Page 517 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

(They say) she hath abjur’d the company [40]
And sight of men.

VIOLA
O that I serv’d that lady,
And might not be deliver’d to the world,
Till I had made mine own occasion mellow,

What my estate is.

CAPTAIN
That were hard to compass,
Because she will admit no kind of suit, [45]
No, not the Duke’s.

VIOLA

There is a fair behaviour in thee, Captain;
And though that nature with a beauteous wall
Doth oft close in pollution, yet of thee
I will believe thou hast a mind that suits [50]
With this thy fair and outward character.

I prithee (and I’ll pay thee bounteously)
Conceal me what I am, and be my aid
For such disguise as haply shall become

The form of my intent. I’ll serve this duke; [55]
Thou shalt present me as an eunuch to him.
It may be worth thy pains; for I can sing,
And speak to him in many sorts of music,
That will allow me very worth his service.

What else may hap, to time I will commit; [60]
Only shape thou thy silence to my wit.

CAPTAIN
Be you his eunuch, and your mute I’ll be:
When my tongue blabs, then let mine eyes not see.

VIOLA

I thank thee. Lead me on.