Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare [top 100 novels .txt] 📗

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. Viola 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. Sir Toby 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. Viola 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. Sir Toby I will do so. Signior Fabian, stay you by this gentleman till my return. Exit. Viola Pray you, sir, do you know of this matter? Fabian I know the knight is incensed against you, even to a mortal arbitrement; but nothing of the circumstance more. Viola I beseech you, what manner of man is he? Fabian 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. Viola 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. Exeunt. Re-enter Sir Toby, with Sir Andrew. Sir Toby 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 hit the ground they step on. They say he has been fencer to the Sophy. Sir Andrew Pox on’t, I’ll not meddle with him. Sir Toby Ay, but he will not now be pacified: Fabian can scarce hold him yonder. Sir Andrew Plague on’t, an I thought he had been valiant and so cunning in fence, I’ld have seen him damned ere I’ld have challenged him. Let him let the matter slip, and I’ll give him my horse, grey Capilet. Sir Toby 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. Re-enter Fabian and Viola. To Fabian. I have his horse to take up the quarrel: I have persuaded him the youth’s a devil. Fabian He is as horribly conceited of him; and pants and looks pale, as if a bear were at his heels. Sir Toby To Viola. 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. Viola Aside. Pray God defend me! A little thing would make me tell them how much I lack of a man. Fabian Give ground, if you see him furious. Sir Toby 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. Sir Andrew Pray God, he keep his oath! Viola I do assure you, ’tis against my will. They draw. Enter Antonio. Antonio

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.

Sir Toby You, sir! why, what are you? Antonio

One, sir, that for his love dares yet do more
Than you have heard him brag to you he will.

Sir Toby Nay, if you be an undertaker, I am for you. They draw. Enter Officers. Fabian O good Sir Toby, hold! here come the officers. Sir Toby I’ll be with you anon. Viola Pray, sir, put your sword up, if you please. Sir Andrew 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. First Officer This is the man; do thy office. Second Officer Antonio, I arrest thee at the suit of Count Orsino. Antonio You do mistake me, sir. First Officer

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.

Antonio

I must obey. To Viola. 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 amazed;
But be of comfort.

Second Officer Come, sir, away. Antonio I must entreat of you some of that money. Viola

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.

Antonio

Will you deny me now?
Is’t possible that my deserts to