_Sir To._ Now will not I deliver his letter: for the behaviour of
the young gentleman gives him out to be of good capacity and breeding;
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 deliver his challenge by word of mouth; set upon Ague-cheek 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 by the look, like cockatrices.
_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. [_Exeunt_ SIR TOBY _and_ FABIAN.
_Enter_ VIOLA _and_ OLIVIA.
_Oli._ I have said too much unto a heart of stone,
And laid mine honour too unchary out:
There's something in me, that reproves my fault;
But such a headstrong potent fault it is,
That it but mocks reproof.
_Vio._ With the same 'haviour that your passion bears,
Go on my master's griefs.
_Oli._ Here, wear this jewel for me, 'tis my picture;
Refuse it not, it hath no tongue to vex you:
And, I beseech you, come again to-morrow.
What shall you ask of me, that I'll deny;
That honour, saved, may upon asking give?
_Vio._ Nothing but this, your true love for my master.
_Oli._ How with mine honour may I give him that
Which I have given to you?
_Vio._ I will acquit you.
_Oli._ Well, come again to-morrow: Fare thee well!
[_Exit_ OLIVIA.
_Enter_ SIR TOBY _and_ FABIAN.
_Sir To._ Gentleman, heaven save thee.
_Vio._ And you, sir.
_Sir To._ That defence thou hast, betake thee to't: of what nature
the wrongs are thou hast done him, I know not; but thy intercepter, full
of despight, bloody as the hunter, attends thee: dismount thy tuck, be
yare in thy preparation, for thy assailant is quick, skilful, and
deadly.
_Vio._ You mistake, sir; I am sure, no man hath any quarrel to me;
my remembrance is very free and clear from any image of offence done to
any man.
_Sir To._ You'll find it otherwise, I assure you: therefore, if you
hold your life at any price, betake you to your guard; for your opposite
hath in him what youth, strength, skill, and wrath, can furnish man
withal.
_Vio._ I pray you, sir, what is he?
_Sir To._ He is knight, dubb'd with unhack'd rapier, and on carpet
consideration: but he is a devil in private brawl: souls and bodies hath
he divorced three; and his incensement at this moment is so implacable,
that satisfaction can be none but by pangs of death and sepulchre: hob,
nob, is his word; give 't or take 't.
_Vio._ I will return, and desire some conduct of the lady. I am no
fighter.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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