Page 536 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

time of moon with me to make one in so skipping a dialogue.

MARIA
Will you hoist sail, sir? Here lies your way.

VIOLA
No, good swabber, I am to hull here a little longer. Some mollification for
your giant, sweet lady! Tell [195] me your mind, I am a messenger.

OLIVIA
Sure you have some hideous matter to deliver, when the courtesy of it is so
fearful. Speak your office.

VIOLA
It alone concerns your ear. I bring no overture of war, no taxation of homage;
I hold the olive in my [200] hand: my words are as full of peace, as matter.

OLIVIA
Yet you began rudely. What are you? What would you?

VIOLA
The rudeness that hath appeared in me have I learned from my
entertainment. What I am, and what I [205] would, are as secret as

maidenhead: to your ears, divinity; to any other’s, profanation.

OLIVIA
Give us the place alone: we will hear this divinity.
(Exeunt Maria and Attendants.)
Now, sir, what is your text? [210]

VIOLA
Most sweet lady−

OLIVIA
A comfortable doctrine, and much may be said of it. Where lies your text?

VIOLA