Literature/William Shakespeare/Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare, c. 1601

Act IIIScene III

A street

Enter Sebastian and Antonio.

Sebastian

I would not by my will have troubled you,But since you make your pleasure of your pains,I will no further chide you.

Antonio

I could not stay behind you: my desire,More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth;And not all love to see you, though so much,As might have drawn one to a longer voyage,But jealousy what might befall your travel,Being skilless in these parts; which to a stranger,Unguided and unfriended, often proveRough and unhospitable. My willing love,The rather by these arguments of fear,Set forth in your pursuit.

Sebastian

My kind Antonio,I can no other answer make but thanks,And thanks, and ever thanks; and oft good turnsAre shuffled off with such uncurrent pay.But were my worth, as is my conscience, firm,You should find better dealing. What’s to do?Shall we go see the relics of this town?

Antonio

Tomorrow, sir; best first go see your lodging.

Sebastian

I am not weary, and ’tis long to night;I pray you, let us satisfy our eyesWith the memorials and the things of fameThat do renown this city.

Antonio

Would you’d pardon me.I do not without danger walk these streets.Once in a sea-fight, ’gainst the Count his galleys,I did some service, of such note indeed,That were I ta’en here, it would scarce be answer’d.

Sebastian

Belike you slew great number of his people.

Antonio

Th’ offence is not of such a bloody nature,Albeit the quality of the time and quarrelMight well have given us bloody argument.It might have since been answered in repayingWhat we took from them, which for traffic’s sake,Most of our city did. Only myself stood out,For which, if I be lapsed in this place,I shall pay dear.

Sebastian

Do not then walk too open.

Antonio

It doth not fit me. Hold, sir, here’s my purse.In the south suburbs, at the Elephant,Is best to lodge. I will bespeak our dietWhiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledgeWith viewing of the town. There shall you have me.

Sebastian

Why I your purse?

Antonio

Haply your eye shall light upon some toyYou have desire to purchase; and your store,I think, is not for idle markets, sir.

Sebastian

I’ll be your purse-bearer, and leave you for an hour.

Antonio

To th’ Elephant.

Sebastian

I do remember.

Exeunt.