No Fear Shakespeare

Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare

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Act 3, Scene 4

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter OLIVIA and MARIA
OLIVIA and MARIA enter.





5

OLIVIA
I have sent after him. He says he’ll come.
How shall I feast him? What bestow of him?
For youth is bought more oft than begged or borrow’d.
I speak too loud.—
Where’s Malvolio? He is sad and civil
And suits well for a servant with my fortunes.
Where is Malvolio?
OLIVIA
I’ve sent for him. He says he’ll come. What kind of food should I serve him? What presents should I give him? It’s easier to buy young people than to beg or borrow them. Oh, I’m talking too loud.—Where’s Malvolio? He’s very serious, which is right for someone in mourning like me. Where is Malvolio?

MARIA
He’s coming, madam; but in very strange manner. He is sure possessed, madam.
MARIA
He’s coming, madam; but he’s acting very strangely. He must be possessed by the devil.

10
OLIVIA
Why, what’s the matter? Does he rave?
OLIVIA
Why, what’s the matter with him? Is he talking nonsense?

MARIA
No, madam, he does nothing but smile. Your ladyship were best to have some guard about you if he come, for sure the man is tainted in ’s wits.
MARIA
No, he just smiles. You should have a guard nearby if he comes in here, because he’s clearly disturbed.

OLIVIA
Go call him hither.
OLIVIA
Ask him in here.
Exit MARIA
MARIA exits.

15
   I am as mad as he,
If sad and merry madness equal be.
I’m as crazy as he is, if sad craziness and happy craziness are equivalent.
Enter MARIA, with MALVOLIO
MARIA enters with MALVOLIO.
How now, Malvolio?
What’s going on, Malvolio?

MALVOLIO
Sweet lady, ho, ho.
MALVOLIO
Hello, sweet lady.

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