Page 591 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

have mercy upon mine, but my hope is better, and so look to thyself. Thy
friend, as thou usest him, and thy sworn enemy,
Andrew Aguecheek.
If this letter move him not, his legs cannot. I’ll give’t him. [165]

MARIA
You may have very fit occasion for’t: he is now in some commerce with my

lady, and will by and by depart.

SIR TOBY
Go, Sir Andrew: scout me for him at the corner of the orchard, like a bum-
baily. So soon as ever thou see’st him, draw, and as thou draw’st, swear
horrible: [170] for it comes to pass oft, that a terrible oath, with a

swaggering accent sharply twanged off, gives manhood more approbation
than ever proof itself would have earned him. Away!

SIR ANDREW
Nay, let me alone for swearing. [175]
Exit.

SIR TOBY
Now will not I deliver his letter: for the behaviour of the young gentleman

gives him out to be of good capacity and breeding: his employment between
his lord and my niece confirms no less. Therefore this letter, being so
excellently ignorant, will breed no terror [180] in the youth: he will find it
comes from a clodpole. But, sir, I will deliver his challenge by word of mouth,

set upon Aguecheek a notable report of valour, and drive the gentleman (as I
know his youth will aptly receive it) into a most hideous opinion of his rage,
skill, [185] fury, and impetuosity. This will so fright them both that they will
kill one another by the look, like cockatrices.

Enter Olivia and Viola.

FABIAN

Here he comes with your niece: give them way till he take leave, and
presently after him.

SIR TOBY