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Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare

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Act 3, Scene 3, Page 2

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25


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 answered.
ANTONIO
I’m sorry, but I can’t. You see, it’s dangerous for me to walk in these streets. Once in a battle at sea I did a lot of damage to Count Orsino’s warships. If they arrested me here, it’d be the end of me.

SEBASTIAN
Belike you slew great number of his people?
SEBASTIAN
You probably killed a lot of his men?

30




35

ANTONIO
The offence is not of such a bloody nature;
Albeit the quality of the time and quarrel
Might well have given us bloody argument.
It might have since been answered in repaying
What we took from them, which, for traffic’s sake,
Most of our city did. Only myself stood out;
For which, if I be lapsèd in this place,
I shall pay dear.
ANTONIO
No, I didn’t do anything as violent as that, though we would’ve been justified in shedding a little blood over the matter. The whole quarrel might have been resolved since then when we repaid what we stole from them—which most of our city did, for the sake of friendly trade relations. I was the only one who refused to give back what I stole. That’s why I’ll pay dearly if they find me here.

SEBASTIAN
   Do not then walk too open.
SEBASTIAN
Then don’t make yourself too conspicuous.



40


ANTONIO
It doth not fit me. Hold, sir, here’s my purse.
(giving him money)
In the south suburbs, at the Elephant,
Is best to lodge. I will bespeak our diet,
Whiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledge
With viewing of the town. There shall you have me.
ANTONIO
You’re right. Hang on a minute, here’s some money for you. (he gives SEBASTIAN money) The best place to stay around here is an inn called the Elephant, in the suburbs south of the city. I’ll arrange for our meals while you enjoy yourself and educate yourself by looking at the town. You’ll find me at the Elephant.

SEBASTIAN
Why I your purse?
SEBASTIAN
Why are you giving me your purse?

45

ANTONIO
Haply your eye shall light upon some toy
You have desire to purchase, and your store,
I think, is not for idle markets, sir.
ANTONIO
Maybe you’ll see some little trinket you want to buy. I doubt you’ve got enough money for little purchases like that.


SEBASTIAN
I’ll be your purse-bearer and leave you
For an hour.
SEBASTIAN
I’ll hold on to your money and leave you for an hour.


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