A Room in the Duke's Palace.
 Enter VALENTINE, and VIOLA in man's attire as Cesario.

Valentine	If the duke continue these favours towards you, Cesario, you 
	are like to be much advanced. He hath known you but three 
	days, and already you are no stranger.

Viola	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?

Valentine	No, believe me.

                Enter DUKE ORSINO, CURIO, and ATTENDANTS.

Viola	I thank you. Here comes the count.

Duke Orsino	Who saw Cesario, ho?

Viola	On your attendance, my lord, here.

Duke Orsino	[To his Followers.]
	Stand you awhile aloof. [To VIOLA.] Cesario,
	Thou know'st no less but all; I have unclasped
	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 fixd foot shall grow
	Till thou have audience.

Viola							Sure, my noble lord,
	If she be so abandoned to her sorrow
	As it is spoke, she never will admit me.

Duke Orsino	Be clamorous, and leap all civil bounds,
	Rather than make unprofited return.

Viola	Say I do speak with her, my lord, what then?

Duke Orsino	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's of more grave aspect.

Viola	I think not so, my lord.

Duke Orsino								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,
	And all is semblative a woman's part.
	I know thy constellation is right apt
	For this affair. Some four or five attend him;
	All, if you will; for I myself am best
	When least in company. Prosper well in this,
	And thou shalt live as freely as thy lord
	To call his fortunes thine.

Viola								I'll do my best
	To woo your lady. [Aside.] Yet, a barful strife!
	Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife.
														[Exeunt.
