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.
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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?
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VALENTINE. | No, believe me.
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Enter DUKE, CURIO, and ATTENDANTS
VIOLA. | I thank you. Here comes the Count.
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DUKE. | Who saw Cesario, ho?
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VIOLA. | On your attendance, my lord, here.
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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.
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VIOLA. | Sure, my noble lord,
If she be so abandon'd to her sorrow
As it is spoke, she never will admit me.
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DUKE. | Be clamorous and leap all civil bounds,
Rather than make unprofited return.
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VIOLA. | Say I do speak with her, my lord, what then?
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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.
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VIOLA. | I think not so, my lord.
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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.
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VIOLA. | I'll do my best
To woo your lady. [Aside] Yet, a barful strife!
Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife.
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Next
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