← 3.3
Act 3, Scene 4 — Olivia’s garden.
on stage: —
Next: 4.1 →
Original
Faithful Conversational Text-message
The argument Olivia declares love to Cesario; Malvolio pursues with mistaken hopes.
Enter Olivia and Maria.
OLIVIA ≋ verse [flustered, scheming to please him]

I have sent after him. He says he’ll come;

How shall I feast him? What bestow of him?

For youth is bought more oft than begg’d or borrow’d.

I speak too loud.—

Where’s Malvolio?—He is sad and civil,

And suits well for a servant with my fortunes;

Where is Malvolio?

I've sent for him. He says he'll come. How should I entertain him? What should I give him? Young people are won by gifts more often than by begging or borrowing. I'm talking too loud. Where's Malvolio? He's serious and proper, and suits well as a servant for someone in my situation. Where is Malvolio?

I've sent someone after him. He said he'd come. So how do I welcome him? What do I give him? You have to buy a young man's attention with gifts more than asking nicely. I need to calm down. Where's Malvolio? He's such a serious, reliable guy. He's perfect for the job. Where is he?

i sent for him how do i welcome him? where's malvolio? i need his help

MARIA ≋ verse [alarmed, reporting his odd behavior]

He’s coming, madam:

But in very strange manner. He is sure possessed, madam.

He's on his way, but he's acting very strangely. He's definitely possessed.

He's coming, but he's being super weird. Something's definitely wrong with him.

he's coming but hes acting really weird. definitely possessed

OLIVIA [startled, concerned]

Why, what’s the matter? Does he rave?

What's going on? Is he talking nonsense?

What's wrong with him? Is he going crazy?

what's wrong? is he losing it?

MARIA [nervous, urging caution]

No, madam, he does nothing but smile: your ladyship were best to have

some guard about you if he come, for sure the man is tainted in ’s

wits.

No, he just keeps smiling. You should have guards nearby if he comes, because the man has clearly lost his mind.

No, he's just smiling all the time. You might want guards around when he shows up, because he's completely lost it.

no hes just smiling. might wanna have guards. hes totally lost it

OLIVIA ≋ verse [wryly admitting her own madness]

Go call him hither. I’m as mad as he,

If sad and merry madness equal be.

Go get him. I'm as crazy as he is, if sadness and happiness expressed as madness are the same thing.

Go bring him here. I'm just as crazy as he is—heartbroken and cheerful madness are the same to me.

go get him. im just as crazy as he is rn

Enter Malvolio.
OLIVIA [taken aback by his manner]

How now, Malvolio?

What's going on, Malvolio?

Hey Malvolio, what's the deal?

hey malvolio what's up

MALVOLIO [grinning, giddy with delusion]

Sweet lady, ho, ho!

Hello, my sweet lady!

Hey there, gorgeous!

hey gorgeous

OLIVIA [bewildered by his smiling]

Smil’st thou? I sent for thee upon a sad occasion.

Are you smiling? I called you here about something serious.

Why are you smiling? I brought you here because something's wrong.

why u smiling? i called u for something serious

MALVOLIO [smugly pleased with himself]

Sad, lady? I could be sad: this does make some obstruction in the

blood, this cross-gartering. But what of that? If it please the eye of

one, it is with me as the very true sonnet is: ‘Please one and please

all.’

Sad? I could be sad, but this cross-gartering makes my circulation feel weird. What does it matter? If it pleases the eye of one person, then for me it's like the saying goes: 'Please one and you please all.'

Sad? I could be, but this cross-garter thing is messing with my blood. Who cares? As long as it makes one person happy—that's all that matters.

sad? could be. but cross-gartering is weird. if it makes one person happy thats all that matters

OLIVIA [growing alarm]

Why, how dost thou, man? What is the matter with thee?

What's wrong with you? What's going on?

What's the problem? What's happening with you?

whats wrong with u?

MALVOLIO [self-satisfied, oblivious]

Not black in my mind, though yellow in my legs. It did come to his

hands, and commands shall be executed. I think we do know the sweet

Roman hand.

My mind isn't dark even though my legs are yellow. The letter reached him, and I will follow its commands. I recognize that beautiful handwriting.

I'm not sad even if I'm wearing yellow. The letter got to him, and I'm doing what it says. I know that beautiful handwriting.

not sad even in yellow. got the letter. following it. know that handwriting

OLIVIA [worried, trying to calm him]

Wilt thou go to bed, Malvolio?

Will you go to bed, Malvolio?

Will you go lie down, Malvolio?

u gonna go to bed?

MALVOLIO [flirtatiously presumptuous]

To bed? Ay, sweetheart, and I’ll come to thee.

To bed? Yes, my love, and I'll come to you.

Go to bed? Yeah, sweetheart, and I'll come find you.

to bed? yeah and ill come find u

OLIVIA [horrified, bewildered]

God comfort thee! Why dost thou smile so, and kiss thy hand so oft?

May God comfort you! Why do you smile so much and keep blowing kisses?

God help you! Why do you keep smiling and blowing kisses like that?

why u smiling so much and blowing kisses?

MARIA [feigning concern, hiding laughter]

How do you, Malvolio?

How are you, Malvolio?

What's going on with you, Malvolio?

u good?

MALVOLIO [contemptuous toward Maria]

At your request? Yes, nightingales answer daws!

At your request? Of course not—nightingales don't answer to jackdaws!

Because you asked? Please—nightingales don't respond to jackdaws!

at ur request? lol no way

MARIA [mock-scandalized, playing along]

Why appear you with this ridiculous boldness before my lady?

Why are you acting so ridiculously bold in front of my lady?

Why are you acting like such a fool in front of my lady?

why u acting so bold n ridiculous in front of her?

MALVOLIO [quoting the letter, self-important]

‘Be not afraid of greatness.’ ’Twas well writ.

'Do not be afraid of greatness.' That was well written.

'Don't be scared of success.' That was really well put.

dont be scared of being great. well said

OLIVIA [utterly baffled by him]

What mean’st thou by that, Malvolio?

What do you mean by that, Malvolio?

What are you talking about, Malvolio?

what do u mean by that?

MALVOLIO [reciting with relish]

‘Some are born great’—

'There are people who arrive in this world already powerful and important'—

'Some people are born rich and powerful'—

some people r born great

OLIVIA [utterly confused]

Ha?

Ha?

ha?

Ha?

MALVOLIO [still reciting, triumphant]

‘Some achieve greatness’—

‘Some achieve greatness’—

‘some achieve greatness’—

‘Some achieve greatness’—

OLIVIA [increasingly alarmed]

What say’st thou?

What are you saying?

What are you going on about?

what u saying?

MALVOLIO [convinced of his own destiny]

‘And some have greatness thrust upon them.’

'And some have greatness forced upon them.'

'And some get power dumped on them whether they want it or not.'

and some get greatness thrust upon them

OLIVIA [genuinely frightened for him]

Heaven restore thee!

May heaven restore your sanity!

God help you, you're losing it!

god help u

MALVOLIO [dropping what he thinks is a hint]

‘Remember who commended thy yellow stockings’—

'Remember who praised your yellow stockings'—

'Remember who loved your yellow stockings'—

remember who loved ur yellow stockings

OLIVIA [stunned repetition]

Thy yellow stockings?

Your yellow stockings?

Yellow stockings?

yellow stockings?

MALVOLIO [preening over his appearance]

‘And wished to see thee cross-gartered.’

'And wanted to see you wearing cross-garters.'

'And wanted to see you dressed up like that with the straps.'

and wanted to see u cross-gartered

OLIVIA [dumbfounded repetition]

Cross-gartered?

Cross-gartered?

cross-gartered?

Cross-gartered?

MALVOLIO [triumphant, sure of his rise]

‘Go to: thou art made, if thou desir’st to be so:’—

'Come on: you can succeed, if you want to'—

'Listen: you can have everything you want'—

go ahead u can make it if u want

OLIVIA [completely lost]

Am I made?

Am I made?

am i made?

Am I made?

MALVOLIO [ominous, misreading her confusion]

‘If not, let me see thee a servant still.’

'If not, then I'll keep seeing you as my servant.'

'If you don't, then you'll always be my servant.'

if not ill keep u as my servant

OLIVIA [exasperated, giving up]

Why, this is very midsummer madness.

This is absolute madness.

This is completely insane.

this is totally crazy

Enter Servant.
SERVANT [dutifully announcing]

Madam, the young gentleman of the Count Orsino’s is returned; I could

hardly entreat him back. He attends your ladyship’s pleasure.

My lady, Count Orsino's young servant has come back; I could barely convince him to wait. He's ready whenever you want to see him.

Ma'am, that young guy from Count Orsino is back, and it took some work to get him to stay. He's ready to see you whenever you want.

that young guy from orsino is back. hes ready whenever

OLIVIA [relieved at the distraction]

I’ll come to him.

I'll go to him.

I'll go see him.

ill go see him

[_Exit Servant._]
OLIVIA [anxious, genuinely worried for him]

Good Maria, let this fellow be looked to. Where’s my cousin Toby? Let

some of my people have a special care of him; I would not have him

miscarry for the half of my dowry.

Good Maria, make sure this fellow is looked after. Where's my cousin Toby? Have some of my servants give him special attention; I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him, not for half my dowry.

Maria, make sure someone's watching him carefully, yeah? Where is Toby? Get some people to keep a close eye on him—honestly, I'd be devastated if anything happened to him, even if I lost half my money.

maria watch this guy ok?? where's toby make ppl look after him wouldn't lose him for half my money

[_Exeunt Olivia and Maria._]
MALVOLIO [paranoid triumph, reading conspiracy]

O ho, do you come near me now? No worse man than Sir Toby to look to

me. This concurs directly with the letter: she sends him on purpose,

that I may appear stubborn to him; for she incites me to that in the

letter. ‘Cast thy humble slough,’ says she; ‘be opposite with a

kinsman, surly with servants, let thy tongue tang with arguments of

state, put thyself into the trick of singularity,’ and consequently,

sets down the manner how: as, a sad face, a reverend carriage, a slow

tongue, in the habit of some sir of note, and so forth. I have limed

her, but it is Jove’s doing, and Jove make me thankful! And when she

went away now, ‘Let this fellow be looked to;’ ‘Fellow!’ not

‘Malvolio’, nor after my degree, but ‘fellow’. Why, everything adheres

together, that no dram of a scruple, no scruple of a scruple, no

obstacle, no incredulous or unsafe circumstance. What can be said?

Nothing that can be can come between me and the full prospect of my

hopes. Well, Jove, not I, is the doer of this, and he is to be thanked.

Well, now you're paying attention to me! There's no better person than Sir Toby to watch over me. This all lines up perfectly with the letter: she's sending him to me on purpose so I'll act difficult around him. That's exactly what she told me to do in the letter. 'Stop being so humble,' she says; 'argue with family members, be rude to servants, use fancy language about politics, be deliberately different and unusual,' and she even explained how: a serious face, dignified manner, slow speech, like some important nobleman. I've captured her love, and it's the gods' doing—I'm so grateful! And when she just left, she said 'watch over that fellow'—'fellow!' not 'Malvolio', not with respect, just 'fellow'. Everything fits perfectly—there's not a single doubt or problem. What can I even say? Nothing can stop me from getting everything I hope for. Well, the gods, not I, made this happen, and I'm grateful to them.

Oh, so now you're interested in me! Sir Toby is perfect to watch over me. This matches the letter exactly: she's sending him to me to make me act stubborn. That's what she told me to do. 'Stop being humble,' she said. 'Fight with your family, be mean to servants, show off with fancy talk, act different and weird,' and she even showed me how—serious face, dignified walk, slow speech, like some important guy. I've got her, and it's all thanks to luck! And when she was leaving, she called me 'fellow' not my name, not treating me right, just calling me a 'fellow.' Everything works out—nothing can stop me. What can I even say? Nothing's going to keep me from getting everything I want. It's all luck, not me, and I'm grateful.

oh now u notice me? perfect. matches the letter. shes sending him to make me act tough. do fancy talk & be different. everything lines up perfectly. nothing can stop me now. gods made this happen not me

Enter Sir Toby, Fabian and Maria.
SIR TOBY [mock-solemn, relishing the game]

Which way is he, in the name of sanctity? If all the devils of hell be

drawn in little, and Legion himself possessed him, yet I’ll speak to

him.

Which way did he go, for heaven's sake? Even if he has every demon from hell living inside him, I'll still talk to him.

Where'd he go, for God's sake? Even if he's got every devil in hell inside him, I'm still going to talk to him.

where is he? even if demons possess him im talking to him

FABIAN [feigned concern, stifling laughter]

Here he is, here he is. How is’t with you, sir? How is’t with you, man?

Here he is, here he is. How are you doing, sir? How are you, man?

There he is, there he is. You okay, sir? You doing alright?

there he is. u good?

MALVOLIO [haughty, dismissive]

Go off, I discard you. Let me enjoy my private. Go off.

Go away. I'm done with you. Let me have my privacy. Go.

Get out of here. You're fired. Leave me alone.

get out. ur fired. leave me alone

MARIA [gleefully feeding the delusion]

Lo, how hollow the fiend speaks within him! Did not I tell you? Sir

Toby, my lady prays you to have a care of him.

Listen how hollow the demon sounds coming from inside him! Didn't I tell you so? Sir Toby, my lady asks you to watch over him.

Hear that empty voice from the demon in him? I told you! Sir Toby, my lady wants you to keep an eye on him.

hear that? demon voice. told u. lady wants u watching him

MALVOLIO [suspicious, indignant]

Ah, ha! does she so?

She does?

She does? Really?

wait she said that?

SIR TOBY [mock-gentle, savoring the act]

Go to, go to; peace, peace, we must deal gently with him. Let me alone.

How do you, Malvolio? How is’t with you? What, man! defy the devil!

Consider, he’s an enemy to mankind.

Calm down, calm down. We have to be gentle with him. Leave it to me. How are you, Malvolio? How are you doing? Come on, man! Fight the devil! Remember, he's an enemy to all people.

Easy, easy. We gotta be nice to him. Let me handle this. You okay, Malvolio? You holding up? Come on, fight the devil! He's bad for everyone.

chill. gotta be nice. let me handle it. malvolio hang in there. fight the devil hes evil

MALVOLIO [offended disbelief]

Do you know what you say?

Do you know what you're talking about?

Do you even know what you're saying?

u even know what ur saying?

MARIA [mock alarm, egging it on]

La you, an you speak ill of the devil, how he takes it at heart! Pray

God he be not bewitched.

Look, if you insult the devil, he takes it personally! Let's hope he's not cursed by magic.

Look, if you talk bad about the devil, he gets his feelings hurt! God, I hope he's not cursed.

if u insult devil he gets mad. hope hes not cursed

FABIAN [deadpan mockery]

Carry his water to th’ wise woman.

Take his urine to the wise woman.

Take his urine to the healer. She'll know what's wrong.

take his urine to the healer

MARIA [mock-dutiful, amused]

Marry, and it shall be done tomorrow morning, if I live. My lady would

not lose him for more than I’ll say.

Of course, and we'll do it tomorrow morning if I'm alive. My lady cares about him so much that I can't even say how much.

Sure, I'll do it tomorrow morning if I'm still around. My lady really cares about him—more than I can even say.

yeah tomorrow if im alive. lady cares about him so much

MALVOLIO [indignant at Maria's cheek]

How now, mistress!

What is it?

What do you want?

what

MARIA [mock terror]

O Lord!

O Lord!

o lord!

O Lord!

SIR TOBY [urgently hushing them, delighted]

Prithee hold thy peace, this is not the way. Do you not see you move

him? Let me alone with him.

Please be quiet. This won't work. Don't you see you're upsetting him? Let me talk to him alone.

Seriously, shut up. This isn't helping. You're making him worse. Let me handle this.

stop. ur making it worse. let me talk to him

FABIAN [playing along solemnly]

No way but gentleness, gently, gently. The fiend is rough, and will not

be roughly used.

The only way is to be gentle, very gentle. The demon is aggressive and won't respond to harshness.

We gotta be soft about this. Really soft. The demon gets angry if you're harsh.

gotta be gentle. really gentle. demon gets mad if ur harsh

SIR TOBY [cooing mockery]

Why, how now, my bawcock? How dost thou, chuck?

Well, how are you doing, my fine fellow? How are you, dear?

Hey there, buddy! How you holding up, pal?

hey buddy! u good?

MALVOLIO [affronted, drawing himself up]

Sir!

Sir!

sir!

Sir!

SIR TOBY [coaxing him along, amused]

Ay, biddy, come with me. What, man, ’tis not for gravity to play at

cherry-pit with Satan. Hang him, foul collier!

Yes, buddy, come with me. Listen, man, a dignified person shouldn't play games with the devil. Damn him, that filthy demon!

Yeah, come on with me. Come on, man, you can't play games with the devil. Screw him, that dirty devil!

come on with me. cant play games w the devil. screw him

MARIA [mock piety]

Get him to say his prayers, good Sir Toby, get him to pray.

Please, Sir Toby, convince him to recite his prayers and seek God's help.

Sir Toby, make him pray. Get him talking to God.

get him to pray sir toby

MALVOLIO [outraged at the insult]

My prayers, minx?

My prayers, minx?

my prayers, minx?

My prayers, minx?

MARIA [feigned shock]

No, I warrant you, he will not hear of godliness.

No, I promise you, he won't listen to anything about religion.

No, I'm sure he won't listen to anything about God.

no he wont listen to anything about god

MALVOLIO [furious, contemptuous]

Go, hang yourselves all! You are idle, shallow things. I am not of your

element. You shall know more hereafter.

Get out, all of you! You're all lazy and shallow. I'm not one of you. You'll understand later.

Get lost, all of you! You're all stupid and worthless. I'm better than you. You'll see.

get out. ur all useless. im not like u. ull see

[_Exit._]
SIR TOBY [mock amazement]

Is’t possible?

Is that possible?

Can it be?

is that possible?

FABIAN [wry, breaking the illusion]

If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an

improbable fiction.

If this were happening on a stage right now, I'd say it was too unrealistic to be believable.

If this were a play, I'd say it's too crazy to be real.

if this was a play id say too fake

SIR TOBY [marveling how well it worked]

His very genius hath taken the infection of the device, man.

His whole personality has become infected by our trick, man.

Our prank has totally gotten into his head.

our prank got in his head

MARIA [urging them onward]

Nay, pursue him now, lest the device take air and taint.

No, keep after him now, or our plan will get exposed and ruined.

Keep pushing him, or people will find out what we're doing.

keep going or ppl will find it out

FABIAN [half-worried, half-amused]

Why, we shall make him mad indeed.

We'll actually drive him crazy.

We're going to make him go insane.

were actually gonna drive him crazy

MARIA [callously dismissive]

The house will be the quieter.

We'll have peace and quiet around here.

The place will be more peaceful.

place will be quieter

SIR TOBY [plotting the next cruel step]

Come, we’ll have him in a dark room and bound. My niece is already in

the belief that he’s mad. We may carry it thus for our pleasure, and

his penance, till our very pastime, tired out of breath, prompt us to

have mercy on him, at which time we will bring the device to the bar,

and crown thee for a finder of madmen. But see, but see!

Come on, we'll lock him in a dark room and tie him up. My niece already believes he's crazy. We can keep this going for our amusement and his punishment until we get tired of the game, then we'll release him and reveal the trick. At that point we'll give you credit for discovering his madness. But look, look over there!

Let's lock him in a dark room with chains. My niece already thinks he's gone crazy. We can keep messing with him until we get bored, then we'll come clean about it. We'll give you credit for finding out he was faking. But wait—look!

lock him up. niece thinks hes crazy. we keep it up til were bored. then reveal it. look look!

Enter Sir Andrew.
FABIAN [anticipating more sport]

More matter for a May morning.

More fun for the morning.

More entertainment for the day.

more fun for later

SIR ANDREW [proud of his fierce letter]

Here’s the challenge, read it. I warrant there’s vinegar and pepper

in’t.

Here's the challenge letter. Read it. I guarantee it's got plenty of bite and anger in it.

Here's my challenge. Read it. It's got serious attitude.

heres my challenge. it has bite

FABIAN [skeptically amused]

Is’t so saucy?

Is it really that saucy?

Is it that rude?

is it that sassy?

SIR ANDREW [eager for approval]

Ay, is’t, I warrant him. Do but read.

Yes, it does. I swear. Just read it.

Yeah it is, I swear. Just read it.

yeah it is. just read it

SIR TOBY [reading aloud with mock gravity]

Give me. [_Reads._] _Youth, whatsoever thou art, thou art but a scurvy

fellow._

Give it here. [reads] 'You, whoever you are, you're just a worthless person.'

Give it to me. [reads] 'You're just a low-life, whoever you are.'

u are just a worthless person

FABIAN [deadpan mockery]

Good, and valiant.

Good, and valiant.

good, and valiant.

Good, and valiant.

SIR TOBY [reading on, suppressing laughter]

_Wonder not, nor admire not in thy mind, why I do call thee so, for I

will show thee no reason for’t._

'Don't be surprised about why I'm calling you this, because I won't explain myself.'

'Don't wonder why I'm insulting you, because I'm not going to tell you why.'

dont ask why im calling u this i wont explain

FABIAN [sarcastic praise]

A good note, that keeps you from the blow of the law.

That's clever—not giving reasons keeps him safe from being sued.

Smart move—no explanation means you can't be taken to court for it.

smart. no reason = cant be sued

SIR TOBY [reading, relishing the absurdity]

_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._

'You visit Lady Olivia, and I've seen her treat you well: but you're lying about what's between you; that's not why I'm challenging you.'

'You show up at Olivia's and she's nice to you: but you're lying about what's going on between you; that's not why I'm fighting you.'

she treats u nice but ur lying. thats y im fighting u

FABIAN [wry dismissal]

Very brief, and to exceeding good sense—less.

Very short, and it makes perfect sense—wait, no sense at all.

Short and makes sense—no wait, it makes no sense.

short & makes sense wait no it doesn't

SIR TOBY [reading the absurd threat aloud]

_I will waylay thee going home; where if it be thy chance to kill me—_

'I'll wait for you on the way home; if you happen to kill me—'

'I'll wait for you when you're leaving; if you happen to kill me—'

ill wait for u when u leave. if u kill me

FABIAN [dry, one-word approval]

Good.

Good.

good.

Good.

SIR TOBY [reading, delighting in the melodrama]

_Thou kill’st me like a rogue and a villain._

'You'd kill me like a cheating, evil person would.'

'You'd be a dirty criminal for killing me like that.'

ud be evil if u killed me

FABIAN [amused legal quip]

Still you keep o’ th’ windy side of the law. Good.

You're still keeping safely away from the law. Good work.

You're still avoiding legal trouble. Smart.

keeping clear of the law. smart

SIR TOBY [gleeful, ready to deliver mischief]

_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 enemy,

Andrew Aguecheek._

If this letter move him not, his legs cannot. I’ll give’t him.

'Goodbye, and may God have mercy on one of our souls! He may need to have mercy on mine, but I'm hoping for the best, so watch out. I'm your friend if you treat me well, your sworn enemy if you don't. Andrew Aguecheek.' If this letter doesn't make him want to fight, nothing will. I'll give it to him.

'Goodbye, and God save one of us. Maybe He needs to save mine, but I'm hoping I win. So watch out. I'm your friend or your enemy depending on how you treat me. Andrew Aguecheek.' If this doesn't make him want to fight, nothing will. I'm going to give it to him.

goodbye god save one of us. look out. im ur friend or enemy depending on u. andrew. if this doesn't make him fight nothing will

MARIA [egging on the prank]

You may have very fit occasion for’t. He is now in some commerce with

my lady, and will by and by depart.

You'll have a perfect opportunity. He's currently talking with my lady, and he'll be leaving soon.

Perfect timing. He's with my lady right now, and he'll be leaving in a minute.

perfect timing. hes with my lady now n leaving soon

SIR TOBY [gleefully stage-managing the ambush]

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 draw’st,

swear horrible, for it comes to pass oft that a terrible oath, with a

swaggering accent sharply twanged off, gives manhood more approbation

than ever proof itself would have earned him. Away.

Go, Sir Andrew. Wait for him at the corner of the orchard like a debt collector. The moment you see him, draw your sword, and as you do, swear terribly, because a fearsome curse said with a swaggering attitude makes a man look braver than actually fighting ever would. Go.

Go wait for him at the orchard like you're collecting a debt. The second you see him, draw your sword and start cursing like crazy, because a good angry curse makes you look braver than actual fighting ever would. Get going.

wait for him at orchard. draw sword & curse like hell. sounds braver than actual fighting

SIR ANDREW [blustering false confidence]

Nay, let me alone for swearing.

Don't worry, I can handle the swearing.

Leave the cursing to me, I'm good at it.

i got the swearing part

[_Exit._]
SIR TOBY [amused, plotting mischief]

Now will not I deliver his letter, for the behaviour 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 deliver

his challenge by word of mouth, set upon Aguecheek 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.

I won't actually give him this letter, because this young man clearly has good education and manners. What he's doing helping Orsino with my niece proves it. So this foolish letter will just make him laugh when he realizes it's from an idiot. But I will tell him about the challenge by word of mouth instead, and build up Andrew's reputation for bravery. I'll make the young man believe Andrew is absolutely wild with rage, skill, and fury. Both of them will be so scared of each other they'll die just by looking at one another.

I'm not giving him this stupid letter, because this guy clearly has class and good manners. What he's doing for his boss proves it. This dumb letter will just make him laugh when he realizes it's from an idiot. But I'll tell him about the fight in person, and I'll make Andrew sound super brave. I'll make him think Andrew is absolutely insane with anger and fighting ability. They'll both be so terrified they'll die just from looking at each other.

not giving him this letter. guy has class. ill tell him myself n hype up andrew. make him think andrew is insane. theyll be so scared theyll die looking at each other

Enter Olivia and Viola.
FABIAN [alerting the others, holding back]

Here he comes with your niece; give them way till he take leave, and

presently after him.

Here he comes with your niece. Move out of the way until he leaves, then follow him right after.

There he is with your niece. Get out of the way until he leaves, then go after him.

hes coming with ur niece. get out til he leaves then follow

SIR TOBY [relishing the coming prank]

I will meditate the while upon some horrid message for a challenge.

I'll spend this time thinking up some really scary things to say in the challenge.

While they're talking, I'll come up with some really frightening stuff to tell him.

ill think of scary stuff to tell him

[_Exeunt Sir Toby, Fabian and Maria._]
OLIVIA ≋ verse [regretting her bold confession]

I have said too much unto a heart of stone,

And laid mine honour too unchary on’t:

There’s something in me that reproves my fault:

But such a headstrong potent fault it is,

That it but mocks reproof.

I've told my feelings to someone who doesn't care, and risked my reputation recklessly. Something inside me knows I did wrong. But this stubborn, powerful wrong I committed is so strong that it just laughs at criticism.

I've poured my heart out to someone cold, and I've risked everything. I know I messed up. But this stubborn mistake I made is so big that it doesn't care about being told it's wrong.

i told someone who doesnt care. risked everything. i know im wrong but i dont care

VIOLA ≋ verse [deflecting her unwanted affection]

With the same ’haviour that your passion bears

Goes on my master’s griefs.

My master feels the same way you do—he's suffering from the same love that hurts you.

Your master is going through exactly what you are—the same heartbreak.

my master feels the same way. same heartbreak

OLIVIA ≋ verse [pressing her suit, vulnerable]

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 tomorrow.

What shall you ask of me that I’ll deny,

That honour sav’d, may upon asking give?

Here, wear this jewel for me—it's my picture. Don't refuse it. It can't bother you with words. And I'm begging you to come back tomorrow. What could you ask me for that I would refuse, as long as I keep my honor? I'll give you anything I can.

Take this jewel—it's got my picture. Don't say no. It won't bother you. And please come back tomorrow. Is there anything you'd ask me that I wouldn't give you, if I can keep my reputation?

wear this. my picture. come back tomorrow. what do u want? ill give u anything if i keep my honor

VIOLA [firmly redirecting her to Orsino]

Nothing but this, your true love for my master.

Only this: your real love for my master.

Just one thing: be in love with my master for real.

just love my master for real

OLIVIA ≋ verse [torn between honor and desire]

How with mine honour may I give him that

Which I have given to you?

How can I give him my love while keeping my honor, when I've already given my love to you?

How can I love him if I've already given my heart to you?

how can i love him if ive already given my heart to u?

VIOLA [gently releasing her from the vow]

I will acquit you.

I'll set you free from that promise.

I'll let you off the hook.

u r free from that

OLIVIA ≋ verse [helplessly smitten despite herself]

Well, come again tomorrow. Fare thee well;

A fiend like thee might bear my soul to hell.

Come back tomorrow. Goodbye. Someone as beautiful as you could drag my soul down to hell.

Come back tomorrow. Goodbye. You could literally drag me to hell with your beauty.

come back tomorrow. ur so beautiful u could drag me to hell

[_Exit._]
Enter Sir Toby and Fabian.
SIR TOBY [feigning polite greeting, mischievous]

Gentleman, God save thee.

Gentleman, may God protect you.

Hey, may God be with you.

god protect u

VIOLA [politely puzzled]

And you, sir.

And you, sir.

and you, sir.

And you, sir.

SIR TOBY [inventing danger to frighten him]

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 despite,

bloody as the hunter, attends thee at the orchard end. Dismount thy

tuck, be yare in thy preparation, for thy assailant is quick, skilful,

and deadly.

Use whatever defense skills you have. I don't know what wrongs you've done him, but your attacker is full of anger and bloodthirsty like a hunter—he's waiting for you at the orchard. Draw your sword and get ready fast, because your enemy is quick, skilled, and dangerous.

Get ready to defend yourself. I don't know what you did to him, but he's furious and bloodthirsty, and he's waiting for you at the orchard. Pull out your sword and get ready quick, because he's really good and he means business.

get ready. hes mad n waiting at the orchard. draw ur sword. hes fast good n dangerous

VIOLA [bewildered, protesting innocence]

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.

You're wrong, sir. I'm sure no man has any fight with me. I don't remember doing anything wrong to anyone.

You're mistaken, sir. Nobody has any reason to fight me. I haven't done anything to anybody.

ur wrong. nobody wants to fight me. i didnt do anything

SIR TOBY [piling on false threats]

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.

You'll find out otherwise, I promise you. So if you value your life at all, prepare to defend yourself, because your opponent has everything youth, strength, skill, and fury can provide to a man.

Nope, you're wrong about that. Look, if you care about staying alive, you need to get ready to fight. This guy has everything—youth, strength, technique, pure rage. He's got it all.

nope dude is DANGEROUS he's got youth strength skill anger all of it get ready

VIOLA [anxious to know the threat]

I pray you, sir, what is he?

Please, sir, who is he?

Wait, who exactly is this guy?

who is he tho

SIR TOBY [exaggerating danger for sport]

He is knight, dubbed with unhatched 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.

He is a knight, dubbed with an unused rapier, and promoted on theoretical grounds alone, but he is a devil in real fighting. He has killed three men, and his anger at this moment is so unstoppable that only death and the grave can satisfy it. 'Take it or give it'—that's his word.

He's a knight—got his title through some guy with a fancy sword, purely on paper. But in an actual fight? He's brutal. He's killed three people already. Right now he's so mad that only death—literally someone dying—will make him happy. His motto is basically 'you're dead either way.'

he's a knight but psycho in real fights killed ppl already he won't stop only death settles it

VIOLA [looking for an escape from the fight]

I will return again into the house and desire some conduct of the lady.

I am no fighter. I have heard of some kind of men that put quarrels

purposely on others to taste their valour: belike this is a man of that

quirk.

I will go back into the house and ask for some escort from the lady. I am not a fighter. I have heard of some kind of men who deliberately start quarrels with others to test their courage: perhaps this is a man of that type.

I'm going back inside and asking the lady for someone to walk with me. I'm not a fighter, okay? I've heard about these guys who pick fights just to see how brave you are. That's probably what this is.

i'm not a fighter this guy picks fights to test people maybe lets go back inside

SIR TOBY [blocking her retreat, insistent]

Sir, no. His indignation derives itself out of a very competent injury;

therefore, get you on and give him his desire. Back you shall not to

the house, unless you undertake that with me which with as much safety

you might answer him. Therefore on, or strip your sword stark naked,

for meddle you must, that’s certain, or forswear to wear iron about

you.

Sir, no. His anger comes from a real injury; so you must fight him to satisfy his oath. As much safety as you might get from answering him, you could also get it from fighting me instead. So either fight, or remove your sword permanently, because you must get involved in this fight—that's definite—or stop wearing a sword at all.

Actually no, this is real. He's genuinely angry about something you actually did. You've got to fight him to save face. You could die fighting him just as easily as you could die fighting me instead. So either fight him, or don't carry a sword anymore, because you're not backing out of this.

nope he's really mad you gotta fight him no way out of it either fight or stop carrying a sword

VIOLA [pleading to learn her offense]

This is as uncivil as strange. I beseech you, do me this courteous

office, as to know of the knight what my offence to him is. It is

something of my negligence, nothing of my purpose.

This is as rude as it is strange. Please, do me this courteous favor—find out from the knight what my offense to him is. It is something that happened by accident on my part, not something I intended.

This is totally weird and incredibly rude. Can you just ask him what I did to him? Seriously, I have no idea what his problem is. Whatever happened, it was an accident, not on purpose.

this is so weird can u just ask him what i did i didn't mean to offend him

SIR TOBY [feigning helpfulness while plotting]

I will do so. Signior Fabian, stay you by this gentleman till my

return.

I will do that. Signior Fabian, stay here with this gentleman until I come back.

Yeah, okay, I'll do that. Fabian, you stick with him while I go talk to him.

ok i'll ask fabian stay with him

[_Exit Sir Toby._]
VIOLA [nervously seeking reassurance]

Pray you, sir, do you know of this matter?

Please, sir, do you know anything about this situation?

Hey, do you know what's going on here?

do u know whats up

FABIAN ≋ verse [playing along with the ruse]

I know the knight is incensed against you, even to a mortal

arbitrement, but nothing of the circumstance more.

I know the knight is angry at you, even to the point of a fight to the death, but I know nothing more about the circumstances.

I know he's really mad at you—like, he wants to actually kill you—but that's all I know. I don't know why.

he's mad enough to kill u no idea why tho

VIOLA [growing more fearful]

I beseech you, what manner of man is he?

Please, what kind of man is he?

Okay, so what's this guy like?

what kind of guy is he

FABIAN [embellishing the danger, amused]

Nothing of that wonderful promise, to read him by his form, as you are

like to find him in the proof of his valour. He is indeed, sir, the

most skilful, bloody, and fatal opposite that you could possibly have

found in any part of Illyria. Will you walk towards him? I will make

your peace with him if I can.

Nothing of that impressive appearance would make you think it by looking at him; instead, you'll see it when you experience his skill in fighting. He is truly, sir, the most skilled, bloody, and deadly opponent you could possibly have found anywhere in Illyria. Will you walk toward him? I will try to make peace between you if I can.

He doesn't look like much, honestly. But you'll see when you fight him—he's absolutely brutal. He's the best fighter in the whole region, and he kills people. I mean he really kills them. Come on, let's go see him. Maybe I can talk him down.

he looks normal but he's the deadliest fighter here let's go i'll try to stop him

VIOLA [admitting her fear, comic aside]

I shall be much bound to you for’t. I am one that had rather go with

sir priest than sir knight: I care not who knows so much of my mettle.

I would be very grateful to you for that. I'm someone who would rather go with a priest than a knight: I don't care who knows how cowardly I am.

I'd really appreciate that. Honestly, I'd take a priest over a fighter any day. I don't care who thinks I'm a coward.

id rather be with a priest i'm not brave ok

[_Exeunt._]
Enter Sir Toby and Sir Andrew.
SIR TOBY [terrifying Andrew with tall tales]

Why, man, he’s a very devil. I have not seen such a firago. I had a

pass with him, rapier, scabbard, and all, and he gives me the stuck-in

with such a mortal motion that it is inevitable; and on the answer, he

pays you as surely as your feet hits the ground they step on. They say

he has been fencer to the Sophy.

Look, he's absolutely terrible. I've never seen such a savage fighter. I had a fight with him, rapier and scabbard and all, and he struck me with such a deadly move that it was inevitable I'd be hit; and when I tried to hit back, he attacked me just as surely as your feet hit the ground when you walk. They say he was a fencing instructor to the Sophy.

The guy's insane, seriously. I've never seen anyone fight like that. I fought him once—sword, sheath, everything—and he hit me so hard and so fast it was guaranteed. When I tried to hit back, he nailed me instantly. People say he was the best swordsman for the ruler of Persia.

he's a beast i fought him he hit me so hard and fast impossible to block was a master fencer somewhere

SIR ANDREW [backing out in fright]

Pox on’t, I’ll not meddle with him.

No, I won't fight with him.

Forget it. I'm not getting near him.

nah im not fighting him

SIR TOBY [pretending it's too late to stop]

Ay, but he will not now be pacified: Fabian can scarce hold him yonder.

But he won't accept that now: Fabian can barely hold him back over there.

Yeah but he doesn't care. Fabian's basically wrestling him to keep him from coming at you right now.

but he's out of control fabian's holding him back

SIR ANDREW [desperately bargaining to avoid the fight]

Plague on’t, an I thought he had been valiant, and so cunning in fence,

I’d have seen him damned ere I’d have challenged him. Let him let the

matter slip, and I’ll give him my horse, grey Capilet.

Damn it, if I'd thought he was that skilled and strong at fencing, I'd never have challenged him. Just let the matter go, and I'll give him my horse, grey Capilet.

Curse it, if I'd known he was so good at fencing, I'd never have challenged him. Drop the whole thing, and I'll give him my horse, the grey Capilet.

i didnt know he was good at fighting. drop it and ill give him my horse

SIR TOBY [gleefully setting up his cruel prank]

I’ll make the motion. Stand here, make a good show on’t. This shall end

without the perdition of souls. [_Aside._] Marry, I’ll ride your horse

as well as I ride you.

I'll propose it with him. Stand right here and look brave. This will end without anyone dying. [Aside] By God, I'll manipulate you the same way I do your horse.

I'll set it up with him. Stand here and look tough. Nobody's going to die. [Aside] Hell, I'll play you like I play your horse.

[to andrew] ill work it out. stand here. [aside] ill manipulate u like ur horse

Enter Fabian and Viola.
SIR TOBY [bragging about duping Andrew]

[_To Fabian._] I have his horse to take up the quarrel. I have

persuaded him the youth’s a devil.

I have his horse as payment to handle the quarrel. I have convinced him the youth is a devil.

I got his horse as a bribe to deal with this quarrel. I've got him thinking this guy is a devil.

got his horse 4 the quarrel. convinced him the guy's a devil

FABIAN [relishing Andrew's terror]

He is as horribly conceited of him, and pants and looks pale, as if a

bear were at his heels.

He's so terrified of you, and he's panting and looking pale, as if a bear were chasing him.

He's freaking out, seriously. He's sweating, he's white as a ghost. He looks like he's being hunted by a bear.

he's terrified panting looking pale like a bear's after him

SIR TOBY [feigning solemnity to keep the prank alive]

There’s no remedy, sir, he will fight with you for’s oath sake. Marry,

he hath better bethought him of his quarrel, and he finds that now

scarce to be worth talking of. Therefore, draw for the supportance of

his vow; he protests he will not hurt you.

There's no way out of this, sir—he will fight you because he swore to. Still, he's thought about it more carefully now and realizes the quarrel is barely worth mentioning. So draw your sword to fulfill his oath; he swears he won't hurt you.

Look, he's got to do this because he made a promise. But he's thinking about it better now and realizes this whole thing's pretty stupid. Still, draw your sword so he can keep his word. He promises he won't actually hurt you.

he's gotta fight but he realizes its stupid still needs to for his oath he won't actually hurt u tho

VIOLA [panicking, fearing her disguise will slip]

[_Aside._] Pray God defend me! A little thing would make me tell them

how much I lack of a man.

God protect me! The slightest thing would make me reveal to them how far I fall short of being a man.

God save me! It would barely take anything for me to admit to them that I'm not really a man.

god save me. i'd so easily tell them i'm not actually a man

FABIAN [mock-serious coaching, barely hiding amusement]

Give ground if you see him furious.

Back away if you see him getting aggressive.

If he comes at you hard, just step back.

back away if he charges

SIR TOBY [goading a fight he knows is fake]

Come, Sir Andrew, there’s no remedy, the gentleman will for his

honour’s sake have one bout with you. He cannot by the duello avoid it;

but he has promised me, as he is a gentleman and a soldier, he will not

hurt you. Come on: to’t.

Come on, Sir Andrew, there's no avoiding this—the gentleman must have one bout with you for his honor's sake. He cannot escape it by the rules of combat; but he has promised me, as he is a gentleman and soldier, that he will not hurt you. Come on: let's do it.

Okay Sir Andrew, this is happening. The guy has to fight you to keep his honor. There's no way around it according to the rules. But look, he promised me—on his honor as a soldier—he won't actually hurt you. Come on, let's get this over with.

no way out he's gotta fight for honor but he promised he wont hurt u lets go

SIR ANDREW [trembling, praying to avoid violence]

[_Draws._] Pray God he keep his oath!

May God make sure he keeps his oath!

Let's hope he actually keeps his word!

hope he keeps his word

Enter Antonio.
VIOLA [reluctantly drawing, terrified of being found out]

[_Draws._] I do assure you ’tis against my will.

I assure you this is against my will.

I want you to know I don't want to do this.

i don't wanna do this

ANTONIO ≋ verse [stepping in bravely to shield Viola]

Put up your sword. If this young gentleman

Have done offence, I take the fault on me.

If you offend him, I for him defy you.

Put away your sword. If this young gentleman has done something wrong, I'll take the blame for it. If you hurt him, I challenge you.

Put your sword down. If he did something wrong, that's on me. And if you hurt him, you're dealing with me.

stop if he did something wrong its on me if u hurt him im fighting u

SIR TOBY [startled, sizing up the intruder]

You, sir? Why, what are you?

You, sir? Why, who are you?

Who the hell are you?

who r u

ANTONIO ≋ verse [defiant, ready to fight for love]

[_Draws._] One, sir, that for his love dares yet do more

Than you have heard him brag to you he will.

One, sir, who for love of him dares do more Than you have heard him boast to you he will.

Someone, sir, who for his sake will actually do more Than you've heard him talk about.

someone who for him will do more than he's bragged about

SIR TOBY [spoiling for a real fight now]

[_Draws._] Nay, if you be an undertaker, I am for you.

No, if you're going to take up this challenge, I'm ready for you.

If you're looking for a fight, I'm your guy.

if u want a fight i'm in

Enter Officers.
FABIAN [urgently breaking up the brawl]

O good Sir Toby, hold! Here come the officers.

Oh good Sir Toby, stop! Here come the officers.

Toby, stop! The cops are coming!

stop toby police coming

SIR TOBY [postponing his threat, distracted by the officers]

[_To Antonio._] I’ll be with you anon.

I will be with you in a moment.

I'll catch up with you in a second.

be there soon

VIOLA [relieved, eager to end the duel]

[_To Sir Andrew._] Pray, sir, put your sword up, if you please.

Please, sir, put your sword away if you will.

Come on, put your sword down, would you?

put ur sword away pls

SIR ANDREW [relieved, happily backing down]

Marry, will I, sir; and for that I promised you, I’ll be as good as my

word. He will bear you easily, and reins well.

Absolutely, sir; and for that promise I made you, I'll keep my word. He's easy to ride and responds well to the reins.

Yeah, sure, I'll give him to you. He's a good horse—easy to handle, responds great to the reins.

sure horse is easy good with reins

FIRST OFFICER [brisk, official command]

This is the man; do thy office.

This is the man; do your job.

That's the one; arrest him.

thats him arrest him

SECOND OFFICER ≋ verse [formally arresting him]

Antonio, I arrest thee at the suit

Of Count Orsino.

Antonio, I arrest you by order of Count Orsino.

Antonio, you're under arrest for Count Orsino.

antonio ur under arrest count orsino's orders

ANTONIO [startled denial]

You do mistake me, sir.

You are mistaken, sir.

You've got the wrong guy.

wrong person

FIRST OFFICER ≋ verse [certain, unmoved by his denial]

No, sir, no jot. I know your favour well,

Though now you have no sea-cap on your head.—

Take him away, he knows I know him well.

No, sir, not at all. I know you very well, even though you're not wearing a sailor's cap on your head now. Take him away; I recognize him perfectly.

Nope, I know exactly who you are. I recognize you even without the sailor hat. Take him away.

i know u no cap needed im sure its u

ANTONIO ≋ verse [desperate, asking his friend for help]

I must obey. This comes with seeking you;

But there’s no remedy, I shall answer it.

What will you do? Now my necessity

Makes me to ask you for my purse. It grieves me

Much more for what I cannot do for you,

Than what befalls myself. You stand amaz’d,

But be of comfort.

I must obey. This trouble comes from looking for you; but there's nothing I can do, I'll have to answer for it. What will you do? Now I need to ask you for my purse, which I'm ashamed to ask. It bothers me much more that I can't do anything for you than what's happening to me. You look shocked, but take comfort.

I have to go. This is what happens when I came looking for you, but I can't help it. Look, I need to ask you something awkward—I need my wallet back. That's killing me—not that I need it, but that I can't help you right now when you're in trouble. I know this looks weird to you, but don't worry.

i gotta go found u and now this i need my wallet back sucks that i cant help u dont worry tho

SECOND OFFICER [impatient, hurrying him along]

Come, sir, away.

Come, sir, away.

come, sir, away.

Come, sir, away.

ANTONIO [urgently pleading for the money]

I must entreat of you some of that money.

I must ask you for some of that money.

I'm going to need some of my money back.

i need my money

VIOLA ≋ verse [confused but offering what she can]

What money, sir?

For the fair kindness you have show’d me here,

And part being prompted by your present trouble,

Out of my lean and low ability

I’ll lend you something. My having is not much;

I’ll make division of my present with you.

Hold, there’s half my coffer.

What money, sir? For the kindness you showed me here, and partly because of the trouble you're in right now, from my small resources I'll lend you something. I don't have much, but I'll split what I have with you right now. Look, here's half of my wallet.

What money? Look, you've been nice to me, and you're in serious trouble right now. I'm not rich, but I'll give you half of what I have. Seriously, here—half my cash.

for being kind to me and cuz ur in trouble here take half my money

ANTONIO ≋ verse [wounded, feeling betrayed]

Will you deny me now?

Is’t possible that my deserts to you

Can lack persuasion? Do not tempt my misery,

Lest that it make me so unsound a man

As to upbraid you with those kindnesses

That I have done for you.

Will you deny me now? Is it possible that my kindness to you isn't enough to convince you? Don't push my desperation too far, or it will make me so angry that I'll throw all the help I gave you back in your face.

Are you refusing to help me? After everything I did for you? Don't make me lose it. I'm getting desperate, and if you push me, I'll start listing every single thing I've done for you and it'll hurt.

ur refusing me after what ive done for u dont make me blow up

VIOLA ≋ verse [baffled, denying any acquaintance]

I know of none,

Nor know I you by voice or any feature.

I hate ingratitude more in a man

Than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness,

Or any taint of vice whose strong corruption

Inhabits our frail blood.

I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't know you by your voice or appearance. I hate ingratitude more in a person than lying, vanity, bragging, drunkenness, or any other character flaw whose corruption infects our weak nature.

I have no idea what you mean. I don't know you—I've never heard your voice, never seen your face. And honestly, ingratitude is the worst trait a person can have. It's worse than lying, worse than being arrogant, worse than being a drunk idiot.

idk u never seen u before ingratitude is the worst

ANTONIO [anguished disbelief]

O heavens themselves!

O heavens themselves!

o heavens themselves!

O heavens themselves!

SECOND OFFICER [pressing him to move on]

Come, sir, I pray you go.

Come, sir, please go.

Let's go, please.

come on lets go

ANTONIO ≋ verse [pleading his case, heartbroken]

Let me speak a little. This youth that you see here

I snatch’d one half out of the jaws of death,

Reliev’d him with such sanctity of love;

And to his image, which methought did promise

Most venerable worth, did I devotion.

Let me speak a moment. This young man you see here I pulled out from the jaws of death halfway through, saved him with such pure love; and to his appearance, which I thought promised great worth, I gave all my devotion.

Wait, let me explain something. This kid right here—I literally pulled him out of the water, saved his life. I took care of him with complete love and respect. He looked amazing and I thought he was incredible, so I devoted myself completely to him.

i saved this guy from death devoted myself to him completely

FIRST OFFICER [dismissive, indifferent]

What’s that to us? The time goes by. Away!

What difference does that make to us? Time is passing. Away!

So what? We don't care. Let's go, time's wasting.

so what lets go

ANTONIO ≋ verse [bitterly denouncing his betrayal]

But O how vile an idol proves this god!

Thou hast, Sebastian, done good feature shame.

In nature there’s no blemish but the mind;

None can be call’d deform’d but the unkind.

Virtue is beauty, but the beauteous evil

Are empty trunks, o’erflourished by the devil.

But what a terrible idol this god has become! You have shamed your own good appearance, Sebastian. In nature there is no physical deformity except an evil mind; only an unkind person can be truly deformed. Inner virtue is real beauty, but beautiful people who are evil are just empty shells decorated by the devil.

But you turned out to be a fake god. Sebastian, you're beautiful on the outside but you've just proven it means nothing. The only real deformity is being mean and selfish. Real beauty is having a good heart. Good-looking jerks are just pretty decorations the devil uses.

fake god your a jerk sebastian only badness is really ugly true beauty is kindness pretty jerks are devil toys

FIRST OFFICER [dismissing him as raving]

The man grows mad, away with him. Come, come, sir.

The man is getting crazy. Take him away. Come on, sir.

He's losing it. Let's go.

hes going crazy lets move

ANTONIO [resigned, defeated]

Lead me on.

Lead me on.

lead me on.

Lead me on.

[_Exeunt Officers with Antonio._]
VIOLA ≋ verse [daring to hope her brother lives]

Methinks his words do from such passion fly

That he believes himself; so do not I.

Prove true, imagination, O prove true,

That I, dear brother, be now ta’en for you!

I think his words come from such strong emotion that he believes what he's saying; I don't. Please prove to be real, imagination—prove to be real!—that I am here being mistaken for my dear brother!

He's so upset that he actually believes what he's saying. I'm not convinced. But please, please let me be right about this—let this be my twin brother Sebastian and not some weird coincidence!

he sounds real but hes wrong please let this be my brother please

SIR TOBY [plotting further mockery]

Come hither, knight; come hither, Fabian. We’ll whisper o’er a couplet

or two of most sage saws.

Come here, knight; come here, Fabian. We'll whisper over a couplet or two of very wise sayings.

Hey, Sir Andrew, Fabian—come here. We need to talk quietly about some clever stuff.

come here lets talk quietly

VIOLA ≋ verse [overcome with hope for her brother]

He nam’d Sebastian. I my brother know

Yet living in my glass; even such and so

In favour was my brother, and he went

Still in this fashion, colour, ornament,

For him I imitate. O if it prove,

Tempests are kind, and salt waves fresh in love!

He called him Sebastian. I know my brother is still alive; I can still see him in my mirror; and he looked exactly like this, in the same way, with the same coloring and appearance. I dressed like this to look like him. Oh, if it proves to be true, storms are kind and salt water is fresh with love!

He said Sebastian—that's my brother's name. My brother's alive somewhere, and when I look in the mirror I see him. He dressed just like this, looked just like this. I've been copying him. Please let this be him. If it is, then this whole terrible journey was worth it.

sebastian my brother i dress like him looking for him please be real

[_Exit._]
SIR TOBY [gleefully disparaging the coward]

A very dishonest paltry boy, and more a coward than a hare. His

dishonesty appears in leaving his friend here in necessity, and denying

him; and for his cowardship, ask Fabian.

A very dishonest, miserable boy—more cowardly than a rabbit. His dishonesty shows in abandoning his friend here when he's desperate and denying knowing him; and for proof of his cowardice, ask Fabian.

That guy's a total loser and an actual coward. He completely abandoned his friend who needed him and pretended he didn't know him. Fabian can tell you how chicken he is.

guy's a coward loser abandonded his friend total disaster

FABIAN [mocking, piling on the insult]

A coward, a most devout coward, religious in it.

A coward, a truly dedicated coward, religious about it.

Seriously, like, religiously cowardly. That's his whole thing.

true coward dedicated to cowardice

SIR ANDREW [emboldened now the danger's gone]

’Slid, I’ll after him again and beat him.

By God, I'll go after him again and beat him.

Forget it, I'm going after him and hitting him.

im going after him im hitting him

SIR TOBY [egging Andrew on for more sport]

Do, cuff him soundly, but never draw thy sword.

Do it, hit him hard, but never draw your sword.

Yeah, beat him up. Just don't use your sword.

beat him dont use ur sword

SIR ANDREW [bravado threat, trailing off]

And I do not—

And if I don't—

If I don't do it—

and if i dont

[_Exit._]
FABIAN [eager to watch the outcome]

Come, let’s see the event.

Come on, let's see how it turns out.

Come on, let's see what happens.

lets see what happens

SIR TOBY [confidently wagering it fizzles]

I dare lay any money ’twill be nothing yet.

I'd bet anything nothing will come of it yet.

I'll bet money this whole thing amounts to nothing.

nothings gonna happen

[_Exeunt._]

The Reckoning

Viola's disguise deepens complications as emotions intensify.

If this happened today…

Sometimes hiding who you are creates chaos nobody expected.

Continue to 4.1 →