Act I, Scene 4

DUKE ORSINO’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 advanced: he hath
  known you but three days, and already you are no stranger.

• Viola. You either fear his humour or my negligence, that 250
  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]

• Orsino. Who saw Cesario, ho?

• Viola. On your attendance, my lord; here.

• 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: 260
  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, 265
  If she be so abandon'd to her sorrow
  As it is spoke, she never will admit me.

• Orsino. Be clamorous and leap all civil bounds
  Rather than make unprofited return.

• Viola. Say I do speak with her, my lord, what then? 270

• 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. 275

• Viola. I think not so, my lord.

• 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 280
  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 285
  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: 290
  [Aside]
  yet, a barful strife!
  Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife.

[Exeunt]