The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9]Shakespeare, William
General
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9]
Shakespeare, William
English drama
_Sir To._ [_reads_] Wonder not, nor admire not in thy mind, why
I do call thee so, for I will show thee no reason for't. 145
_Fab._ A good note; that keeps you from the blow of
the law.
_Sir To._ [_reads_] Thou comest to the lady Olivia, and in my
sight she uses thee kindly: but thou liest in thy throat; that is not the
matter I challenge thee for. 150
_Fab._ Very brief, and to exceeding good sense--less.
_Sir To._ [_reads_] I will waylay thee going home; where if it be
thy chance to kill me,--
_Fab._ Good.
_Sir To._ [_reads_] Thou killest me like a rogue and a villain. 155
_Fab._ Still you keep o' the windy side of the law:
good.
_Sir To._ [_reads_] Fare thee well; and God have mercy upon one
of our souls! He may have mercy upon mine; but my hope is better,
and so look to thyself. Thy friend, as thou usest him, and thy sworn 160
enemy,
ANDREW AGUECHEEK.
If this letter move him not, his legs cannot: I'll give't
him.
_Mar._ You may have very fit occasion for't: he is
now in some commerce with my lady, and will by and by 165
depart.
_Sir To._ Go, Sir Andrew; scout me for him at the corner
of the orchard like a bum-baily: so soon as ever thou
seest him, draw; and, as thou drawest, swear horrible; for
it comes to pass oft that a terrible oath, with a swaggering 170
accent sharply twanged off, gives manhood more approbation
than ever proof itself would have earned him.
Away!
_Sir And._ Nay, let me alone for swearing. [_Exit._
_Sir To._ Now will not I deliver his letter: for the behaviour 175
of the young gentleman gives him out to be of
good capacity and breeding; his employment between his
lord and my niece confirms no less: therefore this letter,
being so excellently ignorant, will breed no terror in the
youth: he will find it comes from a clodpole. But, sir, I will 180
deliver his challenge by word of mouth; set upon Aguecheek
a notable report of valour; and drive the gentleman,
as I know his youth will aptly receive it, into a most
hideous opinion of his rage, skill, fury and impetuosity.
This will so fright them both, that they will kill one another 185
by the look, like cockatrices.
_Re-enter_ OLIVIA, _with_ VIOLA.
_Fab._ Here he comes with your niece: give them way
till he take leave, and presently after him.
_Sir To._ I will meditate the while upon some horrid
message for a challenge. 190
[_Exeunt Sir Toby, Fabian, and Maria._
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