Enter VALENTINE and VIOLA in man's attire VALENTINE If the duke continue these favours 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 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 ORSINO, CURIO, and Attendants DUKE ORSINO Who saw Cesario, ho? VIOLA On your attendance, my lord; here. DUKE ORSINO Stand you a while 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 ORSINO Be clamorous and leap all civil bounds Rather than make unprofited return. VIOLA Say I do speak with her, my lord, what then? DUKE ORSINO 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 ORSINO 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.