Page 534 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Of very ill manner: he’ll speak with you, will you or no.

OLIVIA
Of what personage and years is he?

MALVOLIO
Not yet old enough for a man, nor young [150] enough for a boy: as a squash
is before ’tis a peascod, or a codling when ’tis almost an apple. ’Tis with him
in standing water, between boy and man. He is very well-favoured, and he

speaks very shrewishly. One would think his mother’s milk were scarce out of
him. [155]

OLIVIA
Let him approach. Call in my gentlewoman.

MALVOLIO
Gentlewoman, my lady calls.
Exit.

Enter Maria.

OLIVIA
Give me my veil: come, throw it o’er my face. We’ll once more hear Orsino’s
embassy.

Enter Viola.

VIOLA
The honourable lady of the house, which is she? [160]

OLIVIA
Speak to me, I shall answer for her. Your will?

VIOLA
Most radiant, exquisite, and unmatchable beauty −I pray you tell me if this

be the lady of the house, for I never saw her. I would be loath to cast away
my speech: for besides that it is excellently well penned, I [165] have taken