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VIOLA
Would it be better, madam, than I am?
I wish it might, for now I am your fool.
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VIOLA
Would it be better if I were that, instead of what I am? I wish I were something better, because right now I’m a big fool.
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135 140 145 |
OLIVIA
(aside) Oh, what a deal of scorn looks beautiful
In the contempt and anger of his lip!
A murderous guilt shows not itself more soon
Than love that would seem hid. Love’s night is noon.
(to VIOLA) Cesario, by the roses of the spring,
By maidhood, honor, truth, and everything,
I love thee so, that, maugre all thy pride,
Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide.
Do not extort thy reasons from this clause,
For that I woo, thou therefore hast no cause,
But rather reason thus with reason fetter.
Love sought is good, but given unsought better.
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OLIVIA
(to herself) Oh, how beautiful he is even when he’s angry and full of contempt! A murderer can hide his guilt longer than someone in love can hide her love. Love shines brightly and can’t be hidden. (to VIOLA) Cesario, I swear by the spring roses, by virginity, honor, truth, and everything, I swear I love you. I love you so much that I can’t hide my passion for you, as clever as I am. Don’t assume that because I’m pursuing you there’s no reason to pursue me. Put two and two together and realize that asking for love is good, but getting it without asking is much better.
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VIOLA
By innocence I swear, and by my youth
I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth,
And that no woman has, nor never none
Shall mistress be of it, save I alone.
And so adieu, good madam. Nevermore
Will I my master’s tears to you deplore.
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VIOLA
And I swear by my youth and innocence that I’ve only got one heart and one love to give, and that I’ve never given them to a woman and never will. So goodbye, my lady. I won’t ever come to complain about my lord’s love for you again.
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OLIVIA
Yet come again, for thou perhaps mayst move
That heart, which now abhors, to like his love.
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OLIVIA
Then come again for another reason. You might still be able to make yourself fall in love with me, the person he loves, even though you hate me now.
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Exeunt |
They exit. |
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