[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 you call
in question the continuance of his love. Is he inconstant, sir,
in his favours?
VALENTINE No, believe me.
[Enter DUKE, CURIO, and Attendants.] VIOLA I thank you. Here comes the count.
DUKE Who saw Cesario, ho?
VIOLA 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.
VIOLA 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.
VIOLA 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.
VIOLA 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,
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
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.
[Aside] Yet, a barful strife!
Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife.