_A Room in_ DUKE ORSINO'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.
_Vio._ 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?
_Val._ No, believe me.
_Vio._ I thank you.--Here comes the duke.
_Enter_ DUKE, CURIO, _and Gentlemen_.
_Duke._ Who saw Cesario, ho?
_Vio._ On your attendance, my lord; here.
_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.
_Vio._ Sure, my noble lord,
If she be so abandon'd to her sorrow
As it is spoke, she never will admit me.
_Duke._ Be clamorous, and leap all civil bounds,
Rather than make unprofited return.
_Vio._ Say, I do speak with her, my lord. What then?
_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 of more grave aspect.
_Vio._ I think not so, my lord.
_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:
I know, thy constellation is right apt
For this affair:--Go:--prosper well in this,
And thou shalt live as freely as thy lord,
To call his fortunes thine.
[_Exeunt_ DUKE, CURIO, VALENTINE, _and Gentlemen_.
_Vio._ I'll do my best,
To woo his lady: yet,--a barful strife!--
Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife.
[_Exit._