go. You are assured of becoming a gentleman, if you want to be—"
OLIVIA
Am I made?
OLIVIA
Am I a gentleman?
MALVOLIO
“If not, let me see thee a servant still.”
MALVOLIO
"If not, just keep acting like a servant."
OLIVIA
Why, this is very midsummer madness.
OLIVIA
This is surely insanity.
Enter SERVANT
SERVANT
Madam, the young gentleman of the Count Orsino’s is returned. I could hardly entreat him back. He attends your ladyship’s pleasure.
SERVANT
Madam, Duke Orsino's young gentleman has returned. I had to beg him to come back, but he is here now and ready to see you when you're ready.
OLIVIA
I’ll come to him.
OLIVIA
I'll go to him.
Exit SERVANT
Good Maria, let this fellow be looked to. Where’s my cousin Toby? Let some of my people have a special care of him. I would not have him miscarry for the half of mydowry.
Good Maria, take care of this fellow here. Where's my cousin Toby? Let some of my servants take special care of Malvolio. I'd give half my wealth to keep him from harm.
Exeunt OLIVIA and MARIA
MALVOLIO
Oh, ho! Do you come near me now? No worse man than SirToby to look to me. This concurs directly with the letter. She sends him on purpose that I may appear stubborn to him, for she incites me to that in the letter. “Cast thy humble slough,” says she. “Be oppositewith a kinsman, surly with servants. Let thy tongue tang with arguments of state. Put thyself into the trickof singularity,” and consequently sets down the manner how: as, a sad face, a reverend carriage, a slow tongue,in the habit of some sir of note, and so forth. I have limed her, but it is Jove’s doing, and Jove make me thankful! And when she went away now, “Let this fellow be looked to.” “Fellow!” Not “Malvolio,” nor after my degree, but “fellow.” Why, everything adheres together, that no dram of a scruple, no scruple of a scruple, no obstacle, no incredulous or unsafe circumstance—what canbe said? Nothing that can be can come between me and the full prospect of my hopes. Well, Jove, not I, is thedoer of this, and he is to be thanked.
MALVOLIO
Oh ho! Do you see me now? Sir Toby himself has been told to take care of me. This fits exactly with the letter. She sends Sir Toby to me on purpose so that I can be rude to him, just as she told me to in the letter. "Cast aside your lowly outer self," she said. "Be rude to your companions, and be mean to servants. Talk loudly and often about politics, and make a habit of being unique and eccentric." And then she wrote down the ways I should go about this: I should have a solemn face and a dignified demeanor, speak slowly, dress like a distinguished gentleman, and so forth. I've caught her now, but it is really God's doing—and may God make me thankful! And when she went away just now, she said "take care of this fellow here." "Fellow!" Not "Malvolio," nor anything appropriate for a servant, but "fellow." Almost "companion" or "partner." Why, everything is coming together perfectly, and not the tiniest amount of doubt, no obstacle, no incredible or unfortunate event could ruin it—what else can be said? Nothing that exists can now come between me and the fulfillment of my hopes. Well, God is responsible for this, not me, and he is to be thanked.
Enter MARIA, with SIR TOBY BELCH and FABIAN
SIR TOBY BELCH
Which way is he, in the name of sanctity? If all the devils of hell be drawn in little, and Legion himself possessed him, yet I’ll speak to him.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Where is he, in the name of all that's holy? Even if all the devils of hell are crammed together inside of him, even if a troop of demons possesses him, I still want to speak to him.
FABIAN
Here he is, here he is. How is’t with you, sir? How is’t with you, man?
FABIAN
Here he is, here he is. How are you, sir? How are you feeling, man?
MALVOLIO
Go off, I discard you. Let me enjoy my private. Go off.
MALVOLIO
Go away, I cast you off. Let me enjoy my privacy. Go away.
MARIA
[t o SIR TOBY BELCH ] Lo, how hollow the fiend speaks within him! Did not I tell you? Sir Toby, my lady prays you to have a care of him.
MARIA
[To SIR TOBY BELCH] Oh my, the demon speaks so loudly from within him. Didn't I tell you? Sir Toby, my lady asks you to take care of him.
MALVOLIO
Aha! Does she so?
MALVOLIO
Aha! Does she?
SIR TOBY BELCH
[t o FABIAN and MARIA ] Go to, go to! Peace, peace. We must deal gently with him. Let me alone. —How do you, Malvolio? How is ’t with you? What, man, defy the devil!Consider, he’s an enemy to mankind.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[To FABIAN and MARIA] Come on, come on! Quiet, quiet. We must be gentle with him. Let me deal with this.
[To MALVOLIO] How are you, Malvolio? How are you feeling? Come on, man, renounce the devil! Remember, he's the enemy of mankind.
MALVOLIO
Do you know what you say?
MALVOLIO
Do you know what you're saying?
MARIA
[t o SIR TOBY BELCH ] La you, an you speak ill of the devil, how he takes it at heart! Pray God, he be not bewitched!
MARIA
[To SIR TOBY BELCH] Look, he resents it when you insult the devil! Pray to God that he's not bewitched!
FABIAN
Carry his water to the wisewoman.
FABIAN
Get a urine sample from him and take it to the healing woman.
MARIA
Marry, and it shall be done tomorrow morning if I live. My lady would not lose him for more than I’ll say.
MARIA
Sure, I'll do it tomorrow morning, I swear. My lady would give a lot to keep from losing him.
MALVOLIO
How now, mistress?
MALVOLIO
What's that, mistress?
MARIA
O Lord!
MARIA
Oh Lord!
SIR TOBY BELCH
[t o MARIA ] Prithee, hold thy peace. This is not the way. Do you not see you move him? Let me alone with him.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[To MARIA] Please, keep quiet. This isn't the way to go about it. Don't you see that you're making him upset? Leave me alone with him.
FABIAN
No way but gentleness, gently, gently. The fiend is rough and will not be roughly used.
FABIAN
The only way to deal with him is gently, gently. The demon in him is rough, but we can't treat it roughly.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[t o MALVOLIO ] Why, how now, my bawcock! How dost thou, chuck?
SIR TOBY BELCH
[To the demon possessing MALVOLIO] Why, hello, my fine fellow! How are you, little chicken?
MALVOLIO
Sir!
MALVOLIO
Sir!
SIR TOBY BELCH
Ay, Biddy, come with me. —What, man! 'Tis not for gravity to play at cherry-pit with Satan. Hang him, foulcollier!
SIR TOBY BELCH
[To the devil "possessing" MALVOLIO] Yes, little chicken, come with me.
[To MALVOLIO] What, man! You're too serious to play games with Satan. Damn him, that dirty coal miner devil!
MARIA
Get him to say his prayers, good Sir Toby, get him to pray.
MARIA
Get him to say his prayers, good Sir Toby, get him to pray.
MALVOLIO
My prayers, minx?
MALVOLIO
My prayers, you hussy?
MARIA
[To SIR TOBY BELCH] No, I warrant you, he will not hear of godliness.
MARIA
[To SIR TOBY BELCH] No, I'm telling you, he doesn't want to hear about God.
MALVOLIO
Go, hang yourselves all! You are idle, shallow things. I am not of your element. You shall know more hereafter.
MALVOLIO
Go hang yourselves, all of you! You are lazy, shallow creatures. I'm made of better stuff than you. You'll learn more about that, later.
Exit
SIR TOBY BELCH
Is ’t possible?
SIR TOBY BELCH
Is it possible?
FABIAN
If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction.
FABIAN
If this were being acted out on a stage, I would complain that it was unrealistic.
SIR TOBY BELCH
His very genius hath taken the infection of the device,man.
SIR TOBY BELCH
He's really taken our trick to heart—it seems to have infected his very soul.
MARIA
Nay, pursue him now, lest the device take air and taint.
MARIA
No, pursue him now, before he exposes the prank and it gets ruined.
FABIAN
Why, we shall make him mad indeed.
FABIAN
Why, we're really going to make him crazy.
MARIA
The house will be the quieter.
MARIA
The house will be a calmer place for it.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Come, we’ll have him in a dark room and bound. My nieceis already in the belief that he’s mad. We may carry itthus, for our pleasure and his penance, till our very pastime, tired out of breath, prompt us to have mercy onhim, at which time we will bring the device to the bar and crown thee for a finder of madmen. But see, but see!
SIR TOBY BELCH
Come, we'll get him into a madhouse soon enough. My niece already thinks that he's crazy. We can take it as far as we want, punishing him and having fun, until we're tired and out of breath from laughing so hard, and then we can have mercy on him and reveal the joke, and crown you, Maria, the prank's mastermind. Come on, come on!
Enter SIR ANDREW
FABIAN
More matter for a May morning.
FABIAN
Here's more material for our comedy.
SIR ANDREW
[presenting a paper] Here’s the challenge, read it. Warrant there’s vinegar and pepper in ’t.
SIR ANDREW
[Presenting a paper] Here's my challenge; read it. I promise that it's feisty enough.
FABIAN
Is ’t so saucy?
FABIAN
Is it that insulting?
SIR ANDREW
Ay, is ’t, I warrant him. Do but read.
SIR ANDREW
Yes, it is, I promise. Just read it.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Give me. [reads] “Youth, whatsoever thou art, thou art but a scurvy fellow.”
SIR TOBY BELCH
Give it to me. [Reading] "Youth, whatever you are, you're nothing but a filthy fellow."
FABIAN
Good, and valiant.
FABIAN
Good, and brave.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[reads] “Wonder not, nor admire not in thy mind, why I do call thee so, for I will show thee no reason for ’t.”
SIR TOBY BELCH
[Reading] "And don't be amazed or ask why I call you that, for I won't give you any reason for it."
FABIAN
A good note, that keeps you from the blow of the law.
FABIAN
Good job, that vagueness will keep you from being accused of slander.
SIR TOBY BELCH
(reads) “Thou comest to the lady Olivia, and in my sight she uses thee kindly. But thou liest in thy throat. That is not the matter I challenge thee for.”
SIR TOBY BELCH
[Reading] "You came to the lady Olivia, and she was kind to you in front of me. But you lie like a dog. That's not what I'm challenging you about."
FABIAN
Very brief, and to exceeding good sense—less.
FABIAN
Very brief, and full of good sense... or nonsense.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[reads] “I will waylay thee going home, where if it be thy chance to kill me—”
SIR TOBY BELCH
[Reading] "I will ambush you on your way home, and if you happen to kill me there—"
FABIAN
Good.
FABIAN
Good.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[reads] “Thou killest me like a rogue and a villain.”
SIR TOBY BELCH
[Reading] "You'll be killing me like a criminal and a villain."
FABIAN
Still you keep o' the windy side of the law. Good.
FABIAN
You're still keeping on the safe side of the law. Good.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[reads] “Fare thee well, and God have mercy upon one of our souls. He may have mercy upon mine, but my hope is better, and so look to thyself. Thy friend, as thou usest him, and thy sworn enemy, Andrew Aguecheek” If this letter move him not, his legs cannot. I’ll give’t him.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[Reading] "Farewell then, and may God have mercy upon one of our souls. He may have mercy upon mine, but my hope of surviving is better than yours, so watch yourself. Signed, your friend, if you were friendly in return, and your sworn enemy,
Andrew Aguecheek"
[To ANDREW] If this letter won't make him get up and fight, then his legs must not work. I'll give it to him.
MARIA
You may have very fit occasion for ’t. He is now in some commerce with my lady and will by and by depart.
MARIA
You have a very convenient opportunity for it. He's doing some business with my lady right now, and he'll be leaving sooner or later.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Go, Sir Andrew. Scout me for him at the corner the orchard like a bum-baily. So soon as ever thou seest him, draw, and as thou drawest, swear horrible, for it comes to pass oft that a terrible oath, with a swaggering accent sharply twanged off, gives manhood more approbation than ever proof itself would have earned him. Away!
SIR TOBY BELCH
Go, Sir Andrew. Look for him in the corner of the garden as if you were a bounty hunter. As soon as you see him, draw your sword, and swear horribly as you draw it. It's often the case that a terrible swear word uttered with an arrogant tone can increase your reputation for courage better than actually fighting would. Now go!
SIR ANDREW
Nay, let me alone for swearing.
SIR ANDREW
No, I can't bear to swear.
Exit
SIR TOBY BELCH
Now will not I deliver his letter, for the behavior of the young gentleman gives him out to be of good capacityand breeding. His employment between his lord and my niece confirms no less. Therefore this letter, being so excellently ignorant, will breed no terror in the youth. He will find it comes from a clodpole. But, sir, I willdeliver his challenge by word of mouth, set upon Aguecheek a notable report of valor, and drive the gentleman (as I know his youth will aptly receive it) into a most hideous opinion of his rage, skill, fury, and impetuosity. This will so fright them both that theywill kill one another by the look, like cockatrices.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Now I won't deliver this letter, for the young gentleman's behavior shows that he is noble and sensible, and his role as a messenger between his lord and my niece confirms this. Therefore this letter, which is so incredibly ignorant, won't frighten him at all. He'll know it came from a fool. But, sir, I will deliver Sir Andrew's challenge by word of mouth. I'll describe him as having a great reputation for bravery, and convince the youth that Sir Andrew is angry, courageous, and skilled with a sword—and he'll believe me because he's so young. Then they'll both be so afraid, that when they see each other they'll kill each other with just a look, like basilisks.
Enter OLIVIA, with VIOLA
FABIAN
Here he comes with your niece. Give them way till he take leave, and presently after him.
FABIAN
Here comes the youth with your niece. Stay away until he leaves her, and then confront him.
SIR TOBY BELCH
I will meditate the while upon some horrid message for a challenge.
SIR TOBY BELCH
While I wait I'll come up with some horrible message to be the challenge.
Exeunt SIR TOBY BELCH, FABIAN, and MARIA
OLIVIA
I have said too much unto a heart of stone And laid mine honor too unchary on ’t. There’s something in me that reproves my fault, But such a headstrong potent fault it is That it but mocks reproof.
OLIVIA
I've said too much to your heart of stone, and carelessly laid my honor and reputation on that stone. There's something in me that condemns my love, but that love is so willful and powerful that it ignores all condemnation.
VIOLA
With the same 'havior that your passion bearsGoes on my master’s grief.
VIOLA
My master's behavior in his passion for you is the same as yours in your passion for me.
OLIVIA
Here, wear this jewel for me. 'Tis my picture. Refuse it not. It hath no tongue to vex you. And I beseech you come again tomorrow. What shall you ask of me that I’ll deny, That honor, saved, may upon asking give?
OLIVIA
Here, wear this locket for me. My picture is inside. Don't refuse it, please. Unlike me, it has no voice to upset you with. And I beg you to come again tomorrow. What could you ask of me that I would deny, as long as I can retain my honor in giving it?
VIOLA
Nothing but this: your true love for my master.
VIOLA
Nothing but this: give your true love to my master.
OLIVIA
How with mine honor may I give him thatWhich I have given to you?
OLIVIA
How could I keep my honor and give him what I have already given to you?
VIOLA
I will acquit you.
VIOLA
I will release you from any obligation to me.
OLIVIA
Well, come again tomorrow. Fare thee well.A fiend like thee might bear my soul to hell.
OLIVIA
Well, come again tomorrow. Farewell. A devil who wore your face could lead my soul to hell.
Exit
Enter SIR TOBY BELCH and FABIAN
SIR TOBY BELCH
Gentleman, God save thee.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Hello, gentleman.
VIOLA
And you, sir.
VIOLA
And hello to you, sir.
SIR TOBY BELCH
That defense thou hast, betake thee to ’t . Of what nature the wrongs are thou hast done him, I know not, but thy intercepter, full of despite, bloody as the hunter, attends thee at the orchard end. Dismount thy tuck, be yare in thy preparation, for thy assailant is quick, skillful and deadly.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Prepare yourself with whatever fighting defenses you have. I don't know what you've done to insult him, but someone is full of defiance and bloodthirstiness towards you, and he waits for you at the end of the garden. Draw your sword and prepare yourself swiftly, for your assailant is quick, skillful, and deadly.
VIOLA
You mistake, sir. I am sure no man hath any quarrel to me. My remembrance is very free and clear from any imageof offense done to any man.
VIOLA
You must be mistaken, sir. I'm sure no man has any reason to quarrel with me. I can't remember ever offending anyone.
SIR TOBY BELCH
You’ll find it otherwise, I assure you. Therefore, if you hold your life at any price, betake you to your guard, for your opposite hath in him what youth, strength, skill, and wrath can furnish man withal.
SIR TOBY BELCH
You'll find the truth to be otherwise, I assure you. So if you value your life at all, be on your guard, for your opponent has all the youth, strength, skill, and anger that God can give to a man.
VIOLA
I pray you, sir, what is he?
VIOLA
Please, sir, who is he?
SIR TOBY BELCH
He is knight, dubbed with unhatched rapier and on carpet consideration, but he is a devil in private brawl. Souls and bodies hath he divorced three, and his incensement at this moment is so implacable that satisfaction can be none but by pangs of death and sepulchre. Hob, nob, is his word. “Give ’t or take ’t.”
SIR TOBY BELCH
He is a knight. His sword has never been used in battle, and he was knighted through his court connections rather than his battle skill, but he's a devil when he's fighting a private duel. He's killed three people, and his anger is so great right now that the only thing he'll be satisfied with is seeing you dead and buried. "Kill or be killed, it doesn't matter" is his motto.
VIOLA
I will return again into the house and desire some conduct of the lady. I am no fighter. I have heard of some kind of men that put quarrels purposely on others, to taste their valor. Belike this is a man of that quirk.
VIOLA
I'll go back into the house and ask for a protective escort from the lady. I'm no fighter. I've heard of some men who pick fights with people on purpose, just to test their bravery. This man must have that kind of personality.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Sir, no. His indignation derives itself out of a very competent injury. Therefore get you on and give him his desire. Back you shall not to the house, unless you undertake that with me which with as much safety you might answer him. Therefore on, or strip your sword stark naked, for meddle you must, that’s certain, or forswear to wear iron about you.
SIR TOBY BELCH
No, sir. His fury comes from a very real insult you gave him. So go ahead and give him what he wants. You won't be allowed to go back into the house unless you want to fight me, and if you're going to do that you might as well fight him instead. So go on to the garden, or else draw your sword right now. There's no way you're going to avoid a fight today, unless you want to give up your title as a gentleman and swear that you'll never carry a sword again.
VIOLA
This is as uncivil as strange. I beseech you, do me this courteous office, as to know of the knight what my offense to him is. It is something of my negligence, nothing of my purpose.
VIOLA
This is as rude as it is strange. I beg you, please do me the favor of asking the knight how I've offended him. It must be something I've done without knowing it, not on purpose.
SIR TOBY BELCH
I will do so. Signior Fabian, stay you by this gentleman till my return.
SIR TOBY BELCH
I will do so. Sir Fabian, stay with this gentleman until I return.
Exit
VIOLA
Pray you, sir, do you know of this matter?
VIOLA
Please, sir, do you know anything about this matter?
FABIAN
I know the knight is incensed against you, even to a mortal arbitrament, but nothing of the circumstance more.
FABIAN
I know the knight is furious with you, even to the degree of wanting a fight to the death, but I don't know any more details.
VIOLA
I beseech you, what manner of man is he?
VIOLA
Please, what kind of man is he?
FABIAN
Nothing of that wonderful promise, to read him by his form, as you are like to find him in the proof of his valor. He is, indeed, sir, the most skillful, bloody, and fatal opposite that you could possibly have found inany part of Illyria. Will you walk towards him? I will make your peace with him if I can.
FABIAN
He doesn't look so great from the outside, but in fighting he always proves his bravery. Indeed, sir, he's the most skillful, bloodthirsty, and deadly opponent that you could find in all of Illyria. Will you go see him? I'll try to appease him for you if I can.
VIOLA
I shall be much bound to you for ’t. I am one that hadrather go with sir priest than sir knight. I care not who knows so much of my mettle.
VIOLA
I'll be in your debt if you can do it. I'm a man who would rather deal with priests than with knights. I don't care if everyone knows that I'm not brave.
Exeunt
Enter SIR TOBY BELCH, with SIR ANDREW
SIR TOBY BELCH
Why, man, he’s a very devil. I have not seen such a firago. I had a pass with him, rapier, scabbard, and all, and he gives me the stuck-in with such a mortal motion, that it is inevitable. And on the answer, he pays you as surely as your feet hit the ground they stepon. They say he has been fencer to the Sophy.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Why, man, he's a real devil. I've never seen such a virago. I fought a round with him, with real swords and all, and his thrusts and lunges are so deadly that defeat is inevitable. And when he strikes at you, he'll hit you as surely as your feet hit the ground they're standing on. They say that he used to fence for the Shah of Persia.
SIR ANDREW
Pox on ’t! I’ll not meddle with him.
SIR ANDREW
Damn my luck! I won't mess with him.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Ay, but he will not now be pacified. Fabian can scarcehold him yonder.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Yes, but now he can't be calmed down. Fabian can barely keep him from coming over here now.
SIR ANDREW
Plague on ’t, an I thought he had been valiant and so cunning in fence, I’d have seen him damned ere I’d have challenged him. Let him let the matter slip, and I’ll give him my horse, gray Capilet.
SIR ANDREW
Damn it, if I'd known that he was so brave and skilled at fighting, I wouldn't have challenged him in a million years. If he'll forget the whole matter, I'll give him my gray horse Capilet.
SIR TOBY BELCH
I’ll make the motion. Stand here, make a good show on ’t. This shall end without the perdition of souls. [aside] Marry, I’ll ride your horse as well as I ride you.
SIR TOBY BELCH
I'll make him the offer. Stand here and put on a brave face. We'll end this without anyone dying.
[To himself] And I'll ride your horse just like I ride you.
Enter FABIAN and VIOLA
[To FABIAN ] I have his horse to take up the quarrel. Ihave persuaded him the youth’s a devil.
[To FABIAN] He's offered his horse to settle the quarrel. I've persuaded him that the youth's a fighting devil.
FABIAN
He is as horribly conceited of him, and pants and lookspale, as if a bear were at his heels.
FABIAN
The youth is just as afraid of Sir Andrew. He's pale and gasping, as if a bear were chasing him.
SIR TOBY BELCH
(t o VIOLA ) There’s no remedy, sir; he will fight with you for ’s oath sake. Marry, he hath better bethought him of his quarrel, and he finds that now scarce to be worth talking of. Therefore, draw for the supportance ofhis vow. He protests he will not hurt you.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[To VIOLA] There's nothing to be done, sir; he still wants to fight you just because he swore that he would. But he's reconsidered his reasons for challenging you, and now realizes that they're so insignificant that they're not worth discussing. So draw your sword so that he can fulfill his promise. He promises he won't hurt you.
VIOLA
[aside] Pray God defend me! A little thing would make me tell them how much I lack of a man.
VIOLA
[To herself] May God defend me! Whatever insignificant insult I committed will now reveal just how unmanly I am.
FABIAN
Give ground, if you see him furious.
FABIAN
Back off, if you see him get angry.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Come, Sir Andrew, there’s no remedy. The gentleman will, for his honor’s sake, have one bout with you. He cannot by the duello avoid it. But he has promised me, as he is a gentleman and a soldier, he will not hurt you. Come on, to ’t.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Come, Sir Andrew, there's nothing to be done. The gentleman insists on fighting one round with you for his honor's sake. The rules of dueling say he can't avoid it. But he has promised me, as he is a gentleman and a soldier, that he won't hurt you. Come on, get to it.
SIR ANDREW
Pray God, he keep his oath!
SIR ANDREW
I pray to God that he keeps his promise!
VIOLA
I do assure you, ’tis against my will.
VIOLA
I assure you, I wish none of this was happening.
They draw swords Enter ANTONIO
ANTONIO
Put up your sword. If this young gentleman Have done offence, I take the fault on me. If you offend him, I for him defy you.
ANTONIO
Put away your sword. If this young gentleman has offended you, then let the blame pass to me. And if you've offended him, then I'll fight you on his behalf.
SIR TOBY BELCH
You, sir? Why, what are you?
SIR TOBY BELCH
You, sir? Why, who are you?
ANTONIO
One, sir, that for his love dares yet do moreThan you have heard him brag to you he will.
ANTONIO
I'm his friend, sir, and I would do more to you for his sake than whatever he might have said he would .
SIR TOBY BELCH
Nay, if you be an undertaker, I am for you.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Well, if you're someone who accepts challenges, then I'll challenge you.
They draw swords Enter OFFICERS
FABIAN
O good Sir Toby, hold! Here come the officers.
FABIAN
Oh good Sir Toby, stop! Here come the officers.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[t o ANTONIO ] I’ll be with you anon.
SIR TOBY BELCH
[To ANTONIO] We'll continue this later.
VIOLA
[t o ANDREW ] Pray, sir, put your sword up, if you please.
VIOLA
[To ANDREW] Please, sir, put away your sword, please.
SIR ANDREW
Marry, will I, sir. And for that I promised you, I’ll be as good as my word. He will bear you easily and reinswell.
SIR ANDREW
I will then, sir. And as for what I promised you, I'll be as good as my word. He is easy to ride, and responds well to the reins.
FIRST OFFICER
This is the man. Do thy office.
FIRST OFFICER
This is the man. Do your duty.
SECOND OFFICER
Antonio, I arrest thee at the suit of Count Orsino.
SECOND OFFICER
Antonio, I arrest you on the orders of Duke Orsino.
ANTONIO
You do mistake me, sir.
ANTONIO
You've mistaken me for someone else, sir.
FIRST OFFICER
No, sir, no jot. I know your favor well,Though now you have no sea-cap on your head.—Take him away. He knows I know him well.
FIRST OFFICER
No, sir, not a bit. I know your face well, even without a sailor's cap on your head. Take him away. He knows that I've recognized him.
ANTONIO
I must obey. (t o VIOLA ) This comes with seeking you: But there’s no remedy. I shall answer it . What will you do, now my necessity Makes me to ask you for my purse? It grieves me Much more for what I cannot do for you Than what befalls myself. You stand amazed, But be of comfort.
ANTONIO
I must obey. [To VIOLA] This happened because I was looking for you, but there's nothing to be done now. I'll answer for what I've done. But what will you do, now that I am forced to ask for my purse back? I feel worse about not being able to help you than I do about what's going to happen to me. You look confused, but don't worry about me.
SECOND OFFICER
Come, sir, away.
SECOND OFFICER
Come, sir, let's go.
ANTONIO
[t o VIOLA ] I must entreat of you some of that money.
ANTONIO
[To VIOLA] I must ask you for some of that money.
VIOLA
What money, sir? For the fair kindness you have showed me here, And part being prompted by your present trouble, Out of my lean and low ability I’ll lend you something. My having is not much. I’ll make division of my present with you. Hold, there’s half my coffer. (offering him money)
VIOLA
What money, sir? I'll lend you what I can to thank you for the kindness you've shown me here, and because I pity your current troubles, but I don't have much. I'll divide my money with you. Here is half of all that I have. [Offering him money]
ANTONIO
Will you deny me now? Is ’t possible that my deserts to you Can lack persuasion? Do not tempt my misery, Lest that it make me so unsound a man As to upbraid you with those kindnesses That I have done for you.
ANTONIO
Will you really deny that you know me now? Is it possible that all I've done for you can't persuade you to help me? Don't make my misery even worse, or make me so angry that I list out all the kind things I've done for you.
VIOLA
I know of none, Nor know I you by voice or any feature. I hate ingratitude more in a man Than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, Or any taint of vice whose strong corruption Inhabits our frail blood—
VIOLA
I don't know of any kind thing you've done, and I don't know your voice or your face. I hate an ungrateful man more than I hate lying, vanity, babbling, drunkenness, or any other sin that corrupts our frail human blood—
ANTONIO
O heavens themselves!
ANTONIO
Oh God!
SECOND OFFICER
Come, sir, I pray you, go.
SECOND OFFICER
Come on, sir, please, let's go.
ANTONIO
Let me speak a little. This youth that you see here I snatched one half out of the jaws of death, Relieved him with such sanctity of love, And to his image, which methought did promise Most venerable worth, did I devotion.
ANTONIO
Let me speak a little. This youth that you see here—I snatched him from the jaws of death and nursed him back to health with tenderness and love, and I thought that he seemed so noble and worthy that I totally devoted myself to him.
FIRST OFFICER
What’s that to us? The time goes by. Away!
FIRST OFFICER
What do we care about that? You're wasting time. Let's go!
ANTONIO
But oh, how vile an idol proves this god! Thou hast, Sebastian, done good feature shame. In nature there’s no blemish but the mind. None can be called deformed but the unkind. Virtue is beauty, but the beauteous evil Are empty trunks o'erflourished by the devil.
ANTONIO
But oh, this god turned out to be a false idol! Sebastian, you have shamed your good looks. On the outside you seem perfect, but you are really a deformed monster because of your unkind soul. Virtue is beauty, but someone beautiful and evil is like an empty chest decorated by the devil.
FIRST OFFICER
The man grows mad. Away with him. Come, come, sir.
FIRST OFFICER
The man is going mad. Take him away. Come on, come on, sir.
ANTONIO
Lead me on.
ANTONIO
Lead me on.
Exit with OFFICERS
VIOLA
Methinks his words do from such passion fly, That he believes himself. So do not I. Prove true, imagination, oh, prove true, That I, dear brother, be now ta'en for you!
VIOLA
His words are so passionate that he must believe what he's saying. But I can hardly believe it. Please be true, imagination, oh please be true—let it be true that I've been mistaken for you, my dear brother!
SIR TOBY BELCH
Come hither, knight. Come hither, Fabian. We’ll whispero'er a couplet or two of most sage saws.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Come here, Sir Andrew. Come here, Fabian. We'll whisper together about some wise sayings.
VIOLA
He named Sebastian. I my brother know Yet living in my glass. Even such and so In favor was my brother, and he went Still in this fashion, color, ornament, For him I imitate. Oh, if it prove, Tempests are kind and salt waves fresh in love!
VIOLA
He called me Sebastian. I have seen my brother when I look in my mirror. My brother looked like me, and now I'm dressed as he used to dress, in the same fashion, colors, and with the same accessories—because I imitated him in my disguise. Oh, if it's true, then storms are kind and the ocean is full of love!
Exit
SIR TOBY BELCH
A very dishonest paltry boy, and more a coward than a hare. His dishonesty appears in leaving his friend here in necessity and denying him. And for his cowardship, ask Fabian.
SIR TOBY BELCH
What a dishonorable, puny boy, and more cowardly than a rabbit. He shows his dishonesty in abandoning his friend in his time of need, and denying that he even knew him. And as for his cowardice, ask Fabian.
FABIAN
A coward, a most devout coward, religious in it.
FABIAN
He's a coward, a true coward, religiously devoted to his cowardice.
SIR ANDREW
'Slid, I’ll after him again and beat him.
SIR ANDREW
By God's eyelid, I'll go after him again and fight him.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Do, cuff him soundly, but never draw thy sword.
SIR TOBY BELCH
Please do, beat him up well, but don't draw your sword.
SIR ANDREW
An I do not—
SIR ANDREW
And if I don't—
FABIAN
Come, let’s see the event.
FABIAN
Come, let's go see what will happen.
SIR TOBY BELCH
I dare lay any money ’twill be nothing yet.
SIR TOBY BELCH
I'll bet any money that nothing will happen—still.
Exeunt
