Open Source Shakespeare

Twelfth Night, Or What You Will

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Act III, Scene 3

A street.

       

[Enter SEBASTIAN and ANTONIO]

  • Sebastian. I would not by my will have troubled you;
    But, since you make your pleasure of your pains, 1490
    I will no further chide you.
  • Antonio. I could not stay behind you: my desire,
    More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth;
    And not all love to see you, though so much
    As might have drawn one to a longer voyage, 1495
    But jealousy what might befall your travel,
    Being skilless in these parts; which to a stranger,
    Unguided and unfriended, often prove
    Rough and unhospitable: my willing love,
    The rather by these arguments of fear, 1500
    Set forth in your pursuit.
  • Sebastian. My kind Antonio,
    I can no other answer make but thanks,
    And thanks; and ever thanks; and oft good turns
    Are shuffled off with such uncurrent pay: 1505
    But, were my worth as is my conscience firm,
    You should find better dealing. What's to do?
    Shall we go see the reliques of this town?
  • Antonio. To-morrow, sir: best first go see your lodging.
  • Sebastian. I am not weary, and 'tis long to night: 1510
    I pray you, let us satisfy our eyes
    With the memorials and the things of fame
    That do renown this city.
  • Antonio. Would you'ld pardon me;
    I do not without danger walk these streets: 1515
    Once, in a sea-fight, 'gainst the count his galleys
    I did some service; of such note indeed,
    That were I ta'en here it would scarce be answer'd.
  • Sebastian. Belike you slew great number of his people.
  • Antonio. The offence is not of such a bloody nature; 1520
    Albeit the quality of the time and quarrel
    Might well have given us bloody argument.
    It might have since been answer'd in repaying
    What we took from them; which, for traffic's sake,
    Most of our city did: only myself stood out; 1525
    For which, if I be lapsed in this place,
    I shall pay dear.
  • Sebastian. Do not then walk too open.
  • Antonio. It doth not fit me. Hold, sir, here's my purse.
    In the south suburbs, at the Elephant, 1530
    Is best to lodge: I will bespeak our diet,
    Whiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledge
    With viewing of the town: there shall you have me.
  • Sebastian. Why I your purse?
  • Antonio. Haply your eye shall light upon some toy 1535
    You have desire to purchase; and your store,
    I think, is not for idle markets, sir.
  • Sebastian. I'll be your purse-bearer and leave you
    For an hour.
  • Antonio. To the Elephant. 1540
  • Sebastian. I do remember.

[Exeunt]