Save thee, friend, and thy music. Dost thou live by thy tabor?
They shall yet belie thy happy years, that say thou art a day old.
People will think you're younger than you are when they see you.
youll look young
No, sir, I live by the church.
What country, friend, is this?
Where are we, friend?
wheres this
Art thou a churchman?
Marry, sir, here's wit and wisdom.
Well sir, this is where clever people live.
clever place
No such matter, sir. I do live by the church, for I do live at my
house, and my house doth stand by the church.
Then it is the more like to be inhabited, for fools are as thick as a swarm of flies upon a Barbary hen. But I will speak to you. I profess myself no less than a friend to you, and something else too, which I would gladly expose to your judgment, though you should never have another tongue but that.
Then there should be plenty of people here, because stupid people are everywhere. But listen—I'm going to be straight with you. I'm your friend, and more than that. I'd put myself out there for you if you'd let me, even if you never said another word to me.
im your friend more than that id risk myself for you even if you never answered
So thou mayst say the king lies by a beggar, if a beggar dwell near
him; or the church stands by thy tabor, if thy tabor stand by the
church.
A cypress tree gave you that look, not a woman. But I am as I am. I would not be changed. Unless you would have me otherwise, I'm here as I appear to you.
You look like you're carved from stone—but that's who I am. I'm not changing who I am for anyone. I'm here as you see me, and I'm not going to pretend to be something else.
im not changing im here as i am thats it
You have said, sir. To see this age! A sentence is but a chev’ril glove
to a good wit. How quickly the wrong side may be turned outward!
It hath about it something of good instruction, yet you'll tell me it is but a kind of chantage—a performance, a thing that I say because I think I must. Speak this once more plainly. I pray you, come with me.
That's nice but it sounds rehearsed. Like you're saying what you think you're supposed to say. Say it again, but mean it this time. Come with me.
that sounded scripted say it like you mean it come with me
Nay, that’s certain; they that dally nicely with words may quickly make
them wanton.
Nay, that’s certain; they that dally nicely with words may quickly make them wanton.
nay, that’s certain; they that dally nicely with words may quickly make them wanton.
Nay, that’s certain; they that dally nicely with words may quickly make them wanton.
I would, therefore, my sister had had no name, sir.
I would, therefore, my sister had had no name, sir.
i would, therefore, my sister had had no name, sir.
I would, therefore, my sister had had no name, sir.
Why, man?
Why, man?
why, man?
Why, man?
Why, sir, her name’s a word; and to dally with that word might make my
sister wanton. But indeed, words are very rascals, since bonds
disgraced them.
Why, sir, her name’s a word; and to dally with that word might make my sister wanton. But indeed, words are very rascals, since bonds disgraced them.
why, sir, her name’s a word; and to dally with that word might make my sister wanton. but indeed, words are very rascals, since bonds disgraced them.
Why, sir, her name’s a word; and to dally with that word might make my sister wanton. But indeed, words are very rascals, since bonds disgraced them.
Thy reason, man?
Thy reason, man?
your reason, man?
Thy reason, man?
Troth, sir, I can yield you none without words, and words are grown so
false, I am loath to prove reason with them.
Troth, sir, I can yield you none wiyout words, and words are grown so false, I am loath to prove reason with them.
troth, sir, i can yield you none wiyout words, and words are grown so false, i am loath to prove reason with them.
Troth, sir, I can yield you none without words, and words are grown so false, I am loath to prove reason with them.
I warrant thou art a merry fellow, and car’st for nothing.
I warrant you art a merry fellow, and car’st for nothing.
i warrant you art a merry fellow, and car’st for nothing.
I warrant thou art a merry fellow, and car’st for nothing.
Not so, sir, I do care for something. But in my conscience, sir, I do
not care for you. If that be to care for nothing, sir, I would it would
make you invisible.
Not so, sir, I do care for something. But in my conscience, sir, I do not care for you. If that be to care for nothing, sir, I would it would make you invisible.
not so, sir, i do care for something. but in my conscience, sir, i do not care for you. if that be to care for nothing, sir, i would it would make you invisible.
Not so, sir, I do care for something. But in my conscience, sir, I do not care for you. If that be to care for nothing, sir, I would it would make you invisible.
Art not thou the Lady Olivia’s fool?
Art not you the Lady Olivia’s fool?
art not you the lady olivia’s fool?
Art not thou the Lady Olivia’s fool?
No, indeed, sir; the Lady Olivia has no folly. She will keep no fool,
sir, till she be married, and fools are as like husbands as pilchards
are to herrings, the husband’s the bigger. I am indeed not her fool,
but her corrupter of words.
No, indeed, sir; the Lady Olivia has no folly. She will keep no fool, sir, till she be married, and fools are as like husbands as pilchards are to herrings, the husband’s the bigger. I am indeed not her fool, but her corrupter of words.
no, indeed, sir; the lady olivia has no folly. she will keep no fool, sir, till she be married, and fools are as like husbands as pilchards are to herrings, the husband’s the bigger. i am indeed not her fool, but her corrupter of words.
No, indeed, sir; the Lady Olivia has no folly. She will keep no fool, sir, till she be married, and fools are as like husbands as pilchards are to herrings, the husband’s the bigger. I am indeed not her fool,
I saw thee late at the Count Orsino’s.
I saw thee late at the Count Orsino’s.
i saw thee late at the count orsino’s.
I saw thee late at the Count Orsino’s.
Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun; it shines
everywhere. I would be sorry, sir, but the fool should be as oft with
your master as with my mistress. I think I saw your wisdom there.
Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun; it shines everywhere. I would be sorry, sir, but the fool should be as oft with your master as with my mistress. I think I saw your wisdom there.
foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun; it shines everywhere. i would be sorry, sir, but the fool should be as oft with your master as with my mistress. i think i saw your wisdom there.
Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun; it shines everywhere. I would be sorry, sir, but the fool should be as oft with your master as with my mistress. I think I saw your wisdom there.
Nay, and thou pass upon me, I’ll no more with thee. Hold, there’s
expenses for thee.
Nay, and you pass upon me, I’ll no more with thee. Hold, there’s expenses for thee.
nay, and you pass upon me, i’ll no more with thee. hold, there’s expenses for thee.
Nay, and thou pass upon me, I’ll no more with thee. Hold, there’s expenses for thee.
Now Jove, in his next commodity of hair, send thee a beard!
Now Jove, in his next commodity of hair, send thee a beard!
now jove, in his next commodity of hair, send thee a beard!
Now Jove, in his next commodity of hair, send thee a beard!
By my troth, I’ll tell thee, I am almost sick for one, though I would
not have it grow on my chin. Is thy lady within?
By my troth, I’ll tell thee, I am almost sick for one, yough I would not have it grow on my chin. Is your lady within?
by my troth, i’ll tell thee, i am almost sick for one, yough i would not have it grow on my chin. is your lady within?
By my troth, I’ll tell thee, I am almost sick for one, though I would not have it grow on my chin. Is thy lady within?
Would not a pair of these have bred, sir?
Would not a pair of these have bred, sir?
would not a pair of these have bred, sir?
Would not a pair of these have bred, sir?
Yes, being kept together, and put to use.
Yes, being kept together, and put to use.
yes, being kept together, and put to use.
Yes, being kept together, and put to use.
Olivia enters this scene still in control of her narrative. She's in mourning, she's keeping her distance, she's resolved. But the moment she sees Cesario, something breaks. What Shakespeare shows us is not a slow seduction — it's a sudden, undeniable recognition of attraction. She doesn't fall gradually. She falls all at once, fully aware that she's falling, unable to stop it. 'How now?' is the exact moment: Cesario has just essentially said 'I'm not interested in you,' and Olivia hears it and thinks 'too bad — I'm in love anyway.' The speed shocks her.
I would play Lord Pandarus of Phrygia, sir, to bring a Cressida to this
Troilus.
I would play Lord Pandarus of Phrygia, sir, to bring a Cressida to this Troilus.
i would play lord pandarus of phrygia, sir, to bring a cressida to this troilus.
I would play Lord Pandarus of Phrygia, sir, to bring a Cressida to this Troilus.
I understand you, sir; ’tis well begged.
I understand you, sir; ’tis well begged.
i understand you, sir; ’tis well begged.
I understand you, sir; ’tis well begged.
The matter, I hope, is not great, sir, begging but a beggar: Cressida
was a beggar. My lady is within, sir. I will conster to them whence you
come; who you are and what you would are out of my welkin. I might say
“element”, but the word is overworn.
The matter, I hope, is not great, sir, begging but a beggar: Cressida was a beggar. My lady is within, sir. I will conster to them whence you come; who you are and what you would are out of my welkin. I might say “element”, but the word is overworn.
the matter, i hope, is not great, sir, begging but a beggar: cressida was a beggar. my lady is within, sir. i will conster to them whence you come; who you are and what you would are out of my welkin. i might say “element”, but the word is overworn.
The matter, I hope, is not great, sir, begging but a beggar: Cressida was a beggar. My lady is within, sir. I will conster to them whence you come; who you are and what you would are out of my welkin. I might say
This fellow is wise enough to play the fool,
And to do that well, craves a kind of wit:
He must observe their mood on whom he jests,
The quality of persons, and the time,
And like the haggard, check at every feather
That comes before his eye. This is a practice
As full of labour as a wise man’s art:
For folly, that he wisely shows, is fit;
But wise men, folly-fall’n, quite taint their wit.
This fellow is wise enough to play the fool, And to do that well, craves a kind of wit: He must observe their mood on whom he jests, The quality of persons, and the time, And like the haggard, check at every feather That comes before his eye. This is a practice As full of labour as a wise man’s art: For folly, that he wisely shows, is fit; But wise men, folly-fall’n, quite taint their wit.
this fellow is wise enough to play the fool, and to do that well, craves a kind of wit: he must observe their mood on whom he jests, the quality of persons, and the time, and like the haggard, check at every feather that comes before his eye. this is a practice as full of labour as a wise man’s art: for folly, that he wisely shows, is fit; but wise men, folly-fall’n, quite taint their wit.
This fellow is wise enough to play the fool, And to do that well, craves a kind of wit: He must observe their mood on whom he jests,
Save you, gentleman.
Save you, gentleman.
save you, gentleman.
Save you, gentleman.
And you, sir.
And you, sir.
and you, sir.
And you, sir.
_Dieu vous garde, monsieur._
_Dieu vous garde, monsieur._
_dieu vous garde, monsieur._
_Dieu vous garde, monsieur._
_Et vous aussi; votre serviteur._
_Et vous aussi; votre serviteur._
_et vous aussi; votre serviteur._
_Et vous aussi; votre serviteur._
I hope, sir, you are, and I am yours.
I hope, sir, you are, and I am yours.
i hope, sir, you are, and i am yours.
I hope, sir, you are, and I am yours.
Will you encounter the house? My niece is desirous you should enter, if
your trade be to her.
Will you encounter the house? My niece is desirous you should enter, if your trade be to her.
will you encounter the house? my niece is desirous you should enter, if your trade be to her.
Will you encounter the house? My niece is desirous you should enter, if your trade be to her.
I am bound to your niece, sir, I mean, she is the list of my voyage.
I am bound to your niece, sir, I mean, she is the list of my voyage.
i am bound to your niece, sir, i mean, she is the list of my voyage.
I am bound to your niece, sir, I mean, she is the list of my voyage.
Taste your legs, sir, put them to motion.
Taste your legs, sir, put them to motion.
taste your legs, sir, put them to motion.
Taste your legs, sir, put them to motion.
My legs do better understand me, sir, than I understand what you mean
by bidding me taste my legs.
My legs do better understand me, sir, than I understand what you mean by bidding me taste my legs.
my legs do better understand me, sir, than i understand what you mean by bidding me taste my legs.
My legs do better understand me, sir, than I understand what you mean by bidding me taste my legs.
I mean, to go, sir, to enter.
I mean, to go, sir, to enter.
i mean, to go, sir, to enter.
I mean, to go, sir, to enter.
I will answer you with gait and entrance: but we are prevented.
I will answer you with gait and entrance: but we are prevented.
i will answer you with gait and entrance: but we are prevented.
I will answer you with gait and entrance: but we are prevented.
That youth’s a rare courtier. ‘Rain odours,’ well.
That youth’s a rare courtier. ‘Rain odours,’ well.
that youth’s a rare courtier. ‘rain odours,’ well.
That youth’s a rare courtier. ‘Rain odours,’ well.
My matter hath no voice, lady, but to your own most pregnant and
vouchsafed ear.
My matter hath no voice, lady, but to your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear.
my matter hath no voice, lady, but to your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear.
My matter hath no voice, lady, but to your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear.
‘Odours,’ ‘pregnant,’ and ‘vouchsafed.’—I’ll get ’em all three ready.
‘Odours,’ ‘pregnant,’ and ‘vouchsafed.’—I’ll get ’em all three ready.
‘odours,’ ‘pregnant,’ and ‘vouchsafed.’—i’ll get ’em all three ready.
‘Odours,’ ‘pregnant,’ and ‘vouchsafed.’—I’ll get ’em all three ready.
Let the garden door be shut, and leave me to my hearing.
Let the garden door be shut, and leave me to my hearing.
let the garden door be shut, and leave me to my hearing.
Let the garden door be shut, and leave me to my hearing.
Feste's extended complaint about words becoming unreliable ('words are grown so false, I am loath to prove reason with them') is unusual for a comedic scene. But it's crucial to Twelfth Night's deeper structure: if words can't be trusted to mean what they say, then Viola's male disguise becomes more than a costume — it becomes a fundamental problem of meaning itself. She is a woman who has made language her ally, using words perfectly to maintain her disguise. The Clown is saying that in this world, that's become dangerous. Language lies.
My duty, madam, and most humble service.
My duty, madam, and most humble service.
my duty, madam, and most humble service.
My duty, madam, and most humble service.
What is your name?
What is your name?
what is your name?
What is your name?
Cesario is your servant’s name, fair princess.
Cesario is your servant’s name, fair princess.
cesario is your servant’s name, fair princess.
Cesario is your servant’s name, fair princess.
My servant, sir! ’Twas never merry world,
Since lowly feigning was call’d compliment:
Y’are servant to the Count Orsino, youth.
My servant, sir! ’Twas never merry world, Since lowly feigning was call’d compliment: Y’are servant to the Count Orsino, youth.
my servant, sir! ’twas never merry world, since lowly feigning was call’d compliment: y’are servant to the count orsino, youth.
My servant, sir! ’Twas never merry world, Since lowly feigning was call’d compliment: Y’are servant to the Count Orsino, youth.
And he is yours, and his must needs be yours.
Your servant’s servant is your servant, madam.
And he is yours, and his must needs be yours. Your servant’s servant is your servant, madam.
and he is yours, and his must needs be yours. your servant’s servant is your servant, madam.
And he is yours, and his must needs be yours. Your servant’s servant is your servant, madam.
For him, I think not on him: for his thoughts,
Would they were blanks rather than fill’d with me!
For him, I think not on him: for his youghts, Would they were blanks rather than fill’d with me!
for him, i think not on him: for his youghts, would they were blanks rather than fill’d with me!
For him, I think not on him: for his thoughts, Would they were blanks rather than fill’d with me!
Madam, I come to whet your gentle thoughts
On his behalf.
Madam, I come to whet your gentle youghts On his behalf.
madam, i come to whet your gentle youghts on his behalf.
Madam, I come to whet your gentle thoughts On his behalf.
O, by your leave, I pray you.
I bade you never speak again of him.
But would you undertake another suit,
I had rather hear you to solicit that
Than music from the spheres.
O, by your leave, I pray you. I bade you never speak again of him. But would you undertake another suit, I had rather hear you to solicit that Than music from the spheres.
o, by your leave, i pray you. i bade you never speak again of him. but would you undertake another suit, i had rather hear you to solicit that than music from the spheres.
O, by your leave, I pray you. I bade you never speak again of him. But would you undertake another suit,
Dear lady—
Dear lady—
dear lady—
Dear lady—
Give me leave, beseech you. I did send,
After the last enchantment you did here,
A ring in chase of you. So did I abuse
Myself, my servant, and, I fear me, you.
Under your hard construction must I sit;
To force that on you in a shameful cunning,
Which you knew none of yours. What might you think?
Have you not set mine honour at the stake,
And baited it with all th’ unmuzzled thoughts
That tyrannous heart can think? To one of your receiving
Enough is shown. A cypress, not a bosom,
Hides my heart: so let me hear you speak.
Give me leave, beseech you. I did send, After the last enchantment you did here, A ring in chase of you. So did I abuse Myself, my servant, and, I fear me, you. Under your hard construction must I sit; To force that on you in a shameful cunning, Which you knew none of yours. What might you think? Have you not set mine honour at the stake, And baited it with all th’ unmuzzled youghts That tyrannous heart can think? To one of your receiving Enough is shown. A cypress, not a bosom, Hides my heart: so let me hear you speak.
give me leave, beseech you. i did send, after the last enchantment you did here, a ring in chase of you. so did i abuse myself, my servant, and, i fear me, you. under your hard construction must i sit; to force that on you in a shameful cunning, which you knew none of yours. what might you think? have you not set mine honour at the stake, and baited it with all th’ unmuzzled youghts that tyrannous heart can think? to one of your receiving enough is shown. a cypress, not a bosom, hides my heart: so let me hear you speak.
Give me leave, beseech you. I did send, After the last enchantment you did here, A ring in chase of you. So did I abuse
I pity you.
I pity you.
i pity you.
I pity you.
That’s a degree to love.
That’s a degree to love.
that’s a degree to love.
That’s a degree to love.
No, not a grize; for ’tis a vulgar proof
That very oft we pity enemies.
No, not a grize; for ’tis a vulgar proof That very oft we pity enemies.
no, not a grize; for ’tis a vulgar proof that very oft we pity enemies.
No, not a grize; for ’tis a vulgar proof That very oft we pity enemies.
Why then methinks ’tis time to smile again.
O world, how apt the poor are to be proud!
If one should be a prey, how much the better
To fall before the lion than the wolf! [_Clock strikes._]
The clock upbraids me with the waste of time.
Be not afraid, good youth, I will not have you.
And yet, when wit and youth is come to harvest,
Your wife is like to reap a proper man.
There lies your way, due west.
Why then methinks ’tis time to smile again. O world, how apt the poor are to be proud! If one should be a prey, how much the better To fall before the lion than the wolf! [_Clock strikes._] The clock upbraids me with the waste of time. Be not afraid, good youth, I will not have you. And yet, when wit and youth is come to harvest, Your wife is like to reap a proper man. There lies your way, due west.
why then methinks ’tis time to smile again. o world, how apt the poor are to be proud! if one should be a prey, how much the better to fall before the lion than the wolf! [_clock strikes._] the clock upbraids me with the waste of time. be not afraid, good youth, i will not have you. and yet, when wit and youth is come to harvest, your wife is like to reap a proper man. there lies your way, due west.
Why then methinks ’tis time to smile again. O world, how apt the poor are to be proud! If one should be a prey, how much the better
Then westward ho!
Grace and good disposition attend your ladyship!
You’ll nothing, madam, to my lord by me?
Then westward ho! Grace and good disposition attend your ladyship! You’ll nothing, madam, to my lord by me?
then westward ho! grace and good disposition attend your ladyship! you’ll nothing, madam, to my lord by me?
Then westward ho! Grace and good disposition attend your ladyship! You’ll nothing, madam, to my lord by me?
Stay:
I prithee tell me what thou think’st of me.
Stay: I prithee tell me what you think’st of me.
stay: i prithee tell me what you think’st of me.
Stay: I prithee tell me what thou think’st of me.
That you do think you are not what you are.
That you do think you are not what you are.
that you do think you are not what you are.
That you do think you are not what you are.
If I think so, I think the same of you.
If I think so, I think the same of you.
if i think so, i think the same of you.
If I think so, I think the same of you.
Then think you right; I am not what I am.
Then think you right; I am not what I am.
then think you right; i am not what i am.
Then think you right; I am not what I am.
I would you were as I would have you be.
I would you were as I would have you be.
i would you were as i would have you be.
I would you were as I would have you be.
Would it be better, madam, than I am?
I wish it might, for now I am your fool.
Would it be better, madam, than I am? I wish it might, for now I am your fool.
would it be better, madam, than i am? i wish it might, for now i am your fool.
Would it be better, madam, than I am? I wish it might, for now I am your fool.
O what a deal of scorn looks beautiful
In the contempt and anger of his lip!
A murd’rous guilt shows not itself more soon
Than love that would seem hid. Love’s night is noon.
Cesario, by the roses of the spring,
By maidhood, honour, truth, and everything,
I love thee so, that maugre all thy pride,
Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide.
Do not extort thy reasons from this clause,
For that I woo, thou therefore hast no cause;
But rather reason thus with reason fetter:
Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.
O what a deal of scorn looks beautiful In the contempt and anger of his lip! A murd’rous guilt shows not itself more soon Than love that would seem hid. Love’s night is noon. Cesario, by the roses of the spring, By maidhood, honour, truth, and everything, I love thee so, that maugre all your pride, Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide. Do not extort your reasons from this clause, For that I woo, you therefore hast no cause; But rather reason thus with reason fetter: Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.
o what a deal of scorn looks beautiful in the contempt and anger of his lip! a murd’rous guilt shows not itself more soon than love that would seem hid. love’s night is noon. cesario, by the roses of the spring, by maidhood, honour, truth, and everything, i love thee so, that maugre all your pride, nor wit nor reason can my passion hide. do not extort your reasons from this clause, for that i woo, you therefore hast no cause; but rather reason thus with reason fetter: love sought is good, but given unsought is better.
O what a deal of scorn looks beautiful In the contempt and anger of his lip! A murd’rous guilt shows not itself more soon
By innocence I swear, and by my youth,
I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth,
And that no woman has; nor never none
Shall mistress be of it, save I alone.
And so adieu, good madam; never more
Will I my master’s tears to you deplore.
By innocence I swear, and by my youth, I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth, And that no woman has; nor never none Shall mistress be of it, save I alone. And so adieu, good madam; never more Will I my master’s tears to you deplore.
by innocence i swear, and by my youth, i have one heart, one bosom, and one truth, and that no woman has; nor never none shall mistress be of it, save i alone. and so adieu, good madam; never more will i my master’s tears to you deplore.
By innocence I swear, and by my youth, I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth, And that no woman has; nor never none
Yet come again: for thou perhaps mayst move
That heart, which now abhors, to like his love.
Yet come again: for you perhaps mayst move That heart, which now abhors, to like his love.
yet come again: for you perhaps mayst move that heart, which now abhors, to like his love.
Yet come again: for thou perhaps mayst move That heart, which now abhors, to like his love.
The Reckoning
This scene marks the moment when Olivia falls in love. She had meant to stay out of the game — devoted to mourning her brother, impervious to the Duke's suit. Then Cesario walks into her garden, and everything changes. What makes it work is that Olivia is intelligent enough to recognize she's being undone by something beyond her control. She doesn't fall for Cesario by mistake. She falls for Cesario while watching herself fall, fully conscious of the contradiction.
If this happened today…
You've spent months avoiding a coworker's advances, kept yourself emotionally distant, stayed focused on your own life. Then one day they walk into a meeting you're running, and they're so clever and confident and good-looking that you actually lose your train of thought. You finish the meeting professionally, then text a friend: 'I think I just caught feelings for someone I was trying to avoid.'