TWELFTH-NIGHT: OR, WHAT YOU WILL. Shakspeare appears to have invariably sought for the originals of his plots from sources within his reach.-The Italian novelists of his period furnished ample materia.s for his purpose, but although there are traces to be found in the present Comedy, of incidents, which are evidently borrowed from these sources, yet even the industrious and acute researches of the critics cannot distinctly trace out the precise authorities, to which the Poet is indebted for the groundwork of this delightful Comedy. There is in this Drama, an under plot,-skilfully interwoven into the main subject, yet, in no degree necessary to the cnief action of the Play. The nature of our design, has induced the rejection of the comic incidents, which form the minor plot, so that we might incorporate into our selections, the entire main story, with all its charming beauties of graceful and towing Poetry. PERSONS REPRESENTED. ORSINO, Duke of Illyria. SEBASTIAN, a young gentleman, brother to Viola. ANTONIO, a sea captain, friend to Sebastian. A sea captain, friend to Viola. VALENTINE, CURIO, gentlemen attending on the Duke. Sir TOBY BELCH, uncle of Olivia. Sir ANDREW AGUE-CHEEK. MALVOLIO, steward to Olivia. FABIAN, Clown, servants to Olivia. OLIVIA, a rich Countess. VIOLA, in love with the Duke. MARIA, Olivia's woman. Lords, Priests, Sailors, Officers, Musicians, and other Attendants. SCENE.-A City in ILLYRIA; and the Sea-coast near it. ACT I. SCENE I.—An Apartment in the Duke's Palace Enter DUKE, CURIO, Lords; Musicians attending. Duke. If music be the food of love, play on, Even in a minute! so full of shapes is fancy, That it alone is high-fantastical. Cur. Will you go hunt, my lord? Duke. Cur. What, Curio? Duke. Why, so I do, the noblest that I have: O when mine eyes did see Olivia first, Methought, she purg'd the air of pestilence; That instant was I turn'd into a hart; And my desires, like fell and cruel hounds, The hart. E'er since pursue me.-How now? what news from her? Enter VALENTINE. Val. So please my lord, I might not be admitted, The element itself, till seven years' heat, Duke. Ŏ, she, that hath a heart of that fine frame, How will she love, when the rich, golden shaft, Hath kill'd the flock of all affections else That live in her! when liver, brain, and heart, These sovereign thrones, are all supplied, and fill'd, (Her sweet perfections,) with one self king!— Away before re to sweet beds of flowers; SCENE II.-The Sea-coast. Enter VIOLA, Captain, and Sailors. Vio. What country, friends, is this? Vio. And what should I do in Illyria? My brother he is in Elysium. Illyria, lady. Perchance, he is not drown'd.-What think you, sailors? Vio. O my poor brother! and so, perchance, may he be. When you, and that poor number saved with you, (Courage and hope both teaching him the practice) I saw him hold acquaintance with the waves, Vio. Whereto thy speech serves for authority, The like of him. Know'st thon this country? Vio. Who governs here? Vio. A noble duke, in nature, What is his name? Orsino. Vio. Orsino! I have heard my father name him: He was a bachelor then. Сар. And so is now, Or was so very late: for but a month Ago I went from hence; and then 'twas fresh The love of fair Olivia. Cap. A virtuous maid, the daughter of a count That died some twelvemonth since; then leaving her In the protection of his son, her brother, Who shortly also died: for whose dear love, They say, she hath abjured the company [Exeunt Viv. O, that I served that lady: And might not be delivered to the world, What my estate is. Сар. That were hard to compass; Because she will admit no kind of suit, Vio. There is a fair behavior in thee, captain ; Cap. Be thou his page, and I your mute will be; [Exeunt. Viola, having disguised herself in male attire, obtains the situation of Page, in the Duke's household, under the name of Cesario. A Room in the Duke's Palace. Enter VALENTINE, and VIOLA in man's attire. Val. If the Duke continue these favors towards you, Cesario, you are like to be much advanced; he hath known you but three days, and already you are no stranger. Vio. You either fear his humor, or my negligence, that you call in question the continuance of his love: Is he inconstant, sir, in his favors ? Val. No, believe me. Enter DUKE, CURIO, and Attendants. Vio. On your attendance, my lord; here. And tell them, there thy fixed foot shall grow, Vio. Sure, my noble iord If she be so abandoned to her sorrow As it is spoke, she never will admit me. Duke. Be clamorous, and leap all civil bounds, Vio. Say, I do speak with her, my lord: What then? Dear lad, believe it; Is not more smooth, and rubious; thy small pipe I know, thy constellation is right apt For this affair :-Some four, or five, attend him; When least in company :-Prosper well in this, To call his fortunes thine. Vio. I'll do my best, To woo your lady: yet,-[Aside.]—a barful strife: [reum. The Lady Olivia, attended by her waiting woman Maria, and Malvolio her steward, 's informed that a messenger from the Duke seeks her SCENE V. presence. Enter OLIVIA, MARIA, and MALVOLIO. Mar. Madam, there is at the gate a young gentleman, much desires to speak with you. Oli. From the count Orsino, is it? Mar. I know not, madam; 'tis a fair young man, and well attended. Oli. Who of my people hold him in delay ? Mar. Sir Toby, madam, your kinsman. Oli. Fetch him off, I pray you; he speaks nothing but madman: Fye on him!-[Exit MARIA.]-Go you, Malvolio: if it be a suit from the count, I am sick or not at home; what you will, to dismiss it.--[Exit MALVOLIO.]-Now you see, sir, how your fooling grows old, and people dislike it. Re-enter MALVOLIO. Mal. Madam, yond, young fellow swears he will speak with you. |