Twelfth Night · Act 4, Scene 3

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Enter SEBASTIAN
Enter SEBASTIAN
Sebastian

This is the air; that is the glorious sun; This pearl she gave me, I do feel’t and see’t; And though ’tis wonder that enwraps me thus, Yet ’tis not madness. Where’s Antonio, then? I could not find him at the Elephant: Yet there he was; and there I found this credit, That he did range the town to seek me out. His counsel now might do me golden service; For though my soul disputes well with my sense, That this may be some error, but no madness, Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune So far exceed all instance, all discourse, That I am ready to distrust mine eyes And wrangle with my reason that persuades me To any other trust but that I am mad Or else the lady’s mad; yet, if ’twere so, She could not sway her house, command her followers, Take and give back affairs and their dispatch With such a smooth, discreet and stable bearing As I perceive she does: there’s something in’t That is deceiveable. But here the lady comes.

Sebastian

This is the air; that is the glorious sun; This pearl she gave me, I do feel it and see it; And even though it’s a wonder that wraps me like this, It’s not madness. Where’s Antonio, then? I couldn’t find him at the Elephant: But he was there; and there I found this proof, That he did go around the town to look for me. His advice now could really help me; Because even though my mind argues with my senses, That this might be some mistake, but not madness, Still, this strange event and flood of fortune Are so far beyond anything I know, any explanation, That I’m almost ready to distrust my eyes And argue with my reason that tries to convince me That I must be crazy Or else the lady is crazy; but, if that were true, She wouldn’t be able to manage her household, control her followers, Handle affairs and their progress With such calm, wise, and steady behavior As I see her doing: there’s something going on That seems deceptive. But here comes the lady.

Enter OLIVIA and Priest
Enter OLIVIA and Priest
Olivia

Blame not this haste of mine. If you mean well, Now go with me and with this holy man Into the chantry by: there, before him, And underneath that consecrated roof, Plight me the full assurance of your faith; That my most jealous and too doubtful soul May live at peace. He shall conceal it Whiles you are willing it shall come to note, What time we will our celebration keep According to my birth. What do you say?

Olivia

Don’t blame me for hurrying. If you mean well, Then come with me and this holy man Into the chapel over there: there, before him, And under that sacred roof, Promise me your full faith; So that my most jealous and doubtful heart Can be at peace. He’ll keep it a secret As long as you’re willing, it will be known, When we choose to have our celebration According to my rank. What do you say?

Sebastian

I’ll follow this good man, and go with you; And, having sworn truth, ever will be true.

Sebastian

I’ll follow this good man, and go with you; And, having sworn the truth, I’ll always be true.

Olivia

Then lead the way, good father; and heavens so shine, That they may fairly note this act of mine!

Olivia

Then lead the way, good father; and may heaven shine, So that they may take note of this act of mine!

Exuent
Exuent

End of Act 4, Scene 3

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