SCENE IV.

_A Room in_ DUKE ORSINO'S _Palace_.

_Enter_ VALENTINE, _and_ VIOLA _in Man's Attire_.

_Val._ If the duke continue these favors towards you, Cesario, you are like to be much advanced.

_Vio._ 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?

_Val._ No, believe me.

_Vio._ I thank you.--Here comes the duke.

_Enter_ DUKE, CURIO, _and Gentlemen_.

_Duke._ Who saw Cesario, ho?

_Vio._ 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.

_Vio._ 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.

_Vio._ 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 aspéct.

_Vio._ 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: I know, thy constellation is right apt For this affair:--Go:--prosper well in this, And thou shalt live as freely as thy lord, To call his fortunes thine.

[_Exeunt_ DUKE, CURIO, VALENTINE, _and Gentlemen_.

_Vio._ I'll do my best, To woo his lady: yet,--a barful strife!-- Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife. [_Exit._